Iowa Gun Control Laws

Iowa has fairly very firearms laws, making it possible for most individuals to obtain and carry firearms easily. Possession and the carry of rifles and shotguns while unloaded are legal throughout Iowa. However, many handgun restrictions exist. Permits are required for the purchase and ability to carry handguns. The permit to carry handguns accounts for concealed or not concealed carry.

Carrying Guns and Possession Laws: Penalties & Regulations

• Carrying a firearm without a permit to one's knowledge or not, concealed or not, is an aggravated misdemeanor.
• Any unauthorized possession of a firearm is a Class D felony.
• Possessing a firearm in a location where it is accessible to children is considered a serious misdemeanor.

Requirements:

Iowa Gun Purchasing Laws

To purchase any a handgun in Iowa an individual must gain a permit. To purchase rifles and or shotguns, no permit is required. These permits are acquired through the county sheriff of the individual's given place of residence. The department of public safety requires that any individuals with a gun permit give provide their information.  

Penalties & Regulations for Unlawful Purchases

• Permits are invalid after one year, and must be renewed
• Using false information to obtain a weapon is a Class D felony
• Trafficking stolen weapons is a Class D felony. A second offense is a Class C felony

Requirements:

Firing Handguns and Self Defense

Use of deadly force with a firearm is legal in specific cases in the state of Iowa. If an attacker enters one's place of dwelling and is thought to have intent to kill, deadly force may be used. However, this may only occur in the defender's home. The only private property one may protect with deadly force is their home. Illegal acts involving deadly force in Iowa include:

• Use of deadly force in anyplace other than a private home, including if the attack is in the act of stealing one's car
• Use of a firearm across a road way or railway
• If the defender initiated in the conflict

Legal Help

As, Iowa has almost no regulations acting on the possession, sale and use of rifles and shotguns, few charges are common for their use. However, the use of handguns is heavily controlled.  Carriers of handguns should proceed only with confirmed legal knowledge of their possession and carry rights in a given area. Common firearm law infractions in Iowa are:

• Firearm possession by convicted felon
• Concealed handgun carry without proper permit
• Improper storage of firearms while traveling