His gun never left the holster. How do you win, if your gun never leaves its holster? If your home is attacked; if your wife is threatened, would you put up your very best defense? Or would you sit back and say, “Well, the [robber, rapist, squatter – whoever] had a bigger gun”, or “There were two of them, so what’s the use?” I’ll just wait and see what happens…
Of course, you wouldn’t. That’s against nature. You do whatever it takes to protect your family and your home. We are not passive people! We were forged in the American Revolution and have been tested countless times since. We’ve emerged victorious from wars, crises of all types, hellacious weather events, and terrorism. We understand conflict. And one thing we KNOW about conflict is that if you don’t engage, you lose.
VOTING STATISTICS FOR GUN OWNERS
So why, then, with our Second Amendment rights under attack by the current Vice President (who is running for President), why would you not engage? Do you WANT to lose? Are you going to leave your gun (vote) in the holster?
According to Vote4America, quoted in Shooting News Weekly, over 10 million hunters and other gun owners are not registered to vote. TEN MILLION is a big number. Many hunters and gun owners have told them, “My vote doesn’t count; the system is rigged.” But, according to the article:
“Despite the pessimism, even marginal wins could pay big dividends come November. “If we could convert 2% of all licensed hunters and get them to vote, GOP would win in a landslide,” Leavitt told Hoffman.”
Hoffman noted that “a lot of hunters and gun owners, they’re very animated in social media, they have a lot of opinions, but they don’t go out to vote. They talk a great deal, often about preserving your rights, doing this — hunting — but a lot of people don’t follow through with voting.” …leaving their gun in the holster, yet again!
CLOSER TO HOME
Constitutional Carry became effective on July 1, 2021 in Iowa. This law allows residents and non-residents to carry a firearm openly or concealed without a permit, with some exceptions. As a result, some Iowa permit holders have since let their permits lapse. But even now, Iowans holding a Permit to Carry still represent 13.82% of the population, or over 400,000 Iowans. In fact, per USCCA, Iowa ranked 6th in the top 10 states for Concealed Carry Permits (2023). Translation: Iowa is a freedom-loving state. Iowa has many hunters, trap and skeet shooters, 3-Gun and other competitive shooters, and shooting sports enthusiasts.
The Freedom Amendment to our State Constitution was passed in November 2022 with OVER 65% of all votes statewide. Clearly, Iowans want to protect their gun rights. You might be thinking, what can we do to change the national gun-control narrative? (There you go again: leaving your vote in its holster.) Don’t forget down-ballot races. Iowans will elect state and federal representatives that will support or hamper the next President. If you don’t engage, you lose.
Why would you risk having your rights taken from you, when you can do something as simple as voting, to try to protect them? Because make no mistake, if they get to the guns, the rest of the rights will fall like dominoes [cue John Kerry saying Free Speech is the enemy…cue the ATF gunning down an airport CEO at his home in Arkansas at 6:00 a.m., in front of his wife…cue the countless court cases meant to break our pocketbooks and our spirit…etc.] If you’re not mad yet, get mad! And vote.
VP Harris has been very clear about her gun-control mission. If she wins the office of the President, she will do everything in her power to create gun registration, mandatory gun buybacks, “assault weapon” bans, destroy American gun manufacturing, and eliminate the supply of ammunition. Not to mention red-flag laws; endless lawsuits; coercing states, businesses, and media to use every means to identify and limit gun owners; and even implementing school programs that trick children into identifying whether Mommy or Daddy (or, oh my God – BOTH!) have firearms. They have shown their hand already. For gun owners, Harris spells big trouble. And she is counting on gun owners not to engage; not to vote…instead, to leave their guns in the holster.
Gun rights groups across the nation are alarmed by the number of gun owners who do not vote, or who are not even registered. Gun Owners of America is currently working to register as many gun owners as possible between now and Election Day and says on their website:
“When the margin of victory is small in battleground states– getting out the gun vote is IMPERATIVE! Remember, some of the most competitive races have been decided by a few hundred or a few thousand votes.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation, is “urging all gun owners, hunters, recreational target shooters, and supporters of the Second Amendment to register to vote by visiting GunVote.org and heading to the polls on Election Day.”
