McHenry Times

On January 11th, 2023, Governor JB Pritzker signed into law HB5471 more commonly known as the Assault Weapons ban. This bill bans the production, sale, and transfer of assault rifles and certain handguns in Illinois. As this affects a large portion of Illinois residents and almost all of our students, we put together a Q & A with the most common questions surrounding the bill.

What rifles are affected by the Assault Weapons ban?

All ARs, AKs, M1As, Mini 14s, Barrets, AUGs, HK rifles, and many more. The bill defines Assault Weapon as "A semiautomatic rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine or that may be readily modified to accept a detachable magazine”. Additionally, your rifle may be affected if it has any of the following features: pistol grip, thumbhole stock. protruding grip, folding telescoping or detachable stock, flash suppressor, and more. View pages 74-84 of the official bill for a complete list of firearms and features affected under this bill.

What handguns are affected by the Assault Weapons ban?

While handguns are not specifically banned under this bill, certain features are such as a threaded barrel, second pistol grip, flash suppressor, pistol braces, and more. View page 76 of the bill for details on banned handgun features.

For Rifles: 

10 rounds is the limit. Any magazine holding more 11 rounds or more is banned.

For Handguns: 

15 rounds is the limit. Any magazine holding 16 rounds or more is banned.

Can I keep the rifles and magazines I already own?

Yes, if you already own a rifle or magazine that is banned under this bill, you may keep them under the grandfathering included in this bill. There is a registration period in which you much register all rifles with the IL State Police.

Are there any exceptions to the Assault weapons ban?

There are a few exceptions to this ban if you lawfully own a rifle or magazine that will be banned under this bill. They include the following:

1. If you are on your private property or another’s private property with their express permission.
2. If you are at an FFL or licensed gunsmith.
3. If you are at a properly licensed firing range or sports shooting venue.
4. If you are traveling between any of the above locations. While traveling, magazines must be unloaded and the firearm in an enclosed case.

How long do I have to register my rifles?

300 days from the date the bill went into effect. FOID cards are incorporated into the registration process.

When does the Assault Weapons ban go into effect?

The Assault Weapons ban (HB5471) went into effect on January 11th, 2023.

Can I still get my concealed carry license in Illinois?

Yes! Concealed Carry Licenses are available in Illinois after taking a class from a certified instructor. If you’re looking for a top tier concealed carry class in northern Illinois, view our upcoming concealed carry classes.

Illinois is not the only state to ban assault rifles. This ban affects millions of law-abiding Illinois gun owners. This is why It’s important to know the laws and understand how they affect you.

Original source can be found here.