USA Carry

DES MOINES, IA — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has officially signed House File 924 into law, lowering the minimum age to acquire or carry a weapon in the state from 21 to 18. The law, which goes into effect on July 1, 2025, represents a significant expansion of firearm rights for young adults in Iowa.

HF 924 originated as House Study Bill 262 and moved quickly through the legislative process. It was introduced in the House Judiciary Committee on February 27, 2025, received subcommittee approval on March 4, passed the full committee with a 17-4 vote on March 6, and was approved by the full House in a 60-34 vote on March 13. The Senate passed the bill 32-14 on April 8. Governor Reynolds signed the bill into law on April 18, 2025.

Previously, Iowa law prohibited individuals under 21 from acquiring permits or possessing pistols and revolvers outside of specific exceptions. HF 924 eliminates that age restriction, aligning the legal threshold for firearm possession and permitting with the age of legal adulthood.

Supporters of the bill argue that 18- to 20-year-olds, who are legally considered adults, should not be denied their right to armed self-defense. Opponents raised concerns over public safety, particularly in relation to handgun access by younger adults.

This legislation is part of a growing national movement to restore Second Amendment rights to Americans aged 18 to 20. So far in 2025, similar legislation has been introduced or passed in states like Florida and Kentucky, and federal efforts have been reintroduced to lower the handgun purchase age. In addition, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently struck down the federal ban on handgun sales to 18- to 20-year-olds, reinforcing the trend.

HF 924 will officially become law on July 1, 2025. At that time, 18- to 20-year-olds in Iowa will be able to apply for carry permits and legally possess handguns under state law, subject to federal regulations and background checks where applicable.

This marks a significant win for Iowa’s gun rights advocates and adds to the momentum behind similar efforts nationwide to recognize the full Second Amendment rights of legal adults under 21.

Read the original story: Signed, Sealed, Armed: Iowa Lowers Carry Age to 18 Starting July 1

SPRINGFIELD, MO — Missouri State University is mourning the tragic loss of senior football player Todric McGee, who died early Saturday, April 19, from injuries sustained in what authorities say may have been a self-inflicted gunshot wound resulting from a negligent discharge.

As reported by NBC News, Springfield Police responded to McGee’s residence Friday morning for a wellness check. Upon arrival, officers discovered the 21-year-old with serious injuries. He was transported to a local hospital where he later died. Authorities have not released additional information as the investigation remains ongoing.

McGee was a native of Wichita, Kansas, and a graduate of Wichita Northwest High School. He was entering his fifth season with the Missouri State Bears and had earned all-conference honors in 2023 as the team’s starting safety.

“This tragedy has shaken our football program to the core,” said Missouri State Director of Athletics Patrick Ransdell in a statement. “We want [Todric’s] family, friends, and teammates to know we are here to support them in every way possible at this extremely difficult time.”

Head football coach Ryan Beard also expressed his sorrow: “Our football family is in shock and in mourning at the loss of Todric. We ask everyone to please respect the privacy of his family and our MoState football team as we begin the healing process. Join us in praying for Todric and the people who loved him.”

Grief counseling services have been made available to Missouri State student-athletes and staff.

While many details about the incident have yet to be released, authorities indicated that the shooting appears to have been the result of a negligent discharge — a preventable tragedy that underscores the critical importance of strict adherence to firearm safety protocols.

The four fundamental rules of firearm safety, as outlined by USACarry, are designed to prevent precisely this type of incident:

A negligent discharge often occurs when even one of these rules is ignored. Whether experienced or new to firearms, the responsibility to handle guns safely is paramount. Firearms are tools that demand constant awareness, discipline, and respect — especially in domestic or casual settings, where complacency can be deadly.

This devastating loss is a sobering reminder that gun ownership carries not only the right to self-defense, but a profound duty to uphold the highest standards of safety.

Our thoughts remain with the family, friends, teammates, and Missouri State community during this time of grief.

