Iowa Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam 2025 – Your Complete Guide to Mastering Firearms Safety and Compliance

In Iowa, the minimum age to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer is indeed 21 years old. This requirement is set to ensure that individuals who are acquiring handguns possess the maturity and responsibility necessary to handle such firearms safely and legally. The age limit aligns with federal regulations as well, which establish 21 as the minimum age for purchasing handguns from federally licensed dealers, reinforcing the importance that states adhere to certain standards concerning gun sales to promote public safety.

While individuals who are 18 years old can participate in certain activities related to firearms, such as purchasing long guns (rifles and shotguns), the law explicitly stipulates that handguns are restricted until the age of 21. Engaging in the responsible sale and transfer of firearms is critically tied to these age restrictions, as they help mitigate risks associated with firearm ownership.