by Dave Funk | Feb 21, 2025
IFC 2A LOBBY DAY!
2025 IFC 2A Lobby Day and the IFC-PAC Dinner were a big success. Over a hundred people were in attendance at the event at the Capitol Building to hear both Major Jeff Struecker and NRA Executive Vice-President and CEO, Doug Hamlin, speak. 
Attendees also heard from State Legislators (Senator Amy Sinclair featured in photo above and below), and from the IFC leadership. Youth were well-represented and welcomed — they are our future! Of course, we had cold weather outside, and the typical leftist screams in the building along with us for a short while — but it did not quell the enthusiasm for the message.
IFC-PAC Dinner
The IFC-PAC Dinner saw a record crowd enjoy an award-winning BBQ from Smoky-D’s. Jeff’s message at the dinner was greatly personalized through an interview Q&A with IFC Chairman John McLaughlin.
After the Rifle Raffle, door prizes, and a few live auction items, IFC-PAC raised more than $10,000 for future efforts to educate our fellow Iowans about who supports their 2A Rights in the Iowa State House.
2025 IOWA LEGISLATIVE SESSION
As the 2025 Legislative Session grinds on, I’ll describe the efforts for 2A Legislative gains as “a bit of a moving target”. I’ve nothing to report as our lobbying team works with leadership as of this writing; however, we are optimistic that we will see progress before the first funnel in two weeks.
IFC TRUSTED PARTNER OF THE WEEK: BROWNELLS 
Although Brownells was just featured a few weeks ago, this week is Brownells’ National 2A Day. This means it’s your chance to help out both Brownells & IFC. Brownells is donating 4% of sales to IFC and two other 2A national groups! So before time runs out on February 23rd, get your orders in!
Celebrate 2A Day with Brownells
Please stay Ready at All Times, and help us defend all of Iowa’s rights by renewing or joining IFC today.
Shoot Straight, Speak The Truth, and Never Surrender Our Liberties.
Dave Funk
Member, Board of Directors
Iowa Firearms Coalition
#2A4IA
by Dave Funk | Feb 14, 2025
2A LOBBY DAY AND IFC-PAC DINNER NEXT WEEK!
2A Lobby Day and IFC-PAC Dinner are Next Week! It’s hard to believe that our 2025 Second Amendment Lobby Day and the IFC-PAC Dinner is already upon us! Amazingly, it looks like reasonable weather for Iowa in February, for a change. We really need your support, not just through your dues, but through your attendance at next week’s events. Legislators respond to numbers. More people attending tells the legislators that Iowans care about their Second Amendment rights. When many people attend our Second Amendment Lobby Day, it makes the job of IFC’s lobbyist and others working with the Legislature on your behalf, a little easier. Hopefully, I’ll meet you in Des Moines on February 18th.
2A LOBBY DAY
This is a free event held in the Rotunda of our beautiful State Capitol. Plan to attend! Why? Here are a few reasons:
Meet & Learn —
- Hear directly from IFC leadership about this year’s legislative efforts to further improve gun laws in Iowa
- Learn how you can help, by talking to your Representative &/or Senator about legislative matters of particular interest to you
- IFC volunteers will be on hand to help you with this, if you are not familiar with the process
- Meet your IFC volunteers and learn about volunteer opportunities
- Meet like-minded people who are passionate about preserving our Second Amendment rights
- Hear from state legislators about Second Amendment issues
- Meet NRA representatives and hear about what they are doing to rejuvenate the NRA
- Learn about IFC’s status as an NRA-State Affiliate Organization, and how that benefits our members
Browse and Enjoy —
- Arrive at noon so you have time to talk to your legislators and to meet the IFC Trusted Partners
- Click HERE to see who IFC’s Trusted Partners are, and check out discounts available to IFC members!
- Browse their tables to learn what they do and what they offer
- Get swag!
Featured Speaker —
We are so fortunate to have Major Jeff Struecker (ret.) at the Capitol for this year’s Second Amendment Day. Hear his riveting story which is portrayed in the blockbuster movie Black Hawk Down. He is a retired US Army Ranger with 17 combat deployments. Major Struecker is a ‘home-grown’ Iowan, from Fort Dodge. He is also a Chaplain and award-winning author.
