Colorado Firearm Law Guide — Updated July 2026

Colorado HB25-1133 Ammunition Law Guide: What Ammo Buyers Need to Know

Colorado's HB25-1133 created new requirements for retail ammunition sales, including age verification, staff-assisted access, delivery requirements, and limited exceptions for certain buyers under 21.

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Shoot Indoors is tracking Colorado firearm-law changes and helping customers understand what they mean in real life.

Not Legal Advice: This page is provided for general education only and is not legal advice. Firearm and ammunition laws can change, and the application of the law may depend on your specific situation. Always confirm current requirements with official Colorado sources, your FFL, your attorney, or qualified legal counsel.

Section 1

What Is Colorado HB25-1133?

Colorado House Bill 25-1133 is a state law that changed how ammunition can be sold at retail in Colorado. The law went into effect on July 1, 2026.

In general, the law:

  1. 1Requires ammunition sold at retail to be accessible only with vendor or employee assistance.
  2. 2Requires age verification for in-person ammunition sales.
  3. 3Generally prohibits retail ammunition sales to people under 21.
  4. 4Creates specific exceptions for certain 18–20-year-old buyers.
  5. 5Creates delivery requirements for ammunition shipped or delivered to Colorado buyers.
  6. 6Applies to certain reloading components, not just complete boxes of ammunition.

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Section 2

What Changed for Colorado Ammo Buyers?

Before HB25-1133, many Colorado customers were used to walking up to a shelf, picking up a box of ammunition, and bringing it to the counter. Under the new law, retail ammunition must be displayed so that a customer cannot access it without help from the vendor or an employee.

For most customers, the practical change is simple:

Section 3

What Counts as "Ammunition" Under HB25-1133?

HB25-1133 uses a broad definition of ammunition. For this law, ammunition includes ammunition or cartridge cases, primers, bullets, or propellant powder designed for use in a firearm.

This means the law may apply not only to loaded ammunition, but also to many common reloading components. The law excludes certain shotgun components, including shotgun shot or pellets not designed for use as the single complete projectile load for one shotgun hull or casing, and unloaded nonmetallic shotgun hulls or casings that do not have a primer.

Generally Covered
  • Loaded handgun ammunition
  • Loaded rifle ammunition
  • Loaded shotgun ammunition
  • Cartridge cases / brass
  • Primers
  • Bullets / projectiles
  • Propellant powder
May Not Be Covered the Same Way
  • Certain loose shotgun shot or pellets
  • Unprimed nonmetallic shotgun hulls
Important: Reloading component rules can be confusing. If you are unsure whether an item is covered, verify before purchasing.
Section 4

Age Requirement for Buying Ammo in Colorado

Under HB25-1133, retail ammunition vendors generally cannot sell ammunition to a person who is under 21 years old. For in-person sales, the vendor or employee must verify that the purchaser is at least 21 by requiring valid government-issued photo identification.

If You Are 21 or Older
  • Bring valid government-issued photo ID.
  • Expect staff to check your age before completing the sale.
  • Expect ammunition to be handed to you by staff rather than accessed directly from a shelf.
If You Are 18–20
  • You may still qualify under specific exceptions.
  • You should expect additional documentation.
  • Not every exception applies in every situation.
  • Some exceptions are limited to in-person transactions only.
  • Some exceptions do not apply to shipped or delivered ammunition.
Under 21 and Want to Shoot? Contact Us Before You Visit
Section 5

Exceptions for 18–20-Year-Olds

HB25-1133 includes several specific exceptions to the general age-21 requirement. Documentation and limitations vary by exception — ask staff before purchasing if you are unsure which one applies to you.

