Buying a rifle or shotgun in Illinois follows much of the same process as buying a handgun, but with some differences in age requirements and additional restrictions under the Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA). This guide covers what you need to know.[1]
Who Can Buy a Rifle or Shotgun
To purchase a rifle or shotgun from a licensed dealer in Illinois, you must:
- Hold a valid FOID card
- Be at least 18 years of age (with a FOID card obtained through parental consent if under 21)
- Present a valid Illinois driver's license or state ID
Unlike handguns, federal law allows licensed dealers to sell rifles and shotguns to buyers who are 18 or older. An 18-to-20-year-old Illinois resident with a valid FOID card may purchase long guns from an FFL.[2]
The Purchase Process
At a Licensed Dealer
- Select your firearm and present your FOID card and photo ID to the dealer
- Complete ATF Form 4473 -- the federal firearms transaction record
- FTIP background check -- the dealer submits your information to the Illinois State Police Firearms Transfer Inquiry Program for approval[3]
- 72-hour waiting period -- even for rifles and shotguns, you must wait 72 hours from the time of purchase initiation before the dealer can release the firearm[4]
- Pick up your firearm after the waiting period and background check are both complete
Through a Private Sale
Private transfers of rifles and shotguns require either processing through an FFL or direct FOID verification through the ISP portal at verify.ispfsb.com. The seller must retain a transfer record for at least 10 years. The 72-hour waiting period applies to private sales as well.[5]
PICA Restrictions on Rifles and Shotguns
The Protect Illinois Communities Act (Public Act 102-1116) bans the sale of certain semiautomatic rifles and shotguns. Before purchasing, confirm that the firearm you want is not on the banned list.[6]
Banned Rifle Features
A semiautomatic rifle that can accept a detachable magazine and has any one of the following features is classified as an assault weapon under PICA:
- Pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action
- Thumbhole stock
- Folding or telescoping stock
- Grenade launcher
- Barrel shroud
- Flash suppressor
Banned Shotgun Features
Semiautomatic shotguns with specified features (such as a revolving cylinder, pistol grip, or folding/telescoping stock) are also prohibited under PICA.
Magazine Limits
Rifle magazines are limited to 10 rounds. Dealers cannot sell rifles with magazines exceeding this capacity.[7]
Short-Barreled Rifles and Shotguns
Illinois law prohibits possession of rifles with barrels shorter than 16 inches, shotguns with barrels shorter than 18 inches, or any weapon made from a rifle or shotgun with an overall length under 26 inches. Possession is a Class 3 felony (2 to 5 years in prison).[8]
After You Buy
- Transport: Without a CCL, transport your rifle or shotgun unloaded and enclosed in a case. Ammunition should be stored separately during transport.
- Storage: Comply with the Safe Gun Storage Act (720 ILCS 5/24-9) if minors, at-risk persons, or prohibited persons may access the premises where the firearm is kept.
- Hunting: A rifle or shotgun purchased for hunting in Illinois may require an additional hunting license from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, depending on the game and season.