The official program is from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. We encourage you to arrive at noon, to allow time for the above activities. There will be a shuttle van from Parking Lot 16 (look for the flags); we can drop you off right at the Capitol and take you back to your vehicle afterwards.
IFC-PAC DINNER
IFC has stepped up its game for this year’s IFC-PAC Dinner to be held at the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine in Altoona, located at 1100 Shriners Pkwy. Don’t miss this unique chance to connect with Major Jeff Struecker (ret.), a true Iowa hero, of Black Hawk Down fame. His presentation in the evening will be more in-depth and personal. It’s a chance to hear more about his unique story, while enjoying some delicious barbecue from Smokey D’s. Cost of the event is $75. Buy your tickets NOW! Scan the QR Code to purchase.
Here’s the Schedule:
5:50 — Doors open
5:50 PM – 7:00 PM – Drinks, Raffle entries,
and Live Music from local artist Tyler Folkerts
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM – Supper (meal from Smokey D’s)
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM – Meet & Greet with Jeff Struecker & IFC Leadership
8:30 PM – 9:00 PM – Raffle drawings & Door Prizes
IFC TRUSTED PARTNER OF THE WEEK: FIREARMS LEGAL PROTECTION
This week’s Trusted Partner is Firearms Legal Protection. After significant research, our Chairman, John McLaughlin has settled on FLP as the best option out there. We highly encourage you to look into them as your legal protection in the event you need an attorney following a defensive use of a firearm.
Please stay Ready at All Times, and help us defend all of Iowa’s rights by renewing or joining IFC today.
Shoot Straight, Speak The Truth, and Never Surrender Our Liberties.
Dave Funk
Member, Board of Directors
Iowa Firearms Coalition
#2A4IA
by Dave Funk | Jan 23, 2024
IFC 2A LOBBY DAY SUCCESS – AND WTH?
IFC 2A Lobby Day was a great success. But what the heck? This was the third year in a row we had another snow storm! In spite of that, over a hundred supporters showed up at the Iowa State Capitol building on a bitterly cold January morning last week. 
Further, we sold out the IFC-PAC Prime Rib Dinner that evening! Thanks to everyone who braved the weather to show their support for IFC and for the Second Amendment.
As always, IFC Volunteers and our legislative supporters came out and helped us with everything: from our opening prayer, to singing our National Anthem, to briefing the crowd. Our own Iowa Attorney General, Brenna Bird, then continued the program, discussing current court cases and federal legislative efforts that threaten our Second Amendment rights. 
She affirmed her continued support to defending our rights from an overreaching administration in Washington. We are fortunate to have such a fighter in the Attorney General’s office.
IFC Chairman, John McLaughlin took over then and asked a simple yet powerful question. If there is a fire in the room, do you grab a fire extinguisher, or do you wait for the fire department to show up? Why would we do anything different with our schools? It’s time to protect our kids and end gun-free zones in Iowa.
John then introduced Gabby Franco, this year’s featured speaker. We got to hear Gabby’s compelling story of becoming a Venezuelan Olympic Team Shooter, of leaving that country’s oppressive government regime and immigrating to the United States. 
Once in the U.S., she did not slow down. She has become an inspiring woman in the 2A community and has continued to speak to groups about how easily 2A rights can be taken, if we do not remain vigilant and stay engaged. She authored a book, TroubleShooting, and was a competitor on the TV show Top Shot. That evening, at the IFC-PAC Dinner, she provided more detail about her journey and finished the evening with a private Q&A session.
Sponsors & Supporters
Many thanks to our sponsors and supporting organizations who attended. Members got a chance to talk with the team from our sponsors CrossRoads Shooting Sports, and Black Flag Arsenal. Representatives from NRA-ILA were also there, and Turning Point USA.
Switching Gears: WTH?
Even gun control dangerous quack David Hogg made our point with this tweet on X!
Time for the Iowa Legislature to push back on EMC Insurance and demand that EMC, as it currently does in other states, cover Iowa School Districts who want to arm present, trained, and willing staffers to have the tools they need to stop school shooters in their tracks.
