If you've inherited firearms and aren't sure what comes next, you're not alone. These are the questions I hear most often from Colorado families. Short answers, plain English.

I just inherited firearms. What should I do first?

Secure them before anything else. Confirm each firearm is unloaded, lock them up, and store ammunition separately — especially if children are in the home. If you're not comfortable handling a firearm, don't. Lock it where it is and call someone who is, whether that's a family member, local law enforcement's non-emergency line, or a licensed dealer like me. Once everything is safe, inventory what you have: make, model, and serial number for each firearm, plus photos. Don't distribute or sell anything until you know what you have and what's legal.

Do I have to register an inherited gun in Colorado?

No. Colorado has no firearm registration requirement — not for guns you buy, and not for guns you inherit. There is no registry to join, no form to file, and no deadline. But "no registration" doesn't mean "no rules." You still need to store the firearm securely, make sure the person receiving it can legally possess it, and handle the transfer properly. If anyone tells you an inherited shotgun must be "registered" with the state, that requirement doesn't exist.

Does transferring an inherited gun require a background check?

In Colorado, private firearm transfers must go through a licensed dealer (FFL) with a background check run through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). For firearms passing to heirs through an estate, using an FFL transfer is still the cleanest way to document the change of ownership and create a paper trail that protects everyone. This is general information about Colorado law, not legal advice — if your situation is complicated, talk to an estate attorney.

I heard Colorado passed a new gun law in 2026. What does SB25-003 mean for sellers?

SB25-003 took effect August 1, 2026. It says buyers of "specified semiautomatic firearms" — generally semiautomatic rifles or shotguns with detachable magazines, and gas-operated semiautomatic handguns with detachable magazines — must hold a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card from their county sheriff and complete a verified safety course. Two exemptions matter for families: transfers to licensed dealers (FFLs) are exempt, and transfers to heirs or beneficiaries upon the owner's death are exempt. Practically, that means selling a covered firearm yourself is harder now — the buyer pool shrank — while transferring or consigning through a dealer like me sidesteps the bottleneck on your end. This is general information, not legal advice.

What does consignment cost?

I charge a flat 20% commission on the final sale price. You keep the other 80%. Compare that to a typical gun shop, which offers around 20–30% of a firearm's market value — meaning the shop keeps 70–80%. On a $1,000 firearm, consignment puts roughly $800 back in your pocket versus $200–$300 from a shop counter. The tradeoff is time: consignment takes weeks to a few months, while a shop pays cash the same day.

How long does consignment take?

Usually weeks to a few months, depending on the firearm, how it's priced, and current demand. Common, in-demand guns move faster; unusual or collectible pieces take longer to find the right buyer — but those are also the guns where consignment earns you the most over a quick shop sale. I'll give you honest timeline expectations for your specific firearms before we start, and I keep you updated while they're listed.

What does a firearm valuation include, and what does it cost?

A valuation identifies each firearm (make, model, serial number, markings), assesses its condition, and gives you a fair market value based on actual recent sales data — not a guess, and not a lowball offer dressed up as an appraisal. You get a written summary you can use for probate filings, dividing assets among heirs, or insurance records. Valuations are part of my free consultation, so there's no cost to find out what you're holding before you decide anything.

What should I do with a gun I don't want, or one that seems unsafe?

First, make it safe: confirm it's unloaded, lock it up, and store ammunition separately. Don't try to fix it, test-fire it, or take it apart. An old or neglected firearm can be dangerous in ways you can't see — worn parts, obsolete chamberings, damaged barrels. Call me and describe what you have; I'll tell you the safe next step. Depending on the situation, your options include consignment, a legal transfer, or gunsmith deactivation. Never throw a firearm in the trash or leave it unsecured.

Can you make an heirloom gun safe to display in my home?

Yes. My gunsmith can permanently deactivate a firearm — rendering it inoperable — so it can be displayed safely with no functioning gun in the house. Families choose this for pieces with more sentimental value than market value: Granddad's shotgun above the mantle, a service rifle in a shadow box. The heirloom stays in the family, and there's no worry about it ending up in the wrong hands or being fired accidentally.

Do you buy guns outright, or only consign?

My business is built around consignment, valuations, and legal transfers — that's where families get the most value. I don't run a traditional buy-counter. If you need cash today, a gun shop will buy on the spot, but expect 20–30% of the gun's market value. If you can wait, consignment at 20% commission typically nets you two to three times more. I'll be straight with you about which path fits your situation — even if the honest answer is the quick sale.

What areas do you serve?

I'm based in Parker, Colorado, and I serve Parker, Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and the Denver metro area. I'm home-based and work by appointment, so we schedule a time that works for you. My address stays private — we'll arrange the details when you contact me.

How do I get started?

Contact me for a free consultation — call (720) 998-4776 or email info@gunlegacy.com. Tell me what you're dealing with: an estate, a single inherited firearm, a collection you're thinking about selling. I'll ask a few questions, tell you honestly what your options are, and we'll go from there. No pressure, no obligation, and no charge for the conversation.

Have a question I didn't cover? Call (720) 998-4776 or email info@gunlegacy.com for a free consultation. I'm happy to talk it through.