How to Buy a Firearm at BattleHawk Armory
Iowa Resident's Guide to In-Store Purchases
Step 1
Selection & Purchase
Visit our showroom in Grimes to browse our inventory. Our expert staff is available to help you find the right model for your specific needs. Once you have made your selection, we will begin your paperwork and complete the transaction at the counter.
Step 2
FORM 4473
You will complete an ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record) using our in-store digital system. You must provide a valid government-issued photo ID that matches your current physical address, and your Iowa Permit to Carry or Permit to Acquire if you have one.
Step 3
NICS BACKGROUND CHECK
The final step before taking your firearm home depends on your permit status:
- With a Valid Iowa Permit: Once your 4473 is complete and the transaction is finalized, your permit serves as a qualifying alternative to the NICS background check under federal law. You can take your firearm home immediately.
- Without a Permit: If you do not have a permit, we will submit your information to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Most checks return a "Proceed" status within minutes. Once cleared and the transaction is complete, you are ready to take your firearm home.
Note: In some cases, NICS may require additional research, which can result in a wait of up to three business days for a final response.
Why Consider an Iowa Permit?
While a permit is not required to purchase a firearm in Iowa, many of our customers choose to maintain one for the following reasons:
- Streamlined Purchase: Presenting a permit allows you to complete your purchase without the need for a separate NICS background check at the point of sale.
- Travel & Reciprocity: An Iowa Permit to Carry is recognized by many other states. Because carry laws vary significantly by state and change frequently, you should verify the specific laws of any state you plan to visit before traveling with a firearm.
Step 4
Completion & Pickup
Once your background check is completed (or bypassed via your permit) and the transaction is finalized, you are all set to take your new firearm home the same day.
Note: All Firearm Purchases are Final. If the background check is failed, we charge a 20% restocking fee. If you discover any blemishes or have any issues whatsoever with the gun after it’s been transferred, please contact the manufacturer of that gun for replacement, warranty, or service. We do not accept firearm returns for any reason after it has been transferred.
Pistols
Rifles
Shotguns
Common Questions
Do I need a permit to buy a gun in Iowa?
No. On July 1, 2021, Iowa passed legislation establishing constitutional/permitless carry, meaning a permit is no longer required for purchase or carry for those eligible under state and federal law. However, while it is not a legal requirement, having a permit allows you to bypass the NICS background check during your visit. If you don't have one, we simply run a NICS background check at the counter.
Can I pick up my firearm the same day?
In most cases, yes. If you have a permit or receive an immediate "Proceed" from NICS, you can take your firearm home as soon as the paperwork is finalized.
What ID is required to buy a firearm?
You must provide a valid government-issued photo ID (such as an Iowa Driver's License) that reflects your current physical residence address.
Visit the Showroom
3060 SE Grimes Blvd #600, Grimes, IA 50111
Get DirectionsIowa's Firearm Experts.