Firearms Compliance

Federal & State Requirements for Firearm Purchases

Our Commitment to Compliance

Blackhawk Outfitters Ltd. is a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL: 5-84-035-01-9A-17323) committed to strict compliance with all federal, state, and local firearms laws. We take our responsibilities seriously and work diligently to prevent illegal firearms transfers while ensuring lawful purchasers have access to their Second Amendment rights.

This page outlines the key legal requirements that govern our firearms transactions. By purchasing a firearm from us, you acknowledge and agree to comply with all applicable laws.

Federal Requirements

1. ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record)

Federal law (27 CFR § 478.124) requires all firearm purchasers to complete ATF Form 4473. This form includes:

  • Personal information: Full legal name, address, date and place of birth, height, weight, race/ethnicity
  • Government-issued photo ID verification
  • Self-certification questions regarding prohibited person status
  • Description of firearm being purchased (make, model, serial number, type, caliber)

Important: Providing false information on ATF Form 4473 is a federal felony punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment (18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(1)(A)).

2. NICS Background Check

The FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) is used to verify that the purchaser is not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)).

Prohibited Persons: Federal law prohibits firearm possession by individuals who:

  1. Have been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
  2. Are fugitives from justice
  3. Are unlawful users of or addicted to any controlled substance
  4. Have been adjudicated as mental defectives or committed to mental institutions
  5. Are illegal aliens or non-immigrant aliens (with limited exceptions)
  6. Have been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions
  7. Have renounced their U.S. citizenship
  8. Are subject to court orders restraining them from harassing, stalking, or threatening intimate partners or their children
  9. Have been convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence
  10. Are under indictment for a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment

3. Age Restrictions

Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1)) establishes minimum ages for firearm purchases:

  • 18 years old: Rifles, shotguns, and ammunition suitable for rifles/shotguns
  • 21 years old: Handguns and ammunition suitable for handguns

Note: Some states have higher minimum ages for certain firearms.

4. Record Retention

Federal law (27 CFR § 478.129) requires us to maintain ATF Form 4473 and our Acquisition and Disposition (A&D) record for at least 20 years. These records are subject to inspection by ATF and law enforcement during investigations and trace requests.

5. Prohibited Sales (Straw Purchases)

Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(6)) prohibits purchasing a firearm on behalf of another person (straw purchase). The actual purchaser must be the person completing Form 4473 and undergoing the background check. Straw purchases are federal felonies punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.

Colorado State Requirements

1. Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Background Check

Colorado law (C.R.S. § 24-33.5-424) requires a state-level background check in addition to the federal NICS check. The CBI checks:

  • Colorado criminal history records
  • Colorado protective orders and restraining orders
  • Mental health adjudications in Colorado
  • Juvenile records (if applicable)

Fee: The current CBI background check fee is $15 per transaction (subject to change).

2. Three-Day Waiting Period

Colorado law (C.R.S. § 24-33.5-424(3)) mandates a 3-day waiting period from the initiation of the background check before a firearm can be transferred to the purchaser, even if the background check is approved immediately.

Important: This is a minimum waiting period. You cannot take possession of the firearm until both:

  • The background check is approved (NICS and CBI), AND
  • Three full days have elapsed since the background check was initiated

Example: If the background check is initiated on Monday at 10:00 AM, the earliest you can take possession is Thursday at 10:00 AM (assuming approval).

3. Universal Background Checks (Private Sales)

Colorado law (C.R.S. § 18-12-112) requires all private party firearm transfers (sales between individuals who are not FFLs) to be processed through a licensed dealer. We facilitate these transfers for a fee.

Exceptions: Temporary transfers for hunting, shooting sports, and immediate family members (parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, spouse, domestic partner) are exempt.

4. Large-Capacity Magazine Ban

Colorado law (C.R.S. § 18-12-302) prohibits the sale, transfer, or possession of large-capacity magazines (defined as capable of accepting more than 15 rounds of ammunition) manufactured or imported after July 1, 2013.

