Your Illinois CCW experience?

[Dr.Zubrato]

Scheduling some time to get the 16 hrs training done, but I wanted to hear the experience of some Illinois residents.
How is the experience, seeing as illinois is such a new state to carry? Public and police interaction?

 

[stonecutter2]

I have had very few issues exercising my rights here in IL.

You should start going about your daily routine and noting what places are posted, or not. That way, when you're carrying, you'll know where you need to disarm. You can also start considering alternatives to places if you want to keep carrying and not disarm yourself.

In my opinion, the fewer times you handle a firearm while carrying, the safer you are - less opportunity to mishandle anything by mistake. To me that's the irony of the swiss cheese prohibited area laws - they actually make it less safe for others by making people disarm in so many random places. I have been pleasantly surprised to see how many places are NOT posted as prohibited around me.

I haven't had any public or police interaction, as it's concealed, so nobody notices i'm carrying. That's how it should be, ideally

Make sure you find a holster that's comfortable for you. I like the DeSantis Sof-Tuck leather holster (XDs) now that i'm wearing a winter coat, and DeSantis Nemesis for pocket carry (P238). I've been very comfortable using those to carry.

 

[Old Dog]

Forgive me if this is a little off-topic, but is there any effort in Illinois to work on reciprocity or recognizing other states' licenses?

 

[TomJ]

I received my permit last spring, and it's fortunately been uneventful. It took a while for me to get used to carrying since my LEO days over 20 years ago, and I was self conscious about it at first. It doesn't take long to get over that mindset. If you're careful about your gun not printing, you'll find that people are completely unaware that you're carrying, and there's been no public interaction.

As it's become part of my routine, I do have to remind myself when entering a business to make sure it's not posted. I've seen a number of them that are, and simply go elsewhere. You will see businesses that are posted, but not with the sign required by law. Although I believe you can carry in those businesses, I choose not to as I'd rather patronize businesses that want me as a customer.

 

[TomJ]

Forgive me if this is a little off-topic, but is there any effort in Illinois to work on reciprocity or recognizing other states' licenses?

Quite a few states honor Illinois' permit, but I'm not sure if Illinois has reciprocated. Attached is a link to USA Carry's reciprocity map, and if it's accurate Illinois does not honor any other state's permits. Keep in mind that Illinois was the last state in the country to allow CC, and only did so as a result of a lawsuit. They've made this as difficult as possible, especially in the Chicago area, and I don't believe they're in a hurry to expand CC to residents of other states.

http://www.usacarry.com/concealed_carry_permit_reciprocity_maps.html

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

Many states recognize the Illinois CCW - Illinois recognizes only their own. They do not reciprocate - you have to get an out of state Illinois CCL.

That said it has been a non event and no big deal to me *except* that there are still some vehement anti gunners here who do not want CC in Illinois. There are folks in my own neighborhood who will call 911 and scream "Man with a gun!!" if you print or if they spot the pistol. I suspect that will dissipate as more folks get to carrying and folks discover that it is indeed lawful now in Illinois.

But generally speaking it has been a non event. I was stopped while driving (I had a headlight out) and informed the officer when I showed him my license that I had a CCL and was carrying and he thanked me for informing him up front and never mentioned it nor seemed unduly concerned about it in the rest of our conversation.

VooDoo

 

[stonecutter2]

Forgive me if this is a little off-topic, but is there any effort in Illinois to work on reciprocity or recognizing other states' licenses?

I have not heard of anything regarding Illinois honoring another states' carry licenses.

 

[C0untZer0]

You'll learn more if you go to IllinoisCarry.com

http://illinoiscarry.com/forum/index.php?showforum=3

There are multiple threads on experiences.

I applied for my CCW as an instructor within an hour of the site accepting applications. I was one of the first 100 people to get a permit.

I pocket carry a Rohrbaugh R9 almost everyday. I "transport" in other places - except schools, government buildings and the US Post Office.

I was pulled over for expired plates in either Barrington or Hoffman Estates, I showed the police officer my CCL, he asked me where my gun was, I told him, he told me to keep my hands where he could see them and not to reach for the gun.

He wrote me a ticket and then I went on my way.

 

[C0untZer0]

In my opinion, the fewer times you handle a firearm while carrying, the safer you are - less opportunity to mishandle anything by mistake.

I agree and that is why I got a second gun.

The R9 stays loaded in a DeSantis Nemesis holster. I'll stick it in the glove compartment and put on the Ka-Bar TDI pack with an unloaded Kahr CM9 in it, (the loaded magazine is in one of the pack's Velcro pockets).

