At Colorado Ceasefire, we often say ‘We aren’t anti-gun. We’re anti-gun violence.’ And that’s the truth. Many of our staff, board members and strongest supporters are gun owners—gun owners who believe that with the freedom to own firearms come responsibilities, and foremost among those responsibilities is understanding the risk firearms pose.
The fact is, access to a firearm significantly increases the risk of death by suicide, domestic dispute, homicide, and unintentional gunshot. Certain behaviors, such as not wearing a seat belt, or smoking cigarettes, increase your risk of injury and death. Having a gun in the home is no different. The decision to take that risk belongs to the individual (prospective) gun owner. But we believe that future gun owners should be aware of these risks, similar to the ways consumers are warned before they purchase golf carts or swimming pools. Everybody knows swimming pools can be dangerous, for example: About 11 people drown in the U.S. every day. But around 125 people in the U.S. die by gun violence every day. We believe consumers deserve to be informed of risks posed by products they purchase.
We believe laws can help promote gun safety, but the ultimate responsibility for gun safety belongs with gun owners. In the last 15 years, Colorado has become a national gun violence prevention leader, with laws in place mandating measures from background checks to safer storage in vehicles to harsher penalties for gun violence offenders. But no law will prevent the misuse of an improperly stored or handled firearm. Safely storing your firearms and ammunition—at home, in vehicles, and when using them—is the bedrock of responsible gun ownership. Safer storage helps prevent theft, loss, accidents and injuries that result in thousands of life-altering tragedies every year.
So how can a gun owner stay as safe as possible? We have some tips.
Safe Storage
There is a wide variety of safer storage solutions for firearms, both for homes and vehicles. But remember: The safest solution is the one you will use consistently—and no solution is as safe as not having a firearm at all.
Options for safer storage include:
Trigger locks, which physically prevent the trigger from being pulled;
Cable locks, which pass through the gun’s action and prevent it from being loaded or fired;
Gun safes, which provide secure storage for multiple firearms;
Lock boxes, which are smaller and more portable than safes, suitable for handguns or other small firearms.
All of these products are available at common retailers, including online marketplaces like Amazon; big box stores such as Walmart; and sporting goods stores like Bass Pro Shops. Additionally, many law enforcement agencies offer free gun locks through programs like Project ChildSafe.
Unwanted Firearms
How do I get rid of an unwanted firearm?
If you‘ve decided that you don’t want a gun in your home, ask local law enforcement about disposal options: Your local police or sheriff can often offer recommendations on where to take an unwanted weapon. Some will even accept such weapons for destruction themselves. Find more info on Colorado law enforcement options here. Be sure and ask if your firearm will be destroyed rather than redistributed, if that matters to you.
The National Center for Unwanted Firearms will send you a box and mailing instructions. Donated weapons will be destroyed, repurposed for law enforcement, or donated to a museum.
Raw Tools in Colorado Springs and Guns to Gardens in Boulder will accept firearms and turn them into garden and other hand tools.
Training
I’ve decided I wish to acquire a gun and am willing to be a responsible owner. Where can I get safe firearm training?
There are local providers of gun safety and concealed carry instruction that prioritize safety and responsibility, and there are others that simply pay lip service to such concerns.
While offering recommendations for specific companies is outside Colorado Ceasefire’s mission, we strongly encourage any new or interested gun owner to learn about gun safety and the options available to minimize the risks associated with owning and storing firearms. Call around. Ask about the operator’s training certifications as well as their personal philosophy about gun safety and storage. Ask about the range-time requirements their training carries—the more time you have actually handling the gun in the presence of a trainer, the better. If you have concerns about owning a gun, ask the trainer up front and see what they say. Depending on your situation, many trainers will be honest about whether owning a gun is right for you.
The worst people to talk to about your concerns regarding gun ownership is a gun-obsessed friend or acquaintance (who may be well-intentioned but know little about the real risks of firearm ownership), or the guy behind the counter at the gun shop who’s just hoping to make a sale.
People in Crisis
Someone I know is experiencing a mental health crisis, or thinking or talking about hurting themselves or others. What can I do?
