Can I Buy a Gun Online and Ship It to Colorado?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Yes, you can buy firearms online and ship them to Colorado, but they must go to a licensed FFL dealer for the background check and transfer. You cannot have firearms shipped directly to your home address.
What This Means for You
Online firearm purchases follow the same federal transfer laws regardless of state. The firearm ships from the seller's FFL to your chosen local FFL, where you complete the background check and take possession. Colorado has additional state requirements that your receiving FFL will handle during the transfer process.
The Detail
When you purchase a firearm online, the seller ships it to a Federal Firearms License holder in Colorado, not to your home. You'll need to find a local FFL dealer willing to accept the transfer, and most charge a transfer fee ranging from $20 to $50. The receiving FFL will contact you when the firearm arrives and schedule your pickup appointment.
Colorado requires background checks for all firearm transfers, including private sales, with limited exceptions for family transfers and temporary loans. Your receiving FFL will run the required background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation system in addition to the federal NICS check. You'll need to bring valid identification and complete ATF Form 4473 just like any other firearm purchase.
Some online retailers have relationships with FFLs nationwide and can help you locate a transfer dealer in your area. Others require you to arrange the transfer yourself and have your chosen FFL send their license information to the seller before shipping. Always verify that your receiving FFL is properly licensed and willing to accept transfers before completing your online purchase.
Colorado has specific restrictions on certain firearm types and magazine capacities that were enacted after 2013. Your receiving FFL should be familiar with these state requirements, but you should verify current Colorado laws through official state resources before purchasing to ensure compliance.
Build Impact
Online purchases often provide access to better pricing and wider selection than local stores, especially for specific configurations or hard-to-find models. Factor in transfer fees when comparing total costs, and build relationships with local FFLs who offer reasonable transfer rates and good service.