Read the original story: Missouri State Football Player Dies Following Apparent Negligent Discharge

SAMPSON COUNTY, NC — Deputies with the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a domestic violence incident in which a man was shot in what authorities are describing as a clear case of self-defense.

As reported by The Daily Record, the situation unfolded early Wednesday morning when a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds was dropped off at the emergency room of Betsy Johnson Hospital in Dunn. Medical staff promptly alerted the Harnett County Communications Center, prompting a response from a Harnett County deputy. Authorities later confirmed the shooting took place at a residence located at 4444 N. Spring Branch Road in Sampson County.

According to SCSO Capt. Marcus Smith, preliminary evidence suggests the shooting was the result of an assault during a domestic dispute. “The incident was a domestic assault and evidence gathered thus far indicates the shooting was in self-defense to stop the assault,” Smith said. The victim of the shooting was later airlifted to a trauma center. His current condition, along with the identities of those involved, has not been released. Investigators do not expect charges to be filed against the individual who fired the shots.

This case highlights a harsh reality many people face: the threat of violence can arise unexpectedly, even in one’s own home. In situations involving domestic violence, having access to a firearm can make the critical difference between life and death. While many assume danger only comes from outside, data and lived experiences show that threats often come from someone familiar. For those who are legally able, maintaining home carry or having a self-defense plan is crucial. Learn more about these considerations in our articles on domestic violence and concealed carry and home carry for domestic violence situations.

Read the original story: Domestic Assault Ends in Gunfire: Man Shot in Apparent Act of Self-Defense

DUPUYER, MT — A shed hunter in north-central Montana was forced to defend himself on Friday when a charging grizzly bear closed in on him at close range. The man, who was uninjured, shot and killed the bear during the encounter.

According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), the man was searching for antlers on a brush-covered hillside near Dupuyer when he first spotted the bear. As he attempted to leave the area, the bear—an adult female—charged. With little time to react, the man used a firearm to stop the charge, killing the grizzly.

The bear was estimated to be 13 years old and weighed approximately 250 pounds. Wildlife officials confirmed the sow was in good condition and had no known history of human conflict. A single yearling cub was located nearby and appeared unharmed. No further management action will be taken regarding the cub.

Grizzly bears in the region have reached recovery levels and are still protected under the Endangered Species Act. Management authority remains with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in cooperation with Montana FWP and other agencies.

This incident is a stark reminder that even in spring, when bears are emerging from hibernation, outdoor enthusiasts must be vigilant. While bear spray remains the recommended first line of defense, carrying a firearm and knowing how to use it can be lifesaving in a surprise charge at close range. Always remain aware of your surroundings and leave an area immediately if you spot a bear nearby.

For more on bear safety, visit fwp.mt.gov.

Read the original story: Shed Hunter Faces Off with Charging Grizzly, Drops It with One Shot

BUTTS COUNTY, GA — A late-night home invasion on April 14 ended without injury after a local father used his firearm to stop an aggressive intruder from entering his family’s home. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. and has sparked renewed discussion on the importance of firearms training and responsible gun ownership in the community.

The homeowner, Justin Couch, was inside with his wife, Allison, and their three young children when one of his sons heard a noise at his bedroom window. Upon investigating, Couch discovered a man breaking the window and attempting to enter the room. He later identified the suspect as a neighbor they had never spoken to.

After the intruder initially fled from the child’s window, Couch retrieved his handgun. Moments later, the suspect broke a second window—this time in the living room—and began to climb inside. Couch confronted the man and fired a single shot, missing the suspect but effectively stopping the break-in.

“The guy was in my house—one leg in. Everything was in my house,” Couch told 13WMAZ. “I just fired one shot.”

According to the Butts County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect, later identified as Abdul Aquil, was shouting threats, including, “I’m gonna kill you,” as he tried to enter the home. Deputies arrived within minutes, locating Aquil in a nearby cul-de-sac. A physical altercation ensued during the arrest, requiring multiple deputies and the use of a Taser to subdue the suspect.

