Firearms Courses
Do you know how to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home? Discover our variety of courses below.
Basic Concealed Carry
Starting At
$ 225 .00
/ student (2 Days - 12 hours Total)- MANDATORY 4 Hour In-Person Course (Fri PM)
- MANDATORY 8 Hour In-Person Live Fire (Sat AM)
- Required for a CHP Permit in the State of Colorado
- MUST PASS both a written and a live fire exam with a 80% / 70% Pass Rate (Fri/Sat)
Advanced Concealed Carry
Starting At
$ 350 .00
/ student (1 Day - 6 Hours Total)- MUST already have a valid Colorado CHP Permit
- Includes Advanced Tactics & Movements, Threat Assessment, Management, Response, and More
- Requires additional equipment and ammunition
- No Written Exam - Must Pass Live Fire Exam (80%)
MSR / Tactical Rifle Course
Starting At
$ 500 .00
/ student (1 Day - 8 Hours Total)- No State of CO CHP Permit Required
- Includes Rifle & Ammo Discipline, Movements, Tactics, Cover / Concealment, and Malfunctions
- Requires an Optic, Rifle Sling, Ammo & 4 Mags
- No Written Exam - Must Pass Live Fire Exam (80%)
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Courses Offered
Learn more about the various Firearms Courses offered by Common Sense Defense.
Basic Concealed Carry Course
The Basic Concealed Carry Course empowers the student to understand the responsibilities, risks, expectations, and outcomes that can happen from carrying and using a firearm. This course is compliant with Colorado House Bill 1174 (HB24-1174) that requires Basic Concealed Carry courses to cover key information, require both written and life fire proficiency exams, have Verified Instructors, and ensure Renewal Courses are offered and administered. Due to the amount of hours required for this course, it is split up into 2 days.
Advanced Concealed Carry Course
The Advanced Concealed Carry course is an excellent continuing education course. The advanced program allows current CCW Permit Holders to expand their skills, tactics, and knowledge. While this is only a 1 day course, it contains a multitude of information in Cover & Concealment, Clothing Options, Advanced Movements, Advanced Firearms Malfunctions and Maintenance, and Ammunition Discipline.
Modern Sporting Rifle / Tactical Rifle Course
The MSR / Tactical Rifle Course is the perfect solution to an all too common problem. Many people own rifles, but very few know how to use them to their full potential. While this course does not require a current permit, it enables the everyday rifle operator to use their firearm safely and correctly. This course also educates the student on Optics Usage, Magazine Management, Rifle Malfunctions, Sling Operations, Cleaning Management, Movement with a Long Gun, and additional advanced tactics.
Skillset Levels
Not sure which level to signup for? Discover more about the differences of a Basic, Advanced, and MSR/Tactical Course.
Basic Concealed Carry Level
The basic level of Firearms Operations is perfect for the general public as it provides the essential knowledge, skills, and testing for obtaining a lawful Concealed Carry Permit in the State of Colorado. It is also ideal for expired CCW Permit Holders who have not taken a class in 5+ years. Additionally, it is a great option for individuals who want to learn self defense and personal protection laws and abilities. Per HB24-1174, Refresher Courses for CCW Permit Holders must be completed for Permit Renewal every 5 years.
Advanced Concealed Carry Level
The advanced level of Firearm Operations is designed for CCW Permit Holders who have a core understanding of Concealed Carry Operations and Daily Firearm Management. It aims to equip them with additional skills, tactics, and knowledge to excel in their day to day procedures. This also includes how to handle uncommon situations and environments. This course requires additional equipment (4+ Magazines, IWB & OWB Holsters, Mag Holders).
Modern Sporting Rifle / Tactical Rifle Level
The Rifle Level of Firearms Operations is designed to educate owners of Modern Sporting Rifles, Long Guns, or Tactical Rifles on their weapon's abilities and limitations. Operating and Moving with a Rifle is far different than using a handgun. You are also restricted on concealment of a rifle. This course aims to educate Rifle Operators on their firearm fundamentals, optics usage, advanced movements with a rifle, magazine/ammo management, and specific maintenance information related to rifles, optics, magazines, and slings.
Colorado House Bill 24-1174 (C.R.S. 18-12-202)
As of July 1, 2025 all Colorado residents interested in applying for a new Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) or renewing an expiring permit MUST go though a Verified Instructor Firearms Course. Discover the new requirements for Concealed Handgun Permits (CHP) in Colorado below.
Learn More by visiting the Mesa County Sheriff's Office CRIMEWATCH Website
First Time Applicants (Basic Course)
Requirements for New Concealed Handgun Permits
- All applications submitted after JULY 1, 2025 must have completed a course taught by a VERIFIED INSTRUCTOR within one (1) year of application submission.
- The list of Verified Instructors in Mesa County can be found on the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office website.
- New Concealed Handgun Course certificates are only good for ONE (1) YEAR.
Elements Required for New Concealed Handgun Training Classes
- Required Duration: Minimum of 8 hours. This does not need to be consecutive.
- Required instructor led education covering topics defined in Colorado Revised Statute 18-12-202.5.
- Students are required to complete a live-fire exercise on a range, discharging at least 50 rounds with a minimum accuracy score of 70%. (Does not need to be conducted in a single day).
- Students are required to complete a written Concealed Handgun Competency exam, which tests the student’s knowledge of the subjects described in C.R.S 18-12-205.5 (3)(a) to (3)(f), with a minimum score of 80%. This exam must be an open-book exam.
Renewing Applicants (Refresher Course)
Requirements for Renewal of Concealed Handgun Permit
- All applications submitted after JULY 1, 2025 must have completed a course taught by a VERIFIED INSTRUCTOR within six (6) months of application submission.
- The list of Verified Instructors in Mesa County can be found on the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office website.
- Renewal (aka refresher class) Concealed Handgun Course certificates are only good for SIX (6) MONTHS.
- Refresher class certificates are not valid to use to apply for a new Concealed Handgun Permit.
Elements Required for Refresher Class for Concealed Handgun Permit Renewal
- Required Duration: Minimum of 2 hours. Require students to complete a live-fire exercise on a range, discharging at least 50 rounds with a minimum accuracy score of 70%.
- Instruction on changes to federal and state laws related to firearms enacted within five (5) years prior to the refresher class.
- Require students to complete a written Concealed Handgun Competency exam, which tests a student’s knowledge of the subjects described in C.R.S 18-12- 205.5 (3)(a) to (3)(f), with a minimum score of 80%. This exam must be an open-book exam.
Additional Regulations & Stipulations
TBD
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