Traveling to Colorado Springs

[Tony k]

I'm going to Colorado Springs for Christmas, but I only have an Oregon CHL, which is not recognized in colorado. I'm not a big fan of OC, but I'll also be spending some time in parts of town with higher crime rates because that's where my relatives live.

I've been doing some research, and I already know that OC is generally legal in Colorado Springs. I have more research to do with regard to what is legal in vehicles, parks, different types of business, etc.

I lived there a while in the 1990s to about 2004. I was on the receiving end of violent crimes twice when I lived there (one incident would now be classified as a hate crime), and my understanding is that things have really gone south since the recession.

What is the general attitude in C/S right now regarding firearms and OC specifically? I'm not interested in making a political statement or getting "Swatted." I just want to go about my business, abide by local law, but be able to defend myself if need be.

 

[dcloco]

Just returned from "The Springs" this week. The ONLY place I have seen OC....were by customers in gunshops.

Might call the local PD and ask.

CO laws have changed quite a bit for CC and OC in the last few years. 15 round mag limit was the most recent. There are some places that carry anything will land you on the wrong side of the law.

 

[MErl]

The first issue I think of regarding open carry this time of year is coats. You'll have trouble not concealing a handgun accidentally.

You may have a loaded handgun in CO in your vehicle so that may be your best option.

 

[Tony k]

Thanks guys. MErl's point about coats and what consitutes OC vs CC seems pretty important.

I'm leaning toward not carrying right now (except in car) Just emphasize situational awareness. That's a discussion for the ST&T subforum.

 

[danez71]

Tony, not that this answers your question but don't forget about other options like pepper spray for restaurant to car walks etc.

 

[Robert]

What part of town? I have lived here since 98 and there are only a few places I'd not go unarmed. Thing have not gone downhill, at least not that I have seen. As far as OC goes you can do it and depending on where you go most people will never notice. I see people doing it all the time these days.

The only for thing a store can do is ask you to leave. If you do not then you are trespassing and then you can be arrested.

 

[ScrapMetalSlug]

Open carry is fairly common in cosprings. I've seen open carry in a motorcycle shop and frequently in the farmers market in old colorado city. I don't' think you'll get swatted.

Despite the recent gun law changes here, this is a fairly gun friendly place.

i have seen signs in some stores banning open carry, but never a sign banning concealed carry. The Cheyenne mountain zoo is one such place that bans open carry.

With that being said, I rarely open carry unless getting out of town up in the mountains. My Florida non-resident permit isn't good here either.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

18-12-214. Authority granted by permit - carrying restrictions.



(1) (a) A permit to carry a concealed handgun authorizes the permittee to carry a concealed handgun in all areas of the state, except as specifically limited in this section. A permit does not authorize the permittee to use a handgun in a manner that would violate a provision of state law. A local government does not have authority to adopt or enforce an ordinance or resolution that would conflict with any provision of this part 2.

(b) A peace officer may temporarily disarm a permittee, incident to a lawful stop of the permittee. The peace officer shall return the handgun to the permittee prior to discharging the permittee from the scene.

(2) A permit issued pursuant to this part 2 does not authorize a person to carry a concealed handgun into a place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law.

(3) A permit issued pursuant to this part 2 does not authorize a person to carry a concealed handgun onto the real property, or into any improvements erected thereon, of a public elementary, middle, junior high, or high school; except that:

(a) A permittee may have a handgun on the real property of the public school so long as the handgun remains in his or her vehicle and, if the permittee is not in the vehicle, the handgun is in a compartment within the vehicle and the vehicle is locked;

(b) A permittee who is employed or retained by contract by a school district as a school security officer may carry a concealed handgun onto the real property, or into any improvement erected thereon, of a public elementary, middle, junior high, or high school while the permittee is on duty;

(c) A permittee may carry a concealed handgun on undeveloped real property owned by a school district that is used for hunting or other shooting sports.

(4) A permit issued pursuant to this part 2 does not authorize a person to carry a concealed handgun into a public building at which:

(a) Security personnel and electronic weapons screening devices are permanently in place at each entrance to the building;

(b) Security personnel electronically screen each person who enters the building to determine whether the person is carrying a weapon of any kind; and

(c) Security personnel require each person who is carrying a weapon of any kind to leave the weapon in possession of security personnel while the person is in the building.

(5) Nothing in this part 2 shall be construed to limit, restrict, or prohibit in any manner the existing rights of a private property owner, private tenant, private employer, or private business entity.

(6) The provisions of this section apply to temporary emergency permits issued pursuant to section 18-12-209.



Source: L. 2003: Entire part added, p. 647, 1, effective May 17.


Additionally you can not open carry in any building owned or leased by the City.

I haven't seen any issues with open carry hear and the only part of town I'd steer clear of is Pikes Peak Park (Fountain and Chelton)