Here’s what conservatives need to know.
Court Sides with Governor Polis in Gun Rights Dispute
In a ruling that’s sending shockwaves through the gun rights community, a federal judge has upheld Colorado’s controversial law banning firearm sales to anyone under the age of 21. The decision deals a major blow to Second Amendment supporters — and serves as a reminder of the growing push by Democratic lawmakers to restrict lawful gun ownership.
The lawsuit, filed by Rocky Mountain Gun Owners and two young adults, challenged the constitutionality of the law. But Chief U.S. District Judge Philip Brimmer sided with the state, arguing that the age restriction does not violate the right to keep and bear arms.
Judge Cites Legal “Safe Harbor” to Justify Firearm Ban
Brimmer echoed the findings of the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, which previously ruled that such age-based restrictions fall under a legal “safe harbor” — meaning they are exempt from Second Amendment protections. According to Brimmer, the state has the authority to limit gun purchases based on age without running afoul of the Constitution.
The only exemptions to the rule apply to active-duty military members and law enforcement officers, and even then, only while they are on duty and acting within agency policies.
Polis Celebrates Ruling While Critics Call It a Power Grab
Democratic Governor Jared Polis praised the decision, calling it a win for “common-sense” gun control. In a prepared statement, his office said the law aligns with longstanding federal restrictions on handgun sales and helps make Colorado “one of the ten safest states in the country.”
But for millions of conservative Americans, this law is yet another example of overreach by progressive politicians. Many believe that if 18-year-olds can serve in the military and vote in elections, they should also be trusted to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
Second Amendment Groups Slam “Anti-Gun Agenda”
Plaintiffs Adrian Pineda and Matthew Newkirk, both under 21, argued they were unfairly denied their constitutional rights simply because of their age. While Judge Brimmer acknowledged that they fall under “the people” protected by the Second Amendment, he dismissed their claims based on the 10th Circuit’s prior ruling.
Gun rights groups were quick to point out that this ruling contradicts recent federal precedent. In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down New York’s restrictive concealed carry law, affirming the fundamental right to self-defense in public.
Colorado Ruling Defies National Trend Toward Expanded Gun Rights
Even more striking, the Colorado decision goes against a ruling from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, which overturned a federal ban on firearm sales to adults under 21. That court found no historical basis for such restrictions and confirmed that 18-to-20-year-olds are covered by the Second Amendment.
As one judge put it: “The federal government has presented scant evidence that firearm rights during the founding era were restricted in this way.”
Democrat-Led States Continue Expanding Gun Restrictions
Despite strong constitutional arguments, Democrat-led states like California, New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts are following Colorado’s lead — pushing the age for firearm purchases higher and tightening control over gun ownership. Some states limit only handguns, while others extend bans to rifles and shotguns, as Colorado now does under Senate Bill 23-169.
For millions of law-abiding Americans, especially older conservatives who value personal responsibility and individual liberty, these laws represent a dangerous erosion of constitutional freedoms.
Bottom Line:
As the fight over the Second Amendment heats up, many worry that Colorado’s ruling could set a troubling precedent. With rising crime and lawlessness, restricting responsible citizens from defending themselves may do more harm than good.
