/r/ILGuns

Photograph via snooOG

A pro-2A subreddit dedicated to discussing all things firearms-related in Illinois.

ALL INFORMATION SHARED HERE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY. DO NOT GET LEGAL ADVICE FROM AN ONLINE FOURM.

Suggested donation organizations: •Gun Owners of America (GOA) •Firearms Policy Coalition [FPC] •American Suppressor Association (ASA) •Second Amendment Foundation (SAF)

Welcome to the Illinois Guns subreddit!

This is Reddit's home for Illinois firearms owners and enthusiasts, but anyone and everyone is welcome to join our community.

Use this sub to discuss and ask questions about Illinois' gun laws and politics, and to legally buy and sell Illinois firearms, accessories, and equipment.


Subreddit Rules


  1. NO BUYING OR SELLING NO BUYING OR SELLING! A violation of this rule is an automatic permanent ban.
  2. NO ANTI 2A TROLLING Don't come here to to blast your anti gun beliefs and troll us 2A supporters.
  3. NO ILLEGAL ACTIVITY We do not recognize the AWB, therefore any post regarding those weapons is still considered constitutional and legal.
  4. NO EXTREME OR ABUSIVE BEHAVIOR We support free speech! We are not here to censor you. But we don't condone extreme and abusive behavior. Examples: Name calling, idiot, liberal, Fudd, stupid etc. is fine. Gay, Fuking Dumbas, sh*t stain, racial slurs, wishing death/death threats etc. is an issue.
  5. NO SHIT POSTING If your post doesn't provide substance to the sub, it will be removed. You may report shit post, but this is at mod discretion.
  6. USE CORRECT FLAIR ALL POST should have flair that is related to the post. If you would like to use user flair you must use the correct flair. Ex) if you are not law enforcement or military (including retired) do not use that flair. Do not create user flair with a city nickname, inappropriate things, or anything that will reflect our community negatively. Don't be the one to ruin user flair for everyone.
  7. KEEP COMMENT PHOTOS ON TOPIC AND APPROPRIATE Please keep photos in comments on topic and appropriate.
  8. NOTE POST AND COMMENT EDITS If you edit a comment or post, make sure to note at the bottom what you edited so it's known that you are not trolling.
  9. NO POLITICS No politics that are not directly related to gun Legislation and guns. Save it for r/politics
  10. Follow Reddit's rules and have a pleasant stay!

The 4 Rules of Gun Safety ("The 4 Rules")


  1. Treat all guns as if they're loaded (even when you know it is not).

  2. Never point the muzzle at anything you aren't willing to destroy (and assume the liability for destroying).

  3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target.

  4. Know your target and what's beyond it.


Useful Links



Sister Subreddits


State-specific Subreddits:

/r/ALGuns /r/KYGuns /r/NDGuns
/r/AKGuns /r/LAGuns /r/OHGuns
/r/AZGuns /r/MEGuns /r/OKGuns
/r/ARGuns /r/MDGuns /r/ORGuns
/r/CAGuns /r/MAGuns /r/PAGuns
/r/COGuns /r/MIGuns /r/RIGuns
/r/CTGuns /r/MNGuns /r/SCGuns
/r/DEGuns /r/MSGuns /r/SDGuns
/r/DCGuns /r/MOGuns /r/TNGuns
/r/FLGuns /r/MTGuns /r/TexasGuns
/r/GAGuns /r/NEGuns /r/UTGuns
/r/HIGuns /r/NVGuns /r/VAGuns
/r/IDGuns /r/NHGuns /r/VTGuns
/r/ILGuns /r/NJGuns /r/WA_Guns
/r/INGuns /r/NMGuns /r/WVGuns
/r/IAGuns /r/NYGuns /r/WIGuns
/r/KSGuns /r/NCGuns /r/WYGuns

Other Regional Gun Subreddits:

/r/ILGuns

15,924 Subscribers

36

Venting

Gotta tell you guys, I get upset following other gun threads on this app.

Staccato only comes with 17-21rd mags? Sweet, I can’t get one.

I want a new stock for my AR? Can’t get it.

I want to carry while riding the blue line, where four people were executed just a few months ago? Nope.

