Carrying Weapons
Offensive weapons are illegal in Iowa and
cannot be owned or carried by the general
population. To carry a dangerous weapon
concealed on or about your person, a valid
permit to carry weapons is required.
♦ Offensive weapons - machine guns, short
barreled rifles (less than 16” in length) and
shotguns (barrels less than 18” in length or
overall length less than 26”), other weapons
which fire a projectile and have a barrel
6/10th of an inch or greater in diameter,
bombs, grenades, firearm silencers, mines,
poison gas, rockets with more than four
ounces of propellant, ballistic knives,
exploding shells and similar items.
♦ Dangerous weapons - devices designed
primarily for use in inflicting death or injury
including, but not limited to, offensive
weapons, pistols, revolvers, other firearms,
daggers, razors, stilettos, switchblade
knives, or any knife with a blade exceeding
five inches.
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Ammunition Restrictions
Iowa law prohibits the possession of:
♦ exploding bullets (classified as offensive
weapons in 724.1 and prohibited in 724.3)
♦ fireball type ammunition, also known as
dragon’s breath (classified as offensive
weapons in 724.1 and prohibited in 724.3)
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Acquiring and Possessing Firearms in Iowa
The acquisition and possession of firearms in
Iowa are regulated by both federal and state law.
All requirements must be met.
Federal Regulations – You may not acquire or
possess a firearm if you:
♦ Are under indictment for or have been
convicted of a felony
♦ Are a fugitive from justice
♦ Are an unlawful user of or are addicted to
any controlled substance
♦ Have been adjudicated as a mental defective
or have been committed to a mental
institution
♦ Are an illegal alien
♦ Have been discharged from the Armed
Forces under dishonorable conditions
♦ Have renounced your US citizenship
♦ Are subject to a court order that restrains you
from harassing, stalking or threatening your
intimate partner, your child, or the child of
your intimate partner
♦ Have been convicted of a misdemeanor
crime of domestic violence
Iowa Regulations – Iowa law contains additional
minimum requirements for permits to carry and
permits to acquire. You do not qualify if you:
♦ Are under the age of 18 for permit to carry or
under the age of 21 for permit to acquire
(see Juveniles and Firearms section in this
brochure)
♦ Are addicted to the use of alcohol or any
controlled substance
♦ Have a history of repeated acts of violence
♦ Constitute a danger to any person as
determined by the issuing officer (permit to
carry)
♦ Have ever been convicted of any of the
following in chapter 708 of the Iowa Code:
~ domestic abuse
~ hate crime
~ assault on a peace officer, jailer,
correctional staff member, fire fighter or
health care provider
~ setting a spring gun or trap
~ hazing
~ stalking
Iowa Sheriffs and the Commissioner of the Iowa
Department of Public Safety may impose
additional requirements for permits to carry.
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