 

[Neo-Luddite]

Out-of-State CCW holders can carry in their own vehicles--that's as inviting as IL has been so far. The whole thing has been a non-issue to all concerned except to the (shall we be kind and call them) "Bliss Ninnies" who think disarmament of the already peaceful and law-abiding is a pre-condition for forward social progress.

 

[C0untZer0]

Forgive me if this is a little off-topic, but is there any effort in Illinois to work on reciprocity or recognizing other states' licenses?

No, not that I'm aware of, and knowing Illinois politics as I do, I doubt Illinois will honor other state's permits for the foreseeable future.

 

[X-Rap]

So an out of state carrier with home state permit can carry in their vehicle?
If so that's good news as I have to cross southern Ill. from time to time. I was shocked to see the restroom at a rest area posted.

 

[TomJ]

So an out of state carrier with home state permit can carry in their vehicle?
If so that's good news as I have to cross southern Ill. from time to time. I was shocked to see the restroom at a rest area posted.

I'd recommend checking with an attorney. Remember what the Pennsylvania mom who carried in New Jersey went through. Our politicians here are just as anti-gun as anywhere in the country, and would not hesitate to prosecute you if you're wrong. Keep in mind it's not just whether you can carry, but how.

 

[stonecutter2]

So an out of state carrier with home state permit can carry in their vehicle?
If so that's good news as I have to cross southern Ill. from time to time. I was shocked to see the restroom at a rest area posted.

I am fairly sure you're fine.

However, you'd be best to do your own research, as is the case with all things involving carrying across state borders.

 

[F-111 John]

You will also benefit from www.handgunlaw.us:

RV/Car Carry Without A Permit/License:

You can’t carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle without a valid Permit/license.

Section 40

(e) Nothing in this Act shall prohibit a non-resident from transporting a concealed firearm within his or her vehicle in Illinois, if the concealed firearm remains within his or her vehicle and the non-resident:

(1) is not prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm under federal law;
(2) is eligible to carry a firearm in public under the laws of his or her state or territory of residence, as evidenced by the possession of a concealed carry license or permit issued by his or her state of residence, if applicable; and
(3) is not in possession of a license under this Act. If the non-resident leaves his or her vehicle unattended, he or she shall store the firearm within a locked vehicle or locked container within the vehicle in accordance with subsection (b) of Section 65 of this Act. (Source: P.A. 98-63, eff. 7-9-13.)​

 

[Warp]

If you live in another state you can use your permit to have it in the car but that is pretty much it unless you are particularly lucky regarding where you live and spend a good bit of time and money.

http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/illinois.pdf

NON-RESIDENTS
In accordance with 430 ILCS 66/40 (b), out of state residents may be eligible for an Illinois Concealed Carry
License if your state meets the definition of substantially similar as established by rule. See 20 Il. Admin.
Code 1231.10. Currently, the states identified below have been determined to have laws related to firearm
ownership, possession, and carrying that are substantially similar to the requirements to obtain a license
under Illinois’ law; and, therefore, may apply for an Concealed Carry License. This list will be updated as
additional states are identified as substantially similar.

1. Hawaii 2. New Mexico 3. South Carolina 4. Virginia

Note: Only residents of the states listed above have been approved by the Illinois State Police to apply for
an Illinois Non-Resident Permit. See Chart of States and Requirements as set forth by IL St. Police Here) As
stated they will update this list if other states have criteria that meets their stands for their residents. Illinois
law states you must have a permit/license from your home state if applicable to apply for an Illinois permit.
If you don’t have your resident permit/license Handgunlaw.us at this times believes you can not apply for an
Illinois Non Resident Permit to Carry and will only accept applications from residents of states listed above.
_______________________________________
Non-Residents
 16 hours of Concealed Carry firearms training provided by an ISP approved Instructor.
 An electronic copy of a valid concealed carry license from my home state.
 Electronic Copy of my training certificate(s). You will be required to upload your electronic
certificate during the application process.
 A head and shoulder electronic photograph taken within the last 30 days.
 An Illinois Digital I.D. Visit the Illinois Digital ID website to obtain one. www.handgunlaw.us 4
NOTE: If you have questions, visit the Illinois Digital ID website FAQ page or call the Central
Management Services Help Desk at 1-800-366-8768 for assistance with the Digital ID. Questions
regarding the Concealed Carry License application process should be directed to the Illinois State
Police at 217-782-7980.
 A Valid Driver’s License or State Identification card.
 Be able to provide the last ten years of residency.
 A notarized affidavit documenting the applicant’s eligibility under both state and federal laws, the
understanding of the laws pertaining to possession and transport of firearms, acknowledgment the
applicant is subject to the jurisdiction of the Illinois State Police and the Illinois courts and that the
applicant meets the mental health standards in Illinois to obtain a firearm.
 $300.00 payable with a credit card or electronic check.

