Colorado’s SB25-003 training requirement is now in effect. If you plan to buy a specified semiautomatic firearm, you need a CPW-approved safety course first. Starting January 10, 2027, Makhaira Group teaches both SSF courses in a dedicated classroom at Cabela’s Thornton, right off I-25 at 144th Avenue.

CPW-Approved Course  •  Classroom at Cabela’s Thornton  •  Basic & Extended Options  •  No Range Time Required

Which SSF Course Do You Need?

It comes down to one question: do you have a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Hunter Education certificate?

	4-Hour Basic SSF Course	12-Hour Extended SSF Course
Who it’s for	You have a CPW Hunter Education certificate	You do not have Hunter Education
Length	4 hours, one day	12 hours over two consecutive days
Tuition	$124	$224
Location	Cabela’s Thornton classroom	Cabela’s Thornton classroom
Class size	Up to 30 students	Up to 30 students
To pass	Written exam + hands-on practical, 90% minimum	Written exam + hands-on practical, 90% minimum

Not sure if your Hunter Education certificate counts? Check with CPW before you register. Makhaira verifies eligibility, but it’s up to you to sign up for the right course.

Upcoming SSF Classes at Cabela’s Thornton

Pick a date and register online. Each class is capped at 30 students, so seats go fast.

Get your eligibility card first. You need your Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card before you can register, and that takes time. Apply now so you don’t miss the date you want.

Need a different date? Both SSF courses also run at Liberty Firearms Institute in Johnstown. See Johnstown dates →

Before You Register: Get Your Eligibility Card First

Colorado requires a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card before you can enroll in any SSF course. Here’s the order:

1. Apply with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Create your account and save your CPW application number.
2. Apply with your county sheriff. Submit your CPW application, a government-issued photo ID, a name-based background check, and the fees. The state record fee is $52; your sheriff’s office may add its own fee.
3. Get your eligibility card. Once the sheriff approves you, you can register.
4. Register for your Thornton class. The registration form asks for your CPW application number and whether you’ve received your sheriff’s eligibility card. Registrations missing either one go on a waiting list until we can verify them.
5. Take the course and pass. Your instructor enters your results into the state system, typically within three business days.
6. Buy your firearm. The dealer checks the state system to confirm your card and your training.

What Happens in Class

Both SSF courses are classroom-based. There’s no live fire and no range time, so you don’t need to bring ammunition or range gear.

• Classroom instruction on safe handling, storage, and the Colorado requirements that come with owning a specified semiautomatic firearm.
• Hands-on practical demonstration so you can show you can handle the firearm safely.
• Written exam. You need at least 90% on the exam and practical to pass.
• State record. Your instructor submits your completion to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, so the dealer can see it when you buy.

Where Classes Are Held: Inside Cabela’s Thornton

It’s an easy drive from Northglenn, Westminster, Broomfield, Brighton, Federal Heights, Commerce City, Erie, Arvada, and north Denver. Students coming from Fort Collins or Greeley can also take SSF courses at Liberty Firearms Institute in Johnstown.

Why Train With Makhaira Group

• CPW-approved course that meets Colorado SB25-003 requirements
• Larimer County Sheriff-verified instructors
• Training Colorado gun owners in concealed carry, CHP renewal, and SSF courses across the Front Range
• Two SSF locations: Cabela’s Thornton and Liberty Firearms Institute in Johnstown
• Questions answered by a real person: 970-578-0717 x108

SSF Course FAQs — Cabela’s Thornton

When are SSF classes held in Thornton?

The first Thornton classes are January 10, 2027 (4-hour Basic) and January 23–24, 2027 (12-hour Extended). Current dates and open seats are listed above, and new dates are added as they’re scheduled. If you need a different date, both SSF courses also run at Liberty Firearms Institute in Johnstown.

Where is the SSF course in Thornton held?

In a dedicated classroom at Cabela’s Thornton, 14050 Lincoln Street, just off I-25 at 144th Avenue. Classes are capped at 30 students.

How much is the SSF course in Thornton?

The 4-hour Basic course is $124 and the 12-hour Extended course is $224. That covers the course only. The state’s $52 record fee and any sheriff’s office fee are paid separately when you apply for your eligibility card.

Which SSF course do I need — 4-hour or 12-hour?

If you have a CPW Hunter Education certificate, take the 4-hour Basic course. If you don’t, you need the 12-hour Extended course, taught over two consecutive days.

Is there live fire in the SSF course?

No. Both courses are taught in the classroom with a hands-on practical demonstration and a written exam. You don’t need ammunition or range gear.

Do I need my eligibility card before I register?

Yes. Colorado requires your Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card from your county sheriff before you enroll. Registrations without it go on a waiting list until we can verify it.

What score do I need to pass?

At least 90% on the written exam and the practical.

I don’t live in Thornton. Can I still take the class here?

Yes. Your eligibility card comes from your own county sheriff, but you can take the course at any approved location. Students come from across the north metro area.

How long is my SSF training good for?

Your eligibility card is valid for five years. Colorado Parks and Wildlife sets the rules for what happens after that.

Reserve Your Seat at Cabela’s Thornton

Have your eligibility card? Pick your course and lock in a date. Each class is capped at 30 students. Questions first? Call 970-578-0717 x108.