gun-owners

OWNING A GUN MEANS ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY.
BE READY.

Maybe you have a gun for hunting. Or maybe you carry one legally for self defense. Whatever your reason for owning a firearm, a commitment to secure storage is your personal responsibility.

RESOURCES FOR GUN OWNERS

A black handgun is securely placed inside a beige lockbox, which is open on a black table. The lockbox also contains a magazine and some compartments, including a slot with a gold card.

Safe Gun Storage Options

Explore gun storage options and find one that fits your lifestyle. That way, you can create an environment where accidents are prevented, unauthorized access is minimized, and peace of mind prevails.

A person seen from behind, wearing an orange safety vest and hat, holding a rifle, stands in a grassy field under a cloudy sky, likely during a hunting trip.

Fact or Myth?

In the world of guns, misinformation can cloud the conversation. Understand the facts, so you can have important conversations and create a safe place to live, both in your home and in your community.

A rifle with a wooden stock and scope is placed inside a black foam-lined hard case; the background is out of focus, showing wooden furnishings.

Temporary Storage

Maybe you’re simply traveling or redoing your kitchen. Or maybe you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide. Either way, make a plan for safe temporary storage before it’s too late.

A disassembled black handgun is laid out on a white surface, showing the slide, barrel, recoil spring, magazine, and frame with a single bullet visible in both the barrel and the magazine.

Reporting Lost Guns

Losing a firearm or having it stolen is bad enough. But finding out that your lost or stolen gun was used in a subsequent crime is even worse. Reporting these incidents promptly gives law enforcement a head start (and may even help you recover your gun). It’s also the law.

SAFE GUN OWNERSHIP CHECKLIST

Gun Safety & Education

I have spoken to my child about what to do if they find an unsecured gun.

I discuss gun storage and safety rules with my children.

I’ve passed a firearm safety course with a certified instructor.

I always treat every gun like it’s loaded.

Gun Storage & Security

I store my guns unloaded and in a locked location like a gun cabinet, safe, or vault.

I store ammunition or loaded magazines in a locked location separately from my guns.

I have taken reasonable steps to make sure kids and other unauthorized users can’t find the keys or combination to my safe.

I use key or combination-code trigger locks to prevent the trigger from being pulled and the firearm from discharging.

I change the locks on my guns and/or safe(s) from time to time.

If my gun safe is battery-operated, I regularly check the battery power.

Maintenance & Monitoring

I clean my gun regularly and check it for wear or malfunctions.

I review the locations of my guns and ammunition monthly to make sure everything is stored safely and accounted for.

I understand what ammunition works in each of my guns and keep calibers separated.

I keep a log book containing all my gun serial numbers.

GUN SAFETY TIPS

Prevent the Risk

Children usually find unsecured guns in familiar places like their home or a relative’s home. Here is how to prevent that risk. • Lock up your gun securely so your child can't get to it, and keep any passcodes or keys completely hidden. • Talk with friends and family about how they keep their guns stored. Find ways …

Firearm Safety Q&A

A common question among firearm owners: “If I use my firearm often, do I really need to lock it every time?” The answer? Yes, you do. Quick-access safes open fast. Cable locks clip on in seconds. Lock boxes move with you. Skipping storage can lead to firearms being accessible to unauthorized users. Find storage options that fit …

Support Options During a Crisis

If you are worried that someone may be at risk of harming themselves or others with a firearm, Colorado has tools that can help keep people safe. There are steps you can take to support someone in crisis, and an Extreme Risk Protection Order is one of the options available. Learn more at LetsTalkGunsColorado.com/extreme-risk-protection-orders.

Illustration of a construction worker laying bricks, with text: Construction workers face the highest number of firearm related suicides in Colorado. Call, visit, check-in, and offer support. Let’s Talk Guns Colorado.

Looking Out for Colorado’s Construction Workers

From 2019 to 2023, construction workers experienced more than twice the number of firearm related suicides compared to the next highest industry in Colorado (source: CDPHE Colorado Violent Death Reporting System). We can look out for our fellow Coloradans by reaching out, staying connected, and helping make sure they have the support they need. Support is available …

Checking that your barrel is clear of obstructions before shooting is a simple habit that can make a big difference in safety. Even the smallest amount of debris can lead to dangerous pressure buildup, potentially causing serious accidents.

When it comes to firearm safety, practice is more than just firing rounds, it’s about preparation and routine. The more familiar you become with inspecting and assembling your firearm, the smoother and safer your handling will be.

From safely unboxing and checking that it’s empty, to confidently operating all the controls, consistent practice builds confidence and makes safety second nature.

Is it an emergency?

Dial 911 for immediate assistance.

OWNING A GUN MEANS ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY. BE READY.