“We believe [gun owners] will be a determinant factor, particularly when the contrast is so stark. You have a candidate on the Democrat side who was coronated and wants to literally, wants to send the police to your home to see how you store your guns, and wants to confiscate firearms,” Keane added.
“Former President Donald Trump himself believes gun owners can sway the election. Speaking at a recent rally, he said that the National Rifle Association had shown him numbers about how infrequently gun owners vote. “If you would vote, nobody would beat us,” Trump said.”
As it says on the Iowa State Flag: Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain
And if you need information about how your State Senators and Representatives have voted on Second Amendment-related bills in the past, look here: https://www.ifcpac.org/legislative-scorecard/
Finally, if you want to know which State legislators are currently running for office and who IFC is endorsing, look here: https://www.ifcpac.org/2024-endorsements/
Meet IFC’s Newest Trusted Partner: Tapos Gunsmithing LLC out of Davenport, Iowa. Tapos has joined the fight with IFC. As IFC’s newest Trusted Partner, Tapos is offering lucrative discounts for active IFC members. Tapos Gunsmithing LLC now offers free inbound and outbound transfers, one FREE basic cleaning per year, and 10% off all services for active IFC members! Alex Christenson (owner and founder) told us, “Tapos is excited to join IFC to preserve and protect our firearms ownership.”
To qualify for these offers, simply login to IFC’s website and go to Trusted Partners, then scroll down to the TAPOS logo. Another option is to scan the IFC QR code displayed at Tapos Gunsmithing LLC. This will also take you to the IFC website.
About Tapos Gunsmithing
Alex Christenson, owner, and founder of Tapos Gunsmithing LLC was kind enough to provide a quick synopsis of his business and why he joined IFC as a Trusted Partner:
“Tapos Gunsmithing, LLC was created by Alex Christenson out of a love for firearms and the outdoors. Tapos Gunsmithing more than understands the imperative right, and need, to preserve our freedoms like the right to keep and bear arms. All other rights are protected and preserved through the freedom of access to arms for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Tapos Gunsmithing is your one-stop shop for all your firearm needs. We have done everything from basic cleanings and inspections to one-off prototype firearms tailored to customer specifications from raw materials. Attention to detail and care for each firearm, like it was our own, is how we run our business. We do tactical rifle builds, precision bolt gun builds, hot bluing, complete restorations, and stock work. We also do machining of all kinds — like barrel threading, slide milling, and even making obsolete parts from scratch for your family’s heirlooms passed down through the generations.
Tapos Gunsmithing is not just another part changer.”
Not A Member? Here’s What to Do!
Not an IFC member? Don’t worry, we have you covered! To become a member, visit this link, or scan the IFC QR code conveniently displayed at Tapos Gunsmithing LLC to become a member.
If you are in the Davenport area, go check out Alex at Tapos Gunsmithing LLC and take advantage of the AWESOME discounts that are being offered to IFC members! You may also visit Tapos’ website.
Thank you Brownells, indeed! Second Amendment supporters should be thankful that Brownells is such a champion of 2A issues. We had the opportunity to again experience this first-hand last Saturday, when a team from IFC attended GunCon at Brownells. This is the third year Brownells has hosted media influencers from around the country to hold live-streamed panel discussions on various 2A topics, showcase a variety of quality guns and gear available on site from many different vendors, and provide a forum for both national gun rights organizations and Iowa’s own Iowa Firearms Coalition, to meet with people.
[Photos and comments about GunCon were contributed by all IFC team members.]
The Panelists & Sessions
Typical of Brownells and The Gun Collective, the event was a huge success and very well attended. Doors opened at 10 a.m. Our team arrived at 8 a.m. to set up, and there were already lines of people waiting outside the entry doors. Audience members were able to ask questions of the panelists, and those tuned into the live stream could also submit questions to be answered. Check out this link, and scroll down to see a list of featured panelists and the vendors at GunCon. Our own IFC volunteer Lobbyist, Richard Rogers (pictured in the red shirt, above) participated in panel discussions. Richard has a vast knowledge of the history of 2A legislative and case law developments, both nationally and in Iowa, and we were proud to have him represent IFC.
