Colorado firearm background checks nearly triple ahead of new law, CBI says

LAKEWOOD, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) says it processed a record number of firearm background checks in July as gun buyers rushed to make purchases before a new state law took effect.

According to the agency, the CBI's InstaCheck Unit processed 59,452 firearm background checks in July 2026, a 195% increase from the 20,172 checks completed during the same month last year.

The surge came ahead of the Aug. 1 implementation of Senate Bill 25-003, which prompted a significant increase in firearm purchases across the state.

The agency said several days in July exceeded the previous single-day record of 2,547 background checks, which was set on Black Friday 2025.

Despite the increased workload, the CBI said it processed all firearm background checks within Colorado's required 72-hour waiting period for firearm transfers.

"I want to extend my sincere appreciation to everyone in the InstaCheck Unit for coming together to tackle this challenge," CBI Director Armando Saldate III said in a statement. "Their dedication, flexibility, and hard work were vital to our success, and I am grateful for your continued commitment to this team and the mission."

The CBI said its InstaCheck Unit remains fully operational and will continue providing background check services for firearm transfers across Colorado.

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