Help us educate Iowans on the facts by joining or renewing your IFC membership here today. And please stay Ready at All Times. And, if you missed this year’s event, plan to join us next year!
Shoot Straight, Speak The Truth, and Never Surrender Our Liberties.
Dave Funk
President
Iowa Firearms Coalition
by Katie Howard | Apr 11, 2025
NATIONAL NEWS
Big 2A News Today! The ATF has a new boss! Daniel Driscoll, the current Secretary of the Army, was appointed by Trump today to also man the position of Acting Director of the ATF. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (HERE) today thanked Kash Patel for his interim role as Acting ATF Director and praised Trump’s appointment of Driscoll:
“President Trump’s decision to appoint Acting Director Driscoll is indicative of his resolve to bring reform to the ATF and protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens and the industry that makes it possible to exercise those rights,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel.”
The article also recounted the previous administration’s weaponization of the ATF and expressed confidence in Driscoll’s appointment:
“NSSF is deeply appreciative of FBI Director Kash Patel’s service to lead the ATF as Acting Director for nearly two months in his interim role and the recognition, along with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, that the ATF was weaponized by the previous administration to carry out a radical gun control agenda. The firearm industry is confident that President Trump’s appointment of Acting Director Driscoll to lead the ATF will return the bureau to its proper role as a law enforcement agency laser focused on combatting violent crime and illegal firearms trafficking, and to act as a non-partisan regulator of the firearm industry.”
…The firearm industry is confident that President Trump’s appointment of Acting Director Driscoll to lead the ATF will return the bureau to its proper role as a law enforcement agency laser focused on combatting violent crime and illegal firearms trafficking, and to act as a non-partisan regulator of the firearm industry.”
All of this sounds promising, but for a deeper dive, let’s go to Mark Smith at Four Boxes Diner (HERE). He provides more background about the personnel shuffle, saying that Marvin Richardson, Deputy Director of the ATF, is also out, after being at the ATF for ‘several decades’. He was the Biden administration’s driving force behind the pistol brace debacle and also made a huge push to go after privately manufactured firearms. Mark Smith refers to an article in Ammoland (HERE) for the details about the shake-up.
Mr. Smith then discusses ways the ATF can be cut and how necessary functions could be reassigned. Overall, this sounds like a positive move.
Also today, The Armed Scholar published a video (HERE) regarding US Attorney General Pam Bondi who announced that she is setting up a Second Amendment Enforcement Task Force with the goal of protecting the Second Amendment, in accordance with President Trump’s Executive Order regarding the Second Amendment.
Elections have consequences. Let’s hope these changes are effective at improving the Second Amendment landscape in the United States.
IOWA LEGISLATIVE NEWS
In more good news this week, a little closer to home, the Iowa State Legislature passed a law that changes Iowa gun rights for 18-20 year-olds. The bill is awaiting the Governor’s signature and she is expected to sign it. This bill had bipartisan support. When signed, it will go into effect July 1, 2025. Watch a video (HERE) from Dubuque station KWWL.
The new law will lower the minimum age for obtaining a concealed carry permit from 21 to 18. Currently, although 18-20 year old Iowans can possess and carry long guns, they are prohibited from carrying or possessing handguns. Because of federal law, 18-20 year-olds will still not be able to purchase a handgun from an FFL. However, when this bill is signed a handgun can be gifted, purchased through a private sale, or received as an inheritance by 18-20 year-olds.
IFC’s Volunteer Lobbyist, Richard Rogers, has worked diligently throughout this legislative session on this, and other bills. It is a daunting task. IFC Members greatly benefit from his knowledge, expertise and persuasiveness! Be sure to thank Richard the next time you see him.
There are other bills we are working to get through the Legislature as well. Please watch our social media for the latest updates, and IFC’s Action Alerts Center will have the latest Action Alerts when it’s time to reach out to your respective Representatives.
IFC TRUSTED PARTNER OF THE WEEK: HAT POINT TARGET
HatPoint Target is a successful, early-stage company that manufactures in the U.S.A. a lightweight polymer target stand that is very tough and useful across many different shooting disciplines.
