Jumbo Versipack: Is it a "Case" in Illinois?

[BrianB]

Illinois is goofy and maintains 2 separate definitions for a gun "case." The state law says it's any container that fully encloses the firearm by snap, zipper, etc. But the widlife code stipulates that the case be made "specifically for firearms."

My question to any of you LEO's out there is: Would you consider a pack like the Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack with their universal holster inside to fulfill that definition? I'm not really looking to push the edge of legal, but rather to use the pack as my range bag...until I can leave Illinois!

Thanks,

B

 

[Kharn]

I'm not a cop, but the rear pocket of the Jumbo is definitely designed for a firearm, its lined with velcro, has a very aggressive zipper for fast opening and is marketed as usable with a holster for holding your CCW.

Kharn

 

[pbhome71]

Brian,

The jumbo has a zip, and it is designed for a firearm.

From Maxpedition web site:
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=6&IDCategory=4

Point (2) The JUMBO's rear slip compartment is now equipped with large loop Velcro patches to accommodate our Hook & Loop Modular Accessories (e.g. #3501 Universal Modular Holster, sold separately). This allows the user to position their concealed carry firearm for a quick strong side draw or weak side cross draw.

 

[BrianB]

I agree. Just looking for some affirmation that I wasn't missing something. Gotta watch my six living here. Thank goodness I don't live in the Chicago city limits. They tend to make up the rules as they go.

 

[Huddog]

I am former LEO and presently a prosecuting attorney, although not now or ever in Illinois. In my opinion based on the law as you present it you would be within the law using the vesipack as your range bag. However, remember I am not an Ilinois attorney therefore this does not qualify as legal advise.

 

[cambeul41]

How do you plan to carry it? I can imagine that carried in the hand, it might be interpreted as legal, but "worn"? The website says it is good for "discrete CCW," and the last I heard CCW in Illinois was a no go.

 

[Don Gwinn]

There's no settled, concrete law on this. The Versipack should be just as good as any fanny pack, but there are still people out there who would arrest you for using a fanny pack, too.

I personally carry in a Jumbo, but I make no guarantees that anyone else will think it's legal. Still, any cop who agrees that a fanny pack is a legal way to carry an (unloaded) gun (with a FOID) should see no problem with the Versipack. It was designed for a gun and completely encloses the firearm.

Be aware, too, that it's a REALLY slow way to carry an unloaded gun. There's no fast way, but a lot of the fanny packs designed for guns have a rip cord you can pull to open the whole thing up. From there, you can draw the gun with one hand and a magazine with the other. It can be faster than "six seconds," with practice. The Versipack won't let you do that; and if it's not secured to your belt, you're going to need two hands just to unzip the compartment--the thing swings like the purse it is if you try just yanking on the zipper.

I don't worry about it; I carry mostly to be a pain in the butt to all the right people.

 

[BrianB]

I'm wanting to carry it as a range bag between the trunk of my car into the range and back.

I'm NOT looking to do the "kiss the edge of the envelope unloaded carry" thing.

 

[Jeff White]

I would have considered it a case under both the Deadly Weapons Act and the Wildlife Code. But that's just me, one officer. The law is so unclear on that issue, with conflicting opinions in three different appellate courts that you are almost totally at the mercy of the individual officer and the states attorney.

Jeff

 

[Don Gwinn]

I'm NOT looking to do the "kiss the edge of the envelope unloaded carry" thing.

That's fine for you, who appear to be a polite and reasonable young man. But I'm a pain in the butt and have certain standards to uphold.

I do use the Maxpedition holster and magazine holder, and I recommend them. There's not much space in there, but I carry a P220 and two magazines, so an XD should be no problem.

 

[scout26]

I'm NOT looking to do the "kiss the edge of the envelope unloaded carry" thing.

That's fine for you, who appear to be a polite and reasonable young man. But I'm a pain in the butt and have certain standards to uphold.

Not only do I do Kiss, Dance and Do Handstands on the edge of the envelope, but my fannypack (with 1911 and three magazines) completely upsets the fashion sensibility of my teenaged daughter.

As a Hunter Ed instructor, I will say that it meets the definition of a "case" under the stricter Wildlife code, but the arresting officer may have his own view.

 

[BrianB]

Don n Scout, Bless you guys. I watched that poor kid in Rockford blaze that trail...and he paid for it for all of us. It's still possible for the odd LEO (especially up here in Crook Cty) to make my life suck for a year and cost me $50k in legal fees to prove I'm right and legal.

Wrong? Yep. Will it eventually go our way? I think so.