So You Want an AR-15 in Illinois? Buckle Up, Buttercup!
Ah, the AR-15. The darling of gun enthusiasts and the villain in countless action flicks. But can you, a regular Joe Citizen (or Joanne Citizen!), snag this piece of firepower in the great state of Illinois? Well, buckle up, because things just got interesting.
The Land of Lincoln Says 'Hold Your Horses'
In 2023, Illinois enacted the Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA), which threw a wrench into the AR-15 party. As of January 11th, 2023, buying a brand new AR-15 became a big no-no for most folks. That's right, unless you have a time machine (and a serious case of hindsight), buying a shiny new AR is off the table.
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| Can I Buy An Ar15 In Illinois Today |
But Wait! There's a Twist (Maybe)
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Now, before you shed a tear for your tactical dreams, there are a couple of exemptions you might qualify for:
- Inherited Glory: Did a cool aunt or grandpa leave you an AR-15 in their will? Congrats, you might be in luck! As long as you go through the proper registration process, you can (probably) hold onto that piece of family history.
- Glock-tober Surprise (Not Really): If you were a FOID cardholder (Firearm Owner Identification) and already owned an AR-15 before the law changed, then you can keep your existing one. But you'll need to register it with the Illinois State Police by the end of this year. Don't miss that deadline, or things could get spicy!
The Bottom Line: Buying an AR-15 in Illinois Today? Most Likely a Nope
For most Illinois residents, buying a brand new AR-15 today is a non-starter. But hey, that doesn't mean you can't explore other, perfectly legal firearms!
How-To FAQ for the Discerning Gun Enthusiast
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How to Find Out if Your AR-15 Qualifies for an Exemption?
This one requires a trip to the Illinois State Police website (https://isp.illinois.gov/Home/AssaultWeapons) and a good lawyer on speed dial.
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How to Apply for a FOID Card?
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Get ready for some paperwork! Head over to the Illinois State Police website again (https://isp.illinois.gov/Foid/Foid) for all the nitty-gritty details.
How to Explore Other Legal Firearms Options?
Many reputable gun stores offer consultations to help you find a firearm that meets your needs and complies with Illinois law.
How to Channel Your Inner Gun Enthusiast Without Actually Buying a Gun?
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There are shooting ranges, historical gun museums, and even competitive target shooting!
How to Not Get Discouraged by Confusing Gun Laws?
Hey, we hear you! Gun laws can be tricky. Don't be afraid to ask questions from licensed gun dealers or consult a lawyer specializing in firearms law.
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