Illinois Glockers please help me out

wvtarheel · 03-13-2013, 10:46

I just got a job offer in Illinois. I'm wondering if its worth moving to a state where my main hobbies (guns and hiking) are going to be borderline impossible.

Specifically I'm wondering if they are going to have a problem with high cap magazines, if I'll have to register anything, if I can get a concealed carry, etc.

Also are there ample ranges out there? How about ranges at state parks or national forest?

Thanks guys

devildog2067 · 03-13-2013, 10:50

Depends on where you go. Plenty of hiking if you like flat prarie, but no mountains (mountains are what I miss most, living here).

No restrictions on high-cap magazines whatsoever. No registration of firearms, but you do have to get a "Firearm Owner's Identification Card" (FOID) which is $10, good for 10 years, and which you get by applying to the state police and letting them run a criminal background check on you (done by mail, takes ~2 weeks usually).

No concealed carry yet--we're the last state in the US that doesn't have any--but it will almost certainly happen this year (federal courts are forcing Illinois to implement it).

Few ranges in the Chicago area, but plenty of room to shoot in the rest of the state.

wvtarheel · 03-13-2013, 10:55

Thanks Devil.... not as bad as I thought. I'm looking at moving to Peoria, which is more rural than Chicago but still about triple the size of the biggest city in my entire state (West Virginia). Just trying to decide if its worth the extra scratch.

as400guy1 · 03-13-2013, 10:58

Don't move to cook county. Every place else is fine.

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WarCry · 03-13-2013, 11:07

From Peoria, you may have to travel a bit to find a good "wilderness" style hiking area.

For ranges, check out: http://nrahuntersrights.org/PlacesTo...IL&sn=Illinois

As for the gun laws, I completely agree with DevilDog. Don't let the folks around here scare you. Yes, there IS a FOID card, but considering how many states have silly things like "purchase permits" you have to get approved whenever you want to buy a gun, it's not that big of a deal. Concealed Carry is - in my opinion - the only truly crappy gun law we have in IL, and that will be in place before the 4th of July.

Outside of Chicago and some of the suburbs, this is a very gun-friendly state. I'm sure it will be about 30 seconds before people start posting and mocking me, but I've lived here nearly all my life, and I've never had any trouble buying, owning, or shooting what I want.

wvtarheel · 03-13-2013, 11:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarCry

From Peoria, you may have to travel a bit to find a good "wilderness" style hiking area.

Thanks WarCry. Total lack of any hiking is a bummer. I'm spoiled in WV, walking to my neighbor's house includes a 400 foot elevation change and crossing two creeks. In Illinois I'll be driving hours for a walk like that, much less any decent camping or backpacking. You all just don't have any mountains.

I'm reading now that open carry is illegal in illinois, I did not realize that was illegal anywhere. So soon, you all will have concealed carry, but not open? WTF. Annoying but probably not a dealbreaker for me.

stolenphot0 · 03-13-2013, 11:59

Everyone knows that Illinois is the worst gun state. See all the proof above

Are you tied down to West Virginia for any reason? is it enough extra scratch to make up for any cost of living increase?

WarCry · 03-13-2013, 12:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by wvtarheel

Thanks WarCry. Total lack of any hiking is a bummer. I'm spoiled in WV, walking to my neighbor's house includes a 400 foot elevation change and crossing two creeks. In Illinois I'll be driving hours for a walk like that, much less any decent camping or backpacking. You all just don't have any mountains.

I'm reading now that open carry is illegal in illinois, I did not realize that was illegal anywhere. So soon, you all will have concealed carry, but not open? WTF. Annoying but probably not a dealbreaker for me.

Open carry isn't illegal in IL. It IS, however, illegal in more places than you might imagine. I believe that, at this point in time, legal open carry is more the exception than the rule.

