I am getting my weapons carry permit, Does your weapon have to be unloaded while carrying? like do you have to have an empty clip and no round in the chamber? do you have to carry a loaded clip seperately i guess is what im asking.
First off, as the Washington County Coordinator for the Iowa Firearms Coalition, let me welcome you to Iowa.
Now, on to carrying here.
The permit, as mentioned before, is a Permit to Carry Weapons. You can carry just about anything other than fully automatic weapons. However, in our infant stages of Shall Issue, I feel I can speak for all of us when I say, please only carry a pistol.....for now. Its a delicate situation with the amount of politicians and sheep around here that are hopolophobes.
And yes. You can carry loaded. I carry my Smith and Wesson M&P .45 with one in the chamber, and a spare mag on the side. So, carry away!
P.S. I feel I have to mention the fact that we do not have Castle Doctrine (AKA Stand your ground) here in Iowa yet. So, basically, if you find yourself in a situation where some states would allow you to use deadly force, here, you have to retreat as much as possible.
Please take some time to study the new and old laws of Iowa for yourself. As happy as I am to give advice, it is only that. Advice. I am not a lawyer.