Ammo & Reloading Supplies Under Attack In Colorado HB25-1133

HB25-1133 introduces stringent regulations on ammunition sales, which pose unnecessary financial and logistical barriers, disproportionately affecting the poor, rural residents, law-abiding citizens and small businesses. This legislation raises the age to purchase ammunition to 21, blocking 18-20 year-olds from buying the ammo they need for hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense; bans proper hazard labeling for ammunition shipments, violating federal law; seeks to limit access to reloading components such as cartridge casings, primers, powder; forces gun stores to lock up all ammunition so vendor assistance is required for access; and more. Read the bill.

Here are the critical issues with HB25-1133:

Increased Costs and Limited Access Create Barriers to Essential Firearm Training

The bill’s imposition of higher costs and more stringent purchasing conditions for ammunition will directly impact firearm training quality. Regular practice is crucial for maintaining safety and proficiency, but the bill discourages this by:

• Making it financially burdensome for new and existing gun owners to obtain ammunition, limiting their ability to practice safe firearm handling and self-defense skills.
• Raising operational costs for law enforcement and private security training entities due to higher ammunition expenses.

Ammunition prices have already surged due to market dynamics; adding legislative burdens will only exacerbate these challenges, hitting hardest those who can least afford it: low-income individuals, new gun owners, and competitive shooters.

Vendors Pulling Out of Colorado

The fear of legal repercussions will likely deter online and out-of-state ammunition sellers from serving Colorado residents, mirroring what has occurred in California. The potential criminal and civil liabilities introduced by HB25-1133 could lead to:

• A decline in the number of vendors willing to sell to Colorado, which would decrease market competition and increase prices.
• Greater difficulties for residents in rural areas who rely on online purchases due to limited local options.

Access and Affordability Concerns

In many parts of Colorado, local ammunition retailers are sparse, meaning rural residents often depend on online ordering. HB25-1133 severely restricts the ability of those living in the vast rural areas of Colorado to access ammunition through online orders and bulk purchases. This will disproportionately impact rural gun owners who rely on firearms for farm-defense through predator control, self-defense, and hunting.

Ineffectiveness in Curbing Crime

There is no substantial evidence to suggest that age-based restrictions on ammunition purchases contribute to reducing crime. Instead, such restrictions could foster a black market for ammunition. This legislation does not address the root causes of violence using a firearm, such as illegal firearm trafficking or mental health issues, but rather imposes punitive measures on law-abiding citizens while wasting state resources.

• States with strict ammunition laws have not seen a measurable decrease in crime.
• The bill only impacts legal buyers, while criminals will continue to obtain ammunition through unregulated channels.

Negative Impact on Hunting and Conservation

The restrictions could lead to fewer hunters and outdoor enthusiasts participating in activities that significantly fund wildlife conservation efforts. The additional logistical and fiscal burdens, like needing to sign for deliveries in person, will only add to the inconvenience and discourage participation in these vital activities. Additionally, hunters may need to travel long distances to buy ammunition, as online sales will be less convenient and more expensive due to delivery verification.

Strain on Small Businesses

Small ammunition vendors are likely to suffer due to increased compliance costs and reduced customer bases. As consumers face more obstacles to purchasing ammunition legally, small businesses will struggle to maintain viability, especially when consumers can easily cross state lines and stock up.

Challenges for Working Individuals

HB25-1133’s requirements for ammunition delivery present significant logistical challenges for working individuals, particularly those who are unable to be home during standard delivery hours. The bill mandates that ammunition deliveries must be signed for by an individual aged 21 or over and prohibits packages from being marked as containing ammunition. This could have several repercussions:

• Increased Delivery Complications: Many people work during typical delivery times and may not be home to sign for their ammunition, necessitating multiple delivery attempts or requiring them to pick up their packages at postal facilities, which may be inconveniently located and have limited hours.
• Restricted Delivery Options: The inability to have ammunition shipped to workplaces, where deliveries could otherwise be signed for, further complicates the logistics for working individuals who might not have secure home delivery options.
• Economic and Time Burdens: The need for in-person signing adds an extra layer of difficulty and could lead to increased costs for consumers, both through potential missed work to receive deliveries and through the need to arrange alternative pickup or delivery options.

These logistical issues not only inconvenience individuals but could also discourage lawful purchases of ammunition and will have the most severe effects on those less privileged.