Northern Illinois Carry, LLC

Illinois firearms laws are among the strictest in the United States. Navigating our state's strict firearms regulations can be difficult. The current laws are intended to prevent criminals from accessing guns. However, it can also make it more challenging for law-abiding citizens to conduct legal gun transactions. Northern Illinois Carry LLC created this guide to help clarify the laws governing the buying, selling, and transferring of firearms to avoid getting tripped up by confusing gun laws. Requirements to Purchase a Firearm in Illinois To legally purchase a rifle, shotgun, or ammunition, the buyer must be at least 18 years of age. Handgun buyers must be 21 years or older. In addition, to possess firearms or ammunition, all buyers must have a valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card (FOID). For more specific information on acquiring a FOID, visit the Illinois State Police (ISP) website .   Before obtaining a firearm, check with your local municipality for applicabl...

The fastest-growing segment for concealed carry is women. According to the Pew Research Center , 27% of women claim that protection is the main reason they own guns, compared to 8% of men.   Gun holsters were initially designed for males only. However, manufacturers have created holsters that can be used by both male and female bodies. As a result, there are now more options for concealed carry for females than ever before.   Women's Concealed Carry Options Women's gun holders need to be considered due to differences in anatomy, dress styles, and other factors. If you are carrying your gun in a strong side position (women tend to have wider hips) than men, placing the holster behind your right hip is better than over it - plus, it can make carrying a gun for long periods more comfortable. In addition, natural curves can make it easier to conceal the weapon, which will prevent it from printing.   Waistband Holsters Most holsters made for concealed carry are worn inside or ...

Firearm ownership is a serious responsibility. At Northern Illinois Carry LLC , we encourage both new and experienced firearm owners to seek ongoing training, review best practices, and stay up-to-date on laws regarding firearm ownership.   Firearm Law Changes for 2022 The Illinois State Police (ISP) Firearms Services Bureau announced changes to its FOID and CCL programs effective January 1, 2022. These changes are intended to make it easier for residents to follow its firearm ownership guidelines. Notable changes include: As Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) cards are replaced, the new cards will be printed without expiration dates. When a new FOID card is issued, and the holder has a valid Conceal Carry License (CCL), the holder will get a combined card. If a FOID card is suspended and the holder has a CCL, the CCL will be suspended until the FOID card is reinstated. Upon reinstatement of the FOID, the CCL will also be reinstated if eligible. If a holder’s CCL is suspended or...

  You’ve purchased a firearm for everyday carry, have been trained on how to responsibly and safely operate it, and you’ve made the decision to carry. Congratulations!    Now the question is “what kind of holster should I buy and how do I wear it?” Before you run out and purchase a holster, make sure concealed carry is legal where you live and select a holster with easy firearm access while still achieving your concealment goals.    When selecting a holster for concealed carry, remember that holster must fit you, your gun and your lifestyle while providing  concealment, access and retention. According to the National Rifle Association (NRA) , these are the most common holsters:   Strong-Side Hip Holsters The most familiar kind of holster, strong-side hip holster is positioned on your shooting hand side between the kidney and point of your hip. The strengths of this style of holster include very good pistol retention, the fastest presentation speed of a...

Biometric safes have the potential to be the safest and most secure way of storing your valuables. Using biometric technology, these safes use a fingerprint scanner that can only be opened with your own unique fingerprint. This is great for those who are looking for an extra level of security when it comes to protecting their personal items from theft or damage. But not everyone has been convinced that this is the best option available on the market today. So, let's take a look at some pros and cons of using biometrics in safes so you can decide which type suits you! The Pros:    Biometric safes offer an additional layer of protection against thieves as they cannot open it without access to the owner's fingerprints. Biometric safes are easy to use and have a simple fingerprint scanner, making them more accessible to those who may have trouble operating other types of locks.  No key to lose : With a biometric fingerprint safe, there is no need for an extra set of keys. Tr...

If you’re new to firearms or are just taking a class on how to use one, there are many different positions to carry a gun. If you find the ideal position to carry your gun,  it means the difference between having it each day or choosing to leave your firearm at home because of discomfort. Many firearms owners choose a “concealed carry” option. Here are some concealed carry positions to consider when it comes to carrying your firearms.  Appendix One of the most popular carry positions is having the position right against your appendix. If your waist were a clock, it would mean the weapon is at the 1 o’clock to 2 o’clock position. Left-handed people use 10 to 11 o’clock. While the position is quick to draw, it requires a lot of precision. A quality holster with an appendix position is very comfortable, even while sitting. Those that use this position find carrying a little extra weight can be more challenging.  Inside the Waistband (IWB) Inside the waistband is a favored po...

  In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in April of 2020, the Illinois State Police (ISP) adopted emergency rules to help firearm owners with expired Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) cards. The ISP then updated the emergency rules for Concealed Carry Licenses (CCL) and FOID cardholders on September 3, 2020, providing for the 18-month extension of FOID card and CCL renewals. This update replaced the previous 12-month extension. These adopted rules are aimed to help the FOID renewal backlog and firearm owners during the continued COVID-19 pandemic.   The following rule changes regarding  FOID and CCL card renewals continue to remain in effect under emergency rules. per the ISP Firearm Services Bureau : FOID cardholders, who submit their renewal application will remain valid during the duration of the state’s disaster proclamation and for a period of 18 months following the termination of the disaster, even if their renewal application is/was not submitted prior to exp...