Makhaira Group | Boulder County, CO
Why CHP Classes Take Place Outside Boulder City Limits
If you’ve searched for a range inside Boulder city proper and come up empty — that’s not a coincidence, and it’s not unique to Makhaira Group. Boulder’s local zoning ordinances prohibit commercial live-fire ranges within city limits. Since Colorado requires a live-fire qualification as part of every CHP certification, all concealed carry classes serving Boulder residents must take place at professional facilities outside the city. Rather than partner with whatever range is closest, Makhaira Group has established relationships with two of the Front Range’s best professional training facilities.
Makhaira Group HQ
Fort Collins, CO
Administrative base. Home for simunition and non-firearms courses. CHP classes do not run at this location.
Liberty Firearms Institute
Johnstown, CO | ~35–45 min from Boulder
Premier indoor range. Hosts both classroom instruction and live-fire qualification on the same day. Most Boulder County students select this location for availability and facility quality.
Great Guns Sporting
Nunn, CO | ~60–75 min from Boulder
Outdoor range. Hosts both classroom instruction and live-fire qualification for select class dates.
Your class confirmation email will specify which location applies to your selected date.
What to Expect: Your Full CHP Class Day
Part 1 — Class Instruction
- Colorado use-of-force laws and self-defense statutes
- Firearm safety rules, storage, and safe handling
- Responsible carry practices, situational awareness, and conflict avoidance
- Written exam (minimum 80% passing score required under HB 24-1174)
Part 2 — Live-Fire Qualification
- Range commands and range safety protocol
- Live-fire shooting qualification (minimum 70% accuracy required by state law)
- Hands-on instruction and real-time feedback from certified instructors
Part 3 — Certification
- Meets all Colorado CHP training requirements under CRS § 18-12-202.5
- Your original certificate of completion is issued the same day — copies not accepted by the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office
- Certificate is valid for one year for your CHP application (per HB 24-1174)
CHP Class: $225 | Renewal: $150 | Advanced CHP (P100): $250
Register Before July 2026 Price Increases: CHP $230 | CHP Renewal $159
Firearm rentals and safety gear available through Liberty Firearms Institute for a small additional fee. Contact us in advance to confirm rental availability for your class date.
How to Get Your Colorado CHP as a Boulder County Resident
- Complete your CHP training — Attend and complete Makhaira Group’s one-day, 8-hour CHP course. Pass the written exam (80% minimum) and live-fire qualification (70% accuracy minimum). Your original certificate of completion is issued the same day.
- Submit your application online — Boulder County uses the Permitium portal (boulderco.permitium.com) for all new and renewal CHP applications. Complete your application and pay the fee there.
- Schedule your fingerprint & photo appointment — New applicants must schedule a fingerprinting and photo appointment through the Permitium portal. Appointments are available Tuesdays and Thursdays (excluding holidays) at the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office — 5600 Flatiron Parkway, Boulder, CO 80301.
- Attend your appointment — Bring your valid Colorado Driver’s License or ID and your original training certificate dated within one year. Copies of the training certificate are not accepted by the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office.
- Background check & processing — The sheriff’s office completes a background check after your appointment. Processing can take several weeks depending on current volume.
- Receive your permit — Once approved, your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit is mailed to you. Permits are valid for 5 years. Renewal applications open 120 days before expiration.
Questions about the Boulder County application process? Contact the Boulder County Sheriff’s CHP Desk: 303-441-3600 or [email protected].
Colorado CHP Reciprocity: Where Can You Carry?
Your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit is recognized in more than 30 states as of 2025. That means your Boulder County training qualifies you for legal concealed carry across the majority of the country. Check the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) reciprocity map for the current list of reciprocal states and any state-specific carry restrictions before traveling.
Course Prerequisites & What to Bring
No prior firearms experience required — our CHP class is designed for complete beginners and experienced shooters alike. To participate safely and qualify on the range, bring the following:
- Handgun — A quality, working semi-automatic pistol or revolver.
- Magazines — Minimum two magazines (semi-auto) or speedloaders (revolver).
- Ammunition — Factory-manufactured ammunition in the correct caliber for your firearm. No reloads or steel-case.
- Eye & ear protection — Shooting glasses or prescription eyewear and ear protection (plugs or muffs). Available to purchase at the range if needed.
- No firearm? No problem. — Handgun rentals (ammunition not included) are available through Liberty Firearms Institute for an additional fee. Contact us in advance to confirm rental availability for your class date.
Taught by Verified Industry Professionals
Under Colorado HB 24-1174, your CHP certificate is only valid if the class was taught by an instructor verified by your county sheriff. Every Makhaira Group instructor is Colorado sheriff-verified and brings real-world professional credentials — not just a weekend certification. Your certificate will be accepted by the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office.
- Military and law enforcement veterans with operational and tactical experience
- Active and retired law enforcement officers
- All instructors maintain valid Colorado CHPs and current instructor credentials
This credentialing requirement is why Makhaira’s training carries more authority than budget alternatives. Your certificate is guaranteed to be accepted by the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office.
What Our Students Are Saying
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a concealed carry class actually inside Boulder?
No — and that’s true for every provider, not just Makhaira Group. Boulder’s zoning ordinances prohibit commercial live-fire ranges within city limits, and Colorado requires live-fire qualification for CHP certification. All CHP classes serving Boulder residents take place at nearby facilities outside the city. Makhaira Group trains at Liberty Firearms Institute in Johnstown (~35–45 min) and Great Guns Sporting in Nunn (~60–75 min).
