by Dave Funk | Mar 21, 2025
DON’T COUNT ON DISTRICT COURTS TO GET IT RIGHT
We, as Second Amendment guardians should never rely on the Federal District or Appellate Courts to get Second Amendment issues right every time. Two recent 2A cases, and the Law-Fare conducted by those courts against the Trump Administration, show us why.
WHO ARE ADULTS? WRONG DECISION BY THE 11TH FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT
After a long fight brought by the National Rifle Association against Florida’s terrible overreaction to the Parkland, Florida high school shooting, which barred 18-20-year-olds from purchasing any firearms (not just handguns), the 11th Federal Appeals Court completely got it wrong on what qualifies as an adult!
“Saying the restriction is “consistent with our historical tradition of firearm regulation,” a federal appeals court on Friday upheld the constitutionality of a Florida law that raised the minimum age to purchase rifles and other long guns from 18 to 21.
The 8-4 ruling by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals came after seven years of legal wrangling in the National Rifle Association’s challenge to a 2018 law passed after a mass shooting at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that killed 17 students and faculty members.
Nikolas Cruz, who was 19 at the time, used a semiautomatic rifle to gun down the victims at his former school. The NRA filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the gun-age restriction shortly after the law passed.
Friday’s ruling by the full Atlanta-based appeals court upheld a three-judge panel’s decision and outlined the history of the nation’s gun laws, from its founding to recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions setting guidelines for determining how to apply the Second Amendment. While the law barred people under 21 from buying rifles and long guns, they still can receive them, for example, as gifts from family members.
“From this history emerges a straightforward conclusion: the Florida law is consistent with our regulatory tradition in why and how it burdens the right of minors to keep and bear arms,” Chief Judge William Pryor wrote. “Because minors have yet to reach the age of reason, the Florida law prohibits them from purchasing firearms, yet it allows them to receive firearms from their parents or another responsible adult.”
To Chief Judge William Pryor, I say, “Your Honor, you’re wrong. Eighteen-year-olds are legally adults in the United States; therefore, they have all of the rights guaranteed by our Constitution.” Hopefully, the US Supreme Court will reverse this decision. I’d suggest you read this article to review how Congress can reign in the out-of-control Judiciary.
IOWA LEGISLATIVE NEWS
As I write this, the major news this week started on Monday with SF106 – which repeals the manner of conveyance and ATV/snowmobile firearms restrictions, passed in the Senate today in a bipartisan vote of 39-7, with 4 Senators excused. It now moves to the House, where similar legislation has completed the committee process. You can 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.
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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 | Mar 14, 2025
ATTACKING 2A DEFENDERS
Not surprisingly, attacking 2A defenders has become a great sport for the anti-freedom forces in America. Professor John Lott PhD. has just written an in-depth OpEd over at Real Clear Politics. Here are a few of the crucial points from his article:
“Being in the public eye brings many challenges, and the Pollack family knows this all too well. In 2018, they lost their daughter, Meadow, in the horrific shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. This devastating event changed their lives forever, and they dedicated their lives to speaking out for school safety and working with law enforcement. But since then, Andrew Pollack and his son, Hunter, have faced relentless harassment and threats.
While Andrew is likely well-known for his frequent fights over school safety, few realize the personal cost this fight has incurred.
After losing his daughter, Andrew Pollack moved to rural Oregon. There, he continued to speak out on school safety, particularly criticizing Obama administration policies that prevented violent young people from being arrested. These policies prevented authorities from dealing with the Parkland school murderer before the attack despite numerous warning signs. His conservative views and doing things such as speaking at the 2020 Republican National Convention angered his liberal neighbors who tried to silence him through legal actions.”
Dr. Lott then describes in great detail how the left-wing group 1000 Friends of Oregon funded a property line dispute for his neighbor. Then he had an Extreme Risk Protection Order filed against him. This resulted in disarming him at his rural Oregon home, that left him vulnerable. Also, during that time, he had to fight off a mountain lion attack on his goat herd that left his dog severely injured.
Even Mr. Pollack’s son was targeted by these extremists:
“Now, Hunter Pollack is dealing with his own threats. In early February, a week before the seventh anniversary of the Parkland school massacre, 27-year-old Bryan Sajous sent Hunter pages of disturbing private messages on Instagram. Sajous had been sending Hunter strange messages for a couple of years, using different accounts, though that wasn’t clear until after his arrest and the sheriff’s department had examined his phone.