Recreational target practice, for hunting enthusiasts, law enforcement, military, gun ranges, and competition courses, find this target stand to be a useful product and include this as part of their shooting gear, setup and
experience.
IFC Members use code IFC10% at checkout!
Please stay Ready at All Times, and help us defend all of Iowa’s rights by renewing or joining IFC today.
Second Amendment Matters
Katie Howard
Iowa Firearms Coalition
#2A4IA
by Michael Ware | Feb 20, 2025
Celebrate
Advocate
Join
by Dave Funk | Feb 7, 2025
TWO MAJOR WINS FOR 2A!
Two major wins for 2A occurred this past week! One is the affirmation that 18 to 20-year-olds can purchase and possess handguns. The second is a reluctant decision regarding the Hughes Amendment — that machine guns cannot be restricted to pre-1986 production.
18 TO 20-YEAR-OLDS ARE A PART OF “THE PEOPLE”
A Fifth Federal Circuit Panel of Judges has ruled that 18 to 20-year-olds are indeed part of “The People” as defined in the Second Amendment, and that there is no historical evidence to allow blanket prohibitions to purchase or possess handguns. From Ammoland:
“This week the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals held that 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(b)(1) and (c)(1)—which together forbid Federal Firearms Licensees from selling handguns to 18-to-20-year-olds—violate the Second Amendment.
Applying the text-and-history test for Second Amendment cases set forth in NYSRPA v. Bruen, the Fifth Circuit began its analysis by considering whether the regulated conduct is covered by the Second Amendment’s plain text. First, the court concluded that “the right to ‘keep and bear arms’ surely implies the right to purchase them.” Next, the court determined that 18-to-20-year-olds are among “the people” protected by the Amendment because “There are no age or maturity restrictions in the plain text of the Amendment” and because 18-to-20-year-olds were traditionally required to provide their own arms for service in the militia and posse comitatus.
Since the plain text covers the purchase of handguns by 18-to-20-year-olds, the court next considered whether the federal prohibition is consistent with America’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.
The court concluded that it is not. During the founding era, as noted above, 18-to-20-year-olds were required to acquire and possess firearms.”
FEDERAL JUDGE RULES ON MACHINE GUNS
IFC Past Chairman Michael Ware published an IFC Blog earlier this week:
“Be aware that a federal district judge in Mississippi has just ruled, albeit grudgingly, that the federal law [18 U.S.C. § 922(o)] prohibiting possession or transfer of a machine gun that was not lawfully possessed before May 19, 1986, is an unconstitutional violation of the Second Amendment rights of the appellant and has dismissed the criminal charges against him. As this was a criminal case, the decision is “as applied” only to that individual. This leaves open the possibility that the law might withstand constitutional scrutiny with a different set of facts. It would take a successful “facial” challenge to invalidate the law broadly.
This is at least the second federal district judge to rule this way since the Supreme Court upended Second Amendment jurisprudence in its Bruen decision in June 2022. As noted in this judge’s opinion (attached), Bruen has rendered “obsolete” or “abrogated” previous court precedents upholding the law in such cases.”
The blog notes that:
“The judge expresses skepticism about the historical analysis method mandated by Bruen, highlighting the confusion it has caused in lower courts and the potential for judicial overreach in historical interpretation.”
I want to address the Federal Judge’s reluctance to write this decision. I disagree, and point out that SCOTUS made it very easy. First, is there any historical basis for the restriction? And second, if there is not, then the case must be resolved in the citizen’s favor. End of discussion. Cases like these are how we build the foundation of eliminating the Gun Control Act of 1968 and the National Firearms Act of 1934, one block at a time.
IFC has worked for years to eliminate the offensive weapons section of Iowa Code. Hopefully, this recent case is helpful to that effort.
IFC TRUSTED PARTNER OF THE WEEK: HATPOINT TARGET
HatPoint Target is a successful, early-stage company that manufactures a lightweight polymer target stand, in the U.S.A. The stand is very tough and useful across many different shooting disciplines.
