Warners Posted October 9, 2013 at 01:57 PM Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 01:57 PM I've searched around on the forums here and elsewhere, and haven't been able to determine if there is a definitive answer on whether or not lasers are allowed on legally carried handguns inside the Chicago city limits. I have a Ruger SR9C that I plan on carrying, with a crimson trace laser that I added to it. Am I NOT allowed to carry this inside Chicago city limits? IS there a definitive answer on this? Let me know and thanks, Warner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob Posted October 9, 2013 at 02:10 PM Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 02:10 PM It is hard to say with any certainty until it gets tested in court but it seems likely that a device that is a functional part of a handgun is probably preempted. Whether that is true or not, no one knows until it is tested in court. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundguy Posted October 9, 2013 at 02:35 PM Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 02:35 PM Go with Bob. Prohibited by the city. Preempted by state law. Even laser pointer pen thingies are banned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmyers Posted October 9, 2013 at 03:33 PM Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 03:33 PM Go with Bob. Prohibited by the city. Preempted by state law. Even laser pointer pen thingies are banned. Really on the laser pointers? I was up there last week and every conference I was in they were using laser pointers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retiredmajor Posted October 9, 2013 at 04:24 PM Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 04:24 PM Seriously? Laser pointers are banned? It would be funny if it weren't so sad. What's next.......40 oz sodas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flw Posted October 9, 2013 at 04:51 PM Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 04:51 PM What was the anti's public reason for banning lasers? I can't think of any thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TyGuy Posted October 9, 2013 at 04:53 PM Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 04:53 PM Go with Bob. Prohibited by the city. Preempted by state law. Even laser pointer pen thingies are banned.I've heard they can bring down airplanes and destroy trains. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rookie139 Posted October 9, 2013 at 04:58 PM Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 04:58 PM I know it's a misdemeanor to point a lser pointer at an aircraft but don't know about them being banned in Chicago..I know they aren't banned statewide...Granted I don't work in Chicago but heck...It's Chicago...I wouldn't be surprised based upon their track record if they are banned in Chicago Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WindyCityGuy Posted October 9, 2013 at 05:20 PM Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 05:20 PM If it was built into the weapon so it can't be removed I think you are 50/50. If it is an aftermarket accessory I think you will end up arrested for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
03rev Posted October 9, 2013 at 06:05 PM Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 06:05 PM If it was built into the weapon so it can't be removed I think you are 50/50. If it is an aftermarket accessory I think you will end up arrested for sure. They will have 2 things on me then. I will be carrying my stock mags and I will throw my laser on just for fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
defaultdotxbe Posted October 9, 2013 at 06:20 PM Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 06:20 PM What was the anti's public reason for banning lasers? I can't think of any thing.A LEO was shot and killed by a criminal who used a laser sight, so the city decided to ban them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warners Posted October 9, 2013 at 06:49 PM Author Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 06:49 PM I thought the whole "preemption" thing covered us on all this, though? It sounds like it's going to be something that gets addressed and resolved definitively in court after someone gets arrested for it, huh? I rarely go into the city anyway, so it's not a HUGE issue for me, but I do go downtown periodically so I'd like to be aware. Not to cloud my initial question, but is there ALSO a capacity limit in Chicago and/or Cook county that I need to be aware of? Or is that another "we'll see in court" type questions? Warner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
defaultdotxbe Posted October 9, 2013 at 06:57 PM Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 06:57 PM I thought the whole "preemption" thing covered us on all this, though? It sounds like it's going to be something that gets addressed and resolved definitively in court after someone gets arrested for it, huh? I rarely go into the city anyway, so it's not a HUGE issue for me, but I do go downtown periodically so I'd like to be aware. Not to cloud my initial question, but is there ALSO a capacity limit in Chicago and/or Cook county that I need to be aware of? Or is that another "we'll see in court" type questions? WarnerThe preemption covers "handguns" and "handgun ammunition" so the question is whether laser sights and other accessories (such as magazines) are in fact preempted or not Chicago currently has a 15 round cap on magazines, Cook has 10 and other towns and villages vary. That is another thing that will end up in court Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mata777 Posted October 9, 2013 at 07:11 PM Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 07:11 PM What was the anti's public reason for banning lasers? I can't think of any thing. A while a ago an officer was gunned down with a handgun equipped with a laser inside his vehicle in Chicago by *surprise* a ganbanger. The anti's are positive that any handgun with a laser can be simply picked up and shot accurately by anyone. I can tell from personal experience from showing new shooters how to shoo that is nowhere near the case. I like them as a training aid to show new shooters just how much their gun is moving around while prepping a shot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