Getting guns away from people in crisis saves lives. A person in crisis – whether from mental illness, life circumstances, or substance use – may experience suicidal thoughts very quickly, sometimes in only minutes or hours. About a quarter of young people ages 15-34 attempt suicide in less than 5 minutes after making the decision to do so. If the person does not have access to a firearm in the moment of crisis, they are more likely to survive. This is because firearms are the most lethal method of suicide, with death occurring in about 90% of firearm suicide attempts.
If you need to temporarily store someone’s firearms, several secure options are available to help ensure safety for yourself and others:
Firearm retailers and shooting ranges: Many offer temporary firearm storage for a fee. Policies regarding costs and return requirements may vary, so it’s best to inquire about them in advance. Remember that if the gun shop takes control of the firearms, a background check will likely be required for their return.
Law enforcement agencies: Some police departments, sheriff’s offices, and state police offer temporary storage options (even if you’re just traveling!), although this is not a universal policy and may be offered on a case-by-case basis. If considering this option, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment advises calling in advance to discuss arrangements and avoid open-carrying a firearm into the station.
Voluntary storage initiatives: Organizations like Hold My Guns connect gun owners with Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) for voluntary, temporary storage during times of need.
Friends and family: In some areas, including Colorado, you may be able to loan a firearm to a relative who is not legally prohibited from possessing one, even if it’s for as little as 72 hours (in Colorado, after that period a background check on the ‘lendee’ is required). It’s crucial to be aware of and comply with all applicable state and local laws regarding firearm transfers and storage when considering this option, but it’s something to do until a longer-term solution is found.
ERPO Action: Finally, you should consider whether an ERPO action is appropriate. Many people, including law enforcement, health care workers, educators, and family and household members can petition a court to have someone’s guns removed until and unless that person can resolve their issues. Remember: An ERPO is not a criminal matter and will NOT result in the concerned party having a criminal record.
Traveling with Firearms
Being a responsible firearm owner means traveling responsibly, too. Colorado law requires secure firearm storage in vehicles, with firearms stored in a locked, hard-sided container that is not in plain view, or in a locked trunk. Violations are treated as civil infractions with a potential fine of up to $500. Locking hard-sided containers are available at common retailers, including online marketplaces like Amazon; big box stores such as Walmart; and sporting goods stores like Bass Pro Shops.
Interstate travel by car with guns is legal per federal law, as long as you are legally allowed to possess the weapons in both the state of origin as well as the destination. The firearm and ammunition must be stored out of reach (not in the glove compartment or center console). And though it may not be required in other states, it is a good idea to lock your ammunition and guns in separate lock boxes in the trunk or anywhere out of immediate reach. Be sure and know the firearm storage laws of the state you are visiting. And if you have guests coming to Colorado with firearms, you should make sure they know about our laws.
For air travel, firearms carried in checked bags must be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline at check-in. Check with your airline to see if they allow firearms or ammunition in checked bags. Read the Transportation Security Administration guidelines for traveling with firearms. When traveling, be sure to comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international government.
In 2024, Denver International Airport (DIA) ranked sixth in the U.S. for the number of firearms discovered by TSA at security checkpoints, with 166 firearms found in carry-on luggage. The majority of the guns found were loaded.
Firearms and Aging
Being a responsible firearm owner means making tough calls when mental or physical skills decline. It means reassessing your risk, understanding your needs, and being prepared. Handling a gun safely requires good vision, eye-hand coordination, motor skills, strength and balance. Age or medical conditions can affect any of those. And if the medical condition involves memory loss, the dangers increase.
The Firearm Life Plan, available at firearmlifeplan.org, helps people think about important questions related to their firearms and to protect their families from the burden of making difficult decisions without guidance. It features downloadable worksheets and resources, including an inventory worksheet outlining what the gun owner wants done with their firearms, where they are stored and access codes. The legacy map lets them share the importance of firearms in their life and preserve their memories. Another worksheet deals with broaching the conversation with a loved one who might need to give up their guns and how to assess when that time has come.
Only you can make the decision about whether to own a firearm. And if you choose to have one, YOU are responsible for doing everything you can to reduce the risks of firearm ownership as much as possible. Keeping your gun stored safely and securely, out of the reach of children, the untrained, or criminals, should be a non-negotiable part of gun ownership.
