A friend in Chicago

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chemist308

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So, I have a friend in Chicago, IL who needs to purchase a firearm for home defense. She's got some physical limitations, so a shotgun is likely not do-able. I've also heard that pistols are all but outlawed there.

What can she realistically get, how does she go about the process and how long are we talking about?
 
If you want a handgun you need to get one that's already registered, likely at a high premium because of the limited supply. Alternatively you could get a small rifle like a 10/20.

Of course, this being Chicago, a few thousand dollars to the right campaign fund can get you just about anything.
 
If you want a handgun you need to get one that's already registered, likely at a high premium because of the limited supply. Alternatively you could get a small rifle like a 10/20.
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To the OP, there is no "process" to getting a handgun in Chicago. To the first reply, existing licenses are NOT transferable. If she doesn't have a handgun now there is no legal way for her to obtain one.

Ilegally obtaining one is simple. Get a FOID card, buy it outside of the city. But this is illegal and there are constant rumors that Chicago Police have an "in" with the FOID database and visit people who live in Chicago and buy handguns outside of the city.

As for long guns, you have to register them, but they are not excluded. There are some restrictions on semi-autos, though. Not sure exactly what they are.

How about a SxS 20 gauge or .410 coach gun?

http://www.stoegerindustries.com/firearms/stoeger_coach_guns.php
 
No handguns. Period. Not even handgun ammo, even if it's really a rifle caliber (this includes .22lr).

Long guns are ok, but if a shotgun is out, she's probably SOL until Heller is incorporated.
 
I will tell you my father broke that law while living Chicago. He worked for the city, (though that had nothing to do with it). He lived there 10 years without a issue. He kept it for his own protection and that was that.

Would I do the same? Yep....
 
Seriously, would it be possible for your friend to move out of the city? Preferably to northwest Indiana? I don't believe there is any legal way she can defend herself in Chicago.
 
As others have posted -- no legal way for her to own a handgun in the Chicago city limits.




EDIT ---- I may be wrong but it used to be ONLY a misdermeaner and NOT a felony for simple possession of a handgun in Chicago , not that I would break the law if I lived there !!!!!
 
Why stay there when only a few miles away you have any number of states that will support the weapons?

Vote with feet and wallet, get out of that city. Dont keep bowing to thier rules saying you cannot have something to fight with.
 
Step # 1. your friend moves out of chicago and, also, preferably outside of cook county, illinois.

step # 2. she gets out her check book or credit card or cash and buys any hand gun she wants.
 
A 20 Gauge "Youth" model shotgun might work for her. She'd have to try one and see. A .410 pump is also a possibility.

I'd also normally suggest a pistol caliber carbine, but if handgun ammo is really that restricted, that might be a problem. Find out for sure about that.

If nothing else a M-1 Carbine loaded with Cor Bon or a JHP load would make a great home defense firearm. It's light and handy and pretty easy to use. Even if pistol ammo is restricted, .30 Carbine ammo shouldn't be.

Edit: There's also various lever action rifles in calibers like .32 Winchester or even .30-30 that should be Chicago legal. Not my first choice, but they might work.

Don't forget about a good double barrel shotgun in 20 gauge.
 
An idea as to the nature of your friend's physical limitations might help. For instance, a cosmetic prosthetic arm would probably preclude a long gun (I know, Fredric Sykes, Chicago and everything....). A debilitating illness like MS, ALS, or scleroderma would eliminate anything with any sort of recoil. I can tell you from experience that carpal tunnel untreated can do a number on you when you try to shoot a big boomer handgun as well.
 
The nature of the limitations: In a wheel chair and CP has done a number on mobility with legs. Still has good arm control.

That said, what is the process for getting a 410 DB shotgun?
 
That said, what is the process for getting a 410 DB shotgun?
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If she's in Illinois she'll need to first obtain an Illinois Firearms Owner ID card (FOID).

I don't know the process for that. I'm sure one of the Illinois members here can fill you in on the details.
 
FOID? :fire:

Does this mean I need a Church Going ID Card to exercise my rights?

:fire:

How is it that you Illinios people can even accept such authority asking mammy may I before doing ANYTHING good for yourselves with money.
 
wow that really sucks if you have to go through all that to get a firearm and not just that, it's so limited. .22lr and .410 for home defense? lol!! .410 can barely kill a squirrel.
 
Remington makes a .410 semi auto I believe. If said person has never fired any type of shotgun a 20 gauge might be a bit intimidating,especially in a wheel chair. And in all honesty,who wants to be shot with anything no matter the caliber/gauge.
 
After obtaining the FOID, but prior to bringing the weapon into the city, she'll need to swing by a CPD station and pick up a reistration application. She'll return that with the fee and passport photos and will (eventually) be issued a permit.

See Ch 8-20 et seq regarding posession and registration of firearms:

http://www.amlegal.com/library/il/chicago.shtml

As far as wepon choice goes, here's my advice:

Sheriff Ken Campbell is hosting Louie Awerbuck for his Stage I shotgun class in August in Lebanon, IN. The range is an easy drive from the city.

Your friend should reach out to Ken/Louie (contact info in the link below); register for the class; explain her situation and limitations; and solicit hardware advice.

When I did Stage I in Lebanon, a female student initially struggled greatly with her shotgun. While she did not have any obvious physical handicap, both Louie and Ken demonstrated a great ability to work with this student, her limitations, and her equipment to produce a skilled shotgunner by the end of TD3.

Details here:

http://www.yfainc.com/schedule.html
 
I definately think a 410 double barrel is a good choice.

someone recommended a single shot 20 gauge. Thing is, a single shot is about 70% the weight of a standard pump, so you get a lot more kick

a double barreled 410 is about 150% the weight of a pump, further absorbing recoil.

Ive seen the occasional 'coast to coast' side by side 410, and some old stevens. Stoeger makes a 'coach' model that I think would be excellent.

These will be hard to find, not much call for them.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=126928038
 
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