Recreational target practice, hunting enthusiasts, law enforcement, military, gun ranges, and competition courses, find this target stand to be a useful product and include this as part of their shooting gear, setup and experience.
IFC Members can use discount code IFC10% at checkout!
IFC’s annual 2A Day – Shuttle from parking area
2A LOBBY DAY AND THE IFC-PAC DINNER
2A Lobby Day on February 18th at the State Capitol is fast approaching. Don’t forget to get your tickets for the IFC-PAC BBQ Dinner that evening with Iowa Hero, Major Jeff Struecker of Black Hawk Down fame.
Please stay Ready at All Times, and help us defend all of Iowa’s rights by renewing or joining IFC today.
Shoot Straight, Speak The Truth, and Never Surrender Our Liberties.
Dave Funk
Member, Board of Directors
Iowa Firearms Coalition
#2A4IA
by Michael Ware | Jan 17, 2024
IFC to hold “Second Amendment Day” at the Iowa State Capitol
WHO: The Iowa Firearms Coalition
WHAT: Second Amendment Day
WHEN: January 18, 2024 – from 9AM to 12PM
WHERE: Iowa State Capitol Building
WHY: To increase school safety and lobby Iowa’s elected officials to pass common-sense pro-Second Amendment legislation
(MOVILLE, Iowa) — Hundreds of Iowans from across the state will hold a rally at the state Capitol Building on Thursday, January 18th for the Iowa Firearm Coaliton‘s (IFC) annual “Second Amendment Day” – an event where citizens and pro-freedom lawmakers will stand together to push for common sense legislation.
“In the wake of the tragedy at Perry High School, we believe this Second Amendment Day will be the most important and impactful one we have held in Iowa history,” said IFC President Dave Funk. “The time has come for common sense, fact-based legislation that will once and for all keep our children safe at school – our kids cannot afford to wait any longer.”
Among IFC’s goals during this legislative session is to ban phony and dangerous “gun-free zone” signs.
“A sign is not a security plan,” said Funk. “As we have, sadly, seen too many times, ‘gun-free zones’ have proven to be an invitation to those intent on committing evil. The only way to stop a threat is to harden soft targets. It’s past time our kids are as protected at school as our politicians and bureaucrats are in government-run facilities.”
At the event, IFC will be calling on lawmakers to work with school districts in the state to increase their security and allow for trained staff to exercise their constitutional rights on school grounds.
IFC will also push for an end to Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) policies, that are currently legal in Iowa, which are preventing schools from taking the necessary and scientifically proven steps needed to protect students and staff during a crisis. ESG rules have been abused by insurance providers to bully Iowa school boards into not implementing their policies to increase school security, most recently in Cherokee and Spirit Lake.
The event will feature prominent pro-Second Amendment speakers, including lawmakers, IFC leadership, and Gabby Franco, a civil rights advocate, Olympian, and former contestant on the hit History Channel TV series, “Top Shot.”
The Iowa Firearms Coalition, Iowa’s official NRA State Association, is a 501(c4) nonprofit and is Iowa’s only effective pro-Second Amendment rights organization.
by Dave Funk | Nov 21, 2023
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR 2A DAY EVENTS!
2A LOBBY DAY 2024!
Mark your calendars NOW! The 2024 IFC 2A Lobby Day is scheduled for January 18th. This year it’s going to be in the morning, from 9:00 a.m. – Noon, at the Iowa State Capitol Building. By holding the event in the morning, this will give you more time to actually meet with your legislators that day. Our special guest speaker is Gabby Franco: Olympian, Top Shot contender, firearms instructor, author and more. She has an amazing story to tell.
This free event also provides an opportunity to learn about current proposed 2A legislation in Iowa and to meet with your elected representatives at the Capitol. Arrive at 9:00 a.m. to meet IFC’s Sponsors, and some of our Trusted Partners to see what they have to offer. The official program is from 10:00 – Noon.
The 2A Day events for 2024 are sponsored by:
Parking shuttle service will be provided, as always.
ANNUAL IFC-PAC DINNER EVENT!
