5,000 Citizens First to Receive Concealed-Carry Licenses in Illinois

by
posted on March 11, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

My congratulations to 5,000 Illinois residents. They will soon be the first citizens ever in Illinois to receive concealed-carry firearm licenses there. Since last July when Illinois lawmakers passed a bill allowing concealed carry, state police received more than 50,000 applications from citizens. For years, Illinois was the only state to ban any form of concealed carry. That all changed in 2012, when a federal appeals court ruled the ban was unconstitutional.

Latest

Lee Precision 7 Mm Backcountry Dies
Lee Precision 7 Mm Backcountry Dies

Reloading 7mm Backcountry with Lee Precision Dies

Federal Premium’s latest cartridge innovation, 7mm Backcountry, is now being supported by Lee Precision and its set of reloading dies specially created for the new high-pressure round.

New for 2026: MTM Case-Gard Chrono Case

The MTM Case-Gard Chronograph Case (CCXERO) delivers secure, custom-fit protection for the Garmin Xero chronograph. Inside, precision-cut foam cradles the chronograph and its accessories for reliable transport and storage.

Hardware Review: Big Horn Armory Model 89 Take Down Carbine

Best known for their large-bore lever actions, Big Horn Armory of Cody, Wyo., adds to their .50 caliber arsenal with the new Model 89 Take Down (TD) Carbine. Chambered in the mighty .500 Smith & Wesson Magnum, the Model 89 TD, as the name implies, comes apart for easy storage and transport.

Updated for 2026: Magpul ELG M-Lok Marlin Handguard

Magpul’s Enhanced Lever Gun (ELG) Stock and Hand Guard updates the classic Marlin lever action rifle for greater control and functionality, adding modern adjustability and ergonomics, M-Lok accessory mounting, sling attachment options and on-board ammunition storage.

New for 2026: HiViZ Shooting Systems LiteWave Sight for Ruger Redhawk Alaskan

HiViz Shooting Systems has expanded its revolver lineup with the introduction of the LiteWave Front Sight for the Ruger Redhawk Alaskan. Designed specifically to complement the rugged performance of Ruger's Redhawk Alaskan revolver, the new LiteWave Front Sight promises fast target acquisition, durability and a customizable sight picture.

Gear Roundup: Spring Cleaning for Hunters

Need to clean the grime off your guns and gear this spring? Look no further than our hunter-specific cleaning lineup.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.