Aquil was taken into custody and booked into the Butts County Jail. He now faces multiple charges, including:

Authorities confirmed that Aquil is currently on probation for similar offenses.

Sheriff Gary Long publicly commended Couch’s actions, stating, “If Justin had not had a firearm—had he not fired that weapon—I can assure you, if somebody was not murdered in that house, it would have been very close to it.”

The sheriff’s office had hosted a Citizen’s Firearm Safety Course just one day prior to the incident. Sheriff Long noted that many participants were unclear on when it is lawful to use a firearm in self-defense. In response, the department plans to increase firearm education opportunities, including monthly safety classes and advanced scenario-based training.

This incident underscores the value of understanding when and how to use a firearm in a life-threatening situation. In this case, quick thinking, proper use of a legally-owned firearm, and knowledge of the law helped a father protect his family from an immediate and violent threat.

When confronting a threat inside your home, it’s critical to act swiftly but responsibly. Knowing how to handle your firearm safely and understanding your state’s use-of-force laws can mean the difference between successfully defending your family and facing unintended consequences. Regular training, including scenario-based practice, can help build the confidence and skill necessary for real-world situations.

Read the original story: Stranger Shattered Child’s Bedroom Window—Then This Georgia Dad Grabbed His Gun and Took Action

LOS ANGELES, CA — In a major development for nonresident gun owners, the California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA) has announced that out-of-state residents will soon be able to apply for a California concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit. This change, effective April 23, 2025, follows legal pressure from CRPA and its allies in the lawsuit CRPA v. LASD, which challenged the state’s refusal to recognize concealed carry rights for nonresidents.

Although the court declined to mandate full reciprocity—meaning California still does not recognize CCW permits issued by other states—the judge ruled that nonresidents must be allowed to apply for a California CCW. The new process was negotiated between gun rights groups and the California Department of Justice (DOJ), and includes several specific requirements for applicants:

Once approved, nonresident CCW permits will be mailed to the applicant’s provided address.

This is a significant step for gun owners nationwide who wish to lawfully carry while visiting California. While the application process remains complex compared to most other states, CRPA succeeded in ensuring it can be completed remotely without requiring travel to California.

CRPA and its partners continue to fight for full reciprocity, aiming to simplify this process further and ensure that constitutional rights do not stop at state lines. Gun owners are encouraged to support CRPA’s ongoing legal efforts as the battle for Second Amendment rights in California continues.

Read the original story: California Opens CCW Application Process to Nonresidents Starting April 23

TALLAHASSEE, FL — A major law enforcement response unfolded at Florida State University on Thursday following an active shooter incident that left at least six people injured and forced a full campus lockdown. The violence occurred near the Student Union, prompting university officials to issue urgent shelter-in-place orders and suspend all campus operations.

The first reports came just after noon on April 17, when police responded to a 911 call about an active shooter at the Student Union. Within minutes, alerts were sent across campus warning students, faculty, and staff to seek shelter and remain in place. Police from multiple agencies, including Tallahassee Police Department and Florida State University Police, converged on the scene and began clearing buildings room by room.

The @FloridaState campus has been secured. Multiple law enforcement agencies remain on site for the ongoing investigation. The Student Union & surrounding area are still considered an active crime scene. Individuals should not return to the area for any reason. (1/2)

At least six individuals were reportedly injured in the shooting, according to Fox News and local authorities. Their conditions have not yet been disclosed, and it remains unclear whether any of the victims sustained life-threatening injuries.

By approximately 3:20 p.m., officials announced that the threat had been neutralized. However, several campus buildings—including the Student Union, Bellamy, HCB Classroom Building, Rovetta A&B, Moore Auditorium, Shaw, Pepper, Hecht House, and Carraway—remain closed as active crime scenes. Authorities have urged students and staff not to return to those areas.

