Makhaira Group | Fort Collins, CO
Where You’ll Train
Makhaira Group is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado — not a mobile pop-up operation. Our HQ is the administrative base for the company and home for our simunition and non-firearms courses. CHP certification classes — both the classroom portion and live-fire qualification — are held at two of Northern Colorado’s top professional ranges. Both are an easy drive from Fort Collins and fully equipped to handle every component of your CHP training in a single day.
Makhaira Group HQ
Fort Collins, CO
Administrative base. Home for simunition and non-firearms courses. CHP classes do not run at this location — see partner ranges.
Liberty Firearms Institute
Johnstown, CO | ~20–30 min south
Premier indoor range. Hosts both classroom instruction and live-fire qualification on the same day. Most students select this location.
Great Guns Sporting
Nunn, CO | ~35–45 min east
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 — Classroom 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
- 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.
How to Get Your Colorado CHP: Step-by-Step
- Complete your training — Attend Makhaira Group’s one-day CHP class. Pass the written exam (80% minimum) and live-fire qualification (70% accuracy minimum).
- Receive your certificate — Your original certificate of completion is issued the same day. This document is required for your permit application and valid for one year under HB 24-1174.
- Apply through the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office — Submit your CHP application with your original training certificate, a valid Colorado ID, and completed application paperwork.
- Fingerprinting & background check — The sheriff’s office collects fingerprints and runs a background check as part of the approval process.
- Receive your permit — Once approved, your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit is issued and mailed to you. Permits are valid for 5 years. Renewal applications open 120 days before expiration.
Colorado CHP Reciprocity: Where Can You Carry?
Your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit is recognized in 35 states as of 2025. That means your Fort Collins 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.
Taught by Sheriff-Verified, Credentialed 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 Larimer County sheriff-verified and brings real-world professional credentials — not just a weekend certification.
- Former U.S. military personnel with active duty firearms 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 Larimer County Sheriff’s Office.
What Fort Collins Students Are Saying
Frequently Asked Questions
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 me,” “Colorado CCW permit,” or “concealed carry class,” they’re usually looking for the same thing as a Colorado CHP class. Colorado sheriffs issue a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) after you complete the required training and application process.
How long is a concealed carry class in Colorado?
Under HB 24-1174, Colorado requires a minimum of 8 hours of instruction for a new CHP class, including the live-fire qualification and written exam. Makhaira Group’s CHP class is a full 8-hour training day — classroom instruction and live-fire qualification both held at our partner ranges in Johnstown or Nunn, completed in a single day. Your confirmation email will specify the location for your selected date.
What are the Colorado concealed carry class requirements?
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.
How much does a concealed carry class cost in Fort Collins?
Makhaira Group’s Fort Collins CHP class is $225. The CHP or CCW renewal class is $150. These tuition rates include classroom instruction, the written exam, and the live-fire qualification session at our partner range. Students bring their own firearm, ammunition, and eye/ear protection. Firearm rentals are available at the range for an additional fee.
How do I get a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit?
Complete a certified CHP training class (like ours), pass the written exam and live-fire qualification, and receive your original certificate of completion. Then apply directly through the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with your certificate, Colorado ID, and completed application paperwork. The sheriff collects fingerprints, runs a background check, and mails your permit upon approval.
What changed under Colorado House Bill 24-1174?
HB 24-1174 took effect July 1, 2025 and introduced stricter training standards for Colorado CHP applicants. Key changes include: (1) training must be completed within one year of application (previously 10 years); (2) instructors must be verified by the county sheriff; (3) all classes must include a minimum of 8 hours of instruction with both a written exam and live-fire qualification; and (4) renewal applicants must now also demonstrate competence. Makhaira Group’s curriculum is fully compliant with all updated requirements.
Is my Colorado CHP valid in other states?
Yes. Colorado’s Concealed Handgun Permit is recognized in 35 states through reciprocity agreements as of 2025. Check the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) website for the current list of reciprocal states and any state-specific carry restrictions before traveling.
Is open carry legal in Fort Collins?
Yes. Open carry is legal in Fort Collins and throughout Larimer County under Colorado state law, provided you are legally permitted to possess a firearm. However, many private properties, businesses, and government buildings restrict or prohibit open carry. A Concealed Handgun Permit provides more flexibility and is the legal standard for carrying in most public spaces.
Serving Fort Collins and Northern Colorado
Makhaira Group is based in Fort Collins and regularly trains students from across Larimer County and Northern Colorado, including:
Fort Collins | Loveland | Windsor | Wellington | Timnath | Laporte | Bellvue | Johnstown | Berthoud | Red Feather Lakes
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 Larimer County sheriff-verified instructors in a one-day concealed carry class designed for both beginners and experienced shooters.
Class sizes are limited and July 2026 pricing increases are approaching.
View Available Class Dates & Reserve Your Spot →