Join Renew Donate

Explore The NRA Universe Of Websites

CLOSE

Quick Links

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

by

J. Scott Olmsted

posted on March 11, 2014

News, Guns & Gear, Handguns, Your Rights

Support NRA American Hunter DONATE

** 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.

More like this from around the NRA

NRA Women | New Guns 2026: Charter Arms Walker Revolver Series Ultra-Compact Rimfire Revolver

NRA Women | New Guns 2026: Charter Arms Walker Revolver Series Ultra-Compact Rimfire Revolver

NRA-ILA | DOJ Withdraws Appeal in Challenge to Post Office Firearms Ban

NRA-ILA | DOJ Withdraws Appeal in Challenge to Post Office Firearms Ban

NRA-ILA | NRA Files Amicus Brief in Case Challenging Maryland’s Refusal to Recognize Out-of-State Carry Permits

NRA-ILA | NRA Files Amicus Brief in Case Challenging Maryland’s Refusal to Recognize Out-of-State Carry Permits

Team Winchester/White Flyer’s DeMichiel Wins FITASC Title at NSCA North Central Regional | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal

Team Winchester/White Flyer’s DeMichiel Wins FITASC Title at NSCA North Central Regional | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal

Latest

More

Behind the Bullet: The .333 Jeffery

Delve into the history of one of the most fascinating cartridges from the golden era of hunting—the .333 Jeffery.

News, New for 2026

First Look: ALPS Mountaineering Reservoir 3.0

ALPS Mountaineering has introduced the Reservoir 3.0 hydration bladder. The Reservoir 3.0 features an anti-microbial IonPure treatment that helps inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, keeping the hydration system fresher between uses.

News, Guns & Gear

LEDEALPS Mountaineers Reservoir 3

LEDEALPS Mountaineers Reservoir 3

Cape Buffalo Hunt: The Measure of Memories

It takes too much time, effort and money to hunt Cape buffalo to rush a shot.

W H2026 07 Cape Buffalo IMG 0760

W H2026 07 Cape Buffalo IMG 0760

New for 2026: Sightmark Strikon VMP 1-4x22mm

Sightmark has released the Strikon VMP 1-4x22mm SFP Fiber V2 Prismatic Riflescope, an updated version of its original variable magnification prismatic sight developed in direct response to shooter feedback.

News, New for 2026

Ledestrikon VMP

Ledestrikon VMP

10 Most Versatile Long-Range Hunting Cartridges

Here’s a look at 10 of the most flexible long-range hunting cartridges.

News, Guns & Gear

10 Most Versatile Long Range Hunting Cartridges Lead

10 Most Versatile Long Range Hunting Cartridges Lead

First Look: Auto-Ordnance "Land of the Free" 250th Anniversary 1911

Auto-Ordnance, in collaboration with the artisans at Koted Arms, has announced the release of the "Land of the Free" 1911, a striking custom stainless pistol honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States.

News, Guns & Gear

LEDE Land Of The Free

LEDE Land Of The Free

More Latest Stories

Interests

More Interests

New for 2026: Sightmark Strikon VMP 1-4x22mm | An Official Journal Of The NRA

New for 2026: Sightmark Strikon VMP 1-4x22mm | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Sightmark Strikon VMP 1-4x22mm, Strikon VMP, Sightmark Strikon

New for 2025

#SundayGunday: Daniel Defense DD PCC 916 | An Official Journal Of The NRA

#SundayGunday: Daniel Defense DD PCC 916 | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Daniel Defense, DD PCC 916, SundayGunday

SundayGunday

CCI’s Henry Golden Boy Collector’s Edition .22 LR Reaches Retailers | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal

CCI’s Henry Golden Boy Collector’s Edition .22 LR Reaches Retailers | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal

CCI, henry, .22 lr

Guns & Gear

4 Tasks All Hunters Should Complete Now for the Upcoming Season | An Official Journal Of The NRA

4 Tasks All Hunters Should Complete Now for the Upcoming Season | An Official Journal Of The NRA

How To, Prep, Preseason

How-To Tips

First Look: Gunsmoke Arsenal Tactical Cigar Protection | An Official Journal Of The NRA

First Look: Gunsmoke Arsenal Tactical Cigar Protection | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Lifestyle, Gunsmoke Arsenal, Tactical Cigar Protection

Join The Hunt

CCI’s Henry Golden Boy Collector’s Edition .22 LR Reaches Retailers | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal

CCI’s Henry Golden Boy Collector’s Edition .22 LR Reaches Retailers | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal

CCI, henry, .22 lr

Ammo

New: Leupold LCO Pro F2 | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal

New: Leupold LCO Pro F2 | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal

leupold, optics, new product

Optics

First Look: Gunsmoke Arsenal Tactical Cigar Protection | An Official Journal Of The NRA

First Look: Gunsmoke Arsenal Tactical Cigar Protection | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Lifestyle, Gunsmoke Arsenal, Tactical Cigar Protection

Lifestyle

More Interests

EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS