Possibly moving back to Colorado and have LOTS of questions.

[jenznat0r]

Hello everyone,

I'm a new member. I am posting this here in the general forum because I have several questions and I don't want to spam the different discussion boards with separated topics. This also seems like the most active area on the forums, so I'm posting here. Here it goes:

I am originally a Southern California resident for most of my adult life. I moved out to Idaho to attend a University in 2015. I met my wife out there who is a Colorado native. We got married and I briefly lived in Colorado for a few months in 2015 while I was off-track and from 2016-2017 when I took a break from school after our first was born. Long story short, I live in a pretty amazing state for owning firearms (Idaho), and I am really resistant to move because of this. You can pretty much have anything and own anything you want here to your heart's content. I have taken advantage of that while I have been out here. However, I am currently at a crossroads in my life. I find myself not really being successful at the academic level, and I've tried to force school down my throat for the last couple years without a whole lot of success. Work opportunities and pay are far less in Idaho, and there is no way in heck I will move back to my home state of California. This leaves Colorado back on the table.

My questions are as follows. I was never a firearm owner when I lived in the state, so I'll ask a few:

1.) Most of my firearms purchases have been mostly as if I were to stay here in Idaho. EVERYTHING I own have hi-capacity magazines with the exception of one 22 which is a single shot. Even my two handguns have 12 round double stack magazines factory. Can I bring them into the state if I legally purchased them as an Idaho resident? I hear from people out there you can have them, you just can't buy them? I'm getting mixed answers, so I want to clarify.

2.) I almost bought a suppressor in my state, but it's on hold until I decide what to do about moving or staying. Are suppressors legal for purchase or transfer in Colorado?

3.) Are there any specific laws in Colorado I need to know about? I know Colorado is far less firearm friendly than Idaho, but any clarification would be great.

4.) How is ammo availability in Colorado? I buy most of mine online, but if I actually moved, are there shortages or issues finding odd calibers and the like?

Appreciate it guys, any insight will help my family and I make a better informed decision. I'm trying to weigh out the pros and cons of staying vs. moving. The firearms I own weigh into that factor.

[Martinjmpr]

To answer your questions:

Colorado Law (CRS 18-12-302) says that you can possess 16+ round magazines as long as you possessed them on 07/01/2013 and maintained continuous possession of them. It does not distinguish between in-state or out-of-state purchases. It merely states that you cannot possess them if you acquired them after 7/1/13. The burden of proof is on the prosecution to show that you did not come into possession of the magazines until after 7/1/13, you are not required to prove that you owned them prior to 7/1/13.

Colorado also outlawed private firearms transfers. CRS 18-12-112. All transfers must go through an FFL unless they are between immediate family members which the statute defines as "spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, first cousins, aunts, and uncles; "

Colorado is generally CCW friendly. In essence, with a CCW permit you can carry in any public place except public (K-12) schools, places that have metal detectors and screen everyone coming in, or places where carrying is prohibited by Federal law (post offices and other Federal sites like military reservations.)

Ammo is widely available. After the great "ammo panic" of 2013 most of the Front Range sporting goods places stocked up. You can get a brick of .22lr for ~$20 or possibly less depending on where you go. There are also no restrictions on mail order ammo.

The most difficult thing about being a shooter on the front range is a lack of places to shoot. Public shooting ranges are very limited (Cherry Creek is the only one I'm aware of.) Other than that it's pricey indoor ranges or a LOOOONG drive to get to a nice outdoor range.

Hope that helps.

[Martinjmpr]

BTW not firearms related but while it's true that salaries are higher here on the front range, the Cost of Living is crazy high. Think: $1500 - $2000/month for a 2 bedroom apartment in a nice area. If you figure (as a general rule) that your housing should cost 1/4 to 1/3 of your gross income, that means that to afford a $1500/month place your household gross should be $72k.

My job is here and we own a home in Littleton, but as soon as I retire in about 7 years, the wife and I are getting the hell out of the front range and moving to someplace with fewer crowds and lower COL. We're considering anywhere between the Western Slope (Grand Junction area) all the way down to AZ and possibly even Texas.

[jenznat0r]

Awesome.

I lived in Aurora prior, I am familiar with Cherry Creek. I appreciate all your insight. That sounds kind of tricky with the magazines. What ranges in the area would you recommend? My biggest concern is my AR in 7.62x39 shoots a diet of steel case ammo. I know some ranges depending do not allow steel case ammo indoor or outdoors. Here we have an outdoor range 15 minutes west of town or we just shoot in the desert. It's pretty nice out here.

