armueller2001 Posted August 22, 2009 at 11:16 PM Posted August 22, 2009 at 11:16 PM I recently moved to Chicago after graduating from Southern Illinois University in May. Knowing about the legal constraints that prohibit me from defending myself with an AR-15 or a 9mm pistol (the only two firearms I owned), I bought a Remington 870 for the sole purpose of keeping in my apartment in King Daley’s Empire. I left the shotgun with a friend who lives near the city, but outside Crook County. He also has a FOID card. Had I known the lengthy infringement and harassment process that was about to ensue, I probably would have just practiced civil disobedience against an unconstitutional law and brought my 9mm anyway. At the beginning of June, I went to my local CPD station and requested a firearm registration form. They must not give them out very often, as it took 3 officers a few minutes to find where they were located. I filled out the application which requested such information as address, serial number, acquisition date, race, age, things like that. It also asked the standard questions about ever being convicted of a felony or addicted to drugs. In addition to the NOTARIZED application, I had to mail in – 2 passport sized photos A copy of my FOID A copy of my Driver’s licence $20 registration fee. These things must be sent in EVERY YEAR for the firearm to remain registered. On July 6th, I was very surprised to receive a notice that my application had been DENIED on the grounds that I had not received a registration certificate prior to taking possession of the firearm. The CPD just assumed that because I had a serial number and acquisition date, the firearm was in my possession in the city. Here’s the paradox of the registration scheme – you cannot register without a serial number and acquisition date… but if you supply that information, they just assume that the gun is in the city and deny you. Very clever. I think it is their default response to ANYONE trying to legally register a firearm. So I called the CPD asking what the heck happened, and the cop on the other end of the line told me that I should have included a letter saying it wasn’t in my possession. Apparently to register a firearm in Chicago you also have to be a ing mind reader. Nothing was on the form saying anything about the current location of the firearm. But then, I guess they wouldn’t be able to deny every single application they get for new registrations. To make a long story short, I typed a letter requesting an appeal and faxed it to the Municipal Hearings Division office, and after a month of hearing nothing I called their office. I have to take half a day off of work to go to my appeal hearing on October 20th, to beg for my constitutional right to keep a firearm. I’m planning on bringing a signed letter from my friend saying that he has had possession of my firearm since May 10th and it has at no time been within the City of Chicago, because I could just imagine the judge denying my appeal because I can't PROVE it's not in my possession. Guilty until proven innocent, huh? If I get my registration certificate on that day, it will be a total of approximately 5 months of defenselessness because of a retarded unconstitutional law. I hate this f-ing city. Moving as soon as my lease is up. I had ownership of my car transferred to my dad, so I didn't have to pay King Daley $70 to park on his streets. Also I purchase everything humanly possible outside the city. Anyone have similar experiences? The moral of the story is - IF YOU ARE TRYING TO REGISTER A NEW FIREARM IN CHICAGO, MAKE SURE YOU INCLUDE A LETTER SAYING IT IS NOT IN YOUR POSSESSION AT THE TIME.
eric2281 Posted August 22, 2009 at 11:27 PM Posted August 22, 2009 at 11:27 PM I'm sorry to hear that. I'd be uber PO'd too! :Angry!: For some reason, you're story doesn't surprise me though. Hopefully things will be changing soon in that city. I don't think you could pay me to move there until things change.
armueller2001 Posted August 22, 2009 at 11:32 PM Author Posted August 22, 2009 at 11:32 PM Seriously... if I knew it was half this much of a hassle, I would have just brought my handgun and been done with it. But I can't now, because I'm on their list. I can legally carry a firearm in over 28 states... but I have to go to court and beg for my right to keep a ing shotgun in my apartment. A baseball bat is our backup plan for now.
eric2281 Posted August 22, 2009 at 11:42 PM Posted August 22, 2009 at 11:42 PM Seriously... if I knew it was half this much of a hassle, I would have just brought my handgun and been done with it. But I can't now, because I'm on their list. I can legally carry a firearm in over 28 states... but I have to go to court and beg for my right to keep a ing shotgun in my apartment. You're preachin' to the choir! That's how I fell about LTC. I can do it in states that I've never even been to but here, where I pay taxes, spend my $$$, & live, I'm denied the RIGHT. To say I'm frustrated would be an understatement!!! But that's why I'm here on this site and volunteer my time & cash and try to educate as many people as possible who are willing to listen & be exposed to the truth.
