Illinois 80 Percent Lower Laws

Update: May 18th 2022 - News about HB4383, Illinois' state ban on unfinished frames and receivers added to this article. 

Legal Disclaimer: The information in this blog is not legal advice. We are not lawyers. While we endeavor to keep all our blogs updated with the most accurate information, gun laws change quickly and frequently. Legal changes can often be difficult to uncover, unpack, and publish in real-time. Therefore, while we try our best to provide timely information, be aware that what you’re reading below may change (or already has changed).

Do not rely solely on the information provided by us or on this website to ensure compliance with your purchase decisions. To ensure that you, the buyer, are acting in accordance with all federal, state laws and local ordinances, please do your own research and consult an attorney if necessary.

To see where some or none of our products can be shipped to, please see our full list of sensitive states here.


What is an 80% Lower?

An 80% lower receiver is an unfinished and unserialized blank which requires some machining work from the end user to turn it into a 100% lower receiver, otherwise, what is legally considered as a firearm. 80 lowers are missing the trigger pocket and three holes that need to be milled and drilled out to be completed. Unless states have passed their own laws barring the possession or sales of 80% products; pending the ATF's updated decision from the ATF's new rule aiming to redefine what a firearm is including lower receivers and frames (2021R-05F). As of now, 80% lowers are completely legal, federally not considered firearms and thus can be shipped straight to your front door. No FFL required (some states have made their own laws to restrict 80 percent products). To explore the 80 lowers we have to offer, check out our multiple lines of product.

Are 80 Lowers Legal In Illinois?

As of this guide’s initial publish date, 80% lower receivers and frames are not considered as firearms by the ATF however, the state of Illinois has passed a law to ban the sale, transfer and possession of unfinished lower receivers and pistol frames. House Bill 4383 was signed into effect beginning May 18, 2022 by Governor J.B. Pritzker which banned the sale and possession of 80 lowers.

Do I Need to Serialize My 80 Lower in Illinois?

If you have already built out your own firearms starting with 80 lowers in Illinois, there will be a proper firearm serialization process that builders can follow per the new HB4383. However, you'll have to reach out your local and state officials to find out what that process looks like as Gov. Pritzker was not clear on what that would look like. 

Key Gun Laws in Illinois

Other than laws regarding 80 lowers, these are the key gun laws you should be aware of if you reside or are traveling through Illinois.

Firearm Possession and Purchase Requirements

The state of Illinois prohibits any person under the age of 18 to possess a handgun. State law also prohibits any person from knowingly transferring a handgun to any minor (straw purchase). In order to purchase firearms in Illinois residents must obtain a Firearms Owner ID card or, FOID. To obtain a FOID, applicants generally must be over 21 years of age unless they have written consent from their parents or legal guardian. But for long guns such as rifles or shotguns, any eligible Illinois resident above 18 years of age may do so. Please note that there is a 72 hour waiting period for firearm purchases.

All firearm purchases and private party transfers require a background check (Dealer Record of Sale also known as 4473 form or “DROS”). While federal law requires federal firearm license holders (“FFL’s”:) to initiate background checks on buyers prior to the sale of a firearm, federal law also allows states to serve as their own “point of contact” and conduct their own background checks via state, federal records or databases, as well as the option to use the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) database. Illinois is a point of contact for the NICS and as a result, firearms dealers conduct background checks that are processed by the Illinois Department of State Police (DSP).

Open and Concealed Carrying

Illinois is a “shall issue'' state when it comes to concealed carry and it does not recognize CCW permits from any other states. But non-resident permits are available for residents from Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas and Virginia. Open carry is completely illegal. Illinois issues ccw’s in the form of a “CCL” or Concealed Carry License. Conceal carriers must be at least 21 years of age and pass a state-approved firearms training course that includes live-fire exercises. To see more details of Illinois’ restrictive policies on concealed carry permits check this reciprocity map here.

The state of Illinois does not have any form of a state-level “assault weapons ban,” magazine ban or capacity limit, or restrict the sale or possession of firearms that have been defined as assault weapons though some local jurisdictions do restrict them.

NFA Restrictions

There are several NFA weapons and related items’ restrictions in Illinois. The possession of short barreled shotguns is completely prohibited and short barreled rifles can only be owned with a Curio and Relics license. There is also an “ assault weapon ban” which Illinois residents should be aware of, especially if traveling through or residing in Chicago.

Magazine Capacity Restrictions

There are no magazine capacity restrictions in Illinois, with the exception of a few specific localities such as Chicago. Enjoy those drums and belt-fed box magazines! We carry plenty of standard capacity magazines like this 30-round magazine from Lancer. Our favorite color is the translucent smoke one.

Mandatory Storage Requirements

Residents should also be aware of safe storage mandates in which they are required to have a locking device securing their firearm(s) so that no one other than the owner or another lawfully authorized user can use it. You should also exercise caution because you can be tried for negligently leaving your guns accessible to children. If you need some good ideas or best practices for storing your guns and gear here are 5 firearm storage options.

Self-Defense

When in Illinois, there is a duty to retreat before lethal force for self-defense can be used because there is no stand your ground law or castle doctrine in place.

Ammunition Purchase

To buy ammo in Illinois, buyers must be at least 21 years of age and have a FOID card. Anyone under the age of 21 must have written consent of a parent or legal guardian to purchase ammo. Illinois has banned the manufacture, sale, purchase and possession of any armor-piercing bullets, dragon’s breath shotgun shell, bolo shell and flechette shells, and exploding ammunition.

Do you ship to Illinois?

We are currently no longer able to ship any items to residents in the state of Illinois. We thank you for many years of business and your patronage. Unfortunately, Illinois has grown incredibly hostile against our company and any products or packages shipped to this state would fall under haphazard and intense scrutiny. If you're ever in Texas, give our new showroom a visit once it's ready and open in Fort Worth!