It’s like a mixture of jealousy and regret. Jealous that others live in free states, regretful that I didn’t stock up while I could. If I want to exercise my god-given rights, I need to become a criminal (fuck it).

Although that dreadful jealousy exists, I still have hope that SCOTUS will step up during this admin and make our state - and all others - free again.

I feel a sea-change coming. Stay strong brothers.

41 Comments
2025/02/01
05:15 UTC

7

7th Circuit Hearing

Are we expected to get a hearing for Harrel v. Raoul in the January session? Is there an updated timeline for the case or is it more likely it gets pushed to April session?

3 Comments
2025/02/01
02:19 UTC

6

7 Sigma FFL update

Update to my previous post. Bought a pistol on gunbroker Tuesday. Emailed 7 Sigma to tell them didn't hear back. Over the course of this week I have emailed, texted, called, left voicemail without any response. UPS just left the pistol outside of a door about noon today at the address provided. I know some people said give him a couple days after he gets the pistol but considering I haven't had any communication it's not looking good. Guy has great reviews. Had the FFL downloadable so I just sent that a long to the seller.

Anybody ever had this happen? Its my first gun purchase. I'm hoping it works out and he's like out of town or something. Give him the weekend and then call the ATF? What do people think?

Update: Ended up driving to Manhattan where FFL is. Guy was there and took care of me. Apparently was sick all week. Would have been nice to get a response but seemed like a nice dude regardless.

Anyone who uses gunbroker: Couldn't be happier with my seller twogunjay hes a big fish over but absolutely took care of me when I told him the issue I was having. Can't recommend him highly enough

18 Comments
2025/01/31
21:44 UTC

5

Handgun purchase background check pending after 2 weeks. WTF?

Is this normal? Not my first firearm, placed on special order to my FFL two weeks ago, no dequalifying issues ever. Came to pick up the pistol today and they told me BGC is still pending.

Is this a normal turnaround time for ISP? I've never had it take more than 3 days.

7 Comments
2025/01/31
21:17 UTC

3

Mini-14 Ranch Transfer

Hi all,

Does anyone know of an FFL in the greater Chicago area who would be able/willing to transfer a Mini-14 Ranch? My usual FFL is in Niles where it is not permitted, so he is not able to transfer it. Thanks in advance!

Edit: I'm looking for an FFL to receive an out of state purchase and transfer to me, was not clear in my OP.

11 Comments
2025/01/31
20:53 UTC

77

Garbage man on duty with conceal carry

35 Comments
2025/01/31
19:13 UTC

7

Desert Eagle

So I'm aware that .50 ae is illegal to own here, but whenever I try to find anything on the legality surrounding the .429 I can never find a sure answer. Can anyone confirm if a deagle chambered in .429 is compliant

22 Comments
2025/01/31
01:27 UTC

17

Legality of Carrying on CTA & What Is True or Not

There seems to be a lot of debate on this and nothing definitive either way. Even my firearms instructor told me that if it's enclosed in a case and unloaded it's legal to carry on CTA... but then there are articles like this that say it's only legal if it's for interstate travel:

https://hbtsecuritygroup.com/proper-traveling-with-firearms-in-illinois/

You are not allowed to bring firearms on any public transportation in Illinois, including trains, buses, and subways. The only exception is if it involves interstate transportation and follows the guidelines of the Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA).

Under FOPA, firearms being transported must be unloaded and in a locked container. Ammunition must be in a separate locked container. The containers must not be directly accessible from the passenger compartment.

You can also reference the CTA ordinances like this that explicitly say "carrying" is prohibited.

https://www.transitchicago.com/assets/1/28/016-_110.pdf

Possessing or carrying any weapon including, but not limited to, guns, clubs, knives, stun guns, tasers and explosive devices. This does not apply to those individuals authorized under Section 5/24-2 of the Illinois Criminal Code to carry weapons onto transit or to pepper spray.

... and the 5/24-2 section basically exempts law enforcement and private security kind of people...

If you ask any AI too they say:

Google "foid carry unloaded public transit"

"No, you cannot carry a firearm on public transportation in Illinois, even if it is unloaded and you have a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card. This includes trains, buses, and subways."

But so many others (even smart people that post here I see from time to time) say it is legal to carry unloaded and in a case. I'm so confused.