But in February, the messages escalated into direct death threats. Some of his chilling messages included: “I send u to ur dead sister,” “u gonna die,” “Imma kill you,” and “I guarantee u if Nicolas didn’t shoot her id probably kill her”.
Although Sajous mainly targeted Hunter, he also mentioned Hunter’s father, Andrew, in his messages. Hunter spends significant time with his family, so any threat against him might endanger them. That made the situation even more alarming because it threatened his entire family.
Thankfully, the Broward County Sheriff acted quickly and arrested Sajous within five hours of learning about the threats. Authorities charged Sajous with aggravated stalking after an injunction for protection and intimidation for writing and sending death threats.”
Those of us who have stood in the gap between freedom and oppression know the risks involved. Be it on the battlefield in a hot war, fighting at the legislature, or in the court of public opinion. The only thing I know for sure is that each and every one of you is worth it.
IOWA LEGISLATIVE NEWS
The first Funnel week has just passed. IFC President Billy Wilson has a great video message out about which bills survived. You can 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: RMA ARMAMENT
“RMA Armament is a manufacturer of American-made ballistic body armor and tactical gear supplier. We utilize ultra-light and ultra-strong body armor technologies previously only available to government agencies and make them available for all law enforcement, military personnel, and law-abiding citizens. If you’re looking for ballistic body armor, plate carriers, ballistic helmets, and other tactical gear at affordable pricing, then you’re in the right place.
Founded by a US Marine and former law enforcement officer, RMA’s manufacturing and quality control are second to none. RMA Armament is the only major hard armor manufacturer to never fail an NIJ Follow-up Inspection Test.”
We at IFC carefully screen our trusted partners, and most, if not all, of us use their products. Many of you know that I still serve as a Reserve Police Officer for a Metro Des Moines area agency. RMA is the body armor I wear for duty every time I put on the uniform. I also keep it in my home and my vehicles.
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 | Mar 7, 2025
LEMON AND THE EPA?
What do Lemon and the EPA – the Environmental Protection Agency – have to do with 2A Rights? A lot more than you might expect. Let me explain in this Week’s 2a Wrap-Up.
LEMON
Lemon v. Kurtzman is a legal case you might not know of by name, but you surely know its impact on everyday American life. The question was, “Do statutes that provide state funding for non-public, non-secular schools violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment?” For decades after the 1971 Lemon ruling, there has been a schizophrenic wall between anything government and religion-related.
However, the 2022 Kennedy v. Bremerton School ruling asked the question: “Is a public school employee’s prayer during school sports activities protected speech, and if so, can the public school employer prohibit it to avoid violating the Establishment Clause?” The Supreme Court clearly overruled its previous precedent in Lemon.
From an American Thinker article written by Nate Kellum and Andera Justus, I quote:
“The Court’s decision in Kennedy, written by Justice Neil Gorsuch, explicitly rejected the Lemon test, stating “But — given the apparent “shortcomings” associated with Lemon’s “ambitiou[s],” abstract, and ahistorical approach to the Establishment Clause — this Court long ago abandoned Lemon and its endorsement test offshoot. In place of Lemon and the endorsement test, this Court has instructed that the Establishment Clause must be interpreted by “‘reference to historical practices and understandings,” solidifying the shift away from its flawed framework in favor of a historical understanding of the Establishment Clause.”
The highlights here are mine, and my explanation of why, in just a moment. Read on!
THE EPA
The US Supreme Court just slapped down the EPA again. This time of all plaintiffs, it’s the City of San Francisco, arguing that the EPA’s 10 Billion dollar fine on the city was based on moving targets on treated sewer water discharge standards under the Clean Water Act that are so vague no one can meet them. The City’s attorneys argued:
“We simply want to understand our prohibition limits so we can comply with them,” Tara M. Steeley, the San Francisco deputy city attorney, told the justices.”
It turned out that SCOTUS does not allow moving targets or “end result” regulations. Justice Alito writing for the majority, stated:
“Determining what steps a permittee must take to ensure that water quality standards are met is the EPA’s responsibility, and Congress has given it the tools needed to make that determination. If the EPA does what the CWA demands, water quality will not suffer.”
This is the third major decision against the out-of-control EPA by the current SCOTUS.
