Current Firearm Regulations in the United States.

Although the United States takes the lead for the highest amount of guns per household, there are still regulations and limits on firearms which every typical U.S. citizen is required by law to stay within the limits.

These regulations are NOT universal in the U.S. because laws vary by state. We will discuss the firearm laws that are effective nationwide as well as state firearm regulations (Specifically pertaining to Colorado). Nationwide gun laws are difficult to determine due to the fact that individual gun laws are primarily determined by state legislation. However, there are some important rules and regulations that all responsible gun owners should abide by in order to remain on the good side of the law. 

Important Nationwide Firearm Laws:  (2015 ATF Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide)

1.) Interstate Transportation: If the type of firearm is considered lawful to own by the state, a lawful gun owner shall be permitted to transport the legally owned firearm to any other state that also permits the firearm. Neither the firearm nor ammunition shall be readily accessible or directly accessible from the passenger compartment. (926A Interstate transportation of firearms) 

2.) Importation of Foreign Firearms: It is unlawful for any person other than a licensed importer, licensed dealer, or licensed manufacturer, to engage in the business of importing, dealing, or manufacturing firearms or in the course of such business to ship, transport, or receive any firearm in interstate or foreign commerce. (922 Unlawful acts.) 

3.) Possession of Firearms and Dangerous Weapons in Federal Facilities: whoever knowingly possesses or causes to be present a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a Federal facility (other than a Federal court facility), or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both. (922 Unlawful acts.) 

Important State Firearm Permissions and Exclusions (Colorado Specific): (ATF State Laws and Published Ordinances - Firearms (32nd Edition))

1.) Basic State Firearm Definition

- "Firearms" means a pistol, revolver, or other weapon of any description, loaded or unloaded, from which any shot, bullet, or other missile can be discharged, the length of the barrel of which, not including any revolving, detachable, or magazine breech, does not exceed 12 inches

2.) Background Checks: 

- Before a gun show vendor transfers or attempts to transfer a firearm at a gun show, he or she shall require a background check 

- The transferee must obtain approval of a transfer from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation after a background check has been requested by a licensed gun dealer

3.) Possession of a Dangerous or Illegal Weapon:

- The term "dangerous weapon" means a firearm silencer, machine gun, short shotgun, short rifle, or ballistic knife.

- A person who knowingly possesses a dangerous weapon commits a class 5 felony

- The term "illegal weapon" means a blackjack, gas gun, metallic knuckles, gravity knife, or switchblade knife.

- A person who knowingly possesses an illegal weapon commits a class 1 misdemeanor. 

4.) Unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon:

- A person commits a class 2 misdemeanor if such person knowingly and unlawfully carries a firearm concealed on or about his or her person or carries a firearm into a federal building without legal authority. 

- A person commits a class 6 felony if such person knowingly and unlawfully and without legal authority carries, brings, or has in such person's possession a deadly weapon in or on the premises of any public or private elementary, middle, junior high, high, or vocational school or any public or private college, university, or seminary

There are many other rules and regulations pertaining to federal and state gun laws. I found these specific laws above to be highly important and useful for anyone who has an interest in either buying or concealing a weapon. This short list of laws listed above are important to understand in order to remain a law abiding, responsible gun owner. 

Sources:

United States, Congress, U.S. Department of Justice (Office of Director), and Director Todd Jones. “ATF Publication 5300.4.” ATF Publication 5300.4, Enforcement Programs and Services, Sept. 2014 www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/guide/firearmsstatutesandcodes-coloradopdf/download.

United States, Congress, Office of the Attorney General. “Colorado Revised Statutes.”Colorado Revised Statutes, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, 2016. www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/guide/firearmsstatutesandcodes-coloradopdf/download.