info needed: Chicagoland & handguns

[DouglasW]

Someone I know is considering a job at Rush Presby Medical Center...in Chicago, Illinois Please save the commentary on the downsides to living in Daley's version of hell, I've tried them all.

Anyway, knowing about Chicago's handgun ban (and other repressive firearms laws) I offered to help with researching the legality of handgun ownership in the municipalities surrounding Chicago and quickly came across this list:

POSSESSION BANNED: Chicago (§§ 8-20-040, 8-20-050(c)), Evanston (§ 9-8-2), Morton Grove (§ 6-2-3), Oak Park (§ 27-1-1, 27-2-1), and Wilmette (§ 12-24) ban possession in addition to the sale and/or transfer of handguns. Chicago (§ 8-20-190) requires surrender of handguns to law enforcement but also allows registration of certain handguns. Chicago (§ 4-144-062) allows possession of handguns registered prior to March 30, 1982, provided they have a safety mechanism and load indicator device. Evanston (§§ 9-8-5, 9-8-7, 9-8-8), Morton Grove (§ 6-2-3) and Wilmette (§ 12-24) do not allow registration, but expressly provide options in addition to surrendering the weapon to law enforcement, such as rendering the gun inoperable, participating in a gun buy-back program and transporting the gun out of the jurisdiction.

Unfortunately, my mapping software doesn't do a good job of identifying city/town borders...so can anyone familiar with the area list the nearby towns where handgun ownership is allowed?. Looking especially close-in areas that would minimize the pain of commuting to the medical center at 1653 W. Congress Parkway.

Also, I thought I heard somewhere that some municipalities offer greater freedom to C&R holders -- i.e. that it is beneficial to have a C&R license if you live in that town. Any truth to that?

Thanks!

 

[The Grand Inquisitor]

So are you planning on moving to one of the listed suburbs or into the City itself?

I live in Tinley Park, which is in the South Suburbs, and like most of the Chicago suburbs, there are no silly gun laws here outside of the frustraing state-wide ones.


chicago is definately the most stringent when it comes to control, and to my knowledge, it is not legal to possess any non-grandfathered weapon in the city.

 

[DouglasW]

They like Chicago, but not the silly gunlaws there! So (looking at the list in my original post) let's cross Chicago, Evanston, Morton Grove, Oak Park, and Wilmette off the list.

Looking for a list of towns/'burbs, nearish to Rush -- maybe along the I-290 corridor??? -- without the handgun bans or other restrictions....other than the statewide ones.

Unfortunately Tinley Park looks far from Rush on the map.

Thanks.

 

[antsi]

I used to work at Cook County Hospital in the Chicago medical district, right next door to Rush.

At that time, I was considering moving to a gun-friendly (or less gun-inimical) suburb if I wanted to keep working at CCH. I was looking at the 290 corridor, and at that time, the best option I could identify was Elmhurst.

However, that was eight years ago. Elmhurst may have adopted new laws since then. The Chicago mayor is always pressuring surrounding communities to adopt his view of things, and they often cave.

 

[El Tejon]

Prospect Heights and then take the train in.

Cook County has banned "assault weapons" several times. So at least you will be crime free.

El Tejon, former inmate of Chicago, 1992-1995, was not released for good behavior as he refused to comply with King Daley's gun laws.

 

[DouglasW]

Thanks for the responses, guys. Looking at the map, it appears there may be a bunch of choices west and north of Chicago-proper.

Anyone know off-hand if the M1 Garand or M1 carbine (with a 10-round magazine) are prohibited under Cook County's AWB?

Thanks.

 

[Canuck-IL]

What's commonly done is to rent a locker at the nearest range and store the guns (insured!) at that site since you're likely to be using their facilities anyway...there are not a lot of ranges to choose among. Then live where you want - issues still arise with cleaning, home 'smithing, etc. Nearest to Rush is in Lyons...
http://midwestguns.com/location.htm

Unfortunately, it's a 'no lead' range so you're stuck with buying Winclean type ammo or loading fully encapsulated plated...but that's not uncommon around Chicago. Range options are rather poor...best to live near the WI border (several ranges, indoor and out) or further south-west.

From memory, you can also strike Winnetka and Streamwood (way north and way west respectively) off the viable list.

Best option is find another job way further south (Peoria or further) or out of state if possible.
/Bryan

 

[Neo-Luddite]

Garand is not on Cook list

Once again, the en-bloc shoulder cannon is not on the radar of those pathetic traitorous fools 'over by dere' in cook county.



And actually, you CAN still even legally register and own an M-1 withing the Chicago city limits.