defaultdotxbe Posted October 9, 2013 at 07:20 PM Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 07:20 PM What was the anti's public reason for banning lasers? I can't think of any thing. A while a ago an officer was gunned down with a handgun equipped with a laser inside his vehicle in Chicago by *surprise* a ganbanger. The anti's are positive that any handgun with a laser can be simply picked up and shot accurately by anyone. I can tell from personal experience from showing new shooters how to shoo that is nowhere near the case. I like them as a training aid to show new shooters just how much their gun is moving around while prepping a shot.Heres a tribune article about gangs and laser sights from 1996 http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1996-04-08/news/9604080181_1_laser-sights-chicago-police-gang-member Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mata777 Posted October 9, 2013 at 07:25 PM Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 07:25 PM What was the anti's public reason for banning lasers? I can't think of any thing. A while a ago an officer was gunned down with a handgun equipped with a laser inside his vehicle in Chicago by *surprise* a ganbanger. The anti's are positive that any handgun with a laser can be simply picked up and shot accurately by anyone. I can tell from personal experience from showing new shooters how to shoo that is nowhere near the case. I like them as a training aid to show new shooters just how much their gun is moving around while prepping a shot.Heres a tribune article about gangs and laser sights from 1996 http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1996-04-08/news/9604080181_1_laser-sights-chicago-police-gang-member Thanks for posting this. This is what the antis think of lasers taken from that article."a laser sight that attaches to a gun and can turn a novice into a marksman." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warners Posted October 9, 2013 at 07:37 PM Author Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 07:37 PM Thanks for posting this. This is what the antis think of lasers taken from that article."a laser sight that attaches to a gun and can turn a novice into a marksman." Not that there any truth in that statement, but assuming there was, wouldn't you WANT the person with the gun to hit what he or she was aiming at? Or just spray bullets around all over the place? I definitely am not following that logic.... Warner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mata777 Posted October 9, 2013 at 07:47 PM Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 07:47 PM Thanks for posting this. This is what the antis think of lasers taken from that article."a laser sight that attaches to a gun and can turn a novice into a marksman." Not that there any truth in that statement, but assuming there was, wouldn't you WANT the person with the gun to hit what he or she was aiming at? Or just spray bullets around all over the place? I definitely am not following that logic.... Warner It would be a good scenario if they were only shooting at rival gangbangers, but that has never been the case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kster Posted October 9, 2013 at 08:09 PM Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 08:09 PM just saying...if bangers actually hit their targets....wouldn't we have less bangers to worry about? just saying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
defaultdotxbe Posted October 9, 2013 at 08:51 PM Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 08:51 PM Thanks for posting this. This is what the antis think of lasers taken from that article."a laser sight that attaches to a gun and can turn a novice into a marksman." Not that there any truth in that statement, but assuming there was, wouldn't you WANT the person with the gun to hit what he or she was aiming at? Or just spray bullets around all over the place? I definitely am not following that logic.... WarnerAlso from the article Gang members also used their Uzis and their Tec-9s to spray houses with gunfire in drive-by shootings, sometimes hitting nothing but the night air. