[whm1974]

Ok I just sent off an appication for a IL Firearms Owner's ID card, which for
those of you who live in other states I need one to legally own a gun in IL.

Well I haven't been around firearms since '96. I grew up with loaded guns around the house so I'm not a complete newbie about this. However I'm afraid my safety skills may have rusted a bit. I asked a friend at work once I get my FOID card if he wouldn't mind helping me relearn them. He said that he would.

On another note what should be my first gun? I'm thinking about getting a handgun (target shooting and defence), wouldn't mind getting an AR-15, and would also like something in a .22

Bill Meadows

[Jeff White]

Hi Bill,
Where in Illinois are you? There are some THR members scattered throughout the state....

Welcome to THR....sorry about the FOID thing...Maybe we can change it soon...

Jeff

[Balog]

Enjoying sewing that yellow star to your coat, are you mien juden?
Oh well, could be worse. Specifically, you could live in New Jersey.


Apologies if I misspelled the German. I don't speak the language.

[J Miller]

whm1974,
Welcome to the forum.

I can't even begin to suggest a first gun, that will be up to you to decide.

But I will forward some unsolicited advice about guns in IL. When you do decide to get one, get a lockable gun case to go with it. And get some locks.
Technically you don't have to have them locked when you take them from your home to a gun range or a hunting area, just encased in a gun case, but if it is locked your safer from Police harrassment.
And put the gun somewhere in your vehicle where no one can access it.
Unloaded,
Cased,
Locked,
Inaccessable, are my suggestions.
Make absolutly sure you do not take a loaded gun off your own property. That can put you in jail with a felony charge.

Strongly suggest you join the ISRA. Lots of good information from them.

I got some links somewhere, but due to a computer crash they are not handy anymore.

Most gun shops will have copies of the IL gun laws. Study them and get paranoid where it discusses how to transport your guns.

One more thing: Stay AWAY from Chicago if you have a gun in your car. Don't even drive through the city. Right, wrong or indifferent, that will land you in jail with felony charges against you.

I'm in Springfield. If you are near and want to spend a couple hours at the range just let me know. My email is in the profile.


Jef White,
Getting rid of the FOID requires getting rid of Daley and the Chicago Mob that runs this state. I don't suggest you hold your breath.

Balog,
Your point is well taken, but with or without the FOID card the feds and the state govs all know who has guns and who doesn't.
Especially if you have a CCW permit, or have ever bought a gun and had a NICs background check.
So don't just lump us in that mien juden group, we are all in this together.


Joe

The above comments about IL may not be technically legally correct, but like I said, a bit of paranoia in this matter will be to the shooters benifit.
JMHO-YMMV

[Quick Draw McGraw]

Well, hi everybody, I've been reading this board and TFL since high school and have been patiently waiting to turn 21, get a foid card and then finally get to post something of my own, but I decided I couldn't wait any longer, and since this has kind of gotten to be a discussion on the great state of Chicago, I chose to post here first. I have a small bit of first hand experience on the difference between how guns are treated in the city from almost everywhere else in the state. My dad grew up on a farm and my mom is from the burbs; one had guns throughout his childhood (whoops, gave it away) and hunted and the other thinks that the inannimate guns are bad (don't worry, I won't make the same mistake when marrying).

Anyway, it has been my (admittedly limited) experience that the difference is almost black and white when it comes to how the city folk and country folk view firearms. When I say city folk I mean mostly people from Chicago, and I'm only speaking about IL, I don't know about anywhere else. Right now I'm studying Mech. Engineering at Illinois (in Champaign), and whenever I make the drive home (an hour north of Peoria) or to my girlfriend's house in the suburbs, (I-74, I-57, I-39) I see a lot signs on farmers' land promoting ccw and such. Granted that I'm a bit (read: a ton)naive when compared to the wisdom of others on this board, but I still happen to have that gung-ho additude that us silly college kids sometimes have, and it just seems a shame that the city can influence the rest of the state so much, in this case with firearms. Obviously it should be influencial, perhaps not to the point that Mr. Miller seems to indicate.

As far as a first gun for Mr. Meadows, I won't act like I'm very knowledgable at all, especially with long arms, but for home defense in IL (no ccw), consider a revolver. I am the only person I know my age that likes them more than the autos, but in my mind reliability is the most important thing as you make your way to your shotgun. Of course autos are now very relibale, but I'll personally take every inch I can get in that respect, YMMV. There are many very knowledgable people who will help you decide here, though, and you can learn a ton from just searching through old posts. If you really want people to go wild with advice, perhaps try posting a gun-specific post under the corresponding sub-topic (autos, revolvers, etc)

Ok, I'm done, sorry about the novel.

