Events and Activities : Firearms classes set

A new law which went into effect on January 1, 2011 requires the Sheriff of each county to issue a permit to carry weapons to any person 21 years of age or older who is not addicted to alcohol, not likely to use a weapon unlawfully or in such a manner as would endanger the person’s self or others, is not a felon, and has not been convicted of a serious or aggravated misdemeanor in the past three years. (Iowa Code 724.8)

The new law also states that a person must complete a handgun safety training course to acquire an initial permit.

Classes in the area include:

· Sunday, March 27 from 1 to 5 at the Vinton Fire Station. Cost is $50.

· Monday, April 18 from 6 to 10 at the Blairstown Ambulance Garage. Cost is $50.

Pre-registration is required for each class to assure adequate course materials. A photo ID is required of each participant before the certificate will be issued.

Renewal of a current permit requires that the permit holder attend a handgun safety training course within the twelve-month period prior to the expiration of the current permit or qualify on a firing range under the supervision of a certified instructor within the twelve-month period prior to the expiration of the current permit. The application for renewal must be submitted to the Sheriff at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the permit.

To register for the class or for questions, email IowaFirearmsTraining@gmail.com or call (319) 310-4724.

Anyone interested in qualifying on the firing range for renewal of a current permit is asked to use the same email address or phone to schedule a time to qualify. Cost of the qualification is $15 per hour or portion thereof.

For more information, go to www.IowaFirearmsCoalition.org.