CC in Illinois, getting ready

[Jhamblen86]

Hello all, as some of you may have heard. Illinois is getting concealed carry, FINALLY. I'm looking for advice on what to consider, ie caliber, type of holster, gun, etc.. I'm familiar with revolvers, glocks, and 1911s. I'm 6'1" and I weigh 320lbs, but am working on shrinking to 280lbs. I prefer my revolvers over all my pistol. I definutly want a S&W if I carry a revolver. My hands are rather large. I was considering a 357 with a 3" barrel. With a 38 as a BUG gun. What do you think? What else do I need to consider?

 

[Retired LTC USAR]

Carry whatever you can shoot the best and are comfortable shooting.

 

[TexasArmed]

More power to you to getting a permit in a state that has been so hostile to concealed carry. If it were me, I believe I would move out of Illinois. unless I was say law enforcement which I am not. I also only carry revolvers. For the 2nd gun I recommend the S&W 642 airweight stainless steel 15 oz revolver. It works well in a pocket holster if the pockets are big enough to conceal well, which is probably going to be an issue as well.

The main carry weapon I think I would get would be maybe a S&W 357 that shoots 44 mag and 38 Spl. Was just looking in a gunshop the other day and saw one. If I were going to be one of the first to conceal carry in Illinois and lived there, I would be very careful to make sure of deep concealment. I carry a CA 44 Spl in a paddle holster under a harbar bay shirt in Texas, but I would not want to try that in Illinois given its anti gun history.

Incidentally Illinois I expect will not have a reciprocal aggreement with Texas, and I travel to no state that does not have one with Texas. So I say stick with very concealable revolvers and methods of concealment. I wonder what new taxes Illinois may levy there on gun owners.

 

[Tenn2]

More power to you to getting a permit in a state that has been so hostile to concealed carry. If it were me, I believe I would move out of Illinois. unless I was say law enforcement which I am not. I also only carry revolvers. For the 2nd gun I recommend the S&W 642 airweight stainless steel 15 oz revolver. It works well in a pocket holster if the pockets are big enough to conceal well, which is probably going to be an issue as well.

The main carry weapon I think I would get would be maybe a S&W 357 that shoots 44 mag and 38 Spl. Was just looking in a gunshop the other day and saw one. If I were going to be one of the first to conceal carry in Illinois and lived there, I would be very careful to make sure of deep concealment. I carry a CA 44 Spl in a paddle holster under a harbar bay shirt in Texas, but I would not want to try that in Illinois given its anti gun history.

Incidentally Illinois I expect will not have a reciprocal aggreement with Texas, and I travel to no state that does not have one with Texas. So I say stick with very concealable revolvers and methods of concealment. I wonder what new taxes Illinois may levy there on gun owners.

A S&W that shoots both 44 mag and 38 spl? That is one gun I would like to see.

 

[Jhamblen86]

More power to you to getting a permit in a state that has been so hostile to concealed carry. If it were me, I believe I would move out of Illinois. unless I was say law enforcement which I am not. I also only carry revolvers. For the 2nd gun I recommend the S&W 642 airweight stainless steel 15 oz revolver. It works well in a pocket holster if the pockets are big enough to conceal well, which is probably going to be an issue as well.

The main carry weapon I think I would get would be maybe a S&W 357 that shoots 44 mag and 38 Spl. Was just looking in a gunshop the other day and saw one. If I were going to be one of the first to conceal carry in Illinois and lived there, I would be very careful to make sure of deep concealment. I carry a CA 44 Spl in a paddle holster under a harbar bay shirt in Texas, but I would not want to try that in Illinois given its anti gun history.

Incidentally Illinois I expect will not have a reciprocal aggreement with Texas, and I travel to no state that does not have one with Texas. So I say stick with very concealable revolvers and methods of concealment. I wonder what new taxes Illinois may levy there on gun owners.

So when you say deep concealment, do you mean IWB and an ankle holster for the BUG gun? Also should I look into training?

 

[max]

You don't need to worry, it will never happen. Three years ago the Supreme Court said Chicago residents could own handguns. Guess what, they still can't. If some law is passed, it will require you lived at your current address for 75 years, you must post a 10,000,000 dollar bond and you have to complete a course that has never been offered and never will.