[Kingcreek]

Whm1974,
Welcome to The High Road and to the IL FOID debacle. You can expect a "reasonable" wait of 6 weeks or more depending on your name. 12 weeks is not unheard of. If you have trouble, let me know and I'll pass along some phone numbers you can use to rattle the cages. My name ends in "Johnson" and the first level background check yielded 49 felons with same or similar name, causing some minor delays in processing my FOID renewal but I was able to speed things up a bit with a few phone calls.
***About the I$RA, do some checking into them before you give them your money. Not an unbiased opinion but lots of info at http://concealcarry.org/
I am a paid member of the I$RA and of the opinion that they are milking us for their own gain and doing darn little for the gun owners of Illinois. You can form your own opinion.
Illinois is a big state but maybe some of us could have an Illinois THR fun shoot somewhere. I'm in Henry county.

[Jeff White]

J Miller,
The FOID law has a provision allowing the people to put it's repeal on the ballot in a general election. Just getting the repeal on the ballot would make gunowners a scarier political force then we are now. Whatever organization that could do it would have some real clout in Chicago....(I'd say Springfield, but it's only the capitol by name...just a formality).

I'm tired of playing defense. You only win by attacking....

Jeff

[six 4 sure]

Welcome to THR whm1974 and Quick Draw. I’m another resident of Illinois, but I live a little further south than the rest of you.

Since we’re discussing the FOID card, I’ll throw in my $.02. While it is annoying and I wish we didn’t have it, I really have one big gripe. The fact that you need to have a FOID to have a gun in your possession really bothers me. When I moved to Nevada I left a couple of guns at my mother’s house and it completely slipped my mind that I put her in violation of the law. Nothing ever came of it, but there was the potential for trouble. Same thing with my Grandpa, he had a .22 on the wall in his basement for years (I got it when he died) again he was unknowingly breaking the law. When it dawned on me that he needed one I wasn’t sure what to do. I know it was going to be a lost cause to explain to my 85 year old grandpa with Alzheimer’s what a FOID was much less that he needed one. That’s what really bothers me, how many old farmers, grandpa’s, etc. are breaking the law and don’t know it? Oh well, I guess it could be worse. The only good thing I can say about the FOID is the phone call only costs $2.00 because Illinois already had a system in place when the Brady Bill? (which ever one made the phone call a requirement) went through. That same phone call cost me $15 in Nevada.

six

[DougCxx]

Mine expired at the end of December, so I went at the beginning of November to renew it (at a local gun shop) and was told the wait was usually about six weeks. (I live in the St Louis metro-east area) Seven weeks later I still had not gotten it, called the status info line and was told they had no record of it being submitted. Went to the gun shop and they said it got returned with the initial batch it was sent with....
---------
It turns out that if you renew through a gun store, they collect a bunch of applications for all sorts of shooting-related things (foid cards, hunting licenses, ect) over a period of a week or two, write one check for them all, and then send them. But if any one of those forms has an error that causes it to be refused for application (such as missing required information), the whole batch gets returned, because the state cannot break up the payment, and cannot issue credit on fees. Mine was in a batch that got returned for some such reason. And I couldn't see if payment for it had been accepted, because I had not used a personal check of my own to pay for it--the gun store had sent their check for the group, and I cannot verify that.
---------
So the gun shop said they knew it got returned once, but had no record of it being submitted again, so they let me fill out another application for no fee. About three weeks later, eleven weeks after the initial application, first I got one card in the mail. Three days later I got another, with a different ID number on it. I don't need two, and there might be some law against having two, but I ain't asking. They're likely to cancel both and make me re-apply again.... I tossed one in a drawer at home and carry the other.
~

[Top_Notch]

WHM,

If you're in the NW Burbs of Chicago and care to meet up with me at a range I'd gladly let you try out my handguns. You can even rent others that you are interested in. I'll bring a Glock G19, Springfield 45 1911, Beretta NEOS 22 and possible a Ruger Mark II 22. Where I shoot there are plenty of other guns to rent out for a nominal fee.