Capping off the 2024 IFC 2A Day events is the IFC-PAC dinner, which will feature a prime rib supper. After the meal, you will have an opportunity to hear more about Gabby’s compelling story of escaping from an oppressive government regime and immigrating to the USA to become a U.S. citizen. She tells her story widely, to warn people about the gradual erosion of gun rights. Gabby is recognized internationally for her shooting skills and is an inspiring woman in the 2A community. There is so much to Gabby’s life story that you will be left amazed & inspired!
Also, (our members asked for it) and we are moving the IFC-PAC dinner event to a bigger venue this year! It will be held at the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine in Altoona, located at 1100 Shriners Pkwy, Altoona, IA, 50009, with convenient access from Interstate 80. Doors open at 5:30pm; dinner starts at 7pm.
Purchase your tickets for the IFC-PAC Dinner at this link. Don’t wait! Tickets are going fast.
As always, we will have raffles and door prizes! My special thanks to our IFC Events Coordinator, Eric Hansen, for his work to make this a great event.
This event is a way to help IFC-PAC to protect your 2A Rights to remain Ready at All Times.
I look forward to meeting each and every one of you at IFC 2A Day and the IFC PAC Dinner that evening.
Help us educate Iowan’s on the facts by joining or renewing your IFC membership here today.
Shoot Straight, Speak The Truth, and Never Surrender Our Liberties.
Dave Funk
President, IFC
by Michael Ware | Feb 25, 2023
Save the date for January 2024! Featured Speaker – Gabby Franco IFC’s 2A’s Day, 01/18/2024: Key Sponsors: Volquartsen CrossRoads Shooting Sports WHAT: IFC’s Annual 2A DayFEATURED SPEAKER: Gabby FrancoWHERE: The Iowa CapitolWHY: To learn...
by Michael Ware | Feb 24, 2023
Here is a 2A Day visual reflection for you, in case you missed it:
IFC was joined by many contributors and certainly our key sponsors, RMA Armament, Volquartsen, and CrossRoads, (All “trusted partners” of IFC) for a fantastic day of 2A advocacy and sharing. Representative Eddie Andrews offered us an invocation prayer, a pair of youth advocates led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Representative Brook Boden tuned up the Capitol building rotunda with a soul-warming National Anthem!
What a day! Representative Phil Thompson, Senator Brad Zaun, and Senator Jason Schultz all gave us hope and direction on IFC-sponsored and monitored bills.
NRA and NRA-ILA came out in force, as always, to work side by side with us, and again this year the NSSF was in the Capitol to stop government overreach and stem the advance of ESG madness.
We enjoyed families bringing their homeschooled kids in to experience the day, Iowans of all ages submitting cards to visit with their elected officials, and we even had a quick address from our new Attorney General, Brenna Bird.
IFC Chair, John McLaughlin, and President, Dave Funk were busy all day with interviews and glad handing. Lobbyist and board member Richard Rogers was lifting heavy bills into position with legislators. Vice President, Nathan Gibson, was emceeing the entire event and got the crowd rolling! Gun Show Director, Billy Wilson, and our entire volunteer crew came out in force to make the day a huge success. This takes hours of planning and a lot of work the day of… The Iowa Firearms Coalition is fortunate to have key people organizing and executing these events, and while they’re not all mentioned by name, some near and some far, you know who you are! 😉
Our featured guest speaker this year was Kris “Tanto” Paronto, whom you may remember from the book “13 Hours” and the movie, “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” – Tanto is an example we can all reflect upon. Life gives you lemons and it is up to us to make lemonade. Tanto’s life story is proof lemonade can not only be made but offer the sweetest flavor imaginable.
As Tanto spoke with our crowd in the Capitol Rotunda, people learned of his journey, and even more so when he shared much more deeply at our IFC-PAC fundraiser last evening. Thank you to all the volunteers, members, partners, and colleagues that came together to make a great day. And thank you to the legislators and governing body that consider rightly the freedom-loving nature of Iowans and work so hard to protect our liberties.
PLEASE JOIN IFC TO HELP US CONTINUE ADVANCING AND DEFENDING YOUR FREEDOMS
In Libertatem,
Michael Ware
IFC
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