Gun Safety Courses in Iowa

Iowa offers firearm safety education course as part of a hunter education program. Basic firearm safety courses are available for personal protection and to fulfill Iowa’s firearms safety training requirements for a concealed weapon permit. There are also optional safety courses in Iowa that teach advanced firearm safety. Gun safety courses will not only teach you how to learn to use a gun safely, but also how to deal with situations where a gun may be used against you.

Self Defense

• Iowa offers basic gun safety courses that teach basic shooting skills and range safety procedures. Advanced firearm safety course teach specific instruction for rifle, shotguns and handguns including the safe handling of semi-automatic weapons. Advanced courses also teach defensive shooting skills, should you need to use your gun for protection. Most advanced courses require a basic courses as a prerequisite.

Hunter Safety

• Iowa law mandates anyone born after January 1, 1967 complete a 10-hour hunter firearm safety education course before they can obtain a hunting license. The course is offered through the state's Department of Natural Resources office and is free of charge. For more information visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website.

Concealed Carry

• Iowa law requires you take a firearms safety training course approved by the Iowa Public Safety Commission before you can be issued a permit to carry a concealed weapon. The courses are designed to take a novice from the basics of firearms safety through proficiency. Once the course is completed the you will be able to obtain an Iowa permit that is also valid in some other states through reciprocal agreements. It is your responsibility to know which states have the agreements in place.