So You Want an AR Upper in Illinois? Buckle Up, Buttercup!
Ah, the AR-15 upper. The heartthrob of the gun world, the customizable king. But here in Illinois, thanks to the joys of the Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA), buying one feels like trying to get a date with your high school crush after they moved across the country. Not impossible, but it requires some extra effort.
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| Can I Buy An Ar Upper In Illinois |
The Big But: Understanding PICA
PICA basically threw a regulatory lasso around assault weapons and certain parts, including some AR-15 uppers. As of January 11th, 2023, buying a new upper in Illinois is a big no-no for most folks.
There are some exceptions, but they're about as common as unicorns frolicking in Millennium Park. You gotta be:
Tip: The details are worth a second look.
- Law enforcement (with the proper paperwork)
- Military (ditto)
- Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder (and even then, there are hoops to jump through)
- Lucky enough to have inherited one (from someone who owned it before the ban)
Bottom line: If you don't fall into one of those categories, buying a new upper in Illinois is a recipe for disappointment.
A Glimmers of Hope (Maybe)
Now, before you drown your sorrows in deep dish pizza (because, Illinois), there might be a teeny tiny sliver of hope. The law isn't exactly crystal clear on all parts. Some folks believe certain stripped uppers, without features that make them "assault weapons" under PICA, might still be okay. But that's a legal grey area vaster than a cornfield in August.
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
Here's the golden rule: When in doubt, consult a lawyer. Don't take your legal advice from some random internet dude (like me), even if he writes a mean blog post.
So What Can You Do, Then?
Alright, alright, enough with the doom and gloom. Here's what you can actually do:
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
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- Check with a licensed firearms dealer (FFL) in Illinois. They'll have the most up-to-date info on what's legal and what's not.
- Consider buying a complete upper from another state. It gets complicated with shipping and transfers, but it might be an option (again, consult a lawyer!).
- Focus on lower parts kits or other legal AR-15 parts. There's a whole world of customization out there, even without the upper.
Remember: Safety first, always!
FAQ: Your AR Upper in Illinois Woes Answered!
How to know for sure if a specific upper is legal in Illinois? - A licensed FFL is your best bet.
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
How about buying a used upper from someone in Illinois? - It depends. If it was legal before the ban and registered, it might be okay. But tread carefully, consult a lawyer!
How can I stay updated on any changes to PICA? - Keep an eye on the Illinois State Police website and gun rights organizations in the state.
How do I find a lawyer specializing in gun laws in Illinois? - The Illinois State Bar Association can help you find one.
How to channel my frustration into something productive? - Volunteer at a shooting range that promotes safe and responsible gun ownership!
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