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 membershiphere 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.
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
“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.
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.
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 membershiphere today.
Shoot Straight, Speak The Truth, and Never Surrender Our Liberties.
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...
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.
IFC’s Annual 2A Day – Do you need a lift from the parking area to the Front Doors (West Entrance) of the Iowa Capitol on February 22nd? We’ve got you covered! Don’t let the weather keep you home. Choose parking lot 16 – you’ll know you’re in the right place as you’ll see this truck and these flags flowing in the wind! We’ll shuttle you from parking lot 16 to the Capitol Entrance and back from 10am to 4PM in a big white passenger van marked with IFC logos!
Wave us down and we’ll get you there and back!
What will you experience when you attend? You’ll be given guidance on how to find and encourage your House Rep and Senator to support vital 2A Legislation. You’ll also listen to fantastic speakers including Kris “Tanto” Paronto!
Join your fellow patriots and NRA-ILA at the Annual Second Amendment Lobby Day at the Capitol hosted by Iowa Firearms Coalition (IFC)! Come out for an important day in support of the Second Amendment. You’ll have the chance to learn more about the upcoming legislative session, meet with your legislators, as well as pick up important information and gear from NRA and IFC so you are best prepared to defend the Second Amendment in Iowa this year. Be sure to check out more details with IFC at IOWA FIREARMS COALITION
WHEN: February 22, 2023 at 10:00am – 4pm
WHERE: Iowa State Capitol
1007 E Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50319
United States Google map and directions
IFC’s Annual 2A Day – Need a lift from the parking area to the Front Doors (West Entrance) of the Iowa Capitol on February 22nd? We’ve got you covered! Don’t let the weather keep you home. Choose parking lot 16 – you’ll know you’re in the right place as you’ll see this truck and these flags flowing in the wind! We’ll shuttle you from parking lot 16 to the Capitol Entrance and back from 10am to 4PM in a big white passenger van marked with IFC logos!
Wave us down and we’ll get you there and back!
What will you experience when you attend? You’ll be given guidance on how to find and encourage your House Rep and Senator to support vital 2A Legislation. You’ll also listen to fantastic speakers including Kris “Tanto” Paronto!
Join your fellow patriots and NRA-ILA at the Annual Second Amendment Lobby Day at the Capitol hosted by Iowa Firearms Coalition (IFC)! Come out for an important day in support of the Second Amendment. You’ll have the chance to learn more about the upcoming legislative session, meet with your legislators, as well as pick up important information and gear from NRA and IFC so you are best prepared to defend the Second Amendment in Iowa this year. Be sure to check out more details with IFC at IOWA FIREARMS COALITION
WHEN: February 22, 2023 at 10:00am – 4pm
WHERE: Iowa State Capitol
1007 E Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50319
United States Google map and directions
IFC’s Annual 2A Day – Need a lift from the parking area to the Front Doors (West Entrance) of the Iowa Capitol on February 22nd? We’ve got you covered! Don’t let the weather keep you home. Choose parking lot 16 – you’ll know you’re in the right place as you’ll see this truck and these flags flowing in the wind! We’ll shuttle you from parking lot 16 to the Capitol Entrance and back from 10am to 4PM in a big white passenger van marked with IFC logos!
Join your fellow patriots and NRA-ILA at the Annual Second Amendment Lobby Day at the Capitol hosted by Iowa Firearms Coalition (IFC)! Come out for an important day in support of the Second Amendment. You’ll have the chance to learn more about the upcoming legislative session, meet with your legislators, as well as pick up important information and gear from NRA and IFC so you are best prepared to defend the Second Amendment in Iowa this year. Be sure to check out more details with IFC at: IOWA FIREARMS COALITION
WHEN: February 22, 2023 at 10:00am – 4pm
WHERE: Iowa State Capitol
1007 E Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50319
United States Google map and directions
Iowa Firearms Coalition presents this Sponsor Spotlight and welcomes Volquartsen Firearms as a Sponsor of IFC’s Annual 2A Day. Events like these wouldn’t be possible without key sponsors to help us provide speakers and infrastructure to put on an informative and vital day for Iowans each year at the Capitol.
