Illinois Gun Laws: What Guns Are Legal Now?
What Guns Are Legal In Illinois Now?
The gun laws in Illinois are constantly changing, so it can be difficult to keep up with what is legal and what is not. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the current gun laws in Illinois, including what types of guns are legal, how to purchase a gun, and the penalties for illegally possessing a gun.
We will also discuss some of the proposed changes to the gun laws in Illinois, and how they could impact law-abiding citizens. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the current gun laws in Illinois and how they affect you.
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| Gun Type | Legality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Handguns | Legal | Must be registered with the state |
| Shotguns | Legal | No restrictions |
| Rifles | Legal | Must be registered with the state |
| Machine guns | Illegal | No exceptions |
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In Illinois, the laws regarding gun ownership are some of the most strict in the country. This is due in part to the state’s history of gun violence, as well as the fact that Chicago is often cited as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. As a result, there are a number of restrictions on who can own a gun, what types of guns can be owned, and where guns can be carried.
This guide will provide an overview of the current gun laws in Illinois, including the types of guns that are legal to own, the restrictions on gun ownership, and the penalties for violating the law.
Types of Guns Legal in Illinois
The following types of guns are legal to own in Illinois:
- Handguns
- Long guns
- Shotguns
- AOWs (Any Other Weapons)
- NFA (National Firearms Act) weapons
Handguns
Handguns are defined as any firearm that is designed to be fired with one hand. This includes pistols, revolvers, and derringers. Handguns are the most common type of gun in Illinois, and they are used in the majority of gun-related crimes.
Long guns
Long guns are defined as any firearm that is designed to be fired with two hands. This includes rifles, shotguns, and muskets. Long guns are less common than handguns in Illinois, but they are still used in a significant number of gun-related crimes.
Shotguns
Shotguns are designed to fire a number of small pellets at once. They are typically used for hunting and home defense. Shotguns are less common than handguns or long guns in Illinois, but they are still used in a significant number of gun-related crimes.
AOWs (Any Other Weapons)
AOWs are a catch-all category for firearms that do not fit into any other category. This includes guns that are designed to fire less than .50 caliber bullets, guns that are designed to fire multiple rounds at once, and guns that are designed to be concealed. AOWs are relatively rare in Illinois, but they are still legal to own.
NFA (National Firearms Act) weapons
NFA weapons are a category of firearms that are regulated under the National Firearms Act of 1934. This includes machine guns, short-barreled shotguns, and suppressors. NFA weapons are very rare in Illinois, and they are only legal to own with a special permit from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Restrictions on Gun Ownership
In addition to the types of guns that are legal to own, there are also a number of restrictions on who can own a gun in Illinois. These restrictions include:
- Age requirements: You must be at least 21 years old to own a handgun in Illinois. You must be at least 18 years old to own a long gun.
- Criminal background checks: All gun purchases in Illinois must be subject to a criminal background check. This includes purchases from licensed dealers, as well as private sales.
- Firearm owner’s identification (FOID) card: All gun owners in Illinois must have a valid FOID card. To get a FOID card, you must submit an application to the Illinois State Police, and you must pass a background check.
- Concealed carry permits: In order to carry a concealed handgun in Illinois, you must have a valid concealed carry permit. To get a concealed carry permit, you must submit an application to the Illinois State Police, and you must pass a background check and a firearms training course.
- Gun bans in certain areas: There are a number of areas in Illinois where it is illegal to carry a gun, including schools, government buildings, and public transportation.
The gun laws in Illinois are some of the most strict in the country. This is due in part to the state’s history of gun violence, as well as the fact that Chicago is often cited as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. As a result, there are a number of restrictions on who can own a gun, what types of guns can be owned, and where guns can be carried.
It is important to note that these are just the general rules regarding gun ownership in Illinois. There may be additional restrictions in place at the local level. For more information, please contact the Illinois State Police or your local law enforcement agency.
What Guns Are Legal In Illinois Now?
The following is a list of the most common types of guns that are legal to own in Illinois:
- Handguns
- Long guns (rifles and shotguns)
- Crossbows
- Airguns
- Airsoft guns
- Paintball guns
Handguns
Handguns are defined as any firearm that can be held and fired with one hand. In Illinois, handguns are classified as either “concealed carry” or “open carry.” Concealed carry handguns must be carried in a holster that is concealed from view. Open carry handguns can be carried openly, but must be unloaded and in a case.
The following are the requirements for purchasing a handgun in Illinois:
- You must be at least 21 years old.
- You must have a valid Illinois driver’s license or state ID card.
- You must not have been convicted of a felony or any other crime that would disqualify you from owning a gun.
- You must pass a background check.