IFC TRUSTED PARTNERS
In addition to Brownells, two other IFC Trusted Partners were at the event also. Trusted Partners add value for our members by offering discounted prices on goods or services, when purchasing them with a discount code through IFC’s website. In fact, you can more than pay for your annual membership fee by purchasing discounted goods through our Trusted Partners — buying quality goods that you would have purchased anyway. Vice President and volunteer, Billy Wilson, made sure to thank our partners, on behalf of our members.
Old Friends
But it was not all serious discussion! Stephen Willeford, representing Gun Owners of America (GOA), had some fun with their photo board and props. GOA was in the booth next to ours. Other 2A rights organizations represented were FRAC and the Second Amendment Foundation. Stephen (pictured on the right in this photo) is best known as “The Barefoot Defender” in the Sutherland Springs church shooting in Texas a few years ago. IFC invited Mr. Willeford to speak to our members at the 2A Lobby Day a couple of years ago, and again at the IFC-PAC Supper that evening. The events of that day had a profound effect on Mr. Willeford and his impactful story is raw still.
Speaking of 2A Lobby Day–our Lobby Day event in 2025 will be held on February 18th, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Iowa Capitol, as always. The keynote speaker is Iowa native, Jeff Struecker, known from Black Hawk Down. You won’t want to miss this event. We’ll let you know when tickets go on sale.
Takeaways
Talking with the IFC team after the event, the things that most impressed us were:
There were people from everywhere! We talked with folks from Denver, from Florida, from Nebraska, Missouri, and certainly from Illinois! (Kansas State Rifle Association had their big annual meeting on the same day as GunCon this year, so we didn’t run into many from Kansas this year.) Eric Hansen, our Events Coordinator, said that the folks from Illinois all told him the same thing: they are looking at options for moving across the river. Illinois gun laws are driving them to greener pastures – like Iowa!
People were willing to drive six to ten hours to attend the event. It is important to them and the event offers something for everyone. The benefit of learning from the various panelists firsthand was a big draw for attendees.
There were all kinds of people at the event. People of all ages and backgrounds; people with varying degrees of firearms experience and different interests. Although still a predominantly male crowd, there were many women in attendance and they were not just companions along for the ride! The involvement of women with guns was a frequent topic mentioned by the panelists.
The folks who stopped by our booth — and there were MANY! — were very appreciative of the work done by IFC since its inception. The degree of interaction with them, the length of discussions, and the concerns they have about protecting gun rights, were impressive.
What Next?
All in all, it was a great day! Getting to interact with hundreds of people from all walks of life, with common concerns and interests, was rejuvenating! As you can see, we are growing our presence and outreach, and we could really use your talent. We are an All-Volunteer organization. Volunteer and discover all the fun you are missing! The folks at IFC are great to work with and very helpful.
Also, if you are not yet a member of IFC, or if your shooting friends are not members, what are you waiting for? One of the appalling statistics I heard from the 2A Rights panel was that over 126,000 Iowa gun owners are NOT registered to vote! And, looking at gun owners nationally, over 9 million gun owners are not registered to vote. That does not bode well in terms of protecting our interests.
Our Second Amendment rights are under serious attack. For heaven’s sake: JOIN IFC & VOTE!
Not just for the guys…I was fortunate that IFC sent me to the NRA Annual Meeting this year, in Dallas, about three weeks ago. Although I have been a Life Member of NRA for many years, it was the first time I had attended the NRAAM. Registration to the event is free, if you are an NRA member. Also, most of the seminars and educational sessions were free to attend as well. I highly recommend that you go. Next year’s event will be in Atlanta, Georgia (a little closer to home), on April 24-27th. Hotels are available to book now: https://www.nraam.org/.
Just a quick word about logistics. I have attended many large conferences in my life and the organization for this event was stellar. It is obvious that the NRA has invested heavily in their annual flagship event. Everything from the shuttle buses to the hotels, to the on-site assistance available, signage, sticking to the schedule…it was all handled superbly. Kudos to the NRAAM personnel.