It's a tough one indeed. Pay is a lot lower here, but so is cost of living. What makes it hard is the opportunities are almost nonexistent unless you move to Boise, and even that's a small city at about 245k.

[Aloha_Shooter]

Lots of private ranges along the Front Range, both indoor and outdoor. In addition, if you live in El Paso County, there's an excellent public range just off Fort Carson. No problems with steel case, just pick up after yourself. What most of the ranges I've been at have a problem with is steel core since it screws up targets and backstops. There are also public lands you can shoot at but the antigunners are slowly encroaching on those.

[Irving]

Since no one had addressed it yet, your NFA items are good to go here.

[jenznat0r]

Thanks for the insight. I know Colorado is slowly becoming anti-gunner, hence my hesitation. All my wife's family lives there, and other than for school we have no ties to family or community out here in Idaho. A GOOD hourly job in Idaho pays 12-15 dollars an hour, and that's with some experience. Those jobs are almost nonexistent, and they go quick. As much as I'd love to finish out my education, my heart really isn't in my current major and at my current University, I am too far along to switch as I have too many credits. I've considered attending a trade school or apprenticing as a gunsmith (or attending the gunsmithing school in Colorado Springs), but academically I've just struggled the whole way. I even got an offer to be trained as a locksmith by a family friend out there if I was open to moving back.

Hindsight is also kind of 20/20. I finally convinced my wife to get her Idaho standard CWL....it'll be no good if we move.

[Irving]

School doesn't really teach one how to make money, just offers an expensive way to check boxes that employers require. When you start your own business, none of that applies. While there are still obstacles to starting your own business, they generally aren't academic.

[Martinjmpr]

Awesome.

I lived in Aurora prior, I am familiar with Cherry Creek. I appreciate all your insight. That sounds kind of tricky with the magazines. What ranges in the area would you recommend? My biggest concern is my AR in 7.62x39 shoots a diet of steel case ammo. I know some ranges depending do not allow steel case ammo indoor or outdoors. Here we have an outdoor range 15 minutes west of town or we just shoot in the desert. It's pretty nice out here.



There are only a few indoor ranges that even allow you to shoot rifles and NONE of them allow steel-core ammo. They don't even allow steel core pistol ammo (9mm.) Basically the only way to shoot steel core is to go to an outdoor range.

There is a free outdoor range in the Pawnee grasslands, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from Denver. There are a couple of DOW ranges I know of, one is near Hot Sulphur Springs, again 2+ hours from Denver. I've heard there is an outdoor shooting area near Keystone or maybe Breckenridge (something about the dump?) or maybe it was Frisco.

There are a few designated shooting areas in the National Forests. Again, expect to drive a fair distance to get to one (Harris Park is probably the closest, it's between Conifer and Bailey.) Sadly, between shooting accidents and mountains of trash left by Cletus Spucker's slack-jawed cousins, many of the public areas are in danger of being shut down by the USFS.

[jenznat0r]

School doesn't really teach one how to make money, just offers an expensive way to check boxes that employers require. When you start your own business, none of that applies. While there are still obstacles to starting your own business, they generally aren't academic.

I basically go to school forcibly for that reason. Society has told me in order to make more money, I need a piece of paper that says I'm capable of a pay increase. I'm just at a really tough point at my life right now. I'm 32, I'm married with 2 kids, and all I want at the end of the day is to comfortably provide for my family. Maybe not lavishly, but enough to buy a safe home and have what we need. That's really my selfless wish, and I find it funny that I've tried school very unsuccessfully since I was 18 on and off. Yet I keep re-enrolling every time thinking it's going to be different this time, and it never is. I honestly don't know the secret to making that happen for me individually.

[jenznat0r]

There are only a few indoor ranges that even allow you to shoot rifles and NONE of them allow steel-core ammo. They don't even allow steel core pistol ammo (9mm.) Basically the only way to shoot steel core is to go to an outdoor range.

There is a free outdoor range in the Pawnee grasslands, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from Denver. There are a couple of DOW ranges I know of, one is near Hot Sulphur Springs, again 2+ hours from Denver. I've heard there is an outdoor shooting area near Keystone or maybe Breckenridge (something about the dump?) or maybe it was Frisco.

