Colorado and Denver's Clashing Defenses Leave Visitors' Carry Rights in Limbo

A federal lawsuit over Colorado's nonresident concealed-carry restrictions has produced conflicting defenses from state and Denver officials, with each pointing to a different carry method the other side's law blocks, leaving visiting permit holders uncertain whether they have any lawful way to carry in Denver.

Snapshot

In Hoffman v. City and County of Denver, Colorado officials and Denver officials filed separate November 11, 2026 responses opposing a preliminary injunction sought by the Firearms Policy Coalition. Colorado says nonresidents can open carry under state law; Denver says its ordinance allows concealed carry for permit holders — but Colorado won't recognize permits like Gene Hoffman's California license.

Key points

• The contradiction: Colorado touts open carry while Denver bans it citywide, subject to exceptions; Denver touts a concealed-carry exception while Colorado's reciprocity statute, § 18-12-213, won't recognize Hoffman's California permit.
• Standing fight: Denver argues Hoffman can't challenge its ordinance because he already holds permits from California, Utah, Arizona, and Florida, even though Colorado doesn't recognize the California one.
• Precedent dispute: Colorado leans on the Tenth Circuit's 2013 Peterson v. Martinez ruling; FPC counters that Bruen and Wolford v. Lopez have since established that carry rights don't stop at state lines.
• FPC's response: President Brandon Combs called the defense a "shell game," arguing Colorado and Denver each point to a method the other blocks. FPC's reply is due November 25.
• Parallel case: A related suit, Howeth v. City and County of Denver, brought by two individuals and the NRA, also has a pending injunction motion against Denver's restrictions.

Quick take

For permit holders who travel, this case is worth watching closely — it's not just an abstract constitutional dispute but a practical question of whether a lawful visitor can legally carry in Denver at all. No ruling has come down yet, and Denver's litigation stance is not confirmation that nonresident permits are safe from prosecution under state law.

Read the full story: ammoland.com