And about the FOID issue. I always fill mine out myself. As a matter of fact, mine is due to expire in 3 months. It has my last address, so I hope the renewal papers make it to me. I've tried doing it online and it never works on the site. I wish we could have ccw in Illinois but with Heir Daley and his brother Blogavich running Springfield we don't stand a chance.

Here's a good link to the Il FOID card page including a pdf download of the form. (http://www.isp.state.il.us/foid/firearms.cfm)

[sctman800]

Quick Draw, you do not have to be 21 to have a FOID card, you do have to have a parent or guardian permission. A friend has two daughters with FOID cards about ages 6 and 10 IIRC. I am about 35 mi east of your school in Westville. Jim.

[Miss Demeanors]

Ok I just sent off an appication for a IL Firearms Owner's ID card, which for
those of you who live in other states I need one to legaly own a gun in IL.


Not only to own one but to handle one... The People's Republik of Chicago...errr Illannoy. ;)

Great advice from everyone above, I'd defintely go the route of printing it out and sending in the application on your own. I got mine pretty quick doing it that way. If your rusty, why not take a course or two and brush up on your skills? I'm not sure what part of IL you are in, but up here in NW IL many of the ranges offer all types of classes.

The best advice is to keep your gun out of Chicago, only the gang bangers can carry there. ;) :D

[Quick Draw McGraw]

I know that you can get a foid card before you're 21, but that part about the parent permission is the problem. My dad is fine with it, but I've been working on my mom for years to no avail. We live in a small rural town that doesn't have a lot of violent crime and our house is in a pretty private neighborhood, so she doesn't see the home defense reason to have a firearm. I know, I know, it only takes once, bad things happen everywhere, and all of that, but she often just brushes it off without thinking much about it - she's the classic, and unfortunate, case of it will never happen to me. Plus she thinks that having a gun might escalate the situation, as I attempt to reason that just because you have one and just because there's a bump in the night doesn't mean that you're going to shoot someone. (Personally, if I were robbed, and there was no danger to me or mine, like just some kid burglar or somebody that I'm sure is not a threat to kill somebody, I'd prolly let him go with my stuff before I'd shoot.) As far as the hobby of shooting goes, she doesn't see why I can't just find another hobby that doesn't require a gun. (She's fine with the fact that I play paintball all of the time)

Anyway, at this point I am not getting that signature, so I either wait the year and eight days till I turn 21 or get some new ideas for convincing her from you guys. Don't worry, I won't give up. (Oh, and don' hate me mum, I love her dearly, she just hasn't seen the light on guns yet. YET!)

[J Miller]

Jeff White,

"The FOID law has a provision allowing the people to put it's repeal on the ballot in a general election. Just getting the repeal on the ballot would make gunowners a scarier political force then we are now. Whatever organization that could do it would have some real clout in Chicago....(I'd say Springfield, but it's only the capitol by name...just a formality). "

I did not know this. But it won't happen. To many old farmers that don't care about gun owners in general. They'll never be convinced that anybody will come for their shotguns and .22 rifle.
Too many people who are not shooters that don't understand the true reasons behind "gun control". Too many sheeple.

This state is under the control of a very corrupt government. If we are to make it right, that corrupt faction must be gotten rid of. I stand by my earlier comment:
"Getting rid of the FOID requires getting rid of Daley and the Chicago Mob that runs this state. I don't suggest you hold your breath."

"I'm tired of playing defense. You only win by attacking...."
I agree with that sentiment completly.

Joe

[whm1974]

Where in Illinois are you? There are some THR members scattered throughout the state....

I live in Granite City

But I will forward some unsolicited advice about guns in IL. When you do decide to get one, get a lockable gun case to go with it. And get some locks.
Technically you don't have to have them locked when you take them from your home to a gun range or a hunting area, just encased in a gun case, but if it is locked your safer from Police harrassment.
And put the gun somewhere in your vehicle where no one can access it.

From what I'm reading from the state law, it legal to walk down the street with a unloaded gun in a carrying case(I don't have a car). A guy at work however was telling me that citys may have ordanduces outlawing this. In any case I will get a lockable case and a trigger lock. Rifle and shotguns will be taken apart since I don't want the people on my block knowing that I own guns.

And yes I'm planning on getting a car.

I have no plans on being anywhere near chicago or Cook county for that matter.

Once I get a gun card and a car I'll send you an email.

Bill Meadows

[whm1974]

The fact that you need to have a FOID to have a gun in your possession really bothers me.