31 Comments
2025/01/31
00:59 UTC

6

Bulk ammo/ Used guns

Any places that sell 1000 rounds of 9mm for a decent price? Rather not order online. Same for used stuff, just curious if there is any pawn shops that I’m not aware off.

20 Comments
2025/01/30
23:11 UTC

0

FFL question

Bought a pistol on gunbroker. It was an auction and got a good price so picked it up without contacting FFL first. Im using 7 Sigma because it came highly recommended by a few of you. Sent 3 emails including a photo of FOID card on Tuesday and never heard back. Sent another email yesterday and didn't hear back. Texted today and haven't heard back. Pistol arrives with him/them tomorrow. How concerned should I be?

Update: UPS left the package outside a door today (was hoping for a signature required). Still haven't heard a thing.

19 Comments
2025/01/30
19:11 UTC

3

Selling a handgun to a Missouri resident question.

This is my first time not only selling to a private individual but also across state lines. I know the rules pretty good for transfers internal to Illinois but what about me, an Illinois resident, selling to a Missouri resident? Family member specifically.

20 Comments
2025/01/30
16:50 UTC

5

Buying online

If I am buying a gun off of Range USA’s website, how does paperwork factor in? When it says it’s ready for pick up do I have to go in, fill out paperwork, and wait 3 more days? Sorry if this has been asked and answered before but I couldn’t find a definite answer.

32 Comments
2025/01/30
16:36 UTC

8

Concealed training without USCCA presentation?

Tagged as FUDD as I'm just a target shooter. I'm considering CCL for my own educational benefit rather than intending to carry daily. I've been to a few training sessions where at least part of it (20+ minutes) is a sales pitch. I'd rather not listen to it again. I'm in the SW burbs and willing to travel for a class. Thanks!

22 Comments
2025/01/30
03:26 UTC

6

So, the 10/22

I'm aware that PICA seems to allow an unmodified 10/22. The ISP pdf even shows it unmodified as "unrestricted" vs a modified "restricted." Questions:

  • so, the 10/22 is ok, we think? The ISP document isn't a law.
  • if it's ok, it can't be modified with any prohibited attachments. Could it still be upgraded with things like a volquartsen bolt, or

Other reliability improvements and still be good?

10 Comments
2025/01/30
01:56 UTC

2

Threaded rifle barrel info

Let me start this off as saying I'm a newer gun owner. I have purchased 2 in the last 3 months. Had my FOID for 2 years.

I was looking to purchase a Bergara B-14 HMR. I was trying to avoid buying online so I thought I would try and shop local.

I went to a major retailer in WI since I'm close to the border. I told the employee I would like to purchase one, and they had them there for $999.99. Fair price. The employee said sure let me go in the back and get it for you.

When he came back and started to unbox it, I had a bad feeling I may be flagged or denied because it's a threaded barrel. Just to be sure, I told him I'm from IL and just want to make sure it's legal for me to buy it here.

I learned from this sub that threaded barrels only apply to pistols. Not rifles.

The employee said " well let me check, we have a disclaimer hanging and we can go through it." He looked it up and he said " nope it says right here I can't sell it to you". "He also said it may not be because your from Illinois so much as our company may just not want to deal with the legalitys of selling you one.

I was very disappointed, so I left. Wondering if saying anything hurt my situation.

I preceded to go to a local store in IL to buy one. The exact same one they were asking $1400. I couldn't afford that so,.out of frustration I just choose the Bergara B-14 Timber which came out to $999.99.

As someone new to guns and especially rifles, did I do anything wrong? Just curious from everyone's experience, what should I have done differently, if anything?

TDLR: I tried to purchase a rifle in WI with threaded barrel and they refused to sell to me after I asked questions.

10 Comments
2025/01/30
00:03 UTC

14

Questions for Chicago gun owners

Hey all, like many of you the past few days have got me worried enough that I'm going to dip into my savings and make my first purchase. I got my FOID card last year, just haven't gone out and done it yet. I had a few questions first, and help with any/all of them would be much appreciated.

  1. I don't own a vehicle. How am I legally able to transport myself and my firearm to/from a store or a range without having a friend drive me? Obviously carrying a handgun on CTA is a no-go, but is it equally illegal to transport it on my person/in a bag just walking around? It seems like there's no way around this.

