Magazine Capacity Limits:
10 Rounds Long Gun, 15 Rounds Handgun

The Protect Illinois Communities Act added the large capacity ammunition feeding device restrictions in 720 ILCS 5/24-1.10 alongside the assault weapon restrictions in 720 ILCS 5/24-1.9. These restrictions apply to ammunition feeding devices for both long guns and handguns, with separate thresholds for each firearm type. The law bans the manufacture, delivery, sale, and purchase of large-capacity magazines while allowing grandfathered possession of pre-owned devices under specific conditions.^[1]

Capacity Thresholds

PICA's definition of "large-capacity ammunition feeding device" sets one capacity threshold for long guns and another for handguns, and PICA sets a separate shotgun threshold in its assault weapon definition.^[1]

• Long guns (rifles and shotguns): Ammunition feeding devices with a capacity of, or that can be readily restored or converted to accept, more than 10 rounds are subject to the large-capacity-device restrictions, with exceptions for grandfathered possession, exempt persons and excluded devices
• Handguns: Ammunition feeding devices with a capacity of, or that can be readily restored or converted to accept, more than 15 rounds are subject to the large-capacity-device restrictions, with exceptions for grandfathered possession, exempt persons and excluded devices
• Semiautomatic shotguns: A fixed magazine capacity exceeding 5 rounds triggers classification as an assault weapon under 720 ILCS 5/24-1.9(a)(1)(F)(v). This threshold is part of the assault weapon definition in 720 ILCS 5/24-1.9, not the large capacity ammunition feeding device definition in 720 ILCS 5/24-1.10, so a semiautomatic shotgun that meets it is an assault weapon.^[4]

The definition covers a magazine, belt, drum, feed strip or similar device that meets the capacity test, and any combination of parts from which such a device can be assembled, but excludes an attached tubular device designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition, a tubular magazine contained in a lever-action firearm and any device made permanently inoperable.

Pre-Owned Magazine Grandfathering

Individuals who lawfully possessed large-capacity magazines before January 10, 2023, may retain them, subject to the possession limits in 720 ILCS 5/24-1.10(d). Unlike assault weapons, grandfathered magazines require no registration. The endorsement affidavit process administered by the Illinois State Police covers assault weapons, assault weapon attachments, and .50 caliber rifles and cartridges, and magazines are never listed on an affidavit (720 ILCS 5/24-1.10(d), 24-1.9(d)). Grandfathered magazine owners are subject to the same possession and transport restrictions that apply to grandfathered assault weapons.^[2]

Possession and Transport Restrictions

Grandfathered large-capacity magazines may only be possessed in the locations permitted by 720 ILCS 5/24-1.10(d), including those listed below.

• On private property owned or immediately controlled by the owner
• On private property not open to the public, with the express permission of the person who owns or immediately controls it
• While engaged in legal use of the magazine at a properly licensed firing range or sport shooting competition venue
• During transport to and from these locations, with the magazine stored unloaded and enclosed in a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container

Possessing a grandfathered large-capacity magazine anywhere 720 ILCS 5/24-1.10(d) does not allow is unlawful under subsection (c).^[3]

Penalties

Knowingly manufacturing, delivering, selling, purchasing or possessing a large-capacity ammunition feeding device in violation of 720 ILCS 5/24-1.10 is a petty offense punishable by a fine of $1,000 for each violation under 720 ILCS 5/24-1.10(g). The statute does not classify a large-capacity-magazine violation as a misdemeanor or felony and imposes no term of incarceration.^[4]

Exemptions

Qualified law enforcement officers and qualified retired law enforcement officers as defined in LEOSA and as recognized under Illinois law are exempt from the Section's purchase and possession provisions. The Section does not apply to the manufacture, delivery, sale, importation, purchase or possession of large capacity ammunition feeding devices for sale or transfer to exempt persons, to the United States or any department or agency thereof, or in another state or for export. A tubular magazine contained in a lever-action firearm is not a large capacity ammunition feeding device.^[1]