Colorado Lawmaker Proposes Barrel Purchase Restrictions

Sen. Tom Sullivan aims to require in-person purchases through licensed dealers for firearm barrels

Feb. 9, 2026 at 7:15pm

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Colorado state Sen. Tom Sullivan has introduced a new bill that would make it unlawful to purchase a barrel for an existing firearm unless the purchase is made in person through a licensed gun dealer. This is the latest in a series of gun control measures proposed by Sullivan and his Democratic colleagues, which some gun rights advocates argue are chipping away at Second Amendment rights in the state.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation is seen by some as another step in restricting gun ownership and access in Colorado, following the passage of Senate Bill 3 last year which was criticized by gun rights supporters as creating a registry of gun owners. The debate over Sullivan's latest bill highlights the ongoing tensions between gun control advocates and those who argue such measures infringe on constitutional rights.

The details

Sen. Tom Sullivan's new bill would require anyone purchasing a firearm barrel to do so in person through a licensed gun dealer. This is intended to provide more oversight and tracking of such purchases, but critics argue it will make it harder and more burdensome for lawful gun owners to maintain or modify their existing firearms.

  • Sen. Sullivan introduced the new barrel purchase bill in February 2026.
  • Last year, Colorado passed Senate Bill 3, which gun rights supporters claimed was an attempt to create a registry of gun owners.

The players

Sen. Tom Sullivan

A Democratic state senator in Colorado who has been a leading proponent of gun control legislation in the state.

Dennis Kurtz

A Littleton, Colorado resident and gun rights advocate who wrote a letter to the editor criticizing Sen. Sullivan's proposed legislation.

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What they’re saying

“I ask you, Sen. Sullivan, is it your intention to try to shut down lawful gun shops and make it hard to impossible to own a firearm in this state? I personally think that you are using your tragedy in your life to carry out your vendetta on the Second Amendment here in the state of Colorado, and that is very sad.”

— Dennis Kurtz, Littleton Resident

What’s next

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The takeaway

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