There are a few designated shooting areas in the National Forests. Again, expect to drive a fair distance to get to one (Harris Park is probably the closest, it's between Conifer and Bailey.) Sadly, between shooting accidents and mountains of trash left by Cletus Spucker's slack-jawed cousins, many of the public areas are in danger of being shut down by the USFS.

Steel CORE or steel CASE ammo? Crap, that really sucks....I have a LOT of that particular ammo.

[CS1983]

Moving is not going to fix your real problem, which is career direction and advancement potential in conjunction with financial stability. Fix the first two aspects first and then move if an opportunity meets the financial goals. You have a wife and child(ren?). Leave the passion and joy for your hobbies until you are on a solid career path and then pivot from there.

Additionally, if you are “too far along” to switch majors, then just finish the degree and move on afterwards. Otherwise you will have wasted that time and money.

Focus on the 50 meter target. Colorado, for better or worse, is a long range goal.

Consider Arkansas or Oklahoma, too.

What’s your academic major?

[Martinjmpr]

Steel CORE or steel CASE ammo? Crap, that really sucks....I have a LOT of that particular ammo.

IIRC a lot of of the cheap steel-case Russian ammo is also steel core.

Bottom line is, if a magnet sticks to it, you can't shoot it at an indoor range. Part of that, IMO, is ranges who want to make extra $$ by selling you THEIR ammo vs. cheap Russian ammo, but there is also a legitimate concern that steel-core ammo can damage the back stops in a way that lead core ammo doesn't.

Damage to the backstops requires costly repairs and of course, the range is out of service when repairs are being made so they lose twice - the cost of the repair + the lost income from not being able to use the range.

I imagine that most shooting ranges probably run on tight budgets so it makes sense for them to be very risk averse when it comes to what ammo they allow. So while I don't like the blanket "if it sticks to a magnet you can't shoot it" policy, I can understand it.

[Irving]

Yep, ^^ I went to college knowing the whole time I never intended on using my degree beyond being able to put it on a resume.

[jenznat0r]

Moving is not going to fix your real problem, which is career direction and advancement potential in conjunction with financial stability. Fix the first two aspects first and then move if an opportunity meets the financial goals. You have a wife and child(ren?). Leave the passion and joy for your hobbies until you are on a solid career path and then pivot from there.

Additionally, if you are “too far along” to switch majors, then just finish the degree and move on afterwards. Otherwise you will have wasted that time and money.

Focus on the 50 meter target. Colorado, for better or worse, is a long range goal.

Consider Arkansas or Oklahoma, too.

What’s your academic major?

I'm a history major. It's a pretty long story, but I switched my major 5 times before I settled on it. I originally had plans to become an attorney and attend law school, but I took the LSAT and scored pretty low. My current transcript is also riddled with mixed grades and W's from my current and prior schools I transferred from, so I honestly don't think grad school or beyond is possible for me anymore. I had kind of an academic crisis this summer, as I took an internship at a law firm. I walked into that internship really wholeheartedly wanting to take that path, and I walked out not wanting to become an attorney anymore. I had a great experience there and got great references, but it threw a wrench in my plans. Some of it was combined with my low LSAT score and just a bitter taste in my mouth about my mixed success in school. My biggest feeling is I have no idea what to do with my degree after graduation if I were to finish. Unlike other majors, history teaches you general academic concepts that require you to go to even higher education to make money.

I have one more hope of staying in Idaho, and that's transferring to a paralegal studies program at ISU. I really do love the idea of working in the law, but not necessarily as an attorney.

Trying to get slightly back on topic, firearms ownership and the hobby has been kind of a big distractor from my studies as well. I love it, but as a student I've been fortunate and unfortunate to build and enjoy a collection during a crucial time in my life.

What's really scary to me is I'm a senior with 3 semesters left. IDK how I've been able to get this far, but I am having a lot of mixed feelings about finishing. It's not what I'm passionate about anymore, and I don't know what my academic plans would be after graduation.