mikew Posted August 23, 2009 at 12:18 AM Posted August 23, 2009 at 12:18 AM I recently moved to Chicago after graduating from Southern Illinois University in May.Congratulations.Were you in Chicago by June 26? That's when ISRA and IllinoisCarry held a rally in Chicago. To make a long story short,The ISRA and SAF are suing Chicago, partly because of the ban, and partly because of the draconian, unconstitutional barriers to the registration that Chicago requires. The case is headed for the US Supreme Court, with petition filed to be heard.The plaintiffs are ISRA members, some of them post here.
anonymous too Posted August 23, 2009 at 12:39 AM Posted August 23, 2009 at 12:39 AM Um.........the city quit registering handguns in 1982. Thank Jane Byrne and the city council members from back then.
Yas Posted August 23, 2009 at 12:50 AM Posted August 23, 2009 at 12:50 AM Dear Alan Gura....... http://www.chicagoguncase.com/ Yes / No ?
armueller2001 Posted August 23, 2009 at 01:31 AM Author Posted August 23, 2009 at 01:31 AM Um.........the city quit registering handguns in 1982. Thank Jane Byrne and the city council members from back then. I was attempting to register a Remington 870...
armueller2001 Posted August 23, 2009 at 02:39 AM Author Posted August 23, 2009 at 02:39 AM Were you in Chicago by June 26? That's when ISRA and IllinoisCarry held a rally in Chicago. I was, but I started my new job on June 1st and didn't think it was appropriate to take a vacation day that early in my career. Next year I will be there. I'm eagerly waiting the SCOTUS decision regarding Chicago's handgun ban...
spec4 Posted August 23, 2009 at 02:31 PM Posted August 23, 2009 at 02:31 PM Though it could be an exercise in futility, I would contact my alderman. Tell him/her that your civil rights are being violated by the Draconian law.
Silver Guardian Posted August 23, 2009 at 04:18 PM Posted August 23, 2009 at 04:18 PM You...chose willingly to move to Chicago? You can't seriously have expected to be treated well.
GarandFan Posted August 23, 2009 at 05:28 PM Posted August 23, 2009 at 05:28 PM Chicago's "registration prior to taking possession" ordinance is among those being challenged in McDonald v Chicago. SG, lots of people choose willingly to move to Chicago. Why the suprise? Finally, some of these people are challenging the injustices they face in Chicago. If every gun owner just decided to avoid living or working in Chicago, nothing would ever change. At some level, running or moving away from problems doesn't address those problems or bring solution. The laws are being challenged, and will be defeated, primarily thanks to people who chose willingly to live in Chicago and to challenge unjust laws. And thanks to the ISRA, the SAF, the NRA, etc. for supporting these challenges.
xbaltzx Posted August 23, 2009 at 05:38 PM Posted August 23, 2009 at 05:38 PM I am sorry to hear about your troubles armueller2001. I will be registering a Mossberg 590a1 soon. I will keep everyone posted.
ming Posted August 23, 2009 at 07:51 PM Posted August 23, 2009 at 07:51 PM You've just discovered Catch-22! Can't have an unregistered firearm. What's that, you say I can't register my firearm?
Federal Farmer Posted August 23, 2009 at 09:12 PM Posted August 23, 2009 at 09:12 PM If you read through the original complaint filed against Chicago at chicagoguncase.com you will see pretty much the same story but with respect to a CMP acquired M1-Garand. The appeals process is not likely to work out in your favor. I wish you luck. It is true that local CPD stations don't usually have the registration forms even though they are supposed to. I have always gotten them at the main station 3510 S Michigan. I have gotten conflicting information from the gun desk (312-745-5164) there, but they typically give you a 30 day grace period. As long as you register the firearm within 30 days of taking possession they will register it. I also asked them about registering previously owned guns stored outside the city. They told me the same thing about including a letter explaining it. They do not codify any of these rules. As stated, the rules pretty much prevent any registration of firearms but if you follow the unwritten rules as told to you from the gun desk (312-745-5164) it usually works out. I have found them to be pretty OK to deal with given the circumstances. I was actually able to register my 10-22 with the standard 10rd mags even though it is possible to buy larger. I was very surprised that they didn't reject that one.
