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!
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 Blogearlier 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.
ATF IGNORES THE COURTS; NRA CLEANS HOUSE; AND 24% OF VOTERS CARRY GUNS
Well, the ATF ignores the Courts, the NRA cleans house, and 24% of November voters carry guns. This last week has been a mixed bag of 2A News for this week’s 2A Wrap-Up, so here we go!
ATF IS IGNORING THE COURTS ON PISTOL BRACES
AmmoLand reported that the ATF just sent a letter to an individual member of Gun Owners of America that states the ATF can still enforce the ban on pistols equipped with stabilizing devices.
“On December 12, 2024, a member of Gun Owners of America received a response to the question posed to ATF, signed not by any identifiable ATF official, but rather generically ‘FIPB,’ standing for ATF’s Firearms Industry Programs Branch (attached with personal information redacted),” GOA Senior Vice President Erich Pratt wrote to Assistant Director, Office of Enforcement Programs and Services Megan Bennett. “In this December 12, 2024 email, FIPB adopted a legal position about pistol braces that is (i) at odds with the opinions of various courts to have considered the Rule, (ii) likely in violation of various injunctions against ATF’s enforcement of the Rule, and (iii) in conflict with the statute and even the Final Rule itself.”
Remember that this is the agency that has killed people in pre-dawn raids when a simple call to them would have accomplished the goal of searching the home. They also gave its outgoing Director an 80% Lower, as a parting gift. We at IFC will monitor this story and update you as it develops.
NRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS IS CLEANING HOUSE
As reported at The Reload, the NRA BOD has ended its relationship with the erratically effective Brewer Law Firm.
The partnership between the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the architect of its legal strategy for the last half-decade is now ending.
Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors announced late last month it will no longer represent the NRA going forward. The firm and its namesake, William Brewer, have been instrumental in direction-defining decisions the gun-rights group has made since its corruption scandal broke into public sight in 2018. Those decisions resulted in the NRA splitting from its top contractor, filing for bankruptcy, wiping out its top leadership–including Wayne LaPierre, and being found liable by a New York jury for failing to protect whistle-blowers during a years-long civil trial.
“With resolve befitting its mission, the NRA stood and fought,” the firm said in a statement on its website. “Six years later, the NRA still stands – and so do the freedoms for which it has long fought. The Firm is proud it represented the NRA in its blockbuster 9-0 Supreme Court victory, its defeat of the NYAG’s ‘corporate death penalty’ and compliance-monitor claims, its separation from corrupt vendors, and dozens of other matters.”
“The greatest reward of this work arrives now: with major litigation threats defeated, the Firm’s work is nearly done,” it added.
Not everyone inside the group agrees, though. While NRA President Bob Barr, former President Charles Cotton, and other longtime board members have remained staunch Brewer supporters through the firm’s tenure, a growing number of board members have questioned Brewer’s legal strategy–with many effectively voting against the firm’s representation in the group’s last meeting. Jeff Knox, an NRA board member and reform leader, said Brewer’s statement showed the firm “would rather ride off into the sunset than be tossed out into the street,” while Rocky Marshall, another reformer board member, labeled it “comical.”
As the Iowa Official NRA State Association, we work closely with NRA staff on a near-daily basis. As the New York AG attack on the NRA is over, it’s heartening to see that the NRA BOD is cleaning house and more effectively administrating its operations.
24% OF VOTERS LAST NOVEMBER REGULARLY CARRY WEAPONS
Taking rights away from an educated public that is actively exercising those rights daily. Dr. Lott is a real asset to the 2A Community and you can follow him on X here.
IFC’S TRUSTED PARTNER OF THE WEEK: CROSSROADS SHOOTING SPORTS
At Crossroads Shooting Sports; We know that buying a firearm can be intimidating and uncomfortable, especially if it will be your first purchase. Using an online new pistol buying guide can help you sort out the jargon and find out what you need to know before buying, but you’ll still need training and one-to-one support to help you.
When we envisioned CrossRoads Shooting Sports, we had a different model in mind: open, modern, and clean with no attitudes, no pressure, and no gimmicks. Whether it’s your first time holding a firearm,or you’re an experienced shooter looking for that latest piece of gear, you will be met by professionals whose only goal is to serve you with a humble spirit. With nearly 17,000 square feet of total space, classroom facilities, and a state-of-the-art indoor shooting range, CrossRoads Shooting Sports is here to meet your needs, at your level, when you are ready.
