Iowa permits open carry of handguns by qualifying adults statewide, though local preemption under Iowa Code 724.28 prevents stricter city rules.
Iowa Code chapter 724 allows open carry of handguns by adults age 21 and older who are not prohibited persons, consistent with permitless carry reforms enacted in 2021. Long guns may generally be carried openly in public places when not otherwise restricted. Iowa Code 724.4 still criminalizes carrying weapons with intent to use them unlawfully. Local governments may not adopt stricter open carry rules due to preemption in Iowa Code 724.28, though private property owners may post no-firearms restrictions.
Carrying a weapon unlawfully under section 724.4 is an aggravated misdemeanor; restricted location violations carry separate penalties.
See how West Des Moines's open carry rules stack up against other locations.
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