Carry Permit Demand Skyrockets in Illinois

by
posted on June 30, 2020
illinois-permits.jpg

The Chicago Tribune reported last week that, “…more than 40,000 Illinoisans applied for a gun permit in a little more than two weeks this month, more than 500% over this time last year, according to Illinois State Police. Applications for the state’s Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID) from June 1 to 17 also increased by 501 percent when compared to the same period last year.

A first-time gun buyer—who asked that his name not be used—explained to the reporter that despite being a liberal Democrat who once supported most gun control legislation, “My views have recently changed, and I have accepted that the Second Amendment provides for the personal ownership and use of a firearm. Among the reasons cited for his change of opinion were the pandemic, its commensurate increase in unemployment and civil unrest.

The volume has strained the Illinois firearms services bureau, which issues concealed carry permits and FOIDs. On an average day 1,135 people register on the bureau’s website, but on June 1 new users totaled 9,558. To handle the demand, nine members will join the 30-person staff sometime in July.

The surge in gun sales isn’t limited to the Land of Lincoln, either. Figures from April indicate firearm purchases through FFLs nationwide were up by 71.3 percent compared to the same period last year. In May, Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting estimated sales at 1,726,053, a year-over-year increase of 80.2 percent. Enthusiasts, many like the new Second Amendment supporter in Illinois—first-time owners—bought 6.5 million firearms in the first four months of 2020. By comparison, that figure stood at only 4.4 million during the same period in 2019.

The FBI will release June’s final NICS figures in a few days, but the Illinois trend indicates it will reflect yet another significant increase in firearm sales.

Latest

G36 22
G36 22

First Look: 22LR HK G36 Rifle

A rimfire version of HK's groundbreaking rifle.

How To: Avoid One Tax this Month

Tax (stamp) relief is available right now.

Review: Caldwell Velociradar Chronograph

Definitely not a dinosaur…

First Look: Guncrafter Industries Polara 1911

Available in Government and Commander sizes.

First Look: G-Force Arms 12 Hammer Shotgun

An AR-pattern shotgun that handles just about any ammunition. 

Review: Dark Star Gear Apollo Holster For 2011 Pistols

An inexpensive and secure option for your double-stack pistol.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.