Many of the inmates in the study sample argued that more guns and greater gun availability would result in more violent crime. Reasons inmates viewed Colorado’s shall-issue law negatively focused mostly on increased crime while also mentioning other objections such as more gang members possessing guns, and the possible negative interaction of more guns and alcohol/drug use and mental states. In the United States, firearms and the freedom or regulation surrounding their possession and use have always been controversial issues. Many States have recently adopted “shall-issue” gun laws making it easier for applicants to receive permits for carrying concealed weapons. This policy shift is based on assumptions regarding criminal behavior and positive consequences of the change. The Colorado legislature passed the “shall-issue” law in 2003. This study presents the results of an examination of the views and reactions of gun offenders in the context of the Colorado shall-issue law. Table, notes, and references