[Martinjmpr]

I'm a history major. It's a pretty long story, but I switched my major 5 times before I settled on it. I originally had plans to become an attorney and attend law school, but I took the LSAT and scored pretty low. My current transcript is also riddled with mixed grades and W's from my current and prior schools I transferred from, so I honestly don't think grad school or beyond is possible for me anymore. I had kind of an academic crisis this summer, as I took an internship at a law firm. I walked into that internship really wholeheartedly wanting to take that path, and I walked out not wanting to become an attorney anymore. I had a great experience there and got great references, but it threw a wrench in my plans. Some of it was combined with my low LSAT score and just a bitter taste in my mouth about my mixed success in school. My biggest feeling is I have no idea what to do with my degree after graduation if I were to finish. Unlike other majors, history teaches you general academic concepts that require you to go to even higher education to make money.


PM sent.

[jenznat0r]

PM sent.

I don't see it in my inbox.

[Martinjmpr]

Try again. Just sent it.

[spqrzilla]

I had kind of an academic crisis this summer, as I took an internship at a law firm. I walked into that internship really wholeheartedly wanting to take that path, and I walked out not wanting to become an attorney anymore.

Far far better to realize this before going to law school.

[Martinjmpr]

Definitely finish your degree. Even if you never "use" it (in the sense of "working" in that field) the fact that you received it puts you in line ahead of those who didn't.

If you're not locked into the Denver area, consider CO Springs and even Pueblo as well. They have robust economies and a lower cost of living. Heck, there are people at my office in Lakewood who commute from CO Springs. Seems crazy to me but they make it work, somehow.

If it wasn't for the weather I'd consider CO Springs for a possible retirement location. Traffic can be awful in CO Springs but then again, that's true of Denver and anywhere up to Fort Collins as well.

[WETWRKS]

Almost no one ends up working in the area that they get their degree. Get the degree so you have that as proof you are "educated". Then look into work. It will likely not even be in that area of study.

[ray1970]

I don?t mean this to be harsh but at your age you should be done getting educated and on to working by now.

I get how there is some merit to some sort of degree but I know a lot of people (myself included) who never went to college and still managed to make a decent living.

Being willing to work hard, having a positive attitude, being dependable, and at least having a decent head on your shoulders goes a long ways to a successful career path.

[Martinjmpr]

I don?t mean this to be harsh but at your age you should be done getting educated and on to working by now.

I get how there is some merit to some sort of degree but I know a lot of people (myself included) who never went to college and still managed to make a decent living.

Being willing to work hard, having a positive attitude, being dependable, and at least having a decent head on your shoulders goes a long ways to a successful career path.

I don't agree at all. Not everyone follows the same path to get to where they are going. At 32 I was 10 years into a military career before I decided I'd gone as far in the Clinton-drawdown era military as I was likely to go at that point. So I left active duty and went back to college. I ultimately got my BA when I was 38 and my JD at 43 and didn't start working in my current "career" job until I was 44.

Now it's true I was single at the time which made a big difference - If I'd had a family I might not have had that option and that is the situation the OP is in.

Still, there are lots of people who don't go the "traditional" route and still manage to do OK.

At least the OP is actively searching for something fulfilling, it seems like lots of people just end up going with the flow and end up blowing up in a mid-life crisis in their 40's because they never did what they truly WANTED to do, but rather they did what "everyone else" told them they were SUPPOSED to do.

[WETWRKS]

My father had a college degree. Worked as a trouble shooter for a shoe store chain. When I hit first grade he bought and ran an A&W in north Wyoming. Ran that till I was entering high school. Then went back to school to become a pastor. So...at about 35 completely started over and graduated at 39

[rondog]

Funny, you're talking about moving here, and I'm dreaming of moving THERE.....

[jenznat0r]

I don't agree at all. Not everyone follows the same path to get to where they are going. At 32 I was 10 years into a military career before I decided I'd gone as far in the Clinton-drawdown era military as I was likely to go at that point. So I left active duty and went back to college. I ultimately got my BA when I was 38 and my JD at 43 and didn't start working in my current "career" job until I was 44.

Now it's true I was single at the time which made a big difference - If I'd had a family I might not have had that option and that is the situation the OP is in.

Still, there are lots of people who don't go the "traditional" route and still manage to do OK.

At least the OP is actively searching for something fulfilling, it seems like lots of people just end up going with the flow and end up blowing up in a mid-life crisis in their 40's because they never did what they truly WANTED to do, but rather they did what "everyone else" told them they were SUPPOSED to do.