Not to the questions about hand guns around chicago. The illinois state police have a list of all municipal firearm laws by town on their

site.http://www.isp.state.il.us/foid/ordinances.cfm

Forget about a new handgun in chicago. mags ovefr 10 rds are banned in the county (although I wouldn't lose sleep over it--they've been banned for 15 years but no one noticed).

Some odd laws exist. For example, in Willmette, a C/R FFL may legally own any C/R handgun without restriction. So if you end up in that elitist elclave, with a c/r in hand, you may have old 1911 's and hi powers all day long.

Or you can do whatever you need to a be a law breaker in fact and a free citizen disobeying laws that contradict the Constitution of the State of Illinois. Just don't pop a bad guy with a weapon you can't stand to part with.

Chears!

 

[Neo-Luddite]

And the carbine----w/ 10 rd mag?? not sure, it WAS on the list.

The mini-14 is, but they forgot the mini-30?? very funny.

sks is still OK I think.

 

[george29]

I once worked at RPSLMC, always had a kel-tec .32, sometimes an NAA. Many employees live in NW Indiana and commute (45min to an hour each way. FWIW that would be real time commute from most places around downtown anyway). Indiana is the opposite of Illinois and housing is at a more reasonable price. Grifith IN was to be my choice, but then I decided on the more friendly South Western states and said goodbye to restrictions. I know many that just don't talk about it and carry for protection, if your friend is an M.D, status will keep him above most laws if he doesn't do something stupid. Blue collar guys like me carry tiny shooters and kept our mouths closed. RPSLMC is an island in a dangerous area, just West of Cook County the "Neighborhood" starts although I know smart investors have been buying up what they can as the ghetto's were at the time I was there becoming small communities for the well-to-do medical people of Rush, U of I and County hospitals. It is also a college area and Rush has dorm's East of the Hospital. Rush has in-house security, apprx. 25-30 armed officers per watch, (S&W M10) with two speedloaders. Officers are certified CPD auxillary with full police powers in the 12 block radius of 1653 W Congress (not including I-290), including all CTA rail and bus stops.
Rush is very liberal and very anti-gun. Thefts are an everyday occurence, violence is usually restricted to the Psych Ward and E.R which doesn't see much in the way of trauma, more restricted to heart attacks, lots of AIDS patients and people that fell at home or cut themselves. Most trauma goes to Cook County with main spillover at U of I next door.
I never had a problem with CPD but never put myself in a position to have to need the Kel-Tec, it would have been a lose-lose situation. If your friend commutes by public transportation at night, the L line outside Rush is for the most part OK, but definitely not secure and no security at night. Parking lots are well lit, cameras EVERYWHERE, security provides employees with escorts to and from anywhere in the 12 block radius. Visitors get escorts with shuttle bus service (security services) within the 12 blocks anywhere they feel afraid.
Tell your friend never to leave weapon anywhere but pocket or fannypack, and to keep secured on self, theft is rampant and goes unnoticed, the theives know the hospital as well as or better than Security.

 

[DouglasW]

Wow, more great replies. I love THR!

Neo-luddite: That link to the ISP site will be very useful. Thanks for that and also for identifying Wilmette as the municipality that relaxes restrictions on people holding C&Rs.

George29: Thanks for sharing your specific experiences and information. Quick question: Is all of the "12-block radius" you referenced inside the City of Chicago?

 

[GoRon]

Go just a little farther west to Dupage County.

Hinsdale, Downers Grove, Oakbrook, Elmhurst are all nice towns.

This also gets them closer to some of the ranges they will be frequenting.

I primarily shoot at the above mentioned Midwest but also shoot at Megasports in Plainfield. Megasports is 45 minutes from Hinsdale on the weekends. Much longer during the week. Midwest is much closer but is in Cook County.

 

[Autolycus]

I am from Orland Park, Illinois. It is a nice area to live. Its one of the southwest suburbs. The Grand Inquisitor lives in the neighboring town. The area is nice but the people in Orland Park are not pro-gun. The town does not allow guns to be sold within 1000 feet of a school. They used this law to prevent the Galyans/Dicks sporting good from selling firearms.

However you can own handguns there. There are no other anti-gun laws that I am aware of there. You would be able to take the train downtown and pay $1.00 for parking at the station.

Good luck.

 

[scout26]

EL Tejon, you were not paroled. You, like Alexander Solzhenitsyn, were exiled from the people's paradise.

