Dewar, Iowa. Serving Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Black Hawk County.

Concealed Carry Classes in Dewar, Iowa: Iowa CCW & Minnesota Non-Resident Courses

Iowa CCW, Minnesota non-resident and concealed carry home defense classes, taught by USCCA-certified instructor and Range Safety Officer Harold Spivey. If you have been typing "carry and conceal class near me" into your phone, you are in the right place.

See the 3 CCW classes Call or text Harold: (319) 610-8463
  • USCCA-certified instructor
  • Certified Range Safety Officer
  • 15+ years of handgun and AR-15 experience
  • Iowa CCW and Minnesota non-resident courses

Looking for a Carry and Conceal Class Near You?

Carrying a handgun every day changes the way you think. You start paying attention to where it sits in a holster on your belt, what the law says about where you can take it, and what you would actually do if you ever had to draw it. A good concealed carry class gives you straight answers to those questions before you need them, not after.

Most people who call us fall into one of three groups. Some just bought their first handgun and want to learn to carry it the right way. Some have carried for years without formal training and want to fill the gaps. And some need a Minnesota permit for work, family or trips across the border. If you are searching for a concealed carry class near Waterloo, IA, or a CCW class in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Dewar is a short drive away, and Harold will tell you honestly which class fits.

3 Concealed Carry Classes. One Place to Start.

We currently offer three concealed carry classes. Dates and prices change through the year, so call or text (319) 610-8463 for current details.

Concealed carry

Iowa CCW Class

Our Iowa CCW class covers firearm safety, responsible carry and the legal considerations that come with carrying a handgun in Iowa. It is the class to ask about if you plan to apply for an Iowa Permit to Carry Weapons through your county sheriff. In our New Handgun Owner Program, the Iowa CCW course is the final class, described as a state certified course so students can apply for their permit.

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Concealed carry

Minnesota Non-Resident CCW Course

Minnesota issues permits to carry to people who live outside the state. Our Minnesota non-resident CCW course is built for Iowans and other non-residents who want that permit. It covers safe handling and the responsibilities that come with carrying, so you understand what is expected of you before you apply.

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Concealed carry + home defense

Concealed Carry Home Defense Course

This concealed carry home defense course brings two subjects together: responsible carry and protecting your household. It suits anyone whose handgun moves between a holster during the day and the house at night, and it keeps safe handling at the center of both.

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Dates and price: call or text. Schedules, prices and prerequisites may change.

What You Will Learn in Our CCW Classes

Firearm Safety First

Every skill starts with the universal gun safety rules. Harold explains each rule and the reason behind it, because rules you understand are rules you follow under stress.

Responsible Carry

Carrying is a daily responsibility, not a one-time decision. You will talk through what it means to carry a firearm in public and how to do it with good judgment.

Mindset and Decision-Making

A firearm is one tool. Staying aware, avoiding trouble and making sound decisions are skills too, and you will use them far more often than a handgun.

Legal Considerations

You will cover the legal considerations that come with carrying in Iowa or, in the non-resident course, Minnesota. This is education, not legal advice, but it tells you which questions to ask and where to find answers.

Concealed Carry Class Iowa: Do You Still Need a Permit?

It is a fair question. Iowa has allowed eligible adults to carry without a permit since July 1, 2021. So why do so many Iowans still take a concealed carry class in Iowa and apply for a permit to carry?

Why Iowans Still Get a Permit

According to Iowa sheriff's offices, permits are still issued for two main reasons:

Reciprocity. Many other states recognize only an official Iowa Permit to Carry Weapons. If you drive out of state for work, hunting or family visits, a valid permit can make a real difference.

Handgun purchases. A valid Iowa permit to carry is also used when buying handguns.

USCCA-certified
firearms instructor

Taught by Harold Spivey, USCCA-Certified Instructor

Harold teaches the way he believes everyone should be taught: safety first, one clear step at a time, with the reason behind every rule. He pairs classroom teaching with hands-on range coaching and is patient with beginners. Nothing is assumed, and no question is treated as a silly one.

As a certified Range Safety Officer, Harold keeps the range calm and disciplined. As a USCCA-certified instructor, he brings structured material to the classroom and a lifelong passion for firearms safety and responsible ownership to every conversation.

