I've got some relatives in Des Moines, IA who are interested in learning to shoot handguns. Any range recommendations? They're complete novices who have only recently decided that they're interested in learning. They need patient and competent instruction. Any recommendations?

Rangemasters / Get Some Guns is my preferred place. There is also Crossroads.

I've never taken any training at either though.

Thanks, Steve.

I commend you for urging them to take training.

FWIW, there is no shooting requirement for an IA permit:

QUESTION: What are the training requirements for a new Permit to Carry Weapons?
ANSWER:
• Completion of any National Rifle Association (NRA) handgun safety training course.
• Completion of any handgun safety training course available to the general public offered by a law
enforcement agency, community college, college, private or public institution or organization, or firearms
training school, utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association or certain other firearms
training certifying bodies (such as the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy).
• Completion of any handgun safety training course offered for security guards, investigators, special
deputies, or any division or subdivision of a law enforcement or security enforcement agency approved
by the Iowa Department of Public Safety.
• Completion of small arms training while serving with the armed forces of the United States as evidenced
by any of the following:
o For personnel released or retired from active duty, possession of an honorable discharge or general
discharge under honorable conditions.
o For personnel on active duty or serving in one of the national guard or reserve components of the
armed forces of the United States, possession of a certificate of completion of basic training with a
service record of successful completion of small arms training and qualification.
• Completion of a law enforcement agency firearms training course that qualifies a peace officer to carry a firearm in the normal course of the peace officer's duties.

http://www.dps.state.ia.us/asd..._FAQ_Version_4_0.pdf


General info:

http://www.dps.state.ia.us/asd/weapon_permits.shtml