What Are IL-Compliant Guns?
Illinois-compliant guns are firearms that meet the state’s legal requirements for ownership, possession, and use. To purchase or own a gun in Illinois, residents must first obtain a valid Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card issued by the Illinois State Police. However, certain firearms, features, and accessories are restricted under state law.
Compliant firearms are those that fall within state regulations for type, configuration, and capacity, making them legal for residents to buy and use. Since local laws can add further restrictions, it’s important for Illinois buyers to check both state and municipal rules before making a purchase.
How To Buy A Gun Legally In Illinois
In the state of Illinois, anyone purchasing firearms or ammunition must possess a valid FOID card. An Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL) may be presented in lieu of a FOID card. The requirements for obtaining an Illinois CCL can be found here.
General requirements and restrictions include:
- Age Limits: You must be at least 21 to purchase a handgun. Individuals 18–20 may apply for a FOID card to own a long gun (rifle or shotgun), but only with the written consent of a parent or guardian who also qualifies for a FOID.
- Background Checks: All firearm transfers must go through a federally licensed dealer (FFL) who conducts the required background check. Private sales are prohibited without an FFL intermediary.
- Waiting Periods: Illinois enforces a 72-hour waiting period on all firearm purchases, including both handguns and long guns. Ammunition sales are also subject to a 72-hour wait.
- Prohibited Persons: Individuals with certain criminal convictions, domestic violence restraining orders, or serious mental health adjudications are barred from obtaining a FOID card and therefore cannot legally own firearms.
Statewide Restrictions
Illinois has several laws that limit which firearms, ammunition, and firearms accessories can be purchased throughout the state. This legislation expressly prohibits:
- Any handgun with a barrel, slide, frame, or receiver that utilizes a die casting of zinc alloy or other non-homogenous metal which will melt or deform at a temperature of 800°F or less (Melt Point Law).
- Handguns manufactured by Cobra, GSG (rimfire only), Hi-Point, Heritage, Jimenez Arms, Phoenix Arms, or Walther (rimfire only).
- Any device, component, or combination of parts which increases the rate of fire of any firearm, including but not limited to bump stocks, binary triggers, and trigger cranks.
- Magazines that can accept or be converted / restored to accept more than 10 rounds of ammunition (long guns) or 15 rounds of ammunition (handguns).
- "Large capacity" magazine conversion kits, including but not limited to a magazine body, spring, follower, or floor plate.
- Any firearm with the capacity to accept a belt ammunition feeding device.
State law also stipulates that all black powder and muzzleloader firearms, as well as any pneumatic / spring / paint / BB guns with a bore diameter greater than .18" or a velocity greater than 700 FPS, must ship to a licensed FFL dealer.
Understanding Illinois' Assault Weapons Ban
Signed into law in 2023, the Protect Illinois Communities Act (HB5471) prohibits the manufacture, possession, delivery, sale, or purchase of "assault weapons," as well as "large capacity" magazines and .50 caliber centerfire rifles / ammunition. Illinois-compliant guns are long guns and handguns that are not expressly prohibited or otherwise considered "assault weapons" as defined by Illinois law.
The assault weapons ban also covers all parts or combination of parts that are designed to convert a firearm into an assault weapon, including any combination of parts from which an assault weapon may be readily assembled. Essentially, this means that any and all AR or AK receivers, parts kits, etc. are illegal in the state of Illinois.
IL-Compliant Rifles
All bolt action, lever action, and pump action rifles are allowed under Illinois law. Semi-automatic rifles are subject to additional requirements under the assault weapons ban, but may still be purchased as long as they do not violate these restrictions.
To be considered legal in Illinois, semi-auto rifles with the capacity to accept or that can be modified to accept a detachable magazine must not have any of the following features:
- A pistol grip or thumbhole stock.
- Foregrips, handstops, or any other type of protruding grip that can be held by the non-trigger hand.
- A folding, telescoping, thumbhole, or detachable stock that reduces the overall length and other dimensions of the rifle to aid concealment.
- Flash suppressors and grenade launchers.
- Barrel shrouds (excluding slides that enclose the barrel).
Additionally, the following rifles are expressly prohibited:
- All AR-style rifles.
- All AK-style rifles.*
- All Thompson rifles.
- Any semi-auto rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds of ammunition, except for semi-auto .22 caliber rimfire rifles with an attached tubular magazine.
*Note: "AK-style rifles" includes all of the following: AK, AK-47, AK-47S, AK–74, AKM, AKS, ARM, MAK90, MISR, NHM90, NHM91, SA85, SA93, Vector Arms AK–47, VEPR, WASR–10, WUM, and SKS (w/ detachable magazine).