15+years of handgun and AR-15 experience
21classes, from firearms to first aid
USCCAcertified instructor
  • 15+ years of handgun and AR-15 experience
  • 21 classes, from firearms to first aid
  • USCCA-certified instructor and Range Safety Officer
  • Group, private and church sessions available
Call or text Harold

Minnesota Non-Resident CCW Course: How It Works

Minnesota sets its own rules on carry permits and does not treat every out-of-state permit the same way. That is why many Iowans who spend time up north apply for a Minnesota non-resident permit.

Here is the general process, based on information published by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension:

  • Non-residents can submit a permit to carry application to any Minnesota county sheriff's office.
  • Applicants must show proof of training in the safe use of a handgun from a certified instructor, completed within one year of the application.
  • Minnesota permits are valid for five years and can be renewed.

Our course is the Minnesota non-resident permit to carry training piece of that process. When you call, ask Harold what the current Minnesota non-resident CCW course includes and what paperwork you will receive, so your application goes in complete.

Ask about the Minnesota course

Three Steps to Register for a Concealed Carry Class

  1. Pick Your Class

    Iowa CCW, Minnesota non-resident or Concealed Carry Home Defense. Not sure? Ask Harold.

  2. Confirm the Details

    Check upcoming CCW class dates, then call or text (319) 610-8463 to confirm the date, price and what to bring.

  3. Reserve Your Seat

    Lock in your spot by phone, text or the inquiry form below. Harold will get back to you personally.

Call or text (319) 610-8463

Concealed Carry Classes Near Waterloo, Cedar Falls & Black Hawk County

Classes are held in and near Dewar, Iowa. If you are looking for a CCW class in Black Hawk County, or you searched "carry and conceal class near me" hoping for something close to home, you will not have far to drive. Our concealed carry students come from:

Concealed Carry Class FAQs

Do I need a permit to carry a handgun in Iowa?
Iowa has allowed eligible adults to carry without a permit since July 1, 2021. Many Iowans still get a Permit to Carry Weapons for reciprocity in other states and for handgun purchases. Check with your county sheriff for current requirements.
Does your Iowa CCW class qualify for an Iowa permit?
Our Iowa CCW class covers firearm safety, responsible carry and Iowa legal considerations, and it is the class to take if a permit is your goal. Call or text Harold at (319) 610-8463 to confirm how the current class relates to Iowa permit requirements.
Can I take a Minnesota non-resident CCW course in Iowa?
Yes. We offer a Minnesota Non-Resident CCW Course in Dewar, Iowa, for people who live outside Minnesota and want a Minnesota permit to carry. Minnesota asks for training from a certified instructor completed within one year of your application.
Do I need shooting experience to take a concealed carry class?
No. Beginners are welcome. If you have never handled a handgun, Harold may suggest a handgun fundamentals or firearm safety class first so you get the most out of CCW training.
How much does a concealed carry class cost?
Prices vary by class and change through the year, so call or text (319) 610-8463 for current pricing. First-time handgun buyers can start with a free class through our New Handgun Owner Promotion, running November 1, 2026 through September 1, 2027.
What should I bring to a CCW class?
It depends on the class. Ask Harold when you reserve your seat and he will tell you exactly what to bring.
Can I schedule a private concealed carry class?
Group, private and church sessions are available, and classes can be scheduled for your convenience as long as they do not interfere with classes already scheduled. Call or text Harold to set it up.
Where are concealed carry classes held?
In and near Dewar, Iowa. Students come from Waterloo, Cedar Falls and communities across Black Hawk County.

Ready to Carry With Confidence?

You do not need to know everything on day one. You just need to start. Reserve your seat in our next concealed carry class and take the first step toward safe, responsible carry.

Register for a CCW class Call or text (319) 610-8463

Not Sure Which CCW Class? Talk to Harold.

Tell Harold your goal and experience level, and he will point you to the right concealed carry class.

Family Home Defense Tactics
Dewar, Iowa
Phone or text
(319) 610-8463
Serving
Dewar, Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Black Hawk County

This opens an email to Harold with your details filled in. Prefer to talk? Call or text (319) 610-8463.

Training is educational and does not guarantee any particular outcome. Students are responsible for knowing and following all applicable laws, safety requirements and course prerequisites.