14 Acres of Guns & Gear – It’s True!
Because I had heard about the “14 Acres of Guns & Gear”, I wore my hiking boots — and was very glad I did! The first thing that strikes you is the sheer enormity – the scale – of the event. The famous “Wall of Guns” had drool-worthy classics on display. Every conceivable vendor was on hand to show you their latest guns, gear and gadgets. There was an entire aisle devoted to safari and US-based hunting trips. Ammunition and gun manufacturers competed for your ear, each one seemingly one-upping the other. There were trainers for every shooting sport, and hands-on displays for dry fire systems. Booths featured specialized targets, home defense, and self-defense. Sales staff were on hand to share their product knowledge, and strategies for use. Suppressors, scopes, RDS, weapon mounted lights, tactical lights, slings and cases…on and on. Literally there was just about everything firearms-related available!
IFC Trusted Partner On Deck
While in the Exhibit Hall, I stopped to chat with the good folks at Firearms Legal Protection, one of IFC’s Trusted Partners and they obliged with a photo. Always good to see friends when away from home. Check out their services at the link above.
Women & Guns
And women — women were everywhere. Women are the fastest-growing demographic for new shooters and first-time firearms purchasers in the country, and they are an enthusiastic bunch! Shoot Like A Girl was there with their semi-trailer where you could shoot any of the guns they had on hand, free of charge. Vendors and trainers are finely attuned to this sustained, multi-year trend in new firearms purchasers. Consequently, they are adopting and adapting marketing, training strategies and even changes in manufacturing, to accommodate this huge new influx of women gun owners. Sorry guys. The world of guns and shooting is no longer a ‘good old boys club’. There are an awful lot of women who have a passion for various shooting sports and disciplines and they are pretty impressive. And relentless! More on that later.
The Seminars
Apart from the several exhibit halls devoted to toys that could break even Elon Musk’s bank account, there were multiple tracks of educational and training seminars, also available at no charge. My only complaint was that — despite going ’round the sun many, many times in my life, I have yet to figure out how to be in two places at one time. Choices were difficult even though some sessions were offered more than once. This is a link to the 99 sessions offered during the three days, just to give you a sense of the many opportunities.
I attended two sessions offered by John Correia/Active Self Protection (“Lessons Learned From Analyzing 50,000 Gunfights” and “Top 5 Myths Concealed Carriers Believe, Revealed”). John walked us through his analysis of many situations captured on video. He emphasized the importance of making Good, Sane, Sober, Moral and Prudent decisions.
I also attended two sessions offered by Lt. Col. Ed Monk/Last Resort Training (Considerations for Armed Responders to Active Shooter Attacks”). These were provocative sessions designed to get you thinking seriously about “what if”. Mr. Monk described what a person might encounter, what to do (and not do), as well as tactics for how to be effective and survive in such a situation. Very sobering stuff.
(Photo is of three IFC Life Members (from left: myself, Presenter Ed Monk, Dave and Todd)
NRA Clubs & Associations
However, the first session I attended, was the “NRA Clubs & Associations Workshop”. Our very own Dave Funk, President of IFC, was one of the two featured presenters, and he did an excellent job. He discussed the multi-faceted social media approach we used in 2022 to ensure the passage of Iowa’s Freedom Amendment. This was the Constitutional Amendment that added language to the Iowa State Constitution to protect Iowan’s Second Amendment rights from infringement. (Prior to that amendment, Iowa was one of only six states that did not have such language in our Constitution. To remind you of the company we were in, the other states were California, New Jersey, Illinois, etc. You get the drift.)
Not a Wardrobe Malfunction
But a funny thing happened mid-speech…(Only funny, because no one was hurt!) Dave Funk was presenting at a podium on the stage. Moriah Day, Executive Director of the Kansas State Rifle Association (also presenting), and NRA Board member, Dave Halbrook (pictured here), were also seated on the stage – when it collapsed! It literally folded at the middle seam and both of those seated, suddenly were down! They quickly recovered and left the stage. What did ‘our’ Dave do when this occurred? Glanced over, assessed the situation, grabbed the mic, stepped off the stage and continued his slide show presentation, unruffled, while maintenance fixed the stage. This was the first event on the first day and to say it started off with a bang is an understatement 🙂
There were several NRA Board members who attended the Clubs & Associations meeting, along with members from Kansas, Oklahoma, Illinois, California, Michigan,New Mexico, and others I cannot recall. The information exchange was great and I made several new contacts and brought back many useful ideas. If that had been the only session I had attended, the trip would have been worthwhile.