Yeah, that's exactly where I am at. I am trying to find something I look FORWARD to doing every day, not something I hate. I will say this about my internship, I ended up deciding becoming a full-fledged attorney was not for me. But I loved working somewhere where for once I was respected and not treated like garbage. It was an unpaid internship, my work was valued, I got great feedback from the attorney I worked for, and I actually enjoyed the work so much I made it a point to come into work early. I don't think I've ever had a job like that in my life ever where there was a sense of community and general respect between coworkers. I've worked in auto parts sales, a dealership, and even as a package handler at DIA for FedEx prior to returning to Idaho. Talk about jobs where you're treated rough and considered expendable. I guess wherever I work, I know there will be stress. However, I'd like to make a difference and work somewhere where my work and time is valued like at my internship prior. Other than becoming a Paralegal, I haven't found that niche yet.

[jenznat0r]

Funny, you're talking about moving here, and I'm dreaming of moving THERE.....

I honestly don't want to move if I don't have to. But the cold hard facts are there are simply more jobs and more opportunity in Colorado than here. Idaho has a population of 1.8million, and Boise is about under 300k in population. It's a really small city with limited opportunity. I live on the Eastern side of the state near Wyoming, and the opportunities are even less. There is literally nothing for 4 hours in this state between Idaho Falls/Pocatallo and Boise. The gun culture here is a paradise. But my options for staying here permanently I am not seeing right at the moment. Even if I were to finish my degree, I don't even know how it would translate into living and staying in Idaho.

[fitz19d]

Ignoring all the other replies, in my opinion, I'd avoid coming here unless you have a specific work opportunity. And depending on skillset there are plenty. The existing gun laws are don't truly prevent much yet, however the state has turned solid blue and there's a long list of things that have been going downhill especially in the last 5 years or so.

[CS1983]

My FIL has a JD. an internship at a law practice turned him off to being a practicing attorney, but he instead segued those skills researching law surrounding environmental issues for reclaimed military land.

A JD is way more than being an ambulance chaser or Erin Brockovich, or even My Cousin Vinny. It’s a skill set, like a history major, which can transfer into all walks of life.

However, you need to finish your degree even if you decide to learn guitar and busk at the 16th st. mall.

[jenznat0r]

Ignoring all the other replies, in my opinion, I'd avoid coming here unless you have a specific work opportunity. And depending on skillset there are plenty. The existing gun laws are don't truly prevent much yet, however the state has turned solid blue and there's a long list of things that have been going downhill especially in the last 5 years or so.

Idaho is one of the fastest growing states in the Union right now. Most of the incoming population are former Californians like me. I don't consider myself a direct transplant, as I moved from CA to ID, then lived in CO and back to ID. I've said this publicly on my personal Facebook that if I can find a way I will join the fight with fellow Idahoans to keep this state conservative as long as I am a resident. But where I end up permanently is really in the air at this point.

I really hate to seem pessimistic though, but they are already pushing bills through the state here like medicaid expansion which have passed. Californians (not me) have a tendency to leave the places they came from and vote for the same oppressive laws and rules in the states they move to, making it essentially another California. It may take a lot longer here, but there will start to be a shift here as well.

[Gman]

If you think Californians have screwed up Idaho, just wait until you see Colorado.

[Aloha_Shooter]

Bottom line is, if a magnet sticks to it, you can't shoot it at an indoor range.

True

Part of that, IMO, is ranges who want to make extra $$ by selling you THEIR ammo vs. cheap Russian ammo, but there is also a legitimate concern that steel-core ammo can damage the back stops in a way that lead core ammo doesn't.

I can't speak to ranges up north but the concern at Whistling Pines in Colorado Springs and the Cheyenne Mountain Gun Range near Fort Carson is purely about damage to the backstops or targets. I've only ever seen them use the magnet test on the bullet itself, not the case.

[jenznat0r]

True


I can't speak to ranges up north but the concern at Whistling Pines in Colorado Springs and the Cheyenne Mountain Gun Range near Fort Carson is purely about damage to the backstops or targets. I've only ever seen them use the magnet test on the bullet itself, not the case.

I hate to reveal my source, but what about some stuff like this if you have an AR in 7.62x39 like me? Do you think you could shoot stuff like this out there at an indoor range?

https://www.classicfirearms.com/tula-ul076215-762x39-122gr-fmj-range-friendly-1000rd-case/

They sell it individually, I may get some depending.

[jenznat0r]

If you think Californians have screwed up Idaho, just wait until you see Colorado.

No need to explain haha, I used to live there for about a year and a half combined. Although, I wasn't as politically active or a firearms owner back then.

