Iowa, also known as the Hawkeye state has some of the most refined and clear laws about possession of guns in the state. Here we will learn about the stateโs gun laws, especially relating to concealed carry. While also reviewing the best training classes across the state.
Iowa Concealed Carry Laws
Both open and concealed carry of firearms within state limits require a permit, known as the Permit to Carry Weapons (PCW). No permit is required to open carry outside city limits.
Permits are classified as professional and non-professional. Professional permits are granted to individuals at least 18 years of age employed in a capacity legally justifying the use of firearms. Whereas non-professional permits are issued to individuals at least 21 years of age.
Non-professional permits are issued by the county sheriff, and professional permits are issued by the Department of Public Safety. Iowa grants permit to both residents and non-residents.
Applying for a PCW requires the applicant to complete a state-approved training course. Which should include handgun safety training.
You cannot carry a loaded firearm in your vehicle without a permit. โNo weaponโ signs do not stand enforced in the state. However, federal and state restrictions for carry-locations still apply.
The fee for the initial application is $50 and $25 for renewals. The processing time is 30 days and a permit stays valid for 5 years from the date of the issue.
Iowa is a โshall issueโ state that follows โCastle Doctrineโ and โStand Your Groundโ laws. Iowa recognizes permits from all other states and jurisdictions. Whereas it has reciprocity with 33 states.
List of the Best Iowa Concealed Carry Classes
We have shortlisted and reviewed the best concealed carry classes available in the state of Iowa across different locations. Some of these classes are available statewide, whereas others are city specific.
1. Iowa- Gun Class
Contact Info
Our Review of the Program
Gun class is a nationwide training institute that helps people obtain firearm training for permit applications or otherwise. Their classes are available across every major city/area in Iowa with an easy to reach location.
Being a national level training provider, they follow the best practices and maintain perfect quality in their curriculum and training methods.
This will be a live class. Online options are not available. The class is very informative and covers all topics in detail. The classroom is not cluttered with seats and you have ample space to sit comfortably and focus on the class.
The class has been designed alike for beginners and experienced shooters. Since it focuses more on the basics, as required by the state. You donโt have to bring a firearm as the state doesnโt need a live range session for qualification. However, the instructor will help you with selecting an appropriate handgun for yourself.
The class fees are middle of the road. Their precise training and prompt teaching environment justify the fees to a great extent. The instructors are very respectful, and this can be a great option for women and absolute beginners.
2. QCI Firearms Training
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Our Review of the Program
The concealed carry training course from QCI is a 4-hour course that qualifies you to apply for an Iowa and Florida permit. So thatโs two in one.
The fees for the training are perfect, given the knowledge and scope for the application you receive. While not an NRA approved course, it still meets all the state requirements for proper training.
The instructor is very knowledgeable and NRA certified with over 24 years of experience in law enforcement. SO you have the scope to learn some extra tips and tricks about dealing with law enforcement officers. You also get trained with realistic examples to infer the topics better.
The classes are located in Bettendorf at a very convenient location. The size of the training area is a bit squeezed, but you wonโt find it uncomfortable as lines are set up very precisely.
The course covers carry options for the states of IA and FL. Since the concealed carry laws for these two states are somewhat similar, you wonโt face problems remembering the information. You can also take the basic home defense courses offered by them to keep yourself prepared for such situations.
3. Davenport Guns & Shooting Club
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Our Review of the Program
Davenport guns and shooting club is a buzzing and happening place in the area. It is quite famous for its amazing gun range and quite an attraction for tourists visiting the area.
Class slots are readily available and can be booked via their website. The course is not NRA approved but is delivered by NRA certified instructors. The course is very comprehensive and covers all the details. While suiting the learning style of beginners and experienced shooters.
The club is a one-stop-shop that offers a lot of other courses related to defensive carry and self-defense training skills.
The course fee is very reasonable and cheaper than other classes in the area. Plus course dates can be rescheduled upon request. However, the fees are non-refundable in any case.
Classes run for a minimum of 2 hours and may extend 3 or more hours if the instructor deems fit. The course covers everything in detail with more emphasis on basic safety and proper handling of a handgun. State laws are also covered in detail and ensured to avoid any confusion.
Overall, a complete and amazing place that can be seen as a long term shop for all your gear and training needs.
4. Cedar Valley Outfitters
Contact Info
Our Review of the Program
Cedar valley outfitters in an amazing and knowledgeable group of men and women who bring great expertise into concealed carry training. This is a shop plus training setup with answers to all your problems.
The location offers the best gun training in the area with very polite and patient instructors. The classes are conducted on Wednesdays and occasionally on Sundays in Marion, Iowa. You also get an option for private one-on-one training at the comfort of your home. Prices for such can be discussed with them.
