Iowa Gun & Ammo Laws: A 2nd Amendment Overview for Iowa Gun Owners

PLEASE NOTE: The laws which impact Iowa gun owners are subject to frequent change at the local, state, and federal level so it's wise to consult an attorney or your local law enforcement agency before making any final firearms-related decisions. Our official policy on shipping ammo to Iowa can be found here, whereas the information below is meant as a reference point only.

Iowa State Constitution

Iowa's state constitution has no specific clause regarding the right to keep and bear arms, but it does provide for "inalienable rights", that inlcudes the following:

All men and women are, by nature, free and equal, and have certain inalienable rights--among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety and happiness.

Iowa Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 1: Right of persons.

Other provisions relating to the power of the people over government:

All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for the protection, security, and benefit of the people, and they have the right, at all times, to alter or reform the same, whenever the public good may require it.

Iowa Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 2: Political power.

The people have the right freely to assemble together to counsel for the common good; to make known their opinions to their representatives and to petition for a redress of grievances.

Iowa Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 20: Right of assemblage - petition.

Iowa Gun Laws

Iowa Gun Laws Overview (Source: NRA-ILA)
Iowa Concealed Carry (CCW) Overview (Source: HandgunLaw.us)
Iowa Weapons Permit and Information and Forms (Source: Iowa Department of Public Safety)
Iowa Permit to Carry Weapons and Permit to Acquire a Pistol or Revolver Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (Source: Iowa Department of Public Safety)

Iowa Hunting Rules & Regulations

Hunting in Iowa (Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources)
Iowa Hunting and Trapping Regulations (Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources)
Iowa Hunting License Applications (Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources)
Go Outdoors Electronic Licensing System of Iowa (Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources)
Iowa Hunter Education Program (Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources)

Iowa Shooting Ranges

Iowa Shooting Ranges (Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources)
NSSF-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NSSF's WhereToShoot.org)
NRA-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NRA.org)

Iowa Competitive Shooting Clubs & Matches

IDPA Clubs (Source: IDPA.com)
IDPA Matches (Source: IDPA.com)
USPSA Clubs (Source: USPSA.org)
USPSA Matches (Source: USPSA.org)
USA Shooting Clubs (Source: USAShooting.org)
USA Shooting Matches (Source: USAShooting.org)
4-H Shooting Sports State Contacts (Source: 4-HShootingSports.org)

Iowa NRA Training Courses & Fundraising Events

Iowa NRA-Affiliated Training Courses (Source: NRA.org)
Iowa "Friends of NRA" Events & News (Source: FriendsofNRA.org)

Iowa State Firearm & Hunting Associations

Iowa State RIfle and Pistol Association (NRA-Affiliated)
Iowa Firearms Coalition (NRA-Affiliated)
Iowa Gun Owners (GOA-Affiliated)
Safari Club International Iowa Chapter (SCI-Affiliated)
Iowa Ducks Unlimited Chapter
Iowa Students for Concealed Carry (Source: ConcealedCampus.org)
Iowa Civilian Marksmanship Program (Source: TheCMP.org)
Iowa NRA-Affiliated State Association (Source: NRA.org)
Iowa Safari Club Affiliated State Association (Source: SafariClub.org)

Iowa Gun Shows and FFLs

Iowa Gun & Knife Shows (Source: GunShows-USA.com)
Iowa Gun Shows (Source: GunShowTrader.com)
Iowa FFL Holders (Source: FFLGunDealers.net)
NICS Firearm Checks by State (Source: FBI.gov)

Iowa's Yearly Ranking for Gun-Friendly States

Iowa Elected Public Officials

Congressional (Source: VoteSmart.org)
Gubernatorial (Source: VoteSmart.org)
State Legislature (Source: VoteSmart.org)
Statewide Officials (Source: VoteSmart.org)
NRA's Ranking of Iowa Public Officials (Source: NRA-PVF.org)

Iowa Public Finances and Personal & Economic Freedom Rankings

Iowa State Checkbook (Source: Open The Books)
Iowa State Employees (Source: Open The Books)
Iowa Personal & Economic Freedom Ranking (Source: CATO Institute)
Iowa Civil Asset Forfeiture (aka "Policing For Profit") Ranking (Source: Institute for Justice)

Iowa State Business Tax Climate Rankings

Iowa State Business Tax Climate Rank (Source: Tax Foundation)
Taxes in Iowa (Source: Tax Foundation)

Firearm Background Check Data

Background check types

The transaction types Permit, Permit Recheck, Handgun, Long Gun, Other, Multiple and Admin on the chart are for background checks initiated by an officially-licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) or criminal justice/law enforcement agency prior to the issuance of a firearm-related permit or transfer.

Multiple indicates a background check where more than one type of firearm is associated to a single background check.

Admin indicates the administrative checks that are for other authorized uses of the NICS.

Pre-Pawn background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees seeking to pledge or pawn a firearm.

Redemption background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to regain possession of a firearm after pledging or pawning a firearm as security at a pawn shop.

Private Sale background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to possess a firearm from a private party seller who is not an officially-licensed FFL.

Return to Seller-Private Sale background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to possess a firearm from a private party seller who is not an officially-licensed FFL.

Best Gun-Friendly States Ranking

Overall Freedom Ranking

Business Tax Climate Rankings

Gun and Ammo Laws by State

Popular Ammo Calibers and Brands

223 Ammo 7.62x39 Ammo 9mm Ammo 45 ACP Ammo 22 LR Ammo 12 Gauge Ammo 5.56x45 Ammo 308 Win Ammo 40 S&W Ammo 380 ACP Ammo 38 Spl Ammo 357 Mag Ammo