Safety & Responsibility

SAFETY:

NRA's Three Rules for Safe Gun Handling:

1. Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.

2. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

3. Keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

RESPONSIBILITY:

1. Store your guns so that unauthorized persons do not have access.

The following is an excerpt from the Illinois State Police website Frequently Asked Questions (8/31/09):

Will I be held responsible for my child who has access to a firearm?

Yes. Illinois law (720 ILCS 5/24-9) states "(a) Except as provided in subsection (c), it is unlawful for any person to store or leave, within premises under his or her control, a firearm if the person knows or has reason to believe that a minor under the age of 14 years who does not have a Firearm Owners Identification Card is likely to gain access to the firearm without the lawful permission of the minor's parent, guardian, or person having charge of the minor, and the minor causes death or great bodily harm with the firearm, unless the firearm is:
   (1) secured by a device or mechanism, other than the firearm safety, designed to render a firearm temporarily inoperable; or
   (2) placed in a securely locked box or container; or
   (3) placed in some other location that a reasonable person would believe to be secure from a minor under the age of 14 years.
(b) Sentence. A person who violates this Section is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than $1,000. A second or subsequent violation of this Section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(c) Subsection (a) does not apply:
    (1) if the minor under 14 years of age gains access to a firearm and uses it in a lawful act of self-defense or defense of another; or
    (2) to any firearm obtained by a minor under the age of 14 because of an unlawful entry of the premises by the minor or another person."

2. Know your laws for purchasing / selling, possessing, and transporting guns.

The following excerpts are also from the Illinois State Police website (as of 8/31/09).

Visit the website; this isn't ALL you need to know. (You can find the website link at the bottom of the Home page.)

Who needs a FOID card?

Unless specifically exempted by statute, any Illinois resident who acquires or possesses a firearm or firearm ammunition within the State must have in their possession a valid Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card issued in his or her name.

Does Illinois have a waiting period for firearm purchases and does it apply to private sales?

Yes. Illinois law requires withholding the delivery of a concealable weapon (i.e. a handgun) for at least 72 hours and a rifle, shotgun, or other long gun for at least 24 hours. This applies for gun dealers and private sales.

How can I legally transport a firearm on my person or in my vehicle?

There is more than one way to legally transport a firearm. However, in order to be in compliance with all statutes, it is recommended all firearms be transported:

Unloaded,
Enclosed in a case and,
By persons who have a valid FOID card.

Is it legal to have ammunition in the case with the firearm?

Yes, so long as the firearm is unloaded and properly enclosed in a case.

How do I transport a firearm through an Illinois community with an ordinance that prohibits firearms or handguns?

Illinois' Unlawful Use of Weapons law does not preempt local ordinances from banning firearms. Persons carrying or transporting firearms through such communities could be subject to local firearm ordinances. It is recommended that you contact local authorities regarding their firearm ordinances.

Learn more about Safety, Responsibility, and Pistol Ownership at an NRA "First Steps" or "Basic Pistol" Course.

Basic Pistol Management

Safe, Responsible, Pistol Ownership