GarandFan Posted August 23, 2009 at 09:16 PM Posted August 23, 2009 at 09:16 PM I can tell you this much ... When I step back from considering all the details regarding registration of firearms in the City of Chicago, the main thing that comes to mind is that I am very, very uncomfortable with the idea of registering guns with the government merely to possess them inside my lawful abode. Those requirements are over the top for me, and would take me a long time to get used to ... if I ever could.
Ocellairs Posted August 23, 2009 at 09:51 PM Posted August 23, 2009 at 09:51 PM Just about everyone knows that Chicago is a dumping ground for anti's. So the question is, why in tarnation even move there? For that matter, why even visit. To me that city is a waste dump for spent nuclear material, and I'm just not in the habit of wanting to glow in the dark.
Jay Posted August 23, 2009 at 10:36 PM Posted August 23, 2009 at 10:36 PM Just about everyone knows that Chicago is a dumping ground for anti's. So the question is, why in tarnation even move there? For that matter, why even visit. To me that city is a waste dump for spent nuclear material, and I'm just not in the habit of wanting to glow in the dark. If you work for the city, you have to live in the city limits. If you don't work for the city, though, you have to figure in how long are you willing to commute if you work downtown. Work aside, there are some colleges that are in the city, and on-campus living is living in the city. Working for the city isn't that bad, seeing that pretty much all jobs are union. You've got a decent pay scale, pension package, and probably the most important thing that people really, and I mean really, take advantage of is the workers comp benefits. I've known cops who got "hurt" on the job, and have taken extended vacations. Full pay, and you can be off for 364 days. On the 365th day, you have to go into work, where you can say that you are still hurt, and repeat the process all over again, up to a max of 5 years. I had a buddy who was a laborer, who actually did get legitimately hurt, requiring surgery to correct the injury. He was off for 3 1/2 years, all with full pay, while the city found a position that would fit into his limitations.
GarandFan Posted August 23, 2009 at 11:43 PM Posted August 23, 2009 at 11:43 PM Just about everyone knows that Chicago is a dumping ground for anti's. So the question is, why in tarnation even move there? For that matter, why even visit. To me that city is a waste dump for spent nuclear material, and I'm just not in the habit of wanting to glow in the dark. Perhaps because not everyone is so principled? You have to realize that there are many, many people would ask why the tarnation anyone would possibly want to live in southern Illinois ... and would ask it with as much sincereity and disbelief as you asked the reverse. I think we should worry less about why people would want this, or would want that, and just respect people's wishes as long as they are responsible and work toward justice for all. This world ... the things in it, and the people in it, just aren't so cut-and-dried. Most people are not motivated by one single issue (citing gun rights as the reason one might not live in Chicago). Frankly, if there is one over-riding thing that motovates most people, it is economic opportunity, not gun rights.
mikew Posted August 24, 2009 at 02:13 AM Posted August 24, 2009 at 02:13 AM Just about everyone knows that Chicago is a dumping ground for anti's. So the question is, why in tarnation even move there?One factor is age. There are now two generations+ of people that are too young to have been around to register a handgun in chicago. Anyone that's 47 years old now was too young to register one in 1982 before the cut off. Fold in gentrification, and you have yuppies moving back* into the city, for many/most of whom "no gun ownership"is a fact of life, they don't care about the gun ban, or think it makes them safer. They willingly move into an area where, as far as they're concerned, no one can have a gun. They go to the "new areas" in the city, printer's row, bronzeville, wicker park, where they're "urban pioneers". That's my take on it, YMMV. *Their parents and grandparents had moved out to the burbs and for good reason, they think the kids are nuts.
armueller2001 Posted August 24, 2009 at 03:33 AM Author Posted August 24, 2009 at 03:33 AM You...chose willingly to move to Chicago? You can't seriously have expected to be treated well. I wasn't expecting to be treated well, but I certainly wasn't expecting to be treated this badly. It's quite an unfortunate circumstance at the moment, girlfriend works in Deerfield and I work in Thornton... that puts us smack dab in the middle for equal commutes. I will not live in the city after our lease is up in May... we will be moving somewhere in Du Page county on 294.