DouglasW, They want to be outside of Cook County. Handguns are not Allowed in Chicago. Cook County could go that way any day, they already ban "assualt weapons". Due west (I-88/290) is DuPage county. I live in Wheaton (it's a real nice area) and work in the K-Town area of Chicago (not a nice area at all).

The area around RSLPMC is not nice but is getting yuppified and better.

george29 is spot on.

I'm a member of/shoot at www.aurorasc.org. Ranges/Gunshops: Megasports is a nice, newer range. Rinks in Lockport is okay, it's cheap, but grungy, and you can BYOA, . Gunworld in Bensenville is a another good one. JR's Shooting sports in Naperville/Aurora is new(er) about 4-5 years old, it's very nice, but pricey. All are pretty much pistol/22LR only. If they want to shoot Shotgun or Rifle they'll have to join a club. Aurora Sportsmen's Club is the one of the very few that have ranges/fields for High Power Rifle (I've shot .50 BMG there.), Shotgun Sports (trap, skeet, 5 Stand, Sporting Clays), Pistol and Archery.

Mrs. Scout is a RN who spent ten+ years at University of Chicago in the NICU. She also did some agency work at Rush. PM me if you/they have any questions.


Totally off topic, but Oak Park is also a Nuclear Free Zone. According to the nice lady I spoke with MANY years ago (waaaaaaay before 9/11) in the Oak Park city hall, the fine for possessing a nuke in Oak Park is $500. She hung up when I asked what the fine would be for actually detonating a nuke in Oak Park. (Stupid Blissninnies)

 

[tommys]

Hi DouglasW
I know you've been told this before but I'll tell you again, DON NOT MOVE TO ILLINOIS. That said here is my $.02. Illinois is extremely gun unfriendly.

You will need to get a FOID card to own or even touch firearms or ammunition. It's not hard to get, only costs $5 for 5 years but it's a PITA and is just one of the silly roadblocks that the communists that have taken over this state have concocted to mess with gun owners.

You do not want to live in Cook County! They recently passed an ordinance that provides for jail terms for possession of some very common firearms. Here it is: http://www.cookctyclerk.com/html/111406orddoc.htm. Look for ordinance 06-O-50. There is NO concealed carry in this state. If the police find a gun in your glove compartment, your going to jail or prison.

As far as ranges, I am familiar with MegaSports in Plainfield and Rinks in Lockport. MegaSports is real expensive, doesn't allow reloads or lead bullets and the staff are jerks. Rinks is ok but it's not heated or air-conditioned - kinda limits its use to fall and spring.

Finally, things are not going to get any better. The recent issue of the Illinois State Rifle Magazine outlines the bills that our Governor, Comrade Blago is pushing. They will outlaw all semi-auto rifles, most shotguns and many handguns.

Stay in Colorado!

 

[El Tejon]

scout, exiled, hah! If so I sneak back in regularly as there are THR members in the heart of Mordor.

 

[george29]

Let those who reside in Chicagoland keep CAGE in mind

The following was released today by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA):

The ISRA is warning employees of the Chicago Police Department (CPD) that the department's Chicago Anti-Gun Enforcement (CAGE) unit may soon swoop down on their homes.

The warning comes after the release of CPD Notice 02-18, which directs CPD employees to dispose of many of their personally owned firearms by May 1, 2002 or face the consequences.

Firearms subject to the disposal order include a previously published list of so-called "assault weapons" as well as many of the rifles typically used to hunt deer and other game in the state.

Issuance of CPD Notice 02-18 comes in the midst of a stepped-up effort by Chicago Mayor Richard Daley to impose his personal gun control plan on a statewide basis. Earlier this year, Daley blasted the Illinois General Assembly for twice rejecting his extremist gun control package - pledging to sidestep the legislature by using his local political muscle to institute the package in one village at a time. Daley's first attempt at doing so failed miserably on April 15th when the Des Plaines (IL) City Council rejected a gun control ordinance introduced by Daley ally Alderman Don Smith by a 7-1 margin. The approaching May 1 gun disposal deadline is especially ominous in light of questionable tactics being employed by the CAGE unit. The unit was formed specifically to support Mayor Daley's efforts to run suburban gun shops out of business and to create an illegal registration database of law-abiding Illinois gun owners.

After several months of keeping tabs on the CAGE unit, the ISRA has come into information on tactics that should send a shiver down the spine of any freedom-loving American. Among such tactics are attempts to entrap gun shop clerks into making illegal gun sales; inspecting and copying gun shop sales records for households where more than one person holds an Illinois FOID card and; visiting the homes of law-abiding gun owners and demanding to inventory their firearm collections without benefit of a court order.