I told my landlord that he should have a FOID card in case he has tentents who move and leave a gun or two behind.

Trick question, let's say a friend takes me to the range and we shoot. On the way back we stop at the store for somthing. He drops me off home and I forget to get the gun. could he get in trouble for this if he didn't have a FOID card?

Bill Meadows

[Jeff White]

Hi Bill,
I grew up in Belleville, and am about 65 miles East of you. To answer your question, you should never forget your gun ;) And yes, unfortunately your friend could be in trouble if he had your gun and no FOID.

If you want to go shooting send me a PM we can get together and shoot. I've got one or two guns you could try out.

Jeff

[whm1974]

As far as a first gun for Mr. Meadows, I won't act like I'm very knowledgable at all, especially with long arms, but for home defense in IL (no ccw), consider a revolver

Nothing wrong with a revolver. I know I will get flamed for this but a revolver is also a bit safer then an auto for home defence

I know that you can get a foid card before you're 21, but that part about the parent permission is the problem. My dad is fine with it, but I've been working on my mom for years to no avail

I maybe wrong about this but I thought you would only need one parent's permisson. If your dad owns guns it would be a good idea for both you and your mom to have a FOID card.

I did not know this. But it won't happen. To many old farmers that don't care about gun owners in general. They'll never be convinced that anybody will come for their shotguns and .22 rifle.
Too many people who are not shooters that don't understand the true reasons behind "gun control". Too many sheeple.

I would think that after what happend in the PRK, new jersey, and elsewhere this would be
very clear.

Well thanks guys

Bill Meadows

[pignock]

I believe if caught, your friend would be charged with a felony.:fire:

[Don Gwinn]

WHM--welcome. Definitely get your FOID. Everyone in a shooter's family should have one. Dad made my little sister get one, even though she really doesn't have much interest in shooting, when he realized that if she were pulled over in his truck and the officer (for whatever reason) saw a shotgun shell she could be arrested. Be ready to wait. Maybe one of these days the St. Louis-area THR contingent can meet at the Belleville gun show and have lunch.
Oh, and your friend--assuming he got caught with the gun--could be toast. A lot of police would not push the issue unless he failed the attitude test, but they certainly could. He's committing a crime.
Look at joining http://www.concealcarry.org or http://www.gunssavelife.com before you think about ISRA. The ISRA does not have the good of all gun owners at heart. You, for instance, want a handgun, so they could care less about you.

Quickdraw--wanna do something about it? The Champaign County Rifle Association meets in Champaign the 2nd Tuesday of every month. Shoot me a PM if you'd like to meet me there next month. It's a little easier if you "know" someone in the crowd. Their meetings are actually very interesting affairs--last month (which I missed) they had a survivor of the Bataan Death March lecture on what it was like. He was a metal fabricator with no rifle training who was handed a 1903 Springfield still in the cosmoline when the Japanese invaded. :eek:

Doug, you got screwed. :( Gwinn's Guns and Tackle did not process applications that way. It's certainly not a requirement. Those guys clearly care more about their own convenience than doing the job you hired them to do. By all means, just send it in yourself. It's not nearly as hard as people expect. Failing that, you can have it all done at any gun show.

From what I'm reading from the state law, it legal to walk down the street with a unloaded gun in a carrying case
Well, the good news is it's perfectly legal. I do it myself on occasion. Go to http://www.gunssavelife.com and click on "Six Seconds From Safety" for the details.
The bad news is that although it's legal, we're still in the process of convincing ambitious prosecutors of that fact. There have been four cases on the subject and we've won them all so far. To be legal, you must have a FOID card and either:
Break the gun down so it is non-functioning, or
Put it somewhere inaccessible, or
Put it, unloaded, into a case, "box, shipping container, or other container." Essentially, if it is contained and completely surrounded by something and unloaded, you're legal. The ammunition can be anywhere you want except loaded into the gun; I keep a loaded magazine in the case with a semi-automatic. Holsters do not count as "containers" because they don't "seal the gun in" thus it could still convince you to massacre The Children.

:D Hey! There's Miss Demeanors! :D

[whm1974]

I keep a loaded magazine in the case with a semi-automatic

I heard two different things on loaded magazines from cops. One said it was legal as long as the gun itself was in a case, another one said it wasn't . Also I have heard of people being arrested for having loaded magazines.