  2. Do you know any local stores/ranges that you would recommend for a first-time buyer?

  3. Any other tips/tricks would be welcome!

Thanks for your time, stay safe out there folks.

56 Comments
2025/01/29
18:00 UTC

1

Over under 12 ga

Not sure if i am allowed to ask here Where would one go to if they wanted to buy a used sliver pigeon 686?

6 Comments
2025/01/29
16:20 UTC

11

Central Illinois FFL

Looking for an FFL around Peoria that would be willing to transfer a ranch rifle like Sig Sauer MCX Regulator or Foxtrot Mikes ranch rifle. Also wanting to get a Ruger PC9 with the MLOK fore end.

I’ve seen posts about this before but it seems like most of the active posters in this sub are around Chicago.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

19 Comments
2025/01/29
01:24 UTC

0

Can a FOID card application be un submitted? (Pt2)

Hey everyone,

I posted a couple of days ago regarding my wish to withdraw my FOID application due to me going through an unprecedented time in my life that makes me want to seek professional help.

I was able to get through the long wait time and actually speak to a person in customer service.

She sounded very nice and I explained to her that I cannot submit the application at this time due to personal reasons.

All she needed is an email with a statement of me saying that I wish to cancel my application.

She emailed me to confirm that “you wish to cancel the application and understand that we do not issue refunds”

And I replied “I wish to cancel my application”

I got a reply saying:

“Received and requested. Thank you.”

So now when I go check my status, it shows it as “denied” and reason being “statutory prohibition”

Which makes me feel like a criminal or that I did something wrong lol. Is this something I should be concerned about ?

I don’t want ISP coming at my door and arrest me or something, that’d just add a whole lot more onto my plate.

By the way, thanks to those of you who commented on my last thread and were understanding of my situation.

1 Comment
2025/01/28
23:18 UTC

9

Just got a gun

After waiting for months, I finally got my first gun, that being a s&w m&p shield plus 9mm. I'm still trying to get used to handling it and struggle with putting the slide to the front. What are some tips for someone starting out

31 Comments
2025/01/28
19:27 UTC

0

My FOID application was denied. How exactly do I appeal and what do I need?

My application was denied due to a Voluntary administration to a mental health facility in 2022. The paper I got in the letter said I can start a appeal but wasn’t very thorough with how or what I need to. What exactly will I need to appeal this? And where can I find more information?

14 Comments
2025/01/28
18:42 UTC

6

Is there any way to legally build a gun and register it?

Looking to build an sks as a project, for the experience and because it'd be cheaper than most options in this state.

Its obviously illegal to own a ghost gun but is there a way to put a serial on it?

Sorry if this is a frequent question.

edit: I mistakenly stated my question in a way that would make it seem like I would be machining my own receiver. I meant to ask if I could purchase a serialized receiver and assemble the rest from spare parts.

edit #2: i see how pointless it is to build an sks instead of buying one. thank you everyone for educating my ignorant ass

33 Comments
2025/01/28
18:12 UTC

12

CMMG BR3

CMMG reports that their BR3 Rifle is now approved in Illinois but you cannot order it directly from them. You must go to your dealer or FFL to purchase it. They also say that your dealer/FFL may not feel comfortable with that. Does anyone know of one in cook or will counties that will do it?

10 Comments
2025/01/27
23:54 UTC

16

Help

So my mom wants to buy a Glock 19, she has her foid but she’s a Spanish speaker so I’ll have to translate with the Shop owner for her. Do you think they’ll still sell to us? I don’t want them thinking it’s a straw purchase or anything. I’m 19 w my own foid

40 Comments
2025/01/27
21:16 UTC

5

22 Plinking at Buffalo Range

For anyone who has shot at the double deuce 22 plinking area at buffalo range - how far are the targets? Is it reasonable to shoot a 22 pistol, or is the area/targets geared more for a 22 rifle?

6 Comments
2025/01/27
21:16 UTC

0

How do I talk to customer service regarding a FOID card application

I keep calling the phone number (217) 524-0089 And it’s just an automated message without options to talk to a real human

11 Comments
2025/01/27
19:14 UTC

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