The university established a reunification point at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, where students and families are being provided with counseling, medical care, and other support services. Shuttle buses are transporting students from campus to the center throughout the day.

First responders are on site at FSU pic.twitter.com/ej4nbHMAg4

All FSU classes and operations on the main campus are canceled through Friday, April 18. Athletic events scheduled in Tallahassee are canceled through Sunday. While students may return to their residence halls, they are advised to stay indoors unless departing campus for the weekend.

Law enforcement continues to investigate the motive behind the shooting and the identity of the suspect. No arrests have been publicly confirmed at this time. Officials are asking anyone with relevant information or who may have witnessed the event to call 850-891-4987.

Further updates are being posted at alerts.fsu.edu, and a press briefing is expected later in the evening via the Tallahassee Police Department’s Facebook page.

Tragic events like this highlight the importance of being prepared even in everyday environments like school campuses. When carrying a firearm is not legally allowed—such as on many college campuses—knowing emergency protocols, maintaining situational awareness, and staying calm under pressure become your most important tools for survival. Always take time to familiarize yourself with building layouts, exit routes, and shelter locations wherever you are.

Read the original story: FSU Campus Locked Down After Active Shooter Incident Leaves at Least 6 Injured

Go to any gun forum or blog, and sooner or later, you will run across gun shop stories. Most will start with something like, “I was at the gun shop the other day and this guy came in…” What will follow will be a story about someone doing or saying something ignorant, rude, or unsafe. Some things will be funny, some will be aggravating, and some will be dangerous. There may even be videos. Sometimes it is someone new to the world of guns and gun shops, in which case it is understandable and excusable unless it was dangerous, and other times it is someone who should know better.

None of us wants to be ‘that person’ and have our story told over and over on the internet or at the range. We certainly do not want to be the person who causes an accident that kills or injures someone. To avoid that dubious honor, it might be wise to review some dos and don’ts that will help us follow the best gun shop etiquette.

According to the dictionary, “etiquette is the set of rules or customs that control accepted behavior in particular social groups or social situations.” These rules or customs are intended to show courtesy and respect to those around you and to keep things running smoothly. Etiquette works the same way in a gun shop. 

It will save everyone time and be a lot more productive if you do some research before going to a gun shop. A couple of decades ago, gathering information about anything could be time-consuming and involve a lot of running around to libraries or other information sources, but that is no longer the case. Using the internet, you can research all about different types of guns, their pros and cons, and which ones are popular for concealed carry or whatever purpose you want. That will give you a head start on the kinds of questions to ask and what guns you ask about. If you are new to guns, even just understanding the types of guns on the market will be beneficial. 

If you are not sure, call the gun shop and ask what you will need to bring to buy the kind of gun you are interested in. That may sound silly since most of the time all you need is a picture ID or driver’s license with your address on it, but that is not always the case. In my state, you can buy a handgun with a picture ID, but if you want to buy what the anti-2A folks call an “assault rifle,” you need two IDs. I have no idea what that accomplishes except to make you jump through an extra hoop since the second one does not even need to be a picture ID, but that’s the law.

It’s also a good idea to make sure you do not have any pending legal issues before you go in. If you are in doubt, ask the person at the gun shop when you call them. There’s no reason to feel stupid about it, they get questions like that all the time. If you have a situation that might be a problem, explain it and ask if that will be a problem before you fill out the paperwork and sit there while it goes through the system, just to get turned down. You can even research what questions are on the ATF Form 4473 by going to the ATF website.

Along with confirming what their business hours are, also ask about peak hours. Lots of people stop on their way home from work, so the shop might be busier then, which will leave the employee less time to answer your questions and show you guns you are interested in.

Buying a gun is not as simple as buying a soft drink at the 7-11, and it takes longer. You will have to fill out the form, wait while an employee enters it into the system, and then wait while it goes through the NICS background check. Background checks can take anywhere from ten minutes to several hours. Be sure to allow enough time for the process to be completed and have scheduled your day to accommodate it.