Exception Who It May Apply To Documentation Important Limitation
Shooting Range Use A person 18 or older but under 21 buying ammunition from a shooting range operator that provides opportunities for shooting sports or education. Valid government-issued photo ID showing the person is at least 18. For range use only. Ammunition should not leave the range with the purchaser.
Military / Veteran / CO National Guard A member or veteran of the U.S. military or Colorado National Guard who is 18 or older but under 21. Valid military identification demonstrating membership or veteran status. Applies to qualifying members or veterans and requires verification.
Hunter Education A person 18 or older but under 21 with qualifying hunter education certification. A valid hunter education certificate recognized by CPW, or a hunting license with verified hunter education certification. Customer must present qualifying documentation.
Protection Order / Protected Person A person 18 or older but under 21 identified as a protected person in an active protection order. A copy of the protection order plus an attestation that it is in effect. Sensitive — should be handled with care and privacy.
On-Duty Peace Officer A peace officer on duty and serving in conformance with their agency's policies. Agency / peace officer verification as appropriate. Applies while on duty.
Temporary Birthdate-Based A person 18 or older but under 21 born on or before January 28, 2007. Valid government-issued photo ID. Scheduled to repeal on January 28, 2028.
Rimfire Ammunition Sales of rimfire ammunition. Confirm age and transaction details per store policy. The age-restriction section does not apply, but stores may keep their own verification procedures.
Section 6

Shoot Indoors Policy for 18–20-Year-Old Range Customers

HB25-1133 includes a specific exception for shooting ranges. A shooting range operator may sell ammunition to a person who is 18 or older but under 21 if the ammunition is for use only at the shooting range. At Shoot Indoors, our goal is to follow the law while keeping the customer experience as simple as possible.

For eligible 18–20-year-old customers purchasing ammunition under the range-use exception:
  • Valid government-issued photo ID is required.
  • Ammunition must be used on site.
  • Ammunition purchased under the range-use exception may not leave the range with the customer.
  • Staff may track the sale as range-use ammunition.
  • Unused ammunition may need to be returned to staff, retained by the range, or handled according to Shoot Indoors' posted policy.
  • Customers should ask staff before purchasing if they are unsure whether they qualify.
Section 7

Can 18–20-Year-Olds Buy Ammo in Colorado?

Sometimes, yes — but not in the same way as before. Under HB25-1133, retail sales to people under 21 are generally prohibited unless a specific exception applies. For 18–20-year-olds, possible exceptions include range-use ammunition, qualifying military or veteran status, hunter education certification, protected-person status under a protection order, on-duty peace officer status, rimfire ammunition, or the temporary birthdate-based exception.

"If you are 19 and coming to Shoot Indoors to shoot at the range, you may be able to purchase ammunition for use only at the range, provided you show valid government-issued photo ID and follow the range-use requirements."
Section 8

Rimfire Ammunition

HB25-1133 states that the age-restriction subsection does not apply to the sale of rimfire ammunition.

Rimfire ammunition generally includes common cartridges such as .22 LR. This matters because many youth, new shooters, training programs, and families use .22 LR for instruction and practice.

Note: Even where the law creates an exception, businesses may still use their own ID-checking and safety procedures.

New to shooting or bringing a younger shooter?

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Section 9

Ammunition Delivery and Online Orders

HB25-1133 also affects retail ammunition delivered to Colorado buyers. In general, a retail ammunition vendor shipping ammunition must use a delivery service that verifies the person receiving the ammunition is 21 or older. The delivery person must verify age using valid government-issued photographic identification and obtain written acknowledgment of receipt.

Important delivery notes:

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Section 10

What Ammo Sellers Have to Do

HB25-1133 creates new responsibilities for retail ammunition vendors. Retail ammunition vendors should expect to:

Note: This page is written for consumers, not as a full compliance manual for vendors. Vendors should review the law directly and speak with qualified counsel.
Section 11

Penalties for Unlawful Sale

HB25-1133 creates penalties for unlawful sale of ammunition. A first violation is a civil infraction. A second or subsequent offense is a class 1 misdemeanor.

For customers, this means retailers are likely to be careful. Expect ID checks, staff-assisted access, and questions if you are under 21 and claim an exception. For staff, this means consistency matters.

Section 12

How Shoot Indoors Helps Customers Navigate the Law

Colorado firearm and ammunition laws are changing quickly. Shoot Indoors is committed to helping customers understand the rules in a practical, approachable way. At Shoot Indoors, customers can:

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Official Sources

Where to Verify — Official State Resources

Always confirm current requirements through official Colorado state sources. These links go to government and agency websites.

📜
Colorado General Assembly — HB25-1133

Full bill text, legislative history, fiscal notes, and the signed act on the Colorado General Assembly website.
⚖️
Colorado Revised Statutes

Once codified, HB25-1133's ammunition sale and delivery requirements will appear in the Colorado Revised Statutes.
🏔️
Colorado Parks and Wildlife — Hunter Education

CPW's official hunter education page, including how to obtain and verify hunter education certification.