Long Guns
Long guns are defined as any firearm that is not a handgun. In Illinois, long guns are classified as either “non-restricted” or “restricted.” Non-restricted long guns can be purchased and owned by anyone who meets the basic requirements. Restricted long guns include certain types of rifles and shotguns that are considered to be more dangerous.
The following are the requirements for purchasing a long gun in Illinois:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have a valid Illinois driver’s license or state ID card.
- You must not have been convicted of a felony or any other crime that would disqualify you from owning a gun.
- You must pass a background check.
Crossbows
Crossbows are classified as “archery equipment” in Illinois and are not subject to the same regulations as firearms. However, you must be at least 18 years old to purchase a crossbow.
Airguns
Airguns are classified as “toys” in Illinois and are not subject to the same regulations as firearms. However, you must be at least 18 years old to purchase an airgun.
Airsoft Guns
Airsoft guns are classified as “toys” in Illinois and are not subject to the same regulations as firearms. However, you must be at least 18 years old to purchase an airsoft gun.
Paintball Guns
Paintball guns are classified as “toys” in Illinois and are not subject to the same regulations as firearms. However, you must be at least 18 years old to purchase a paintball gun.
This list is not exhaustive and there may be other types of guns that are legal to own in Illinois. For more information, please contact the Illinois State Police.
How to Buy a Gun in Illinois
In order to buy a gun in Illinois, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be at least 21 years old (18 years old for long guns).
- You must have a valid Illinois driver’s license or state ID card.
- You must not have been convicted of a felony or any other crime that would disqualify you from owning a gun.
- You must pass a background check.
Once you have met all of the requirements, you can purchase a gun from a licensed gun dealer. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to buy a gun in Illinois:
1. Find a licensed gun dealer. You can find a list of licensed gun dealers in Illinois on the Illinois State Police website.
2. Complete the required paperwork. The dealer will provide you with a form called the Firearm Transaction Record (Form 4473). You must fill out this form completely and truthfully.
3. Pass the background check. The dealer will submit your Form 4473 to the Illinois State Police for a background check. The background check will take a few days to complete.
4. Take possession of your gun. Once the background check is complete, the dealer will release your gun to you.
Resources for Gun Owners in Illinois
The following are some resources for gun owners in Illinois:
- Illinois State Police The Illinois State Police is responsible for enforcing the state’s gun laws. The ISP website has a wealth of information on gun laws and regulations, as well as a list of licensed gun dealers.
- National Rifle Association (NRA) The NRA is the largest gun rights organization in the United States. The NRA website has a variety of resources for gun owners, including training courses, safety tips, and legal information.
- National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) The NSSF is the trade association for the firearms industry. The N
What guns are legal in Illinois now?
- Handguns: All handguns must be registered with the Illinois State Police. Handguns with a barrel length of less than 16 inches are considered to be “concealed carry” weapons and must be carried in a concealed manner.
- Long guns: All long guns must be registered with the Illinois State Police. Long guns with a barrel length of less than 16 inches are considered to be “short-barreled shotguns” or “short-barreled rifles” and are subject to additional restrictions.
- Firearms accessories: The following firearms accessories are prohibited in Illinois:
- High-capacity magazines: Magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition are prohibited.
- Bump stocks: Devices that allow semi-automatic firearms to fire in a fully automatic manner are prohibited.
- Stabilizing braces: Devices that are designed to stabilize a pistol-grip firearm while firing are prohibited.
What are the requirements for buying a gun in Illinois?
- Age: You must be at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun in Illinois. You must be at least 18 years old to purchase a long gun.
- Background check: All gun purchases in Illinois must be subject to a background check. The background check will be conducted by the Illinois State Police.
- Firearms owner identification card (FOID card): You must have a valid FOID card in order to purchase a gun in Illinois. You can apply for a FOID card online or by mail.
**What are the penalties for violating Illinois gun laws?
- Possession of an illegal firearm: The penalties for possessing an illegal firearm in Illinois vary depending on the type of firearm and the circumstances of the offense. Penalties can include fines, imprisonment, or both.
- Unlawful sale or transfer of a firearm: The penalties for unlawfully selling or transferring a firearm in Illinois vary depending on the type of firearm and the circumstances of the offense. Penalties can include fines, imprisonment, or both.
- Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon: Felons are prohibited from possessing firearms in Illinois. The penalties for violating this law are very severe and can include lengthy prison sentences.
Where can I get more information about Illinois gun laws?
The Illinois State Police is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing Illinois gun laws. You can find more information about Illinois gun laws on the Illinois State Police website.
the laws regarding what guns are legal in Illinois are complex and ever-changing. It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest laws so that you can legally own and use firearms in the state. If you have any questions about the laws, you should consult with an attorney or a firearms instructor.