If you are carrying your EDC concealed handgun, keep it concealed. There is no need to pull out a loaded gun. If you are bringing a gun into the store for another reason, to sell or get repaired, for example, it is a good idea to put it in a case, so you are not walking into the store carrying a gun. Gun shops are robbed from time to time, and store employees are usually armed, so it’s wise to avoid misunderstandings.

Tell the employee what kind of gun you are looking for and what your budget is. That will save you both time and get you the best service and help in finding exactly what you want. If you are not sure what you want, at least tell them your budget and what you plan to use the gun for.

Be patient, especially if the store is busy. The employee knows you are there, and they will help you as soon as they can. Put yourself in their position. It is a good idea to ask questions, but they may give you answers you are not happy with. They may even make suggestions you don’t like. If that is the case, just stick to what you want. If, for some reason, you are not happy with them or the service you are receiving, for example, if you are a first-time gun buyer and you feel like they are talking down to you, just smile, thank them, and leave. There is no need to tell them off; that will only make a scene and affect other patrons’ experience.

Always follow the four rules of gun safety.

1. Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction: It’s normal to look down the sights of any gun you are thinking about buying. You want to see how it feels in your hand and how good the sights are. But don’t point it at other people. People have been shot and killed in gun shops, and people have been asked to leave gun shops for not being safe.

2. Treat all guns as though they are loaded: Even if I see the employee clear the gun before they hand it to me, I treat the gun as if it is loaded. Period. Doing so builds a good safety mindset and habits.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot: This goes back to having a safety-conscious mindset. Of course, you can’t tell how the trigger feels without pulling it, but before you do so, you should ask the employee if that is okay. They will usually say yes, but it is courteous to ask first.

4. Always be sure of your target and what’s beyond it: This one may not seem to apply when you are in a gun shop, but always keep it in mind.

Guns are tough, but they can be blemished through carelessness. When you are shopping for a car, you don’t carelessly scratch the paint, and you should be just as careful when looking at a gun. For example, if you want to check the magazine release to see how easy it is to manipulate and how well a magazine drops out, don’t let the empty magazine drop on the floor or another gun on the counter.

Have you ever seen an article or heard about someone in a security line at the airport getting dragged out of line because they made a joke about a bomb, and thought how stupid that person must have been? Making jokes about making a straw purchase or using the gun you are buying for a crime is just as stupid. Jokes like that are not funny, and they may get you kicked out of the shop. At the very least, you will lose all credibility with the employees and anyone else who is listening.

Personally, I do not mind if a stranger who is obviously a fellow gun nut shares an experience or what they like about a gun I’m looking at, as long as they are low-key and not pushy, but not everyone feels that way. I tend to keep my opinions to myself unless someone asks me what I think. I’ve had strangers on ranges ask me to shoot their gun and give them my opinion, and I am happy to do that. But, unless someone is obviously being given some very bad advice about a gun, I just live and let live.

There is a definite shortage of courtesy and polite behavior in the world today, and there is no reason to add to it. For example, if you think the price of a gun you are interested in is too high, there is no reason to berate the store employee and tell them you can get it cheaper somewhere else. Just thank them and move on. For all you know, they don’t have anything to do with setting the price, they’re just doing their job. Even if you can get a gun cheaper somewhere else, at least you got a chance to check it out, so just enjoy the experience and then go buy it somewhere else.

The proper gun shop etiquette is pretty much the same as anywhere else, with an important caveat. You should always be courteous and considerate of the people around you, and in a gun shop, you absolutely must add being safe to the behaviors you should demonstrate. Doing so will gain you the respect and willingness to go the extra mile of the people around you, and most importantly, will ensure that you are never “that person” whose story gets told on the internet.