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Proof of Hunter Education

CPW guidance on acceptable proof of hunter education certification and verification options.
🏛️
Colorado Dept. of Revenue — Firearms Dealer Division

DOR guidance relevant to Colorado firearm and ammunition dealer requirements.
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SB25-003 Official Sources

Additional official state sources on the related Colorado SB25-003 SSF Training Guide page.
Frequently Asked Questions

HB25-1133 FAQ — 50 Common Questions Answered

Search below or scroll through to find answers to common questions about Colorado HB25-1133, ammunition age requirements, ID rules, range exceptions, delivery requirements, and Shoot Indoors policies.

No questions found matching your search.
Colorado HB25-1133 is a law that changed requirements for retail ammunition sales in Colorado. It requires staff-assisted access to ammunition, age verification, restrictions on sales to people under 21, specific exceptions, and delivery requirements for retail ammunition.
HB25-1133 took effect on July 1, 2026.
In general, ammunition sold at retail must now be accessible only with vendor or employee assistance, and buyers can expect ID checks and age verification before completing a purchase.
Yes. For in-person retail ammunition sales, vendors are generally required to verify a buyer's age using valid government-issued photo identification.
In general, you must be at least 21 to buy ammunition at retail in Colorado unless a specific exception applies.
Sometimes. HB25-1133 includes exceptions for certain 18–20-year-olds, including range-use ammunition, qualifying military or veteran status, hunter education certification, protected-person status under a protection order, on-duty peace officers, rimfire ammunition, and a temporary birthdate-based exception.
Yes, potentially. HB25-1133 allows a shooting range operator to sell ammunition to a person who is 18 or older but under 21 if the ammunition is for use only at the shooting range and the purchaser shows valid government-issued photo ID.
Based on the law as currently published, a 19-year-old may be able to purchase ammunition for use only at the range, provided they show valid government-issued photo ID and follow Shoot Indoors' range-use requirements. Ask staff before purchasing if you are unsure.
Potentially, under the same 18–20 exceptions that apply to other buyers in that age range — such as range use, military or veteran status, hunter education, protection-order status, on-duty peace officer status, rimfire ammunition, or the temporary birthdate-based exception. Unless an exception applies, retail sales to people under 21 are generally prohibited.
It means ammunition purchased under the range-use exception must be used at that range during the visit, not taken home or used elsewhere.
No. The range-use exception is for ammunition used only at the shooting range.
Valid government-issued photo identification is generally required for in-person retail ammunition sales.
Yes. HB25-1133's definition of ammunition covers loaded handgun ammunition sold at retail.
Yes. HB25-1133's definition of ammunition covers loaded rifle ammunition sold at retail.
Generally yes, though the law excludes certain shotgun components, including shotgun shot or pellets not designed as the single complete projectile load for one shotgun hull, and unprimed nonmetallic shotgun hulls or casings.
Rimfire ammunition, including common cartridges like .22 LR, is exempt from the age-restriction subsection of HB25-1133.
HB25-1133 states that the age-restriction subsection does not apply to the sale of rimfire ammunition.
Yes, the law defines ammunition broadly to include cartridge cases, primers, bullets, and propellant powder designed for use in a firearm.
Yes. Primers designed for use in a firearm are included in HB25-1133's definition of ammunition.
Yes. Cartridge cases (brass) designed for use in a firearm are included in HB25-1133's definition of ammunition.
Yes. Bullets or projectiles designed for use in a firearm are included in HB25-1133's definition of ammunition.
Yes. Propellant powder designed for use in a firearm is included in HB25-1133's definition of ammunition.
Retail ammunition delivery to Colorado is subject to age-verification and receipt requirements. A retail ammunition vendor shipping ammunition must use a delivery service that verifies the person receiving the ammunition is 21 or older, unless a temporary birthdate-based exception applies.
A retail ammunition vendor shipping ammunition to a Colorado buyer must use a delivery service that verifies the recipient is at least 21, checks valid government-issued photo ID at delivery, and obtains written acknowledgment of receipt.
In general, yes. The delivery service is required to verify the recipient's age using valid government-issued photo identification and obtain written acknowledgment of receipt.
The delivery service is generally required to verify that the person receiving the ammunition is at least 21 (unless a temporary birthdate-based exception applies) and obtain written acknowledgment of receipt, so the recipient should expect their own ID to be checked.