THE TREND –
Establishment Clause must be interpreted by “‘reference to historical practices and understandings”
The trend is that our current court is reining in the Federal Bureaucracy and out-of-control States. The destruction of the artificial wall constructed in Lemon means instead States must follow the Establishment Clause as it was understood at the time of the Founding when related to the 1st Amendment. The government must follow the 2nd Amendment regarding “arms” regulations as understood at the time of the Founding (ATF, I’m looking at you). Now the EPA must follow the laws as laid down by Congress and not vague, capricious, and illegal “reinterpretations” of the federal law by unelected bureaucracies.
These are huge wins for freedom.
IOWA LEGISLATIVE NEWS
As we approach Funnel Week, there is a lot of activity happening in Des Moines regarding your 2A Rights. I’ll refer you to the IFC-PAC Bill Tracker. Also, watch our social media for the latest updates and Action Alerts. The Action Center will have the latest Action Alerts when it’s time to reach out to your respective Representatives.
IFC TRUSTED PARTNER OF THE WEEK : MOUNTAIN MAN MEDICAL
Listen to IFC Board Chairman talk about ‘why Mountain Man Medical’ and tell you about these Professional trauma kits assembled to the specifications of the Iowa Firearms Coalition.
I have several MMM IFC kits and carry one in each of my vehicles and in my Bug Out Bags. We suggest you consider doing the same.
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 28, 2025
ATF-FBI?
What’s going on with the ATF-FBI? Saying “lots” would be an understatement. With the ratification of Kash Patel as the new FBI Director and his appointment as the acting Director of the BATFE, major changes look to be in the works. It is readily apparent that President Trump’s appointment of Dan Bongino as the FBI Deputy Director fits into the strategy of holding these agencies accountable for past behavior.
FBI AND ITS MISSING INTEGRITY
Anyone who has paid attention to how the FBI has conducted itself since 2009 knows that the agency has been politicized against both Obama’s and Biden’s enemies. For example, one of the often under-reported problems has been with crime data. From Dr. John Lott over at the Crime Prevention Research Center:
“Our new research takes a deep dive into the FBI’s active shooting reports. Over the past decade (2014–2023), police officers stopping these attacks accidentally shot and killed two fellow officers and two civilians—just 1.14% of cases.”
But did you know that among the 180 concealed handgun permit holders who intervened in active shootings, only one accidentally shot a bystander? Not once has a permit holder interfered with police stopping an attack. Any guesses on how often permit holders or police officers are killed while stopping these attacks? I think you’ll be surprised by our findings.
It pains me that this has happened within the FBI. I know many great Agents who hate what the Bureau has become. Hopefully, Director Patel can make this the agency all that it can be again: one that serves with integrity that we can all trust and be proud of.
THE ATF CONNECTION
We all know that the ATF enforcement division has been a problem for lawful American gun owners since the Gun Control Act of 1968 was passed into law. Epic failures, like Ruby Ridge, Waco, Fast & Furious or, most recently, the unnecessary killing of the Little Rock Airport Director over what was essentially a misdemeanor licensing question.
BATFE has legal responsibility for alcohol and tobacco tax collection, firearms law, and explosives. Splitting those responsibilities into different Departments appears to be the track President Trump is on.
Alcohol and Tobacco can be sent over to the Treasury Department where other taxes are collected. Explosives (whose activities consist mostly of training arson and explosive investigators) can move over to the FBI Academy. That leaves firearms. As long as we have the National Firearms Act and GCA of 1968 we will have to have the Technical Branch and NFA Registry. The logical place to send that group to is the US Commerce Department. They already handle firearms import and export licensing. Commerce can be tasked with the licensing of all Federal Firearms Licensees and explosive users/dealers.
That leaves us with the ATF’s Special Agents. Most of these have recently been assigned to the US Border Patrol under “ICE” to beef up the closed border efforts. It looks like the blueprint is being put into place to dissolve the agency. Mark A. Smith over at the Four Boxes Diner has a really good video that you can, as he says, “Geek Out” on this very subject.
IFC TRUSTED PARTNER OF THE WEEK: VOLQUARTSEN FIREARMS
Volquartsen Firearms engineers the world’s finest rimfire rifles, pistols, and parts. Manufactured and precision-built from start to finish, exclusively at their facilities in Carroll, Iowa. The full line of Volquartsen products has become some of the most sought-after in the industry. Trusted by competition shooters, plinkers, hunters, and everyone in between. Made in America since 1974. I’ve owned, and still own, at least seven of their firearms, dating back to my NRA Bullseye Pistol shooting days in the early 1990’s.
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 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
IFC TRUSTED PARTNER OF THE 
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.
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