What’s the difference between CCW and CHP?
In Colorado, “CCW” (Concealed Carry Weapon) and “CHP” (Concealed Handgun Permit) are often used interchangeably, but they are not technically the same thing.
- CCW is a general term people use to describe carrying a concealed firearm or taking a concealed carry class.
- CHP is the official term used by the state of Colorado for the permit itself.
So when someone searches for “CCW class near Boulder” or “concealed carry class Boulder County,” they’re looking for the same thing as a Colorado CHP class.
How much does a CHP class cost near Boulder?
Makhaira Group’s full 8-hour CHP certification course is $225. This covers classroom instruction, Colorado law review, your written exam, and your live-fire qualification. Handgun rentals and safety gear are available on-site at Liberty Firearms Institute for a small additional fee if needed.
What are the Colorado CHP class requirements under HB 24-1174?
Effective July 1, 2025 under HB 24-1174, Colorado requires applicants to complete an 8-hour in-person class taught by a sheriff-verified instructor within one year of their application. The class must include a written exam (minimum 80% passing score) and a live-fire qualification (minimum 70% accuracy). Online-only classes do not satisfy Colorado’s CHP training requirement. Makhaira Group’s course is fully compliant with all updated requirements.
How do I apply for a CHP through the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office?
After completing your Makhaira Group course, apply through the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office online portal at boulderco.permitium.com. You’ll need your original training certificate (dated within one year), a valid Colorado ID, and completed application. New applicants must schedule a fingerprint and photo appointment — available Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Sheriff’s headquarters (5600 Flatiron Parkway, Boulder, CO 80301). Processing typically takes several weeks.
How long is a CHP class in Colorado?
Colorado requires a minimum 8-hour concealed handgun training course for new CHP applicants. Makhaira Group’s class fulfills this in a single day, combining classroom instruction and live-fire qualification. Renewal classes are shorter and also include a live-fire component under HB 24-1174.
Do I need prior firearms experience to take the class?
No. Makhaira Group’s CHP class is designed for all experience levels. First-time gun owners are welcome and will receive the same professional instruction as experienced shooters. Our instructors are trained to meet students where they are.
How old do I need to be to get a Colorado CHP?
You must be at least 21 years old to apply for a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit. However, you can take the certification course before your 21st birthday so your certificate is ready when you become eligible to apply.
How long is a Colorado CHP valid, and how do I renew it?
Your Colorado CHP is valid for five years. Under HB 24-1174, renewals now require a refresher class that includes a live-fire qualification — you cannot renew with classroom-only training. Makhaira Group offers CHP Renewal Classes ($150) designed to meet these updated requirements. Renewal applications may be submitted up to 120 days before your permit expires.
Is my Colorado CHP valid in other states?
Yes. Colorado has reciprocity agreements with more than 30 other states, meaning your Colorado CHP allows you to carry concealed in those states while traveling. Always verify your destination state’s laws before traveling. Check the CBI reciprocity map for current information.
Serving All of Boulder County and the Northern Front Range
Makhaira Group regularly trains students from across Boulder County and the surrounding region. Whether you’re coming from South Boulder or Longmont, our range locations are straightforward drives that most Front Range students make without issue.
Boulder | Longmont | Louisville | Lafayette | Broomfield | Erie | Superior | Niwot | Gunbarrel | Nederland
Already have a CHP? Colorado requires permit holders to demonstrate competence at renewal. Take our CHP Renewal Class ($150) HB24-1174-compliant refresher class — live fire, written exam, certificate issued upon successful completion.
Looking for Something Else?
Beyond CHP, Makhaira Group offers tactical training across pistol, rifle, and shotgun at every skill level.
Find Your Class
New to firearms or ready for your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit? This class covers the essentials — safety, the law, situational awareness, and live-fire qualification.
Buying a semiautomatic firearm? Colorado’s SB25-003 law now requires a certified safety course first — offered in 4-hour and 12-hour options.
Designed for those who have a basic understanding of firearm safety and operation, Intermediate Firearms Training classes focus on improving accuracy, speed, and tactical decision-making. Build on foundational techniques with drills, scenario-based training, and increased live-fire practice—all under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Enhance your pistol and rifle skills through our Advanced tactical training courses. Overcome atypical environments and equipment manipulation challenges. Develop the ability to operate your gear effectively in the most pressing situations or even while physical impaired.
These classes are designed for all experience levels and focus on firearm safety, handling, and marksmanship. Learn at your own pace from certified female instructors and hands-on practice—empowering you with knowledge, confidence, and control.
Youth classes are taught by certified instructors from Makhaira Group in a fun, kid-friendly, and professional environment. Our youth classes are designed for kids ages 4 to 15, offering age-appropriate lessons that are both educational and engaging.
Explore our full range of training options by viewing our class calendar. From beginner to advanced courses—including firearm safety, marksmanship, self-defense, and specialized programs—find the class that fits your goals and skill level.
Need security consulting for your organization, church, or home? Makhaira Group offers risk assessments, training programs, and protective services for schools, faith communities, businesses, and households. See our security consulting services →
Ready to earn your Colorado CHP?
Train with sheriff-verified instructors in a one-day concealed carry class designed for both beginners and experienced shooters. Boulder County’s CHP appointment slots fill up — the earlier you complete your training, the sooner you can get in the application queue.
Class sizes are limited and July 2026 pricing increases are approaching.
View Available Class Dates & Reserve Your Spot →