Bill Meadows

[44Brent]

Strongly suggest you join the ISRA. Lots of good information from them.

Richard Pearson, president of I$RA, has publicly stated that he thinks FOID cards are a good thing. I$RA has done absolutely zero in getting a right-to-carry law passed.

Join CCRA instead.

I$RA = Irrelevant State Rifle Association

[J Miller]

I stand corrected and informed. I was amember of the ISRA for a couple of years and didn't notice anything off color. But then other things had priorty.

From what you guys have told me I recind my recomendation to join. If they arn't with us, they're.............well you know the rest of the saying.


Joe

[HankB]

you do not have to be 21 to have a FOID card, you do have to have a parent or guardian permission. A friend has two daughters with FOID cards about ages 6 and 10 When I lived there, I once met a guy who'd gotten an FOID card for his DOG.

I SAW the card . . . complete with picture! :D . . . that part about the parent permission is the problem. My dad is fine with it, but I've been working on my mom for years to no avail. What's the problem? Just have Dad sign for it. :rolleyes: They don't require BOTH parents to sign, do they?

[Quick Draw McGraw]

I guess I didn't do a very good job of explaining my situation earlier. There are no guns in our house. My dad never was really a gun nut, but he did have some, which are now stored at my grandparents' house. (Who I am almost positive do not have a FOID, so I think I should fill them in) Anyway, guns really weren't THAT important to my dad, he enjoyed them, but the woman he married hated them, and I guess his guns weren't important enough to him to make an issue of it. So, while he doesn't really mind, he won't sign it behind my mom's back, and I don't blame him, because at this point she would be PEEVED! (And in all honesty I don't really want to do it behind my mom's back either, if I turn 21 I'll be on my own of course, but as long as I need even just 1 signature I'm not going to try to do it without mom knowing.) I hope I explained myself better, I really have to deal wid me dear ole' mum before the foid card is mine, at least for twelve more months, anyway.

[whm1974]

Anyway, guns really weren't THAT important to my dad, he enjoyed them, but the woman he married hated them, and I guess his guns weren't important enough to him to make an issue of it

I would disagree with this. Your dad should have put his foot down and kept the guns. Woman will keep testing thier men to see how far they can controll them. Your dad lost on this issue, what else did you mom made your dad do?

Bill Meadows

[Quick Draw McGraw]

Mr. Meadows

I still must not be making myself clear. My dad didn't concede the issue, he just didn't care about his guns enough to even make an issue out of it in the first place. He didn't lose anything. Just because YOU think that my dad should have put his foot down doesn't mean that he thought so. It wasn't an issue of control, and I take offense that someone that knows nothing about me or my family would ask a thing such as, "What else did you mom made your dad do?" Frankly, if my father was as much of a gun-lover as the folks on this board, there would be guns in the house. I happen to agree with you that the husband should not concede such things if they feel they should not, but my father does not have the same vigor for owning firearms as the people here. He's not an anti, he doesn't think guns are evil, or anything like that. If you were to say that my father should take more seriously his duty to protect our family, I would have to agree. My mother has stayed home with my brothers and I all of our lives, and my father works harder than anyone I know in order to provide for his family. Right now he's paying every cent of my college tuition. I owe him more than anybody else in my life besides Jesus Christ. My father understands his responsibilities to provide for his family, with perhaps his single fault in this matter being that he does not see the full importance of being prepared to defend his loved ones from physical harm from someone who has a weapon.

This, however, is not a case of my mother controlling my father, but rather of my father not realizing the importance of firearms for self-defence and freedom. An important issue, yes, but you have misunderstood.

Another, thing, Mr. Meadows. Not all women are as you say. My mother does not control my father, nor has she ever attempted to. I have been with my girlfriend for over three and a half years, and she has never, and will never attempt to control me. YES, I AM SURE! I agree that there are women like that out there, sir, but if that is the only type you have met, I am here to tell you that there are women out there who are different.

Mr. Meadows, I do not wish to offend you or to begin a flame war here, and perhaps I am being too defensive. However, I respect my father more than anyone else on earth, and I love my family very dearly, so I feel compelled to speak in his, and our, defense.

I suppose I have already hi-jacked your thread enough, so I will save my FOID card troubles for another place.

Respectfully,
Ben

[bad_dad_brad]

FOIDs have been required in Illinois since 1960's. Course back then it was more like a fishing or hunting license.