Read the original story: Gun Shops Etiquette: The Dos and Don’ts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A controversial federal gun charge has been dropped against Taylor Taranto, a man accused of illegally possessing a braced pistol that the government claimed was a short-barreled rifle (SBR). The move by President Trump’s Department of Justice marks a key moment in the ongoing fight over how braced firearms are classified under federal law.

According to court documents, Taranto was originally charged with possessing an unregistered SBR after he was found with a CZ Scorpion pistol equipped with a stabilizing brace. The charge was based on the claim that the brace made the firearm a “rifle” under the National Firearms Act (NFA) — and because it had a barrel shorter than 16 inches and wasn’t registered, it was considered illegal.

However, federal prosecutors have now filed a motion to dismiss that charge “in the interest of justice.” That means Count One of the indictment — the NFA violation — is no longer being pursued.

The key issue here was how the firearm was classified. The DOJ argued that a gun with a brace couldn’t legally be considered a pistol if it was designed or intended to be fired from the shoulder. In other words, they said a gun cannot be both a pistol and a rifle. That interpretation would have made thousands — possibly millions — of brace-equipped pistols illegal overnight.

Second Amendment supporters have strongly pushed back against this kind of classification. The ATF’s shifting stance on braces has caused confusion and concern in the firearms community. For years, stabilizing braces were considered legal when used as intended. But in 2023, the ATF issued a new rule saying many braced pistols were now SBRs, requiring registration under the NFA.

In Taranto’s case, public attention and pressure from gun rights advocates may have played a role in the decision to drop the charge. Firearms commentator Mrgunsngear credited the shift to grassroots activism, thanking those who raised awareness and contacted members of the Trump administration.

Although the federal SBR charge has been dropped, Taranto still faces a separate D.C. local charge for carrying a pistol without a license. That case is ongoing.

This outcome is important for the 2A community. It shows that pushing back on overreach matters — especially when it comes to how federal agencies interpret and enforce firearms laws. Millions of law-abiding Americans own braced pistols, and this case highlights the risk of vague or changing rules turning ordinary gun owners into criminals.

As legal challenges to the ATF’s brace rule continue in the courts, the dismissal in this case is a small but meaningful win for Second Amendment rights and due process.

Read the original story: Trump’s DOJ Drops Charge Claiming Braced Pistol Was an Illegal Short-Barreled Rifle

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — A bill aimed at expanding concealed carry rights to more young adults has cleared the Missouri House and is now under consideration in the Senate. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 328 (HCS HB 328), sponsored by Rep. Tim Taylor (R-48), would lower the minimum age to apply for a concealed carry permit from 19 to 18 years old.

The legislation passed the House on April 10, 2025, by a vote of 106-45 and was first read in the Senate on April 14. If enacted, the bill would take effect on August 28, 2025.

Missouri already allows permitless concealed carry for individuals 19 and older (or 18 for members of the military or honorably discharged veterans), but this bill would change the official permitting statute to allow any lawful adult 18 years or older to apply for a concealed carry permit — regardless of military status.

The changes are made by amending Section 571.101 of the Missouri Revised Statutes and related provisions, striking language that previously limited eligibility to those 19 and older (with military exceptions). The revised language uniformly sets the age at 18.

This would harmonize the permitting law with the state’s existing constitutional carry allowances and give 18-year-olds access to benefits of the permit, such as reciprocity in states that recognize Missouri permits.

HCS HB 328 was referred to the Senate after passing the House and is awaiting committee assignment and hearing. The next steps in the Senate include:

This legislation is a common-sense expansion of constitutional rights for Missouri adults. At age 18, citizens can vote, serve in the military, and take on full legal responsibility. Extending concealed carry permitting to these adults reinforces the principle that Second Amendment rights begin at adulthood — not some arbitrary higher threshold.

Moreover, by allowing lawful 18-year-olds to obtain permits, Missouri residents gain access to reciprocity in other states that recognize Missouri’s concealed carry permits — something not available under permitless carry alone.

Read the original story: Missouri Bill to Lower Concealed Carry Age to 18 Passes House