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drylok Posted October 9, 2013 at 08:56 PM Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 08:56 PM Don't ya'll ban plastic bags up there? I'd say it's there are rules against lasers and they are pre-empted by state Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burtonrider10022 Posted October 9, 2013 at 11:44 PM Share Posted October 9, 2013 at 11:44 PM Really on the laser pointers? I was up there last week and every conference I was in they were using laser pointers. I use a laser mouse... should I avoid surfing the web in front of CPD? Seriously? Laser pointers are banned? It would be funny if it weren't so sad. What's next.......40 oz sodas? The majority of the voters up their consume their beverages from 40 oz cans, so it's doubtful. I've heard they can bring down airplanes and destroy trains. A laser hitting a cockpit is no joke. At that distance the 5mm beam that leaves the laser pointer is now several feet across. The pilots eyes are adjusted for pitch darkness and pupils dilated, a blinding flash of light can cause vision distortion for several minutes. That's not a Chicago law, it's a federal law. (against shining lasers at airplanes) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RockerXX Posted October 10, 2013 at 12:21 AM Share Posted October 10, 2013 at 12:21 AM A laser hitting a cockpit is no joke. At that distance the 5mm beam that leaves the laser pointer is now several feet across. The pilots eyes are adjusted for pitch darkness and pupils dilated, a blinding flash of light can cause vision distortion for several minutes. That's not a Chicago law, it's a federal law. (against shining lasers at airplanes) At one time I sold a product that had a laser pointer in it, I did a bunch of research and consulted many 'professionals' before releasing that product and learned a lot about them at the time, and found out very fast that much of the hyped dangers are hyperbole in regards to your common <5mW laser pointers... By the time the laser focus from an over the counter <5mW laser pointer has expanded from about 1/8 inch to several feet across it's going to be 1000s of times dimmer, it's not going to dilate any pupils, especially if it's red, in fact you likely won't even notice it at that distance... For an over the counter <5mW laser point to cause any kind of 'flash' blindness you would have to be within a give or take one hundred feet and aiming directly for the eyes... This chart from wikipedia outlines the hazards (note this is green) as you can see from 3,700 feet or more it's pretty much just a distraction, and at normal flight altitudes it's irrelevant... The effects from 'red' laser pointers on the human eye of the same power is about 1/35 that of 'green'... So when dealing with 'red' divide all the numbers on the chart by 35, they purposely choose 'green' to hype and exaggerate the issue, an issue that wouldn't apply to 'red' pointers anywhere near that of 'green'... http://en.wikipedia....y_distances.gif The legitimate concern is on landing or take off when the pilot is visually focused and every second counts and the distance from the laser is less, a laser could scatter across the wind shield causing a glare or cause a temporary distraction, and if the person was in the immediate vicinity (a few hundred feet) they could cause some flash blindness if they happened to get a direct hit to the eye... In reality a lighting strike is more distracting, and has a better chance of causing temporary flash blindness or even headlights from oncoming traffic when driving your car... Of course all bets are off when you get beyond the <5mW laser pointers and into the more powerful units, or are deliberately out to cause an issue... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burtonrider10022 Posted October 10, 2013 at 08:56 AM Share Posted October 10, 2013 at 08:56 AM I meant to mention that the power played a factor, not sure how I forgot. Interesting point about red vs. green though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
handyflyer Posted October 10, 2013 at 02:06 PM Share Posted October 10, 2013 at 02:06 PM I am a commercial pilot. I have been "lasered" on the approach to an airport. Nashville of all places. It was one of the higher powered ones for sure. It illuminated the entire cockpit. Luckily, the autopilot was on and it lasted only 1 second. There have been cases of pilots being temporarly blinded by the bigger lasers. That being said, the one's mounted on most weapons will have very little effect on me while flying over. They're just not powerful enough. That and the beam spreads out too much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
handyflyer Posted October 10, 2013 at 02:12 PM Share Posted October 10, 2013 at 02:12 PM And yes, it was a green laser. I got to see the FBI office in the Nashville airport after that. We were trying to pinpoint exactly where it came from. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarCry Posted October 10, 2013 at 02:32 PM Share Posted October 10, 2013 at 02:32 PM I don't know the answer as it stands right now, but once the CCWs start issuing, FCCA will protect against this sort of ordinance (if I'm reading this right): The regulation, licensing, possession, registration, and transportation of handguns and ammunition for handguns by licensees are exclusive powers and functions of the State. Any ordinance or regulation, or portion thereof, enacted on or before the effective date of this Act that purports to impose regulations or restrictions on licensees or handguns and ammunition for handguns in a manner inconsistent with this Act shall be invalid in its application to licensees under this Act on the effective date of this Act. The part where it says "on licensees", I believe, should give some pretty good cover against this nonsense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RockerXX Posted October 10, 2013 at 05:30 PM Share Posted October 10, 2013 at 05:30 PM I meant to mention that the power played a factor, not sure how I forgot. Interesting point about red vs. green though. Yeah power is a big concern as is color, sorry about the rant but in the time I was selling my product with a laser pointer, I would get at least 2 emails