 

[Paints-n-cows]

The thing is the way that the ruling was written, they have 180 days to enact legislation that regulates CCW. If they don't do that, then there are no rules and if you can legally possess a firearm (FOID card that is issued by the Illinois State Police), then you are permitted.

The first piece of legislation that was introduced by Brandon Phelps was a common sense piece that didn't include any absurd language such as $1,000,000 bonds or anything else.

If the Chicago democrats don't want to play ball on that type of legislation, then the Republicans and the pro-gun Democrats have said they will not pass anything that the upstaters radicals want. If they don't pass the legislation and it is signed then Option A kicks in. There also will be no "home rule" provisions so that the Chicago anti's can make up their own rules.

 

[ogilvyspecial]

I'm not going to get off into the weeds about whether or
not it will happen, I'll just answer the question.

The Model 66 with 2.5" bbl is my preferred primary.

Last summer, this one gave the Model 66 a run for it's money
for the top spot, but the M66 is still king around here.

For back-up duty, or pocket carry, I prefer any of the lightweight J Frames.
The Model 642 is another one I carry on a regular basis.

When lightweight isn't an issue, I go middle of the road.

As always, your mileage may vary......

 

[C Islander]

A S&W that shoots both 44 mag and 38 spl? That is one gun I would like to see.

Me too!!!!!

 

[Road Rat]

Yeah, hold your breath!!

 

[TexasArmed]

A S&W that shoots both 44 mag and 38 spl? That is one gun I would like to see.

You are right, I meant to say a 357Mag and 38 Spl. It had a pretty hefty price tag.

 

[TexasArmed]

So when you say deep concealment, do you mean IWB and an ankle holster for the BUG gun? Also should I look into training?

Correction to my statement regarding the rounds it would shoot, 357 Mag and 38 Spl. I was looking at all their revolvers, ones that shoot shotgun shells and 45 rounds, 44 Mag & 44 Spl and 38Spl and 357Mag. And if semis do get restricted wondering if revolvers will go out of sight in price.

To me an ankle holster is not an option. since I wear cargo type shorts weather permitting. (except in winter if too cold). But oversized pockets and a good pocket holster that does not print. I think anyone who carries should practice regularly as possible. While pocket holster concealment might not be considered deep concealment, it is about the deepest concealment I can do the way I dress.

 

[cracker57]

Why don't all you Illinois people get your Utah permits while you are waiting to see what happens?

 

[Jhamblen86]

Why don't all you Illinois people get your Utah permits while you are waiting to see what happens?

Already did that but obviously it doesn't help in illinois.

 

[MIKELUVR]

You don't need to worry, it will never happen. Three years ago the Supreme Court said Chicago residents could own handguns. Guess what, they still can't. If some law is passed, it will require you lived at your current address for 75 years, you must post a 10,000,000 dollar bond and you have to complete a course that has never been offered and never will.

I believe you hit the nail on the head- I live in Illinois and believe they will make it so restrictive to C.C that nobody will be able to actually do it . Similar to the B.S laws in Hawaii

 

[ODB]

While I am not 100% confident, it looks like it is going to happen.

Judge Posner's written opinion stated

"Nevertheless we order our man-date stayed for 180 days to allow the Illinois legislature to craft a new gun law that will impose reasonable limitations, consistent with the public safety and the Second Amendment as interpreted in this opinion, on the carrying of guns in public."

I think that would eliminate any large monetary requirement or anything else that is, well ...... unreasonable.

 

[GerSan69]

I thought your legislature decided to double down and come up with an even more restrictive firearms law?

 

[tappr]

I have a 325 TR it's a 45 ACP S&W revolver, I love to carry it but can't all the time due to its size and mine.

 

[Paints-n-cows]

I just got an email that there is supposed to be a vote this evening (Sunday) at 5 pm.

The one piece of legislation would basically ban anything other than a single-shot, a double barrel, or a revolver.

The Democrats got spanked by the U.S. Court of Appeals and now they are whining and throwing a temper tantrum.

We will suffer and they will use their loyalists to rule the land.