“The progress made in Iowa is due primarily to days like this. The IFC is constantly at the forefront of protecting our Second Amendment rights in the State of Iowa. The 2A Lobby Day is an effective way for the IFC to promote its message directly to our lawmakers. We’re proud to partner with the IFC to highlight the importance of their work in keeping Second Amendment rights front and center in Iowa.”
Scott Volquartsen, President
Here’s a little bit about Volquartsen that you need to know – an Iowa company and proud! For over 30 years, Volquartsen Firearms has made rimfire their focus. This focus drives innovation and desire for shooters to reimagine what rimfires are capable of. Volquartsen firearms are manufactured and precision-built from start to finish, exclusively in Carroll, Iowa. The full line of Volquartsen products have become some of the most sought after in the industry. Trusted by competition shooters, plinkers, hunters, and everyone in between. Here’s more information, from their site:
Volquartsen believes that no one needs another standard anything. They hold themselves to a higher standard, tenaciously pushing forward with an unwavering persistence to improve the look and performance of firearms.
The business was originally established in 1974. By the mid-1980s, Volquartsen decided to take the business “full-time.”. He worked on all makes and models of firearms, and was fortunate enough to have several articles appear in major firearms publications in the late 1980s. In 1989, he had the honor of appearing on the cover of American Handgunner. This started a demand that would change the course of their business.
Early in 1991, Volquartsen decided to narrow his focus and channel his energy into one area. He saw potential in the rimfire market, and through sheer determination he began to lay the foundation for what Volquartsen Firearms has become today.
Support the businesses that support you – buy from them! IFC’s Annual 2A Day is possible because Volquartsen chipped in! Locate Volquartsen and follow them here: Volquartsen Firearms
Iowa Firearms Coalition presents this Sponsor Spotlight and welcomes CrossRoads Shooting Sports as a Sponsor of IFC’s Annual 2A Day. These events wouldn’t be possible without key sponsors to help us provide speakers and infrastructure to put on an informative and vital day for Iowans each year at the Capitol.
CrossRoads Shooting Sports has long-recognized the value of supporting the Iowa Firearms Coalition for our business and our customers. Before we opened our doors in 2015, we became Lifetime Members of IFC and have pursued this relationship since. IFC provides a uniquely effective mechanism to connect gun owners locally, and across the state. IFC has a proven track record in driving issues of importance and protecting the interests of gun enthusiasts in all four corners of the state — for hunters, competitors and those training for self-defense. We are excited to be a Sponsor for IFC at this year’s 2A Lobby Day!
Ethan Settle, CrossRoads Shooting Sports
CrossRoads Shooting Sports provides a clean, safe and fun environment for shooters. Knowledgeable and friendly staff are on hand to assist new shooters and experts alike. There are over 17,000 square feet of retail space, gunsmithing services, classrooms and two shooting ranges with seventeen state-of-the-art lanes. They recognize that those new to shooting sports may feel intimidated or nervous. Customers purchasing their first firearm find that the firearms experts at CrossRoads provide a more comprehensive level of service.
CrossRoads is heavily involved in the shooting sports to build, grow, and support their patrons on their journey to becoming proficient shooters. They host a variety of groups on a regular basis, for competitive matches, meetings, and training. They also hold regular training courses, including:
CCW
Basic and advanced shooting courses
First aid/trauma courses
Classes on firearms laws in Iowa
Through these groups they work to help customers build assurance, confidence, and skill. These groups include the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS), United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA), Armed Women of America (AWA), National African American Gun Owners Association (NAAGA), Black Rifle Club, and Glock Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF) competitions.
Support the businesses that support you – buy from them! IFC’s Annual 2A Day is possible because CrossRoads chipped in! IFC members would do well to check them out right here: https://crossroadsshooting.com/
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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.
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. 
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. 
Volquartsen believes that no one needs another standard anything. They hold themselves to a higher standard, tenaciously pushing forward with an unwavering persistence to improve the look and performance of firearms.
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