Regardless, as stated in this thread, you have to have one to own firearms in Illinois, and yes, you have to have one to handle a firearm at a gun store, and yes, you can't buy ammo without one either.

Took about 3 weeks to renew mine last September - no big deal, I go through my dealer, and as Don Gwinn has pointed out, reputable dealers do not "bundle" their paperwork.

As far as a loaded clip, as long as it is not in the gun, it is supposed to be legal, but a lot of LEO's don't know this. The gun must be in a case, whatever that means. There is a nice brochure that the state publishes that I keep in my glove box, so that Mr. Law can educate himself.

Check it out:

http://www.isp.state.il.us/foid/firearms.cfm

[JoeWang]

1. Make sure your CURRENT FOID card is always with you when transporting a firearm. The ISP is notoriously forgetful about who has one and who does not when considering an "unconviktedzky konvict", er, sorry, a citizen for detainment. Especially when on their highway. Think of it as crossing gang turf.

2. Always travel with ammo and firearms in separate locked compartments.

3. Don't speed, switch lanes, etc. without signals. Obey all local traffic laws.

4. Lock all but your primary home defense long gun(s) up securely, especially if you have children. The State and COC is keen on providing legal help to civil plaintiffs sue homeowners when homeowners use handguns to help protect themselves.

5. Don't be a straw man/woman. Do your transfers through an FFL.

6. Do not travel through COC with an improper firearm.

[dwain]

Don't forget to sign your FOID. The space to sign is on the side of the card. Very hard to see. Many people do not know there is a place to sign. I've heard if they're not signed, you might as well not have one in the eyes of some LEO.

[Jeff White]

Hi JoeWang,
I'd like to clear up a couple of misconceptions. FOID data is in LEADS. Any Illinois peace officer can check to see if a subject has a valid FOID card. So there is no way to be forgetful about who has them. I am sure that at some point in time and at someplace in the state someone was charged with the misdemeanor of not having his FOID in his possession. But I can tell you that in my experience, it's not common. If the computer check shows someone has a valid FOID then a warning is usually given.

There is no requirement in Illinois to transfer firearms through an FFL. There is a record keeping requirement. You have to keep a record of the weapon, and name address and FOID number of who you transferred it to for 10 years. Again, I've never heard of anyone being prosecuted for this. I suppose it has happened.

It is legal to carry a semi auto in a case with a loaded magazine in the case with it. The magazine can't be inserted into the weapon though. A lot of peace officers weren't aware of this until the last few years. There may be some that still aren't, but I do know that that portion of the law has been met with a refusal to prosecute and charges eventually being dropped in one of the collar counties and a Southern Illinois county.

Illinois is far from being the worst state when it comes to firearms. And when you get away from Chicago, you'll find that the police aren't exactly the gestapo when it comes to the gun laws.

Jeff

[whm1974]

I suppose I have already hi-jacked your thread enough, so I will save my FOID card troubles for another place.

You didn't hijacked my thread. and I didn't mean to insult your mom or dad.

5. Don't be a straw man/woman. Do your transfers through an FFL.

That's a little parnoid. Although I won't be buying a gun from anyone that doesn't have a FOID
cardand/or that I don't know.

Don't forget to sign your FOID. The space to sign is on the side of the card. Very hard to see. Many people do not know there is a place to sign. I've heard if they're not signed, you might as well not have one in the eyes of some LEO.

I'll keep this in mind

You have to keep a record of the weapon, and name address and FOID number of who you transferred it to for 10 years. Again, I've never heard of anyone being prosecuted for this. I suppose it has happened.

I wonder how many people really keep these records for 10 years? Records can get lost moving, house burned down, etc. I do have friends that buy most of their guns "off paper" and a few cheap ones form a dealer so if there is ever a gun ban they'll surarnder those.

It is legal to carry a semi auto in a case with a loaded magazine in the case with it. The magazine can't be inserted into the weapon though. A lot of peace officers weren't aware of this until the last few years. There may be some that still aren't, but I do know that that portion of the law has been met with a refusal to prosecute and charges eventually being dropped in one of the collar counties and a Southern Illinois county.

Some LEO know this but may harrass gun owners anyway. My stepfather when I was living with him always transported his ammo and guns in seprate bags.

Thanks guys

Bill Meadows

[Bix]

Welcome to THR, 1974, and hello to all my fellow Illinois residents. I beleive this was already mentioned, but I would again recommend that you review your local ordinances before purchasing any firearm. Many communities in this state ban specific firearms, from Evil Black Rifles to handguns. While I think this is largley confined to the areas around Chicago, it is always best to check.