I remember coming home from working at DIA back in early 2017 late one night off an overnight shift. I was at a light and literally in the car next to me someone was lighting up their bong as the light was turning green. I get it's legal there, but jeez, use some discretion and do it at home when you're not driving.

[Mtneer]

I made my degree work because, at the time, CU allowed you to create your own degree (individually structured major). Wasn't easy but I felt like I actually got the education I paid for. Since then, the world has changed and I've moved on but no fault of the degree.

FWIW if you still have any inkling for law school, water law is your honey ticket. Fascinating subject that will only grow in value with your knowledge.

[Great-Kazoo]

What's really scary to me is I'm a senior with 3 semesters left. IDK how I've been able to get this far, but I am having a lot of mixed feelings about finishing. It's not what I'm passionate about anymore, and I don't know what my academic plans would be after graduation.


IMO you're foolish with only 3 left to depart that area. But transferring to another college in ID could help



I basically go to school forcibly for that reason. Society has told me in order to make more money, I need a piece of paper that says I'm capable of a pay increase. I'm just at a really tough point at my life right now. I'm 32, I'm married with 2 kids, and all I want at the end of the day is to comfortably provide for my family. Maybe not lavishly, but enough to buy a safe home and have what we need. That's really my selfless wish, and I find it funny that I've tried school very unsuccessfully since I was 18 on and off. Yet I keep re-enrolling every time thinking it's going to be different this time, and it never is. I honestly don't know the secret to making that happen for me individually.


Well IMO (once again) if you move to CO. The odds of making more than $12-15 hrly wage are not happening, as an entry level position. You haven't said what skills, other than a disillusioned college student, you have. THOSE skills could get you a better starting wage in CO.

Not sure what your expectations are for living accommodations. However unless you can afford say $2k monthly rent, or a $350K home. Plan on living with her relatives, for a longggggggg time.

Or become one of the many one reads about, living out of their vehicle, looking for a job they can support them self and their family on.



I hate to reveal my source, but what about some stuff like this if you have an AR in 7.62x39 like me? Do you think you could shoot stuff like this out there at an indoor range?

https://www.classicfirearms.com/tula-ul076215-762x39-122gr-fmj-range-friendly-1000rd-case/

They sell it individually, I may get some depending.

Source? That stuff is all over the web as well as most gun stores in CO. It's nothing special out of the other x39 available and NO you cannot shoot it indoors. It's not steel case. It's a bimetal jacket over a lead bullet. However a magnet will stick to it, preventing discharge at an indoor range
Unless you have green / steel case norinco from the 80's the days of actual steel core bullets are gone.





I believe you and your wife should sit down. Discuss every option available as well as financial status, before relocating to CO. As a former resident of CO, based on the freedom and small population you have in Rexberg. You may have a hard time getting comfortable along the front range of CO.

[jenznat0r]

IMO you're foolish with only 3 left to depart that area. But transferring to another college in ID could help





Well IMO (once again) if you move to CO. The odds of making more than $12-15 hrly wage are not happening, as an entry level position. You haven't said what skills, other than a disillusioned college student, you have. THOSE skills could get you a better starting wage in CO.

Not sure what your expectations are for living accommodations. However unless you can afford say $2k monthly rent, or a $350K home. Plan on living with her relatives, for a longggggggg time.

Or become one of the many one reads about, living out of their vehicle, looking for a job they can support them self and their family on.




Source? That stuff is all over the web as well as most gun stores in CO. It's nothing special out of the other x39 available and NO you cannot shoot it indoors. It's not steel case. It's a bimetal jacket over a lead bullet. However a magnet will stick to it, preventing discharge at an indoor range
Unless you have green / steel case norinco from the 80's the days of actual steel core bullets are gone.





I believe you and your wife should sit down. Discuss every option available as well as financial status, before relocating to CO. As a former resident of CO, based on the freedom and small population you have in Rexberg. You may have a hard time getting comfortable along the front range of CO.

I honestly don't know what I am doing at this point. I am very undecided also to what to do. I'd keep up the fight and continue on with my major, but I've learned often that sometimes you can't output when you're input is lacking. I've considered deferring one semester to work locally just to clear my head and see what I truly want. That is an option too.

