Changes in concealed carry laws over the past ten years

[Robb]

4. It's a misleading. Gun advocates refer to CO as a "shall issue" state.

Technically, it is no such thing.

Sheriffs in this state have the ultimate authority on issuing concealed weapons permits, and may deny a permit if they have so much as a "reasonable belief that documented previous behavior by the applicant makes it likely the applicant will present a danger to self or others if the applicant receives a permit to carry a concealed handgun" (CRS C.R.S. 18-12-203) regardless of whether the applicant meets the rest of the criteria under the law.

I'm unfamiliar with other states' regulations, but I would think such latitude for sheriffs would qualify as "officials have discretion," e.g. no change since 2002. This casts some doubt IMO on the remainder of the states categorized here.