--------------
As somebody who finds himself in IL multiple times per year, well, I can't say what I think of IL here on THR.

 

[X-Rap]

I guess from now on I'll stop for gas and take a leak in Indiana or Missouri and pass right on through Ill.

 

[Kingcreek]

Its been so-so, mostly a yawning non-issue, but other times staying legal is a pain in the rear with so many restricted and posted areas and having to frequently unholster/reholster or unload to pack carry.
Its better than we had before but the law sucks. Poorly written and implemented but hopefully will improve with time. a lot of room for improvement.

 

[il.bill]

I guess from now on I'll stop for gas and take a leak in Indiana or Missouri and pass right on through Ill.

Missouri almost always has lower gasoline prices because of lower gas taxes, so it might be a good idea to fill up your tank even when not carrying a handgun.

As far as not legally being able to exit your car while carrying on an out of state permit, you have to remember: this is Illinois, after all.

While Illinois is not a particularly good state for residents to buy and own firearms and ammunition, all things considered, at least it does not seem that we are currently the worst.

 

[X-Rap]

It amazes me how different your gov. is from its neighbors. Last week I saw an Indiana sheriffs patrol car with a Gadsden Flag sticker on its window.
I think Southern Ill. is probably much like Ind. Ky, and Mo. but is ruled by your population centers much like Colorado. I don't think at this point it is as much due to more voters in the big cities as it is apathy in the rural parts and corruption in the cities.

 

[Warp]

It amazes me how different your gov. is from its neighbors. Last week I saw an Indiana sheriffs patrol car with a Gadsden Flag sticker on its window.
I think Southern Ill. is probably much like Ind. Ky, and Mo. but is ruled by your population centers much like Colorado. I don't think at this point it is as much due to more voters in the big cities as it is apathy in the rural parts and corruption in the cities.

It is more than amazing. I grew up in Indiana not more than 20-30 minutes from Illinois. Indiana is a shall-issue handgun carry license at the age of 18 and almost nothing other than K-12 schools is off limits. Bars, okay for carry. Drinking, okay while carrying. Colleges including classrooms and dorm rooms, okay for carry. Drinking in a bar on a college campus (must be 21 of course), totally legal. Long gun carry unregulated. Permits are like $50 for a 4-5 year and $120 or so for LIFETIME. No training requirement. Top 5-ish nationally for % of population licensed to carry. And it's been that way for a long time, since before FL went in ~87, not sure how long before. One of the more original shall issue states.

And then, there's Illinois.

 

[bhk]

As a Missourian, I am still a little confused about my ability to car carry in Illinois with my Missouri permit (even after reading the statutes). I know I am ok within my car and that I must leave the handgun in the car when I leave the car. Can I leave the gun loaded in the glove compartment (with the car locked) when I leave to pay for gas, use the restroom, etc.?

 

[Warp]

As a Missourian, I am still a little confused about my ability to car carry in Illinois with my Missouri permit (even after reading the statutes). I know I am ok within my car and that I must leave the handgun in the car when I leave the car. Can I leave the gun loaded in the glove compartment (with the car locked) when I leave to pay for gas, use the restroom, etc.?

*I am not a lawyer* or anything close.

You can NOT carry outside of your car.

You can leave it in your glove compartment with the car locked. It must be locked, either the car or the compartment that the gun is in (center console, glove box, most likey)

 

[Nanook]

As far as IL and reciprocity goes, for the most part IL doesn't even want its citizens to carry. If it wasn't for the court decision a while back we still wouldn't have it.

But so far, I haven't had any issues. I'm careful where I carry, due to there being so many places with legal "no guns" signs. Parking lots are still legal to have a gun in your car for the most part. Safe haven they call it.

I live in a small town in Will County, and the only signs there are on BP gas stations and the library which is a no gun area by statute. I haven't seen a single sign on anything else so far. Schools are no gun zones, government buildings, hospitals and the like are as well.

At the same time I did the IL I also did the UT so theoretically I'm good to go in 34 states. I haven't tried it out yet in any state but IN, which as already stated is no problem.

It's a beginning, and it's so much better than what we had before which was nothing.

 

[Onmilo]

South of I-80 it is a LOT more mellow than upstate.

My employer is still a zero tolerance place for on site carry, you must leave your blaster in your car.

Most every other place ignore the red tape rules.
Keep it concealed and they don't care if you're packing.

DO NOT carry a blaster into a tavern or ANYWHERE for that matter if you intend on liquoring yourself up.
Leave the manhood at home or face a whole world of problems if you get caught.