Please take advantage of your IFC Member discounts when patronizing this great IFC-supporting business.
2A LOBBY DAY AND THE IFC-PAC DINNER
2A Day on February 18th at the State Capitol is fast approaching. Don’t forget to get your tickets now, for the IFC-PAC BBQ Dinner that evening with Iowa Hero, Major Jeff Streucker of Black Hawk Down Fame.
We at the Iowa Firearms Coalition all hope that you have a Happy New Year and that 2025 turns out to be a great year not just for you, but also for the expansion of our Second Amendment freedoms, and for America.
IFC 2025 Legislative Agenda
IFC has listened to its members and has been working on legislative language to address your concerns. Here is the legislative platform for 2025. Be sure to attend 2A Day to learn more about these bills and to encourage your legislators to support them!
Safer Families Act (provisions of HF654 – passed by the House on April 12, 2023)
Intended to eliminate most of the few remaining “No Guns Zones” in Iowa law:
Repeals ban on firearms and ammunition in:
Vehicles on the grounds of correctional facilities
Vehicles in publicly accessible parking lots operated by state or local government
Vehicles transporting foster children
School vehicles transporting pupils (authorized armed staff only)
Allows for permit holders to have a concealed handgun in their vehicle when dropping off or picking up at a school
Prohibits state universities and community colleges from banning lawfully possessed weapons in vehicles on their grounds
Repeals the ban on firearms in state-licensed gambling facilities
Repeals the statutes on “manner of conveyance” of long guns in vehicles
Provides for firearm safety Instruction in schools
Provides necessary clean-up of some language in Iowa Code 724 in the wake of the 2021 adoption of permitless carry of weapons
Full 2A Rights for Young Adults
IFC will again seek to remove statutory restrictions on handguns affecting young adults aged 18-20.
2A/4A Protection in Private Parking Lots
IFC will again seek to pass legislation prohibiting employers from disciplining or firing employees who lawfully possess weapons or ammunition in their vehicles on employer provided parking areas.
Repeal Firearms Devices Section 724.29
This is causing problems with sales of binary triggers and similar devices.
Gadsden Flag License Plate to Fund 2A Education and Training
IFC will seek to create an Iowa Gadsden Flag license plate, with funds devoted to 2A education and training, with first priority to IFC or similar groups.
Require Iowa Government Agencies to Auction Seized Firearms
IFC will seek to require public disposition of seized firearms, rather than have them all go to the state’s crime lab or be destroyed.
Remove Conservation Officers’ Authority for Warrantless Searches
Investigations on private property must honor Fourth Amendment rights by requiring probable cause, permission, or a warrant.
2A LOBBY DAY AND THE IFC-PAC DINNER
I’m looking forward to meeting you at 2A Day on February 18th at the State Capitol where you will have a chance to talk to your legislators about the need for these legislative changes. Also, don’t forget to get your tickets for the IFC-PAC BBQ Dinner that evening, with Iowa Hero, Major Jeff Streucker of Black Hawk Down Fame.
Jeff Struecker, IFC’s 2A Day (February 18th, 2025) featured speaker, leads the Unbeatable Army. He’s a decorated soldier who enlisted in the United States Army at age 18 and retired with almost 23 years of active federal service. In 2017, he was inducted into the US Army Ranger Hall of Fame.
He spent most of his Army career in the 75th Ranger Regiment. While serving in this unit, Jeff competed in and won the Best Ranger Competition in 1996. He then served at the University of Louisville, where he was recognized as the US Army ROTC, Noncommissioned Officer of the year. Jeff spent his final years in the US Army serving as a chaplain in Airborne and Ranger units.
Join us on 2A Day! If you’d like to listen to a passionate story in a more intimate setting, purchase a ticket and support the IFC-PAC later in the evening on February 18th, 2025 at our annual IFC-PAC Supper.
Sign up now for our e-mail alert list to stay plugged into what's going on with your 2A rights here in Iowa.
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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.
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.
As reported at 
2A LOBBY DAY AND THE IFC-PAC DINNER
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