Et cetera : Handgun safety training course being offered

A law which went into effect on January 1, 2011 requires the Sheriff of each county to issue a permit to carry weapons to any person 21 years of age or older who is not addicted to alcohol, not likely to use a weapon unlawfully or in such a manner as would endanger the person’s self or others, is not a felon, and has not been convicted of a serious or aggravated misdemeanor in the past three years. (Iowa Code 724.8)

The law also states that a person must complete a handgun safety training course to acquire an initial permit. Renewal of a current permit requires that the permit holder attend a handgun safety training course within the twelve-month period prior to the expiration of the current permit or qualify on a firing range under the supervision of a certified instructor within the twelve-month period prior to the expiration of the current permit.

Approved handgun safety training courses will be held in the Benton County area:

Thursday, March 15 from 6 to 10 PM at Blairstown Ambulance Building

Cost of the class is $50 and pre-registration is required to assure adequate course materials and a photo ID is required. The course is approved for Iowa and Arizona permits and allows permit holders to carry firearms in 37 states.

To register for the class or for questions, go to www.IAFirearmsTraining.com or call (319) 310-4724.

Anyone interested in qualifying on the firing range for renewal of a current permit is asked to use the same email address or phone to schedule a time to qualify. Cost of the qualification $15 per hour or portion thereof.

For more information, go to www.IAFirearmsTraining.com