Lawmakers in the state are poised to pass a measure that would, with a few exceptions, outlaw the use of detachable ammunition magazines. By doing so, it would make it illegal to buy, sell and manufacture a wide range of firearm models, including rifles, shotguns, pistols and some handguns. Detachable magazines are devices that allow shooters to reload and fire bullets more quickly. Without them, gun users would have to load bullets into the chamber one by one. The bill's supporters say the legislation is necessary to limit the damage inflicted during mass shootings.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis Thursday signed a controversial gun control bill that requires a permit and safety training to buy firearms that accept detachable magazines.

At its core, it is a blanket firearm ban, prohibiting the sale, purchase, transfer, and manufacture of semi-automatic rifles, shotguns and gas-operated pistols that can accept a detachable magazine. The language around pistols is very nuanced as it tries to exempt those that also use recoil operations, but ultimately the Colorado Attorney General would have the power to further “clarify” what is banned. Firearms with fixed magazines holding 15 rounds or less are exempt, as are firearms with a detachable magazine permanently affixed (like with epoxy or weld, according to the bill sponsors). There is no clear definition of “permanently affixed,” again, the attorney general would be in charge of further clarifying that.