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-ILA | HOA Firearm Clash Augurs a Broader Legal Debate

NRA-ILA | HOA Firearm Clash Augurs a Broader Legal Debate

Legends: Lynn Gipson 1958–2026 | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal

Legends: Lynn Gipson 1958–2026 | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal

ATA Grand American Returns to Sparta With a Full Event Lineup | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal

ATA Grand American Returns to Sparta With a Full Event Lineup | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal

NRA-ILA | HOA Firearm Clash Augurs a Broader Legal Debate

NRA-ILA | HOA Firearm Clash Augurs a Broader Legal Debate

Latest

More

Range Review: SoundGear Phantom

In the market for a set of ear plugs comfortable enough to wear all day, and effective enough to clearly hear your surroundings, whether on the trap line or in the hunting blind? Look no further. Champion trap shooter, ATA All-American, and member of the Jacksonville University Clay Target Team Nicole Hood shares her thorough, competition-tested review of the SoundGear Phantoms.

News, Guns & Gear

Member's Hunt: Hunting the ‘Terrible’ Moose

This story of an adventurous moose hunt comes to us from Colt Hubbell of Nampa, Idaho.

News, New for 2026

LEDEW H2026 05 Membershunt

LEDEW H2026 05 Membershunt

Landmark Increase in Hunting Access to Federal Land on the Horizon

The Department of Interior has released details of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) proposed expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities, the largest in agency history. National Park Service actions to remove unnecessary hunting-related restrictions across National Park System units—where hunting is authorized by law—were also included in the announcement.

Landmark

Bear(ly) Armed—Bear Defense Calibers

A perusal of some fun and effective sidearm options for your spring black bear adventures.

News, Guns & Gear

S&W Model 29 In 44 Mag

S&W Model 29 In 44 Mag

First Look: Lumenok Adds Two Lighted Crossbow Nocks

Lumenok has introduced two additions to its lighted nock lineup: the TP 254 Nock for TenPoint bolts and the SQ300 Nock for Scorpyd crossbows.

News, New for 2026

Ledelighted Crossbow Nocks

Ledelighted Crossbow Nocks

Range Review: Winchester Supreme Long Range Ammo

Winchester's latest ammunition line is the Supreme Long Range centerfire rifle ammo, and that line is built around its BC Max projectile. Using a thick, drawn copper jacket, steep boattail at the rear and a relatively oversized polymer tip, the BC Max bullet is built for resisting wind deflection and retaining energy downrange. Check out Phil Massaro's review of the new ammo line here.

News, New for 2026

Lead Photo Supreme Long Range

Lead Photo Supreme Long Range

More Latest Stories

Interests

More Interests

First Look: 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak | An Official Journal Of The NRA

First Look: 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak | An Official Journal Of The NRA

6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak, Peak Alloy

New for 2025

#SundayGunday: TNW Firearms ASR LTE | An Official Journal Of The NRA

#SundayGunday: TNW Firearms ASR LTE | An Official Journal Of The NRA

TNW Firearms ASR LTE, ASR LTE, Aero Survival Rifle

SundayGunday

Range Review: Winchester Supreme Long Range Ammo | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Range Review: Winchester Supreme Long Range Ammo | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Range Review, Review, Winchester Supreme Long Range

Guns & Gear

Field Shooting Positions & Real-World Hunting | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Field Shooting Positions & Real-World Hunting | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Shooting, Field Positions, How To

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

Range Review: Winchester Supreme Long Range Ammo | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Range Review: Winchester Supreme Long Range Ammo | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Range Review, Review, Winchester Supreme Long Range

Ammo

New for 2026: Sightmark Strikon Prism Optics | An Official Journal Of The NRA

New for 2026: Sightmark Strikon Prism Optics | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Sightmark, Strikon, Prism

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