Tag: Handgun

Think Twice Before Adding a Fore Grip to a Handgun

If you are considering adding a vertical fore grip to a handgun, then you should consult GRL Law first. A “handgun” under federal law is designed to be held and fired with one hand. If you add a fore grip to it, then it is no longer designed to be held and fired by using one hand.   It would now be classified as “any other weapon” (AOW) under the National Firearms Act.  That weapon must be registered with the ATF. Making an unregistered AOW is punishable by a fine and 10 years’ imprisonment.  So is possession of unregistered AOW. You […]

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Murphy Selected to USCCA Critical Response Team in Iowa

The United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) recently named GRL Law’s Colin Murphy to its Critical Response Team for the State of Iowa. The USCCA is the nation’s premier organization for firearm education and training.  One of the most valuable benefits of membership is self-defense liability insurance for law abiding gun owners who are involved in self-defense shootings. The automatic insurance benefit provides funds for defense expenses, bail bonds, claims expenses and other damages. The Critical Response Team exists to help USCCA members navigate the confusing aftermath of a self-defense incident.  It is an exclusive community of qualified pro-2A attorneys […]

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Iowa Permits to Carry Do Not Expire During COVID-19 Proclamation of Disaster Emergency

On July 24, 2020 Governor Reynolds continued the Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for the State of Iowa that extends until August 23, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. Specifically, the Proclamation temporarily suspends the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code sections 724.6, 724.7 and 724.20 regarding professional and nonprofessional permits to carry firearms. This means that if you hold a resident permit that would have expired after March 17, 2020, then that permit is still valid for as long as the Governor continues the disaster emergency. Some county sheriffs will allow you to renew either in person or by mail, but for the […]

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Carrying Weapons – Possession is NOT Always Nine-Tenth’s of the Law

You may have heard the hold adage that “possession is nine-tenth’s of the law.”  Although that proposition may have some merit when attempting to ferret out property disputes, the Iowa Supreme Court recently did not find it persuasive as it relates to committing the crime of carrying a dangerous weapon while intoxicated.  In State v. Montreal Shorter, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that “possession” of a firearm while intoxicated does not necessarily constitute the criminal offense of “carrying” a firearm while intoxicated.  Iowa Code Section 724.4C prohibits a person from “carrying” a weapon either (1) on or about the person […]

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Stop of Out-of-State Driver’s Vehicle Invalid, Seized Firearm Returned to Client

Dallas County, Iowa- Grant Gangestad’s client was stopped on the side of the road to take a phone call and assess a check engine light.  The officer ran the driver’s information, which returned no warrants or red flags.  The officer returned to the vehicle, claiming that the driver appeared “nervous.”  He asked if there was anything in the vehicle and the client stated that he had a firearm in a backpack the vehicle which he keeps for protection.  He did not have a valid permit to carry in Iowa. The officer then confiscated the firearm and charged the client with […]

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