In Denver, Colorado, legislators are on the verge of implementing some of the country’s most stringent gun-control measures. The proposed legislation, if passed, would largely ban the use of detachable ammunition magazines, making it illegal to buy, sell, or manufacture various firearm types, including rifles, shotguns, pistols, and certain handguns. Detachable magazines enable faster reloading and firing, whereas, without them, bullets must be loaded individually into the chamber.
Proponents of the bill argue that the legislation is essential for mitigating the harm caused during mass shootings. Colorado has experienced a history of such incidents, starting with the Columbine High School massacre in 1999 and including the 2012 Aurora movie theater shooting, where a gunman used a hundred-round detachable magazine. Among the victims was Alex Sullivan, whose father, Democratic State Senator Tom Sullivan, is now spearheading the current legislative effort. He believes that stricter controls on high-capacity magazines could potentially prevent future tragedies.
The Aurora shooting previously prompted Colorado to implement a magazine capacity limit of 15 rounds. However, subsequent mass shootings in Boulder in 2021 and at Club Q in Colorado Springs in 2022, both involving high-capacity magazines, have underscored the need for further restrictions. Senator Sullivan emphasizes that the new measure aims to impact future firearm transactions rather than affect current gun ownership in the state.
Similar magazine restrictions exist in other states. California requires magazines to be fixed, though the mechanism can often be easily removed. In New York, magazines are classified among features that identify assault weapons, which are prohibited. Colorado’s proposed regulation would go beyond this by mandating that magazines be permanently attached using methods like soldering or welding.
The bill enjoys considerable backing from most Democrats in the Colorado legislature, although compromises were necessary to secure the support of Democratic Governor Jared Polis. These compromises include excluding several hunting firearms from the restrictions and allowing the purchase of restricted guns with a special permit, contingent on up to 12 hours of safety training and sheriff approval. Additional amendments to the bill introduce a review process for permit denials, stipulate annual reports on the law’s costs, and delay its enforcement until 2026.
Daniel Webster, a specialist in state gun laws at Johns Hopkins University, remarks that Colorado’s proposal represents some of the most stringent gun regulations in the United States. He underscores the significance of such measures in a state known for its strong gun culture, indicating a balance between Second Amendment rights and the need for responsible gun ownership.
Conversely, the legislation faces staunch opposition from gun dealers in Colorado. Brian Clark, owner of Bristlecone Shooting, Training, and Retail Center in Lakewood, asserts that recent legislative actions have eroded their rights and affected their livelihoods. The proposed bill could outlaw a substantial portion of his inventory, particularly impacting rifle and shotgun sales, including the popular AR-15 model. Republican lawmakers and organizations such as the National Rifle Association oppose the bill, arguing it is unconstitutional.
While the bill has one remaining legislative vote, it holds substantial Democratic support, suggesting a likely passage in Colorado. However, its legal challenges are anticipated following its potential enactment.
