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Airgun law · United States

Are Airguns Legal in Colorado?

Yes. Airguns are legal here for adults.

No meaningful state or national barrier for adult buyers, though local rules can still apply.

Tier 4 — Permissive

No meaningful state-level barrier for adult buyers. Local rules may still apply.

CO

The picture at a glance

Each measure below scores how restrictive Colorado is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).

ClassificationNot a firearm
Age ruleNo state rule
PossessionFree for adults
Transfer / saleNo state process
TransportNo state rule
PreemptionLocal rules govern
Before you buy or sell
  • Post-2021 preemption repeal: local airgun rules can vary widely.

The rules in detail

Classification
Not a firearm
Not a firearm — state definition aligns to weapons expelling a projectile by action of an explosive.
Age rule
No state rule
No specific state-level airgun age rule.
Possession
Free for adults
Lawful for adults.
Transfer / sale
No state process
No state-imposed transfer process.
Transport
No state rule
No state-specific transport rules.
Preemption
Local rules govern
Colorado repealed firearms preemption in 2021 — locals may regulate.

Hunting with an airgun

Predator and limited turkey allowance

Deer
Unresolved / not addressed
Unresolved
Turkey
Allowed with conditions
Allowed in certain contexts
Small game
Unresolved / not addressed
Unresolved
Predators
Explicitly allowed
Allowed for coyote / bobcat
Other big game
Unresolved / not addressed
Unresolved
Caliber / FPE minimums
Coyote/bobcat: PCP ≥ .25 caliber. Turkey (fall/late contexts): PCP ≥ .25 caliber.
Power source rules
PCP
Notes
Colorado clearly allows PCP airguns for certain predators and in some turkey contexts; big-game airgun status not fully extracted.

Local rules that still apply

Statewide
Since 2021 preemption repeal, any Colorado municipality can pass its own airgun ordinance. Always verify the local rule.
Denver / Boulder
Urban discharge restrictions; check current code before any outdoor use.

This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.