 

[ODB]

There are currently two new bills being mulled over by the state law makers. Because the antis got their butts spanked on the concealed carry they want to take their aggression out and go totally communist overboard on the semi and/or high cap mag thing.

 

[Jhamblen86]

I'm just hope and pray to god that they don't screw us. If they only allow a certain mag capacity to be carried or revolvers only. I will still apply. It's a lot better than what we have now. Know what I mean?

 

[JaPes]

You don't need to worry, it will never happen. Three years ago the Supreme Court said Chicago residents could own handguns. Guess what, they still can't.

Chicago residents can own guns. I know some that do. The problem is that Chicago makes it hard to do. They need a permit, pass a special Chicago firearms permit course & range test, and buy guns off an approved list (similar to California). Magazine limit of 12 rounds.

There are no gun ranges or gun stores in the City of Chicago. That makes it difficult for some residents to meet all the requirements.

The thing is the way that the ruling was written, they have 180 days to enact legislation that regulates CCW. If they don't do that, then there are no rules and if you can legally possess a firearm (FOID card that is issued by the Illinois State Police), then you are permitted.

The first piece of legislation that was introduced by Brandon Phelps was a common sense piece that didn't include any absurd language such as $1,000,000 bonds or anything else.

If the Chicago democrats don't want to play ball on that type of legislation, then the Republicans and the pro-gun Democrats have said they will not pass anything that the upstaters radicals want. If they don't pass the legislation and it is signed then Option A kicks in. There also will be no "home rule" provisions so that the Chicago anti's can make up their own rules.

I hope this works out that way.

Why don't all you Illinois people get your Utah permits while you are waiting to see what happens?

Already did that but obviously it doesn't help in illinois.

Probably because since:

1. There is no provision for legal conceal carry in Illinois at all, out of state permit or not.

2. There are no laws on the books for conceal carry license/permit reciprocity with any other state.

3. When Illinois passes a conceal carry law, most likely it will state that Illinois residents must hold an Illinois CCW license/permit. I'm sure IL wouldn't want it's residents to avoid paying fees to the IL coffers.

I thought your legislature decided to double down and come up with an even more restrictive firearms law?

Yes they tried. It died in committee tonight.

Breaking: House Committee Abandons Gun Ban | GunsSaveLife.com

I'm just hope and pray to god that they don't screw us. If they only allow a certain mag capacity to be carried or revolvers only. I will still apply. It's a lot better than what we have now. Know what I mean?

I find it too coincidental that Feinstein's proposed Federal AWB V.2 and proposed Federal Magazine capacity limit laws are very similar to the legislation proposed in Illinois.

I think that the Leftist Democats tried to use Illinois (BHO's supposed "home" state) as a litmus test to gauge reaction to proposed Federal legislation.

The more restrictive Illinois legislation died in committee. Illinois residents still have to keep an eye on the proposed magazine capacity limiting legislation.

 

[JaPes]

To answer the OP's question...

Hello all, as some of you may have heard. Illinois is getting concealed carry, FINALLY. I'm looking for advice on what to consider, ie caliber, type of holster, gun, etc.. I'm familiar with revolvers, glocks, and 1911s.

I'm in the same boat as you. My advice is to handle every handgun that you think you can reasonably conceal on your body type/proportions. Pay attention to all the ergonomic differences. Which one feels best in the hand? Can you get to a range to rent a few and feel how they are in live fire?

I'm 6'1" and I weigh 320lbs, but am working on shrinking to 280lbs. I prefer my revolvers over all my pistol. I definutly want a S&W if I carry a revolver. My hands are rather large. I was considering a 357 with a 3" barrel. With a 38 as a BUG gun. What do you think? What else do I need to consider?

I'm 5'10, 244. I'm working on shrinking back down to 200-210. I'm facing the same challenges that you are facing.

If you're a revolver guy, go for it. You have the height & hands to carry a revolver. I used to own a Ruger LCR .357. Fun gun with .38's. Violent recoil with .357's. It always brought a smile to my face.

Have you narrowed down your choices in holsters? OWB/IWB?

For me, I have a Glock 26 Gen4 ready for whenever IL finally passes a CCW law. I've been eyeballing the Crossbreed Super Tuck. I'm considering putting a S&W Shield 9mm on order.