The fee for these classes may seem high, but thereโs a huge discount if you are enrolling for two at a time. The class covers the stateโs gun laws in extreme detail and ensures nothing important is left.
You also get some brief info on how to protect you inside and outside of your house with a handgun. While respecting the state laws and avoiding any hectic legal implications.
The class schedule is very prompt and registrations can be made via their website. Talking to the staff is a very pleasant experience. You can also inquire about purchasing weapons at their shop.
5. Rangemasters Training Center
Contact Info
Our Review of the Program
Rangemasters is a comprehensive training center specializing in more than 15 different classes. Ranging from basic handgun handling to krav maga self-defense training. Their training schedule is very promptly available and classes are conducted about four days every week.
The course covers all the basics of firearm handling. It may also include a range session. Although it is not required for an IA state carry permit, the training includes it just to make sure you get proper insights into using a handgun.
The course fee is similar to other institutes on this list. Plus you can pick up discounts upon enrolling for two or more members.
The course curriculum has been designed in line with NRA specifications and offers detailed information on the topics of concealed carry. Their classroom is state of the art and features a very comfortable and complete training environment.
Apart from the IA concealed carry permit course, they also offer 6 other types of classes. Including youth and women-only classes.
6. Herterโs Safe Carry
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Our Review of the Program
Jeff Herter, the owner and chief instructor of the class has been a state trooper for about 15 years till retiring in 2005. He has been working as an instructor for 25 years now and is certified by the NRA. He is among the most trusted and renowned firearm instructors in the area. Especially when it comes to concealed carry.
This 3-hour classroom session meets all the stateโs requirements and educates the participants on the basics of firearm handling. The part where Jeff teaches law is the most interesting. Since heโs been an LEO for many years and gives you real-life encounter examples to explain things better.
This is by far the cheapest concealed carry course in Iowa on our list. But being cheap doesnโt signal cheap quality. Itโs just a matter of luck for St. Wilton residents to have an amazing instructor imparting his knowledge at an unbelievable fee.
Jeff also teaches private classes and can come to your location. Discussions for schedule and price can be made by contacting him. If you are interested in a live range session, thereโs an option for that as well.
Jeff currently works with the state of Iowa as a criminal defense investigator. He also offers consultation on firearm and law-related topics for a small fee. The extract of this fact is that you can see these classes as a useful solution for your training and consultation needs in the future.
7. Crossroads Shooting Sports
Contact Info
Our Review of the Program
Crossroads shooting sports is one of the most popular shooting ranges and stores in the main Johnston area. The range is visited by many people each day and is popular for its design and facilities.
The staff and instructors are all very enthusiastic about firearms and pay great attention to the individual learning comfort of all participants. The price of their course is great and so are their other offerings. You can use their range with no hour limit for shooting sessions if you want to practice with a real firearm. But thatโs a different story.
The shop is a very happening place, and youโll get exposure to the firearm community. They have a lot of interesting events being organized on regular durations. Which gives you a chance to be an active member of the community.
Iowa Conceal Carry Classes Comparison
Compare the best concealed carry classes in Iowa and shortlist the best one for yourself based upon location and duration. Or you may contact them for more info.
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Conclusion
Iowa requires a permit for both open and concealed carry within state limits. It is a โshall issueโ state with โstand your groundโ laws. Applying for a permit requires the applicant to take proper training certification. A PCP in IA is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. The application fee is $50 for fresh applications and $25 for renewals.
People Also Ask
Check out our FAQ section for some quick answers related to the concealed carry permit in Iowa.
Is Iowa an Open Carry State?
Iowa allows open carry of firearms without a permit only outside city limits. For open or concealed carry inside city limits, you need to obtain a PCW (Permit to Carry a Weapon) from the sheriff or DPS.
What States Recognize Iowa Concealed Carry Permit?
A total of 33 states recognize Iowa concealed carry permits. 14 of these are permitless carry states. Others are AL, GA, IN, LA, MT, NC, ND, OH, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI, WY & Puerto Rico. CO, MI, FL, NE, and PA have restricted reciprocity with the state.
Can You Conceal Carry in Iowa State Parks?
Yes. You can conceal carry in Iowa state parks with a valid permit issued from IA or any other state.
How Long is Iowa Concealed Carry Certificate Good For?
A concealed carry certificate is good forever. However, you must not delay much between the training and application. A concealed carry permit in IA is good for 5 years.
What Are The Iowa Concealed Carry Permit Renewal Requirements?
A renewal can be applied for 30 days before or after the expiry date. Submit the completed form with your driverโs license at the respective authorityโs office along with the fee. No training has to be retaken for renewals during their validity.
Can I Take The Iowa Concealed Carry Class Online?
Yes. You can take the Iowa concealed carry class online. Or in person. Many training institutes offer both these options.
