Paradise Sales

Paul and Sue Paradis have been running Paradise Sales since the early 2000s, operating out of their downtown Colorado Springs location near Old Colorado City at 605 W Colorado Ave. Paul is an Army veteran with real credentials: he's worked as a ballistics forensics expert for Colorado's Public Defenders office, testified in criminal trials, and co-written publications on handgun safety and forensics.

Retail Firearms & FFL Transfers - Licensed Title 1 dealer (License #: 5-84-041-01-6H-12917) - Can handle Class 3 NFA firearms with tax stamp - Accept transfers from other dealers (not internet purchases) - Transfer fees paid in cash only due to credit card processing costs - Colorado state and city sales taxes apply unless already paid at source dealer

NRA-Certified Training Classes

They run classes monthly (except December) with in-depth classroom and range instruction:

What's Included in Classes: - Eye and ear protection (you keep them) - Loaner firearms available - 1-on-1 instruction on the range with certified NRA instructors - All classroom materials - Classes run Friday nights (6 PM-11:45 PM), Saturday afternoons (1 PM-10:30 PM), and Sunday range days (8:30 AM-6 PM)

Classes use Cactus Flats Shooting Range in Penrose, CO (about 40 minutes south). The group meets at the store at 8:30 AM and drives down together, arriving around 9:30 AM. Range day runs roughly 8 hours, so dress for the weather and bring sunscreen. Long sleeves recommended to avoid hot brass.

• •Cactus Flats Contact: 719-372-3600 (located at 4312 Co Rd 123, Penrose)

Beyond running the shop, Paul has legitimate credentials that set this place apart:

• •Army Veteran with hands-on weapons training background
• •Military Training: Assisted 4th Brigade Support Battalion with weapons training; provided law enforcement instruction to 759th Military Police Battalion at Fort Carson. Received Army Certificates of Achievement for both.
• •Ballistics Expert: Serves as a forensics expert for Colorado Public Defenders office. Has testified in criminal trials as an expert witness.
• •Published: Co-wrote "Human Factors Issues in Handgun Safety and Forensics" and "Accidental Shootings: Gun Design and Training Issues"
• •Public Speaker: Presented at Federal Paralegal and Investigator Seminars on ballistics and toolmark identification. Spoke at ACLU Winter Forum on 2nd Amendment rights.
• •Gun Rights Advocate: NRA member, Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition member. Has given interviews to local news outlets and newspapers on gun rights issues.

"Paul himself is an Army veteran who is passionate about 2nd amendment rights issues."

Call (719) 630-7070 or stop by the store. Classes fill quickly—don't wait. The shop recommends calling or visiting in person to secure your spot as soon as possible.

Store Location: 605 W Colorado Ave Colorado Springs, CO 80905 Phone: (719) 630-7070

The shop maintains classroom rules and expects students to show up on time, follow range safety protocols, and take the training seriously. This isn't a casual operation—you're learning from instructors with military and forensics backgrounds.