In IL, you can carry a firearm openly in any unincorporated area - for instance, if you're out on a hike in the county, outside of any city limits (though you may want to make sure you have the property owner's permission)

As for travelling, I don't think you'd be looking at as much time as you think for hiking. I know Starved Rock State Park is less than 70 miles from Peoria. Though you ARE correct that there aren't any mountains.

wvtarheel · 03-13-2013, 12:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by stolenphot0

Everyone knows that Illinois is the worst gun state. See all the proof above

Are you tied down to West Virginia for any reason? is it enough extra scratch to make up for any cost of living increase?

My extended family is in WV and I own a home here, but the company who offered me has a good relocation package. Selling the home here might take a little time but it is doable, especially since their relocation package includes a reimbursement for losses involved with selling the house.

Believe it or not, the city in Illinois where I would be moving has a LOWER cost of living than my current city in West Virginia.... by about twenty percent according to the internet. And I'm getting a raise. It will be a substantial upgrade in lifestyle from that perspective.

What I'm trying to weigh is, be richer away from my family and hobbies (hiking/backpacking/shooting) or stay here in the status quo in WV, close to family, friends, and the things I enjoy.

And from the sounds of it, shooting can remain a hobby there... the rumors of the firearm's demise in the Land of Lincoln is greatly exaggerated.

devildog2067 · 03-13-2013, 12:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by wvtarheel

I'm reading now that open carry is illegal in illinois, I did not realize that was illegal anywhere. So soon, you all will have concealed carry, but not open? WTF.

That's the law in Texas... I'm sure there are others but that's the one that comes to mind right away.

pipedreams · 03-13-2013, 12:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by wvtarheel

Believe it or not, the city in Illinois where I would be moving has a LOWER cost of living than my current city in West Virginia.... by about twenty percent according to the internet. And I'm getting a raise. It will be a substantial upgrade in lifestyle from that perspective.

If your going to live in Peoria check it out thoroughly since some areas are not that desirable. Quite a bit of gang/mob violence in some parts of town so look carefully for a residence. On the outskirts of Peoria there are some very nice homes. That said I realize most larger towns have some problems but just be aware.

Scroll down and check the various stats.
http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/il/peoria/crime/

stolenphot0 · 03-13-2013, 13:39

I say if you are young enough, move. Enjoy the change in scenery and money for a while. You can always go back later, or try someplace else.

flw · 03-13-2013, 13:48

As of this date there is no carry of any kind. This will change as the courts are forcing Il. to have it but it is still not clear if it will be a May issue or Shall issue and there are many limits (no carry) on the proposed bill for conceal at this moment.

The only quality hiking etc in Il is in Southern Il. or far northwest Il. Otherwise your going out of state for serious high end outdoor activities.

WarCry · 03-13-2013, 14:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by flw

As of this date there is no carry of any kind.

If you are an IL resident, then I would ask, beg, plead for you to study up the laws and not spread things like this. This is why folks like the OP have a belief that IL is anti-gun.

Open carry is legal in unincorporated areas unless the county has passed laws that say otherwise. Granted, this is VERY restrictive, and typically would only be applied when you're out hunting or something like, but to say "there is no carry of any kind" is just flat out incorrect.

I swear, misinformation is nearly as big an enemy as the Chicago Machine in this state.

schild · 03-13-2013, 15:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarCry

If you are an IL resident, then I would ask, beg, plead for you to study up the laws and not spread things like this. This is why folks like the OP have a belief that IL is anti-gun.

Open carry is legal in unincorporated areas unless the county has passed laws that say otherwise. Granted, this is VERY restrictive, and typically would only be applied when you're out hunting or something like, but to say "there is no carry of any kind" is just flat out incorrect.

First, you're saying Illinois isn't anti-gun, do you use hallucinogenic drugs or just smoke pot? You're high.

Second, let me know when you're going to OC anywhere but on your farm, I want to have my video camera running when the cops show up, your beating will be a YouTube hit!

For God's sake, don't mislead the OP about what a crap hole this state is.