[whm1974]

To my knowage Granite City only has the "discharge of a firearm insiding city limits" thing. A lot of people here own "EBRs" and handguns, so I shouldn't have any problem. I'll check anyway though.

I'll bet you that a lot of people in those picko communities own "baned" guns but just don't tell anybody. Pensonlly I would move if I could.

Bill Meadows

[Don Gwinn]

With all due respect, Jeff, I've never met (face to face) an officer who knew the law on transportation before I told him. Frankly I think the ones I've told have been skeptical Then again, I don't live as far south as you do. It's only a couple hundred miles, but your part of Illinois is more like the south with a bit of the midwest thrown in, while we're definitely the midwest without much flavor of the south. Must be a prairie thing.

One officer I did not tell about the law, and I've kicked myself about it ever since, was a state trooper who pulled me over on I-55 coming back from the Chicago area. I was speeding and deserved a ticket for speeding, no question. He asked me to get out of the car and whether I had any weapons. I told him I had my pocketknife and a couple of unloaded pistols in the cases in the backseat. In retrospect, I probably could have just said "no" but at the time it didn't occur to me.
The officer asked me if the guns were all "legal and locked up securely and stuff like that" and I, selectively hearing only "legal" replied in the positive. Then I immediately kicked myself, because of course the guns were not "locked up" nor is that required by law, and if he checked, I'd probably have squandered the tentative good will it seemed like we were building. I could even see him arresting me if he really believed that the law required the guns to be locked up AND (more importantly) that I had lied to him to hide the fact that I was breaking such a minor law.
Would have been much better off, I think, to say "no" and explain why the law didn't require locking the guns up for transportation.

But he wasn't terribly worried about it--as you say, he was mistaken, but he wasn't the Gestapo-- and after taking a quick look at the inside of the car through the open door nothing else was said about the weapons. He even gave me a warning for speeding.

It was fairly painless as lessons about listening carefully when addressed by the po-po go.

[44Brent]

Don:

I think I'll make photocopies of my booklet I received from the State Police titled "Transport Your Gun Legally", and stick it in my pistol case, just in case.

[Kingcreek]

[QUOTE]I think I'll make photocopies of my booklet I received from the State Police titled "Transport Your Gun Legally", and stick it in my pistol case, just in case.[/QUOTE
Probably not a bad idea.
I think most of this is common sense. If you're an average joe and not wearing gang colors cooking meth in the back of the van the LEO usually isn't really concerned. If Barney Fife pulls you over and wants to make something out of nothing then you're in for it anyway. I have had many pleasant or atleast reasonable interactions with IL LEOs and only 2 "Barneys".
One was a small town cop that was out to make a bust of somebody/anybody (me) until a county deputy stopped to assist and told him he should go find a real problem. The other was a state trooper that treated me like a DUI after I was run off the road by an 18 wheeler on I-80. He asked me about drugs or weapons about 5 times and each time I said NO. He was really ticking me off- wasn't at all interested in my description of the truck and I had already decided I wasn't going to consent to a search of anything. (Glock 23 in my overnight bag.)
Luckily in this rural area, I know most of the LE folks from non-criminal casual encounters and folks round here still have some common sense. Daughter lives in Cook county but thats another world.

[whm1974]

If I get that booklet I'll keep it with the gun case. To protect myself
I'll transport the gun in a locked case with ammo in another locked case.

I''m wondering about this. If I'm driving and get pulled over do the police have the right to search my car without my permission? Or can I refuse and tell them to get a warrent?

Bill Meadows

[Jeff White]

Bill,
No the police can't search your car without permission. The Illinois Supreme Court ruled back in Novemebr that they can't even ask for consent to search unless they can articulate what the reasonable suspicion was that there was something illegal in the car.

However, if an officer insists on detaining you and searching your vehicle, let him. The side of the road is no place to get into constitutional arguements over the fourth amendment and how it applies in Illinois. After it's over, get an attorney and let them sort it out in court.

The chances of an officer asking for consent to search are slimmer now, so it's most likely something you won't have to deal with. If he does, just say no.

Jeff

[whm1974]

thanks Jeff. When I get a car it will a passager car that I can make hiding
places so I don't have to worry about theft when I park the car somewhere

Bill Meadows