IL-Compliant Shotguns
When it comes to shotguns, Illinois is a bit less restrictive. Shotguns with revolving cylinders are expressly prohibited, but most other shotguns are permitted. This includes semi-auto shotguns, provided they do not have:
- A pistol grip or thumbhole stock.
- The capacity to accept a detachable magazine.
- Foregrips, handstops, or any other type of protruding grip that can be held by the non-trigger hand.
- A folding or thumbhole stock.
- A grenade launcher.
- A fixed magazine with a capacity greater than five rounds.
Panzer Arms M4 Tactical Semi-Automatic Shotgun 18.5" Barrel, Ambi Controls,12GA, 3", 5 Round - Piston - W / Walnut Stock -Disruptive Gray -PAM4TSDGNWS
IL-Compliant Handguns
Any handgun as defined in the Firearm Concealed Carry Act is legal in Illinois, unless it is otherwise defined as an assault weapon or other prohibited handgun. To be considered legal, semi-auto handguns with the capacity to accept or that can be modified to accept a detachable magazine must not have any of the following features:
- A threaded barrel.
- A second pistol grip or another feature capable of functioning as a protruding grip that can be held by the non-trigger hand.
- Barrel Shrouds (excluding slides that enclose the barrel).
- A flash suppressor.
- The capacity to accept a detachable magazine at some location outside of the pistol grip OR a buffer tube, arm brace, or other part that protrudes horizontally behind the pistol grip and is designed to be shouldered when fired.
Illinois expressly prohibits the following handguns:
- All AR-style pistols.
- All AK-style pistols.
- Any semi-automatic pistol that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 15 rounds of ammunition.
Glock 19 Gen 4 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol, 4.02" Barrel, 3-15 Round Magazines, Modular Back Strap, Case, New Production GLOCK Perfection - UG1950203
A Few Caveats About Illinois Gun Laws
There are a few firearms that are not included in the Illinois assault weapons ban. These include any unservicable or permanently inoperable firearms, as well as antique and replica firearms. Additionally, any firearm that is manually operated (bolt action, pump action, etc.) is not considered an assault weapon, unless it is a shotgun with a revolving cylinder.
A few municipalities within Illinois have passed additional gun laws to supplement the statewide restrictions. These municipalities include:
- Cook County
- City of Aurora
- City of Highland Park
- City of Naperville
Why Are Some Guns Not Available In Illinois?
Illinois has some of the strictest gun laws in the U.S., which means not every firearm available in other states can be legally sold or owned in the state. Certain guns are banned because they are classified as assault weapons, have features that make them more easily concealable, or exceed limits on magazine capacity.
State law also prohibits firearms made with materials that fail the Melt Point Law, as well as specific brands and models deemed unsafe or unsuitable for civilian ownership. In addition, any firearm or parts kit designed to convert a gun into a prohibited assault weapon is illegal.
The goal of these restrictions is to balance lawful ownership with public safety, ensuring that residents can purchase and use firearms that comply with Illinois regulations.
How To Ensure Your Firearms Are IL-Compliant
Staying compliant with Illinois gun laws is essential to avoid legal trouble and stay safe. Here’s how you can comply with regulations:
- Obtain Your FOID / CCL: Make sure you have a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification card before purchasing any firearm or ammunition. If you plan to carry a concealed handgun, obtain a Concealed Carry License as well.
- Know The Assault Weapons Ban: Understand which rifles, handguns, and shotguns are classified as assault weapons and what features are prohibited. Make sure any semi-automatic firearms you purchase meet the state’s feature restrictions.
- Verify Magazine Capacity: Illinois has strict limits on magazine capacity: long guns may hold no more than 10 rounds, and handguns may hold no more than 15 rounds statewide. Some municipalities have stricter limits.
- Confirm Local Ordinances: Municipalities like Chicago, Cook County, Aurora, Highland Park, and Naperville may have additional restrictions. Always check city and county rules before purchasing.
- Purchase Through Licensed Dealers: All firearms transfers must go through FFLs, who perform the required background checks and ensure compliance with state laws.
- Avoid Prohibited Brands & Features: Certain brands, materials, and parts kits are banned under Illinois law. Double-check the manufacturer, model, and any aftermarket components before buying.
- Keep Documentation: Maintain records of your FOID card, CCL (if applicable), and purchase receipts. This can help demonstrate compliance if questions arise.
Most importantly, when in doubt, ask! If you’re unsure whether a firearm is legal in Illinois, consult the Illinois State Police, a licensed dealer, or a qualified attorney before purchasing.
Illinois-Compliant Guns? We've Got You Covered
Given the ever-evolving legal landscape in Illinois, some customers find it overwhelming to navigate the myriad laws concerning firearms ownership. The Classic Firearms team has created a page full of our Illinois-compliant guns so you can shop with confidence.
Click here to browse our full selection of IL-Compliant guns today!
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