As the national debate regarding gun control and gun ownership shows no signs of cooling down any time soon, states are left to balance both sides in their regulatory statutes. Although the Second Amendment permits citizens to keep and bear arms, states are permitted to outlaw certain weapons and accessories, like sawed-off shotguns, machine guns, and silencers, all illegal under Iowa law. This is an introduction to gun control laws in Iowa.
Gun Control Laws in Iowa
State gun control laws restrict the sale, ownership, and use of firearms. While the Hawkeye State imposes no waiting period for gun purchases, buyers must be of the legal age to purchase, can't have a felony conviction on their record, and are limited to certain types of firearms.
Iowa Gun Statutes
The chart below lists the details of Iowa’s gun control statutes.
| Code Section | Iowa Code 724.1, et seq.: Weapons |
| Illegal Arms | Offensive weapons: machine guns, short-barreled rifle or shotgun; any weapon other than shotgun or muzzle-loading rifle, cannon, pistol, revolver, or musket, which fires or can be made to fire a projectile by the explosion of a propellant charge which has a barrel of more than six-tenths of an inch in diameter; any bullet containing any explosive mixture capable of exploding upon impact; silencer |
| Waiting Period | None |
| Who May Not Own | 1. Convicted felon; 2. under 18 yrs. old; 3. addicted to the use of alcohol ar any controlled substance; 4. history of repeated acts of violence; 5. issuing officer reasonably determines applicant constitutes a danger to any person; 6. convicted of a crime defined in chapter 708 |
| Law Prohibiting Firearms On or Near School Grounds | Felony. 724.4B; 724.4A |
The state of Iowa's gun laws coincide with federal firearms statutes that also regulate gun ownership by restricting the kinds of guns a person may legally own. As mentioned above, the Second Amendment allows citizens to own firearms, but the government (both state and federal) are permitted place some restrictions on the kinds of guns people may own and how by whom they may be purchased. Because federal statutes supersede those of the state, Iowa gun owners should also comply with the federal Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act and the National Firearms Act.
Iowa Gun Control Laws: Related Resources
Gun ownership and use is a serious matter. If you or someone you know has been injured in a gun incident, you may have recourse against the manufacturer, distributor, or owner of the gun. You can find additional articles and resources in FindLaw's section on Gun Law. You can also consult with an Iowa attorney if you would like legal advice regarding a gun issue, or if you would like to know your rights and responsibilities as a gun owner.