Important:

  • Possession of pre-July 1, 2013 large-capacity magazines remains legal
  • We do not sell large-capacity magazines manufactured after this date
  • Federal law does not restrict magazine capacity (except for specific NFA items)

5. Prohibited Persons (Colorado-Specific)

In addition to federal prohibitions, Colorado law (C.R.S. § 18-12-108) prohibits firearm possession by:

  • Persons with felony convictions (including youthful offenders adjudicated as adults)
  • Persons subject to certain protective orders
  • Persons convicted of certain misdemeanor domestic violence offenses (C.R.S. § 18-6-801)

Local Regulations (Denver Area)

Some Colorado municipalities have enacted local firearms ordinances. Common local restrictions include:

  • Boulder: Assault weapon ban, large-capacity magazine ban, minimum age 21 for all firearms
  • Denver: Assault weapon ban (defined by specific characteristics)
  • Vail: Discharge restrictions

Your Responsibility: You are responsible for knowing and complying with all local laws in your jurisdiction. We cannot provide legal advice on local ordinances.

Multi-State Transactions

Purchasing from Out-of-State Dealers

Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(3)) allows residents of one state to purchase firearms from dealers in another state, but the transaction must comply with the laws of both states.

  • Long guns (rifles/shotguns): Can be purchased directly from out-of-state dealers if both states allow the sale
  • Handguns: Must be transferred through an FFL in the purchaser's state of residence

Colorado Residents Purchasing Out-of-State

Colorado residents purchasing firearms from dealers in other states must comply with both Colorado law (including the 3-day waiting period) and the laws of the state where the purchase occurs.

Non-Colorado Residents Purchasing in Colorado

Non-residents may purchase long guns in Colorado if:

  • The sale complies with Colorado law
  • The sale complies with the purchaser's state of residence laws
  • The purchaser provides proof of residency (driver's license, lease, utility bill)

Handguns: Non-residents cannot purchase handguns in Colorado for immediate possession. Handguns must be transferred to an FFL in the purchaser's home state.

Denials and Appeals

NICS Denials

If the FBI NICS system denies your background check:

  • The firearm will not be transferred
  • You will receive a denial notice with instructions for appealing
  • Appeals are filed with the FBI NICS Section: FBI NICS Appeals Process
  • Common reasons for erroneous denials: Name similarity to prohibited person, incomplete records, identity theft

CBI Denials

If the Colorado Bureau of Investigation denies your background check:

  • You may request the reason for denial from CBI
  • Appeals are filed with CBI: CBI Appeals Process
  • CBI may provide more detailed denial information than NICS

Delays

If your background check is delayed (status: "Delayed"):

  • The FBI has up to 3 business days to complete the investigation
  • After 3 business days (plus the Colorado 3-day waiting period), we may proceed with the transfer at our discretion
  • In most cases, delayed checks are resolved within 24-48 hours
  • Common reasons for delays: Common name requiring additional verification, incomplete records

Firearms Safety and Responsibility

As a federally licensed dealer, we promote responsible firearm ownership. We strongly encourage all purchasers to:

  • Take a firearms safety course: Learn proper handling, storage, and use
  • Store firearms securely: Use gun safes or lockboxes to prevent unauthorized access
  • Follow the Four Rules of Firearm Safety:
    1. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded
    2. Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy
    3. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot
    4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it
  • Know your local laws: Understand where you can legally possess and carry firearms
  • Maintain your firearms: Regular cleaning and maintenance ensure safe operation
  • Prevent access by prohibited persons: Never allow prohibited persons to access your firearms

Resources

Federal Agencies:

Colorado Agencies:

Firearms Safety Training:

Questions?

If you have questions about firearms compliance, please contact us:

Blackhawk Outfitters Ltd.
110 16th Street Suite 1460
Denver, CO 80202

Phone: (970) 344-7213
Email: compliance@blackhawkltd.com
FFL: 5-84-035-01-9A-17323

Note: We cannot provide legal advice. For legal questions, consult a qualified attorney. For regulatory questions, contact ATF or CBI directly.