📅 2026 Update: Changes in Firearms Safety Courses

Since the original article was published, there have been important updates regarding firearms safety courses in the U.S. These changes affect states like Massachusetts and Colorado, introducing new requirements for individuals seeking to purchase firearms. The earlier article continues further down the page and provides foundational information on firearms safety.

🔫 Massachusetts Firearms Safety Course Overhaul

Effective April 2, 2026, Massachusetts has revamped its Basic Firearms Safety Course. The new curriculum now includes live-fire training, a written exam, and additional topics like disengagement tactics and suicide prevention. This change aims to enhance the overall training experience for participants and promote safer firearm handling.

🏔️ Colorado's New Firearms Safety Requirement

Starting August 1, 2026, Colorado will require individuals purchasing certain semiautomatic firearms to complete an in-person firearms safety course. This new regulation emphasizes the importance of hands-on training and knowledge of firearm safety laws.

📜 Eligibility and Exemptions

In Maryland, certain individuals are exempt from taking the Firearms Safety Training Course. This includes active and retired law enforcement, military personnel, and those who have completed an approved safety course. Understanding these exemptions can help clarify who needs to complete the training.

⏰ Key Deadlines to Remember

All Basic Firearms Safety Courses in Massachusetts after April 2, 2026, must follow the new curriculum. In Colorado, anyone purchasing specified semiautomatic firearms must complete the required safety course by August 1, 2026. Staying informed about these deadlines is crucial for compliance.

📌 Key Takeaways

  • 🔥 Massachusetts expands safety course to include live-fire training.
  • 🏞️ Colorado mandates in-person safety course for semiautomatic firearm purchases.
  • 📜 Maryland offers exemptions for certain individuals.
  • ⏰ Important deadlines for course compliance in 2026.

💡 Tips for Firearms Safety Training

Review the details of your situation with an attorney to ensure you understand your obligations and rights regarding firearms safety training.

🏫 Familiarize Yourself with State Laws

Before enrolling in a firearms safety course, know your state's specific laws. Each state has different requirements for safety training and firearms ownership, which can impact your decision.

📝 Complete the Required Courses

If you live in Massachusetts or Colorado, be sure to complete the required safety courses by the set deadlines. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from legally purchasing firearms.

🌐 Consider Online Options

Some training providers offer online firearms safety courses. This can be a convenient way to fulfill your training requirements, especially if in-person classes are not available in your area.

👮‍♂️ Know Your Exemptions

Understand if you qualify for any exemptions based on your profession or prior training. This knowledge can save you time and effort in completing unnecessary courses.

📈 Stay Informed on Changes

Keep up to date with any changes to firearms safety laws and regulations in your state. Laws can evolve, and being informed helps you stay compliant.

🏆 Firearms Safety Training Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

Various services provide firearms safety training, focusing on online courses and state-regulated programs. The following rankings are based on Trustpilot scores as of October 2026. Remember that these ratings can change over time, and a higher score does not always mean a better experience, as unhappy customers often leave more reviews.

🥇 1. Courseable

Courseable has been rated 4.7. It is known for offering online gun safety courses and providing court-accepted certificates. However, some reviewers mention issues with customer service, so it may be beneficial to research before enrolling.

🥈 2. GunSafety.co

GunSafety.co holds a Trustpilot score of 4.9. This service specializes in online firearm safety courses and state-regulated licensing courses. Reviewers have noted that licensing rules can vary by state, so it’s important to check specific program requirements before signing up.

🆓 Free Government and Nonprofit Options

The National Rifle Association offers various firearm training courses through a network of over 125,000 instructors. Additionally, the International Hunter Education Association-USA provides official safe firearms training courses recognized by state agencies. These options can be valuable resources for those seeking affordable training solutions.

