My CCW instructor told us that it is legal to carry a loaded gun in one’s vehicle for defensive purposes in Colorado. As long as it’s legally owned by the operator of the vehicle.
“My CCW instructor told us that it is legal to carry a loaded gun in one’s vehicle for defensive purposes in Colorado”
And that is true. No permit required. However, leaving it on the seat for a cop to see is not a good idea. Most, not all, but most, honest gun carrying people do not carry it on the seat next to them or in their lap. So, cops might have cause for alarm when they see a gun in your lap or on the floor or on the passenger seat.
Considering anyone wanting to shoot a cop might have a gun in those locations and considering how quick such an event can take place, I see no problem with a cop taking precautions when presented with such a situation, such as asking you to exit the vehicle for the duration of the stop.
I did get pulled over once and asked if I had any weapons as he also saw my CWP when I pulled my license from my wallet. I said yes and he simply asked that I not point any weapons at him. A little humor but he was simply saying please don’t go pulling it out of a holster and try to hand it to him or anything. Just sit tight, he’ll run my license, and we’ll all be on our way. I only got a warning and all was just fine.