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 ...

  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...

For first-time firearm buyers, choosing the right gun can be daunting. If you don’t personally know someone knowledgeable about guns who can help walk you through the process, don’t worry. Fortunately, there’s a rational process first-time buyers can follow to choose a handgun that fits their needs, familiarity level, and budget. Here’s what the NRA suggests : Determine Your Needs Why do you want a handgun? The answer to this question will determine many of your new gun’s characteristics. If concealed carry is your goal, you’ll want a gun that is short, small and light, while one for home defense may be larger and heavier. Understand that no one gun can do everything well. While there are a few double-duty handguns suitable for both home defense or concealed carry, it’s best for new owners to determine their handgun’s single most critical function and let that guide the selection. Selecting the Proper Caliber Next is the selection of the caliber of your defensive handgun—that is, the e...

We’ve all seen it and been there to witness a nearby motorist speeding, stopping suddenly, or tailgating and making an unsafe situation for other drivers. Road rage happens when a motorist begins to drive aggressively and affects other motorists in an unsafe way. If you find yourself confronted with road rage, maybe it’s time to consider carrying a concealed weapon . Take a firearms training course and learn the skills you need to protect yourself in a difficult situation. You can also avoid road rage with these tips on what to do when confronted with road rage. Warning Signs Heavy traffic or perceived poor driving are just a few reasons for road rage to occur. Make sure to slow down and try to avoid a fellow motorist who is making threats, driving aggressively, holding a weapon, or approaching your vehicle. Try not to escalate the situation and avoid confrontation at all costs and pay attention to those warning signs to avoid getting into an unsafe situation. Do Not...

Buying your first handgun can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. You don’t want to be stuck in a place where you don’t know what you’re looking for or why you even want one in the first place. Before you go out and purchase your first handgun, take these preparations into consideration. Know Your Needs The first thing you need to figure out before purchasing a gun is knowing what you’re going to use it for. Know what you’ll be getting the gun for, whether it’s just to practice shooting at the range, having it for peace of mind in your home, or to have it on you at all times and use it as a conceal and carry weapon. Knowing what you’ll be using it for will help you find just the right type of gun you’ll need for it. Research Now that you know what you’ll be using the gun for, you have a better handle on what type of gun you’ll need to look for. Certain types of guns work better for different circumstances, so make sure you’re getting the best one for you. Fo...