🔎 Factors to Compare When Choosing a Service

  • 📊 Trustpilot ratings and review counts.
  • 💸 Course fees and payment options.
  • 📅 Availability of in-person or online classes.
  • 📜 State-specific licensing requirements.
  • 🏆 Reputation for customer service.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❔ What is the new curriculum for Massachusetts Firearms Safety Course?

The updated curriculum now includes live-fire training, a written exam, and topics like disengagement tactics and suicide prevention, effective April 2, 2026.

❓ Who is exempt from Maryland's Firearms Safety Training?

Exemptions apply to active law enforcement officers, retired officers in good standing, military personnel, Qualified Handgun Instructors, and those who have already passed an approved training course.

❓ What happens if I miss the deadline for the Colorado safety course?

If you miss the August 1, 2026 deadline for completing the firearms safety course, you will not be able to legally purchase certain semiautomatic firearms until the requirement is met.

❓ Are online firearms safety courses accepted?

Yes, online firearms safety courses can be accepted, especially if they are state-regulated. Always confirm with your state’s requirements before enrolling.

❓ How long does it take to get a firearms safety course eligibility card in Colorado?

The processing time for obtaining a firearms safety course eligibility card from a county sheriff’s office is not specified in the available sources.

❓ What is included in the Maryland Firearms Safety Training Course?

The course covers Maryland firearm laws, safe storage practices, firearm operation, and techniques for firing handguns.

⚖️ Recent Legal Cases Related to Firearms Safety

Recent court rulings have impacted firearms safety regulations and training requirements, highlighting the ongoing legal landscape surrounding gun ownership.

To learn more about recent rulings, visit the news section for more rulings.

End of October 2026 Update





In some states firearm laws stipulate that, as a requirement for buying a gun, or just for carrying a concealed weapon, you have to pass a test proving your proficiency with and knowledge of guns. Most times, passing these tests will require attending a course on firearms safety, providing information especially on issues of carrying a concealed weapon.

But even if you do not plan on seeking a concealed carry permit, attending such a safety course could only be a good idea if you are planning on buying a gun. Firearm laws may not require you to undergo such a course if you plan on only buying a gun which is otherwise non-restricted, but again, the usefulness of knowledge garnered from such a course could prove invaluable.

Whatever course you choose to take, you should be certain that it is approved and certified by the government, as any other course may not provide the information you might require under firearm laws. These courses can generally be found easily by asking at your local gun store, as you get a new gun. It is also likely that you can find such courses by checking in with the county sheriff's office, or by searching online.

Your Guide to Firearms Safety Course

Insofar as CCW (carrying a concealed weapon) courses are concerned, the primary focus will be on covering firearm laws concerning liability, such that the person buying the gun will come to understand the dangers inherent to carrying it concealed. Some courses may have a component in which the trainee will be required to fire and clean the gun, proving his or her proficiency with the weapon.

As the CCW training courses are often single day affairs in which the individual buying a gun is both instructed and tested on the same day, even a person who is relatively new to guns should not encounter great difficulty with this course. Even should someone fail to pass the standards set by firearms law, and therefore not complete the test, then one could always take the test and course again at a later point.

Another good source for finding a firearms safety course that will be both effective, and will comply with your state's firearm laws, is with the National Rifle Association. On NRAHQ.org, you can find a tool that will point you towards training courses in your area, allowing you to find the right resource for your own level of experience, and for satisfying any requirements you might need to complete in the process of buying a gun.

Their training courses can also ensure that you become proficient with your firearm, so that perhaps you can get more value out of buying a gun then mere defense, as you learn to target shoot and begin to enjoy it, which will also ensure that you are well-equipped to take care of your own weapon.

The NRA website also provides a good resource for basic rules that should always be followed, and should be taught in any gun training course. These include such important tips as keeping the gun pointed in a safe direction, keeping your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, keeping the gun unloaded until ready to use.


Regardless of whether or not a firearms safety course is required under your state's firearm laws, if you are buying a gun then it is always a good idea to schedule yourself for such a course.