Events and Activities : Handgun Safety Class being offered

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. 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.

Approved handgun safety training courses will be held in the area as follows:

Thursday, May 12 – Em & Jerri’s Coffee Shop in Independence

Tuesday, May 17 – Vinton Fire Station

Tuesday, June 21 – El Kahir Shrine in Cedar Rapids

Classes run from 6PM to 10PM. Cost of the class is $50 and pre-registration is required to assure adequate course materials. A photo ID is required of each participant before the certificate will be issued.

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 $15 per hour or portion thereof.

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