In light of the disposal order, Chicago police officers should be especially concerned about the CAGE unit's tactics. The ISRA is aware of the case of a Cook County Sheriff's officer who was questioned by the CAGE unit about a used gun he legally transferred to a gun shop more than ten years ago. Although the officer made every attempt to comply with the CAGE unit's inquiry, the investigations team threatened the officer with the loss of his job and pension. Despite having complied fully with the CAGE team, he found himself on suspension.

The ISRA suspects strongly that the CAGE unit has been gathering information on the gun buying habits of fellow CPD officers and that, after May 1, officers who may have owned any of the firearms on the disposal list should expect to undergo questioning by the CAGE unit.

"My advice to any CPD officer who has ever owned a gun on the disposal list is to get a lawyer - a good one," commented ISRA president Richard Pearson. "You may show up for roll call later this week just to find yourself on indefinite suspension. Or, you may get a frantic phone call from your wife or kids telling you that there are a half dozen big burly guys wanting to come in and look at your gun collection. In any case, Mayor Daley plans to make you pay for not sharing his views on gun control. I wish you luck, you're going to need it."
------

The ISRA is the state's leading advocate of safe, lawful and responsible firearms ownership. For nearly a century, the ISRA has represented the interests of over 1.5 million law-abiding Illinois gun owners.
http://www.usnewswire.com

CONTACT: Richard Pearson of the Illinois State Rifle Association, 815-635-3198; Web Site: http://www.isra.org

 

[Len S]

Dupage county is safe for now. Elmhurst is right on the trainline into ****cago and RPSL (Rush). You can own in dupage but cant carry anywhere in il. You could also live in IN. have a carry permit and comute.

Len

 

[Hk91 Fan]

I grew up in Oak Park and remember the "ban", as it were. I assume only two families had handguns back then because only two families handed them over to the police.

No law abiding citizen of Oak Park, a town of liberal true-believers, has ever been arrested for owning a handgun in their own home, as far as I know. That would include the pawnshop owner who lived nextdoor to my second apartment when I was 21 who was forced to shoot and kill two intruders in his shop one day.

 

[Hk91 Fan]

I forgot to answer your questions...

Berwyn (which is hometown rule for firearms supposedly), Forest Park, River Forest (very nice - more CEO's than anywhere in Cook), North Riverside, Riverside, Elmwood Park, Palatine, Shaumburg (home rule for firearms supposedly), don't move to Cicero, Don't move to Maywood.

If he's a doctor, River Forest would be very good. North Riverside has some really nice houses and is quiet. Oak Park is great too, if you don't care about unconstitutional laws. I would move back there if i could afford it. Sadly, it's expensive and taxes are very high.

 

[DouglasW]

Thanks for the additional posts. The stuff about CAGE sounds pretty crazy, as read by someone who lives in free America.

 

[HankB]

I grew up in Chicago.

In a public forum, I will not recommend one violate any law.

I have reason to believe that the compliance rate for Chicago's ban & registration laws was miniscule among otherwise law-abiding gun owners.

 

[mike101]

Indiana. Play it safe.

 

[wdlsguy]

On the other hand, if you choose to live outside of Illinois, you won't be able to get an FOID, and you will need to follow the nonresident rules for transporting firearms in Illinois.

How can I legally transport a firearm on my person or in my vehicle?

There is more than one way to legally transport a firearm. However, in order to be in compliance with all statutes, it is recommended all firearms be transported:

1. Unloaded,
2. Enclosed in a case and,
3. By persons who have a valid FOID card.

If a non-resident is coming to Illinois to hunt and would like to bring their firearm, how do they legally transport it?

Non- residents must be legally eligible to possess or acquire firearms and ammunition in their state of residence. It is recommended that, in order to be in compliance with all statutes, non-residents transport all firearms:

1. Unloaded, and
2. Enclosed in a case, and
3. Not immediately accessible or broken down in a nonfunctioning state.

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

 

[hagar]

I don't even drive through Chicago on my way to Milwaukee anymore. If I got stopped or had an accident the last time I drove through there, I would have had at least 6 banned firearms in my car, as I always go and shoot at one of my buddies farms up there.

It's not worth taking that risk. Funny, with my SC CCW permit, I would be considered an upstanding citizen in most other places.

Back in 2002, after most companies either fired their IT workers, or outsourced it to India, I mean both, fired them and then gave their jobs to India, I was sending out resumes, and this headhunter called me from Chicago. He could not understand when I told him I would rather starve than go work in that cesspool. Then some other headhunter called from Washington DC, and I told him I'd rather go work in Chicago!