Xwing Posted August 24, 2009 at 01:22 PM Posted August 24, 2009 at 01:22 PM I think we should worry less about why people would want this, or would want that, and just respect people's wishes as long as they are responsible and work toward justice for all.Amen! It's quite an unfortunate circumstance at the moment, girlfriend works in Deerfield and I work in Thornton... that puts us smack dab in the middle for equal commutes. I will not live in the city after our lease is up in May... we will be moving somewhere in Du Page county on 294.I lived in the city for one year, and that was more than enough for me. (Coincidentally, I also bought and registered an 870 express there, b/c my handgun had to stay with a friend in the suburbs. I didn't have the trouble you did; but even though they approved it, the registration was both a major PITA and exceedingly un-American.) I think you'll find DuPage a much better place to live.
Unleashed Posted September 1, 2009 at 03:36 AM Posted September 1, 2009 at 03:36 AM I will not live in the city after our lease is up in May... we will be moving somewhere in Du Page county on 294. I keep an AK 47 in my Du Page pad. I like Du Page, they are very gun friendly.
moparcardave Posted September 1, 2009 at 12:15 PM Posted September 1, 2009 at 12:15 PM I live in Rockford and can't leave soon enough (house for sale, divorced force moved from the country here) Always lived in the Winnebago/Stephenson/Boone county area. Crime is what's really pushing us out of the city, that and no one takes responsiblity. Graduation rate of 45% and so on. We'd like to move back to the country the wife (she's a real country girl from the hills around Ft. Leonard Wood) and she'd even talked about going back in the Army only this time as an officer. Lots to think about, but as a old farmboy who grew up in the country, raised my kids there and this is the first time in my life where I have not had a shooting range on my property, it's not near as fun. Rockford with crime like it is could even we passed a state CCW law probably would opt out. So I can tell you one thing wherever we move won't have Rkfd on the addy. She has to be 30 mins from work and has a couple years left on her nursing commitment, thank goodness she drives fast. I don't know how you boys and girls do it in Chicago I know I sure coudn't do it.
usmc268 Posted September 1, 2009 at 02:05 PM Posted September 1, 2009 at 02:05 PM As someone mentioned earlier, I think you're good as long as you register within 30 days of taking posession. I've registered 4 shotguns with no problems, all of which I took posession before registering. It normally takes about a month to receive the registration cards. Before I moved up here for work I never felt the NEED to own a firearm. After a few home invasions in the area and a gang-banger crashing through my wrought iron fence (who was fleeing a home-invasion btw...and also found with weapons), I had to have something in the house. Keep in mind I've lived on both coasts and travelled overseas extensively too. The sad part is things aren't going to improve any time soon. CPD is undermanned and usually backlogged with calls. When it comes to those crucial few seconds I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6.
Federal Farmer Posted September 1, 2009 at 02:38 PM Posted September 1, 2009 at 02:38 PM As someone mentioned earlier, I think you're good as long as you register within 30 days of taking posession. I've registered 4 shotguns with no problems, all of which I took posession before registering. It normally takes about a month to receive the registration cards. Before I moved up here for work I never felt the NEED to own a firearm. After a few home invasions in the area and a gang-banger crashing through my wrought iron fence (who was fleeing a home-invasion btw...and also found with weapons), I had to have something in the house. Keep in mind I've lived on both coasts and travelled overseas extensively too. The sad part is things aren't going to improve any time soon. CPD is undermanned and usually backlogged with calls. When it comes to those crucial few seconds I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6. Also good to note that I have been told by the gun desk to insert a letting of explanation if I am bringing in some gun that I have owned for some time but stored outside the city. That won't hold up in their appeal process though if for some reason they reject the registration.
drdoom Posted September 7, 2009 at 06:55 PM Posted September 7, 2009 at 06:55 PM Just get yourself a California Compliant AR-15, like this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRW0eG46Mlk...mp;feature=fvwp i'm sure you can register it, as it has a pinned stock, 10 rd. fixed mag, and no 'scary' features.
Unleashed Posted September 9, 2009 at 10:12 PM Posted September 9, 2009 at 10:12 PM Just get yourself a California Compliant AR-15, like this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRW0eG46Mlk...mp;feature=fvwp i'm sure you can register it, as it has a pinned stock, 10 rd. fixed mag, and no 'scary' features. Sorry, but 10 rd clips are the lamest thing ever.
moparcardave Posted September 10, 2009 at 12:01 AM Posted September 10, 2009 at 12:01 AM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKWK2idDdm4 Would this Ar-15 pass Chicago's laws? Muzzleloader.
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