Do I need FOID ?

[VforVendetta]

Do I need FOID card to attend a gun show if I don't buy any guns ? There is a show in Illinois coming up and I'd like to check it out ( never been to one before ). There is a $5.00 admission fee - is this normal , is it worth it ?

Thanks

 

[illinisnare]

Technically, no

IIRC, you need a FOID to purchase, possess, transport firearms or ammo in IL. I believe that is what the law says. You don't need a FOID to enter the show, the promoter will gladly take your customary $5.00.

However, most dealers at most gun shows I've attended in IL take it a step further and want to see your FOID before you can touch a firearm on their table. Your experience may vary.

 

[agrmsu693]

Are you going to the one at the State Fair Grounds tomorrow?? If so you dont need a card to attend and theses are generally pretty good shows.

 

[Gudis]

Every shop I've ever been to asks for your FOID before letting you even touch any of the goods, I don't know if a show would be the same, but a FOID is really easy to get just to be on the safe side.

 

[Sunray]

"...never been to one before..." Go. You may see a lot of high priced junk and jerky, but go anyway. $5 isn't unusual. Some gun show venues charge for parking too though.

 

[buy guns]

Is the gun show anywhere around Chicago? If it is I'll go to.

 

[furyalecto]

Probably the one in Springfield I am hoping to go to (weather & wife permitting

 

[buy guns]

Probably the one in Springfield I am hoping to go to

I figured a gun show around Chicago would be too good to be true.

 

[Spyvie]

I recently started dating a Chicago area woman who was transferred to Denver by her employer. After we had gotten to know each other a little I tactfully brought up the fact that I'm a gun owner, her immediate response was “do you have a FOID?” I said “a what?” then she explained it to me.

I'm glad I'm not from Illinois...

BTW, she wants me to take her shooting now

 

[Don Gwinn]

For the OP, you don't need the FOID to attend a show as long as you personally do not buy, sell, or "possess" a firearm or ammunition. "Possess" is construed to mean "handle."

I'm sure I won't get to the fairgrounds tomorrow since I'm *this* close to finishing the nursery upstairs, but if you see a giant with a red beard in a black t-shirt with a bull's head on it, say hello.

 

[Soybomb]

but a FOID is really easy to get just to be on the safe side.

I'd tend to disagree with that and say that the requirements are modest but you won't get it in 30 days as promised and paperwork seems to get lost. If it takes 3 months to get a permit to own a round of ammo in IL and the same person has a license to carry a gun in PA in week, I'd say it isn't as easy as it should be

 

[Don Gwinn]

Too true. Give yourself plenty of time. But also remember that this is still a redneck state, at least geographically. That's a subtle hint that you'll get a FOID much faster this time of year if only because hunting season is over. In the months leading up to deer season, it'll take forever.

 

[VforVendetta]

Thanks for all your replies

I got my FOID already ( it took approx. 30 days ), but I wanna take my brother in law , trying to get him interested in shooting guns and he doesn't have one yet . It will be pointless to take him with me if he wouldn't be able to even touch a gun at the show after paying 5 bucks.
Can one find any good deals at a gun show or should I look at Internet
sites ( CDNN etc. ). By the way the show I'm talking about will be held
This Sunday 8AM to 1.30PM in Wheaton , IL , very close to Chicago .
There is one more on the 20th this month in the north Suburbs ,
Lakemoore I think .

 

[scout26]

V, I'll be at the Wheaton show around 11-11:30. Been going there for many years now. (since I've moved back to Wheaton in '91)

To answer your questions:

1) The dealers there won't let you touch any firearm, ammo, reloading supplies, parts, or anything even remotely connected to firearms without you first showing a FOID card. I just clip mine to my jacket, pocket or collar so everyone can see it.

2) Deals ? Depends on what you're looking for. So yes and no. There's a guy there selling powder and other reloading supplies that's much cheaper then the Gander Mountain out in Geneva on pretty much everything. You won't see much any "Beany Baby" type tables. They also keep the neo-Nazi stuff out. There's a couple of tables that have real WWII bring backs, but they also have WWI, WWII, and other era American, British, French and Japanese stuff also.

3) There's a show out at the Kane County Fairgrounds the following Sunday. They generally have many more vendors. Also only $5 to get in.

4) I'll be the mustached guy in the faded blue "8th Infantry Division" ball cap wearing a Blue Jacket that says "TH Ryan Cartage Company" with my 7 year old son in tow. Come up and say "Hi", my name is embroidred on the jacket.