The “Women’s New Energy Brunch”
This was the single special event I attended. It was billed as a “unique opportunity to learn about NRA’s programs, outreach efforts and mission as relates to women”, networking, etc. It was all that and more. There were several women NRA Board members in attendance, and sponsors as well. The most beneficial part was the breakout sessions, where you could choose which topic you wanted to learn more about. For example, I am very interested in the NRA’s ‘Women on Target’ program.
The various board members each led a discussion on “their” topic/area of expertise. However, what was really revealing was the introductions among the women participants. We were each asked to briefly describe our interest and background with firearms. There were ex- and current military, law enforcement, competitive shooters of every discipline, firearms training instructors, women’s shooting group leaders, reps from national women’s shooting organizations, state gun rights reps, RSOs, gun shop owners – you name it. As I said earlier – women were everywhere, and enthusiastic, at the NRAAM. It was inspiring.
So, Iowa ladies – I leave you with this question: If you’re reading this, you are likely an IFC member. Are your friends who shoot, also IFC members? Strength in numbers — and I know you are out there! Get your friends involved. Encourage them to join IFC. (It’s not just for the guys!) 🙂
News from the NSSF reveals alarming statistics about ATF’s activities. Last week, in a blog called “This is New York“, we told you about Judge Darkeh who said “‘Do not bring the Second Amendment into this courtroom. It doesn’t exist here. So you can’t argue Second Amendment. This is New York.’ That Judge obviously feels that New York is exempt from the Second Amendment due to restrictive (and unconstitutional) state laws.
“Only in New York” – am I right?…Except that’s no longer true. It is not just New York. Several states have passed laws in defiance of the Bruen case. I believe that lawfare is one of the many ways the current regime, backed by an unleashed and out-of-control ATF, is attempting to make our exercise of Second Amendment rights too expensive, too risky and too much trouble to participate in and enjoy. IF we give up.
ATF’s Nefarious Activities
Another example of this effort is the ATF’s use of Zero-Tolerance to close down gun shops. The National Shooting Sports Foundation shared this article “ATF ‘Zero-Tolerance’ Revocations Continue at Blistering Pace”, regarding the ATF’s Zero-Tolerance policy and the aggressive closure of gun shops around the country.
The campaign to shutter firearm retailers over minor clerical errors, called a “zero-tolerance” policy, is having devastating effects on small businesses and the ability for law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights by freely approaching a firearm retailer for a purchase.
The number of inspections, warning letters, settlement conferences, license revocations AND the number of FFLs which “voluntarily” gave up their licenses after interaction with the ATF in order to avoid protracted and expensive investigations, have skyrocketed under the Biden’s gun-control regime. Even those dealers which do not have any violations are “named and shamed” by the ATF, and rather than face an onslaught of threats and inspections preventing them from conducting their lawful businesses, they simply fold. But the ATF has it backwards and upside down!
All this adds up to the ATF carrying out a politically-driven agenda to drive firearm retailers out of business rather than the ATF inspection process being used as it was designed – to assist firearm retailers to operate their lawful business in compliance with the laws and regulations governing the sale of firearms.
There are efforts afoot to rein in the ATF, however. Our own Senator Ernst introduced a bill to do so, as described in this recent Press Release from her office.
Biden’s ATF has had it out for gun owners since day one,” Ernst said. “For years, the Biden administration has cracked down on law-abiding gun dealers to advance its gun-grabbing agenda, even preventing small businesses from making a living. Rather than helping dealers comply with the law, Biden’s ATF has created more hurdles to legally sell guns, so it can turn around and revoke licenses for inconsequential, so-called ‘violations.’.
The fate of Senator Ernst’s bill remains to be seen, but at the least it brings the ATF’s actions into sharp and questionable focus.
NSSF’s Project ChildSafe
In other news from the NSSF, they are promoting firearms safety during National Safety Month and in advance of the upcoming June 11th Responsible Gun Owners Day, pointing out that:
Over the last two years, there have been more than 14 million first-time gun owners, many of them seeking guidance on training and safety education at firearm retailers, shooting ranges and through NSSF’s Project ChildSafe program. Firearm ownership is a right enjoyed by millions of Americans, and with that right comes the responsibility to safely handle and store firearms when they’re not in use. Project ChildSafe has a vast library of firearm safety resources available to gun owners to help prevent accidents, theft and misuse, including suicide.