Currently, I am giving it my all in my current semester. I have also applied for a Paralegal Studies program at Idaho State University as a transfer student, and am waiting to see if I get accepted. So I am weighing out that option too. It's my hope I'll have a decision by the end of the year. Thankfully, my University finishes up on December 18th. I'm going back to Southern California and Disneyland for the holidays, and I'm hoping a break from some of my struggles will help clear my head too.

It was an idea at best, and we have come connections back there. But I get where everyone is coming from about logistics, freedom, and cost. I've learned many times in life, that sometimes when you're out of answers, you outreach and mentor with those who are wiser and have more insight than you. That wasn't my original intent of this post, but I guess it has evolved into that.

[sroz]

Awesome.

I lived in Aurora prior, I am familiar with Cherry Creek. I appreciate all your insight. That sounds kind of tricky with the magazines. What ranges in the area would you recommend? My biggest concern is my AR in 7.62x39 shoots a diet of steel case ammo. I know some ranges depending do not allow steel case ammo indoor or outdoors. Here we have an outdoor range 15 minutes west of town or we just shoot in the desert. It's pretty nice out here.

It's a tough one indeed. Pay is a lot lower here, but so is cost of living. What makes it hard is the opportunities are almost nonexistent unless you move to Boise, and even that's a small city at about 245k.

Triple-J in Littleton allows steel case ammo.

[Irving]

It was an idea at best, and we have come connections back there. But I get where everyone is coming from about logistics, freedom, and cost. I've learned many times in life, that sometimes when you're out of answers, you outreach and mentor with those who are wiser and have more insight than you. That wasn't my original intent of this post, but I guess it has evolved into that.

I think your intro thread is going pretty well. I could be worse. https://www.ar-15.co/threads/176297-The-Goat-!?p=2246554#post2246554

[cstone]

Have you ever had a job you enjoyed? Enjoyed enough that you didn't hate it all of the time?

Finish school if it wouldn't drive you deeper into debt. IMO your first obligation is to your family. What will be best for your children and your wife? If you don't or can't finish school, find a trade. Plumbers, welders, electricians make more than most college graduates.

Colorado, Idaho, Arizona, California, Maryland, these are just places and I wouldn't move my family unless there was a good reason with very strong prospects waiting for me and my family.

I wish you luck. Be safe.

[earplug]

August 2019 I took a trip to Idaho from Colorado Springs to check out the housing and job market. If I were you i'd stay where you are. The front range of Colorado is just like the West Coast. The good places are next to the edge of the mountains or ocean. The roads are geographically limited on location.
California is bleeding population. The housing market that I observed was rising in Boise and along the Snake River. The Jackson Hole money was spilling over.
Much of Colorado is already in somebody else pocket. Then they make you pay to play. Toll roads, Park Fees and more fees.
You might try Northern Utah for a look see.

[FoxtArt]

If your problem with school is the "pace" check out WGU. Flat semester fee, take all you can handle, regionally accredited, online. Teaching degrees and IT degrees are popular, IT usually includes 10+ certs. Work hard enough and you can get a
BS for under $4,000 start to finis...even in six months if you were a ball buster.

Holding a baby..hard to post. wants kb

[jenznat0r]

I think your intro thread is going pretty well. I could be worse. https://www.ar-15.co/threads/176297-The-Goat-!?p=2246554#post2246554

I guess because unlike the OP in that post, I’m a legit firearms owner who despite being a student is genuinely outreaching and struggling to find his way in life....all I want at the end of the day is to find my way as a human being and that my family supports me in the process.

It’s looking more and more like I will stay in Idaho, but since I’m here and own an AR-15 and other guns, might as well stay here and get support right? Laws may be very different, but the platforms are the same.

As mentioned, I lived in Colorado for a year and a half. I owned a 2004 Audi S4 while I was there that was heavily modified with a GIAC stage one tune done by Shaus Motorsport in Aurora. I worked two full time jobs supporting my German car habit and my family. Before it was guns, it was cars. It’s always been something. I do have good memories in Colorado. Sometimes I wish I could track down the current owner in Golden and buy it back...I realized when I was going back to school as a student that my s4 was going to be hard to work on in rural Idaho, so I sold it before I left...

[theGinsue]

Whether you decide to move back to CO, or stay in Idaho, you are always welcome here. While a greater number of our non-Co members were originally CO residents who chose to move away for work or to flee what this state is turning into, this isn't the case for all of them.

While we are CO centric, there is always lots of info that folks all around the country can participate in.