TK-421 · 03-13-2013, 15:18

Question about Illinois laws, is there a wait limit on purchasing a firearm? Like pay for it on Day X and can't walk out with it until a week later? And is there a purchase limit? Like can only buy two guns in a month? If so, is that state wide? Or just per gun shop? Do they track what you buy and own and enter it in a database, so if you buy two guns in January in gun shop A, and try to buy a gun in shop b in a different county, then they won't sell it to you because you met your limit?

devildog2067 · 03-13-2013, 15:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by TK-421

Question about Illinois laws, is there a wait limit on purchasing a firearm?

Yes, 1 day on long guns and 3 days on handguns.

Quote:

And is there a purchase limit? Like can only buy two guns in a month?

No.

Quote:

Do they track what you buy and own and enter it in a database

No, nothing other than the 4473 and the NICS.

WarCry · 03-13-2013, 15:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by schild

First, you're saying Illinois isn't anti-gun, do you use hallucinogenic drugs or just smoke pot? You're high.

Second, let me know when you're going to OC anywhere but on your farm, I want to have my video camera running when the cops show up, your beating will be a YouTube hit!

For God's sake, don't mislead the OP about what a crap hole this state is.

I've carried often enough on property I didn't own, walking through woods going from property to property with a shotgun and an a handgun. Amazingly enough, I've yet to be arrested.

CHICAGO is anti-gun. The remainder of the state is not. Peoria, where the OP is talking about moving to, has been begging the IL legislature to let them be a "test case" community for concealed carry.

YOUR idiotic attitude is what creates the falsehood that IL is anti-gun. Yes, there are flaws - carry being the primary one, and that will be resolved either legislatively or judicially - within a few months.

Python-Hunter · 03-13-2013, 15:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarCry

CHICAGO is anti-gun.

Chicago isn't anti-gun! Chicago is anti-LEGAL-gun!

WarCry · 03-13-2013, 16:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Python-Hunter

Chicago isn't anti-gun! Chicago is anti-LEGAL-gun!

Point to the Hunter!

schild · 03-13-2013, 16:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarCry

I've carried often enough on property I didn't own, walking through woods going from property to property with a shotgun and an a handgun. Amazingly enough, I've yet to be arrested.

CHICAGO is anti-gun. The remainder of the state is not. Peoria, where the OP is talking about moving to, has been begging the IL legislature to let them be a "test case" community for concealed carry.

YOUR idiotic attitude is what creates the falsehood that IL is anti-gun. Yes, there are flaws - carry being the primary one, and that will be resolved either legislatively or judicially - within a few months.

Your theory of OC in the "woods" is about as effective as open carry in a closet. Do you often find a need for defensive OC in the "woods"?

If you think all of Illinois problems will miraculously go away on June 8th or 9th you're nuts.

jlhenry · 03-13-2013, 16:42

I have lived in Illinois my entire life. I am currently waiting for property values too come back, hopefully before the state declares bankruptcy and no one will buy here, so I can get out of this crap hole.

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costanza187 · 03-13-2013, 16:54

Depends on where you live in the state. I used to live in Decatur...affectionately known as the armpit of Illinois.

racerford · 03-13-2013, 17:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by devildog2067

That's the law in Texas... I'm sure there are others but that's the one that comes to mind right away.

There is open carry in Texas, just not handguns off your property or property you control or have permission to carry on.

For many, many years people carried rifles in their cars, while they could not carry pistols accessible to the driver, except when "travelling".

Please do not spread disinformation about Texas. I will try not to spread disinformation about Illinois.

Glock1963 · 03-13-2013, 18:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by pipedreams

If your going to live in Peoria check it out thoroughly since some areas are not that desirable. Quite a bit of gang/mob violence in some parts of town so look carefully for a residence. On the outskirts of Peoria there are some very nice homes. That said I realize most larger towns have some problems but just be aware.

Scroll down and check the various stats.
http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/il/peoria/crime/

You would be wise to take this person's advice. I work there and I can't think of many places in Peoria "proper" that I would want to live. Their public schools (District 150) seem like a real mess from what makes the local news.

Other than that, Illinois is all I've known for my nearly 50 years. The bad rap we get is largely from Chicago and its politicians that generally run the state. We deserve every bit of the riddicule we get and then some.