The Press Release is here for your review and consideration. IFC strongly supports responsible firearms ownership and gun safety, and we hope the links from this article are helpful to you and your families:
Top Project ChildSafe resources for firearm owners:
A newly-updated digital brochure on best practices for secure firearm storage
A Guide for Parents: Understanding Youth Mental Health and Preventing Unauthorized Access to Firearms and corresponding video, developed in partnership with AFSP
A video highlighting How to Have a Conversation with Children About Firearm Safety
JOIN IFC!
You should be thankful to have such an effective organization working on your behalf. However, there is no question that there is strength in numbers – and we need your participation! It is just a fact that legislators listen more closely to larger groups. There is more work to be done, as was outlined recently in this IFC blog. Become a part of the fight. Second Amendment challenges are everywhere and it takes all gun owners to keep our rights intact.
Membership in IFC is not expensive. Even if you belong to a national gun rights organization, you should join IFC. IFC is involved at a state level – and those laws affect you each and every day. Being a member keeps you up-to-date on legislation being proposed, or passed, as well as Second Amendment developments and firearms industry news. In addition – an ADDED BONUS to membership is the discounts offered by our Trusted Partners and Affiliates to our members. Check it out!
Sign up now for our e-mail alert list to stay plugged into what's going on with your 2A rights here in Iowa.
IFC will never sell, rent or share your personal information, including your e-mail address, with any third parties for any purposes without your express permission. IFC may share your personal information for the purpose of delivering our e-mail to you or as required by law.
Alex Christenson, 
showcase a variety of quality guns and gear available on site from many different vendors, and provide a forum for both national gun rights organizations and Iowa’s own Iowa Firearms Coalition, to meet with people.
Vice President and volunteer, Billy Wilson, made sure to thank our partners, on behalf of our members.
But it was not all serious discussion! Stephen Willeford, representing Gun Owners of America (GOA), had some fun with their photo board and props. GOA was in the booth next to ours. Other 2A rights organizations represented were FRAC and the Second Amendment Foundation. Stephen (pictured on the right in this photo) is best known as “The Barefoot Defender” in the Sutherland Springs church shooting in Texas a few years ago. IFC invited Mr. Willeford to speak to our members at the 2A Lobby Day a couple of years ago, and again at the IFC-PAC Supper that evening. The events of that day had a profound effect on Mr. Willeford and his impactful story is raw still.
All in all, it was a great day! Getting to interact with hundreds of people from all walks of life, with common concerns and interests, was rejuvenating! As you can see, we are growing our presence and outreach, and we could really use your talent. We are an All-Volunteer organization. Volunteer and discover all the fun you are missing! The folks at IFC are great to work with and very helpful.
Registration to the event is free, if you are an NRA member. Also, most of the seminars and educational sessions were free to attend as well. I highly recommend that you go. Next year’s event will be in Atlanta, Georgia (a little closer to home), on April 24-27th. Hotels are available to book now: 
Always good to see friends when away from home. Check out their services at the link above.
Vendors and trainers are finely attuned to this sustained, multi-year trend in new firearms purchasers. Consequently, they are adopting and adapting marketing, training strategies and even changes in manufacturing, to accommodate this huge new influx of women gun owners. Sorry guys. The world of guns and shooting is no longer a ‘good old boys club’. There are an awful lot of women who have a passion for various shooting sports and disciplines and they are pretty impressive. And relentless! More on that later.
and “Top 5 Myths Concealed Carriers Believe, Revealed”). John walked us through his analysis of many situations captured on video. He emphasized the importance of making Good, Sane, Sober, Moral and Prudent decisions.
(Photo is of three IFC Life Members (from left: myself, Presenter Ed Monk, Dave and Todd)
Moriah Day, Executive Director of the Kansas State Rifle Association (also presenting), and NRA Board member, Dave Halbrook (pictured here),
were also seated on the stage – when it collapsed! It literally folded at the middle seam and both of those seated, suddenly were down! They quickly recovered and left the stage. What did ‘our’ Dave do when this occurred? Glanced over, assessed the situation, grabbed the mic, stepped off the stage and continued his slide show presentation, unruffled, while maintenance fixed the stage. This was the first event on the first day and to say it started off with a bang is an understatement 🙂
Recent Comments