No. Wholesale ammunition sales and wholesale deliveries are excluded from HB25-1133's retail delivery requirements.
Potentially. A member of the United States military or Colorado National Guard who is 18 or older but under 21 may qualify for an exception with valid military identification demonstrating membership.
Potentially. A veteran of the United States military who is 18 or older but under 21 may qualify for an exception with valid military identification demonstrating veteran status.
Yes, potentially. A person who is 18 or older but under 21 with qualifying hunter education certification may qualify for an exception.
A valid hunter education certificate recognized by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, or an expired or unexpired Colorado hunting license that has verified hunter education certification.
An expired or unexpired Colorado Parks and Wildlife hunting license that has verified hunter education certification may satisfy the hunter education exception's documentation requirement.
A person who is 18 or older but under 21 and identified as a protected person in a protection order that is in effect may qualify for an exception with a copy of the protection order and an attestation that it is in effect.
HB25-1133 includes an exception for a peace officer who is on duty and serving in conformance with their employing agency's policies.
A person who is 18 or older but under 21 and was born on or before January 28, 2007 may qualify for a temporary exception with valid government-issued photo ID.
This temporary exception is scheduled to repeal on January 28, 2028.
HB25-1133 requires that ammunition sold at retail be accessible only with vendor or employee assistance, which is why many stores now keep it behind the counter or in a locked case.
Ammunition is generally expected to be staff-assisted rather than freely accessible on a shelf, so ask an employee for help viewing or selecting ammunition.
Shoot Indoors offers ammunition for range use consistent with HB25-1133 and Shoot Indoors' posted range policies. Ask staff about current ammunition purchase procedures at your local Shoot Indoors.
Yes. Shoot Indoors sells range-use ammunition consistent with HB25-1133, including the range-use exception for eligible 18–20-year-old customers with valid government-issued photo ID.
Ask your local Shoot Indoors about its posted policy on outside ammunition, as policies can vary by location and range.
Outside ammunition policies vary by Shoot Indoors location. Contact your local range or ask staff before your visit.
You may still be able to shoot at the range and, depending on your situation, purchase range-use ammunition under one of HB25-1133's 18–20 exceptions. Ask staff before your visit if you are unsure whether you qualify.
HB25-1133 addresses ammunition sales and delivery, not firearm rentals directly. Ask your local Shoot Indoors about current rental and range-use ammunition procedures.
HB25-1133 creates age verification and sales-access requirements. It does not appear to create a standard ammunition background check requirement like a firearm purchase background check.
HB25-1133 does not appear to create an ammunition purchase registry. It focuses on staff-assisted access, age verification, exceptions for certain 18–20-year-old buyers, and delivery requirements.
A first violation is a civil infraction. A second or subsequent offense is a class 1 misdemeanor.
Yes. HB25-1133 deals with ammunition sales and delivery. SB25-003 deals with certain Specified Semiautomatic Firearms and required firearms safety training and eligibility steps for future purchases or transfers.
You can review the official Colorado General Assembly bill pages for HB25-1133 and SB25-003, and read Shoot Indoors' Colorado SB25-003 SSF Training Guide for related firearm-law information.
Contact your local Shoot Indoors location or use the form on this page to reach out with ammo-law questions before your visit.

Get Colorado Firearm Law Updates

HB25-1133 doesn't create a class waitlist like SB25-003 — but if you have ammo-purchase questions or want to stay current on Colorado firearm-law changes, let us know below. No spam, just updates and answers.

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This form is provided for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Submitting this form does not create a background check, class registration, or purchase eligibility. Shoot Indoors will follow up by email with HB25-1133 guide information, our SB25-003 guide, a range visit invitation, and membership details.

Colorado's Ammo Rules Changed — Shoot Indoors Can Help You Sort It Out

Colorado's HB25-1133 changed the way ammunition is sold, accessed, and delivered in Colorado. For most customers, the biggest changes are simple: bring valid ID, expect staff-assisted ammo access, and ask questions if you are under 21 or unsure whether an exception applies. Shoot Indoors is here to help customers understand the rules, practice safely, and enjoy a welcoming range experience. Plan your next visit, ask our team questions, or explore membership and training options today.

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