Illinois update - kind of

[mobilemail]

Last November I created a post in the legislative section (linked below in my signature) to encourage IL folks to write their state reps and tell them that airguns should not be regulated as firearms.  I don't know about anyone else, but I have been emailing representatives - both in and out of my district- on this account, about monthly. 

Today I actually got a response from Senator Sam McCann which said, in part,

Regarding the email(s) about airguns, I agree with you wholeheartedly.
My son and I are enthusiasts, as well.

I will draft legislation for the spring.

Please stay in touch.

So I would again encourage the IL airgun enthusiasts, let's do what he asks and stay in touch with our reps. A lot! 

[Mosin Marine]

I still do every other month up here mark!

[mobilemail]

I still do every other month up here mark!

Cool!  Now if we can get about 3000 of our closest friends...   

[Mosin Marine]

I still do every other month up here mark!

Cool!  Now if we can get about 3000 of our closest friends...   

Agreed, i got a response from the Governor and idnr once that read that there test's hadn't show it was ethical to take a deer with a air rifle yet  wth  

[anti-squirrel]

I still do every other month up here mark!

Cool!  Now if we can get about 3000 of our closest friends...   

Agreed, i got a response from the Governor and idnr once that read that there test's hadn't show it was ethical to take a deer with a air rifle yet  wth  

Two edged sword, my friends.  We all know it depends on the airgun in question.

Us folks here in VA recently had our laws changed for the worse because a member here raised a stink and he doesn't even live in VA.  C'est la vie, right?

I'm just glad that airguns in some states are becoming more recognized as a legit tool for hunting.  Having a rep or senator that actually engages in the sport is NOT a bad thing   So good luck on ya- hopefully the legislation coming forth this Spring will make you all smile

[Tater]

Way to go Mark. You are really getting things rolling here. I've emailed as well, but the responses have been limited/canned. I guess the reps up here aren't interested in things like this.
Glad to hear at least one Senator is an airgunner though. Hopefully he somehow sees the hunting gate here.

[archellas]

Just like EVERYTHING else messed up (think another word here!) with how we live and do things ....

In Illinois, for those that don't know, .17 is OK, but anything over .18 (.22 or .25) airgun, you have to have a FOID, and go through rings to get it shipped .....

Less than one hour away from Chicago, you can drive to IN or WI and buy high caliber high power rifles, without any complications??? or any gun for that matter!!!!
What is wrong with this picture?

Most of us (older) folk like the idea of plinking with an airgun. It's quiet, clean, inexpensive (to run NOT to buy) and excellent to clean out yard pests.
HARD CORE CRIMINALS will NOT use an airgun to commit a crime!!! Even they are NOT THAT stupid!

Mark (mobilmail) has a very nicely written .pdf letter to send out to congress reps, but I noticed only a handful of people have downloaded it! Now I know there are a lot of airgunners in IL, so are we just ignoring this issue, or just too lazy to do anything about it??

Sorry about the rant .... just had to get it off my chest!

Thank you

[Mosin Marine]

Just like EVERYTHING else messed up (think another word here!) with how we live and do things ....

In Illinois, for those that don't know, .17 is OK, but anything over .18 (.22 or .25) airgun, you have to have a FOID, and go through rings to get it shipped .....

Less than one hour away from Chicago, you can drive to IN or WI and buy high caliber high power rifles, without any complications??? or any gun for that matter!!!!
What is wrong with this picture?

Most of us (older) folk like the idea of plinking with an airgun. It's quiet, clean, inexpensive (to run NOT to buy) and excellent to clean out yard pests.
HARD CORE CRIMINALS will NOT use an airgun to commit a crime!!! Even they are NOT THAT stupid!

Mark (mobilmail) has a very nicely written .pdf letter to send out to congress reps, but I noticed only a handful of people have downloaded it! Now I know there are a lot of airgunners in IL, so are we just ignoring this issue, or just too lazy to do anything about it??

Sorry about the rant .... just had to get it off my chest!

Thank you

We all feel the same as you do. Very unlikely that the law will ever be dropped as to air rifles having foids. My biggest complaint is when they wont even ship them to a ffl dealer. Drives me bonkers haha but then i go o well next company

[mobilemail]

I have actually updated the letter to include some statistic references.  I attached it to this post.
I considered the fact that things could be made worse, but to sell out the rights of law abiding citizens without even trying seems gutless.  One of the reasons I keep on is because I just can't see any reason based on actual truth or past events that should cause airguns to be so harshly regulated.

[anti-squirrel]

Mark, here in VA things are decent.  Could be better, of course.  But in the end, it will all boil down to applying common sense.  The problem I foresee is too many of the people making laws would rather make new laws than listen to common sense.  LOL, it's what happens when most of them have a background as a lawyer, I guess.

Anyway, to those who have not yet written or email their representatives: do so.  This passion/sport we partake in is cheaper and arguably safer than most others, and those who hunt and partake in pest control also offer an alternative means of managing invasive species, overpopulations, and otherwise harmful vermin, both on the ground and in the air.

[Mosin Marine]

I have actually updated the letter to include some statistic references.  I attached it to this post.
I considered the fact that things could be made worse, but to sell out the rights of law abiding citizens without even trying seems gutless.  One of the reasons I keep on is because I just can't see any reason based on actual truth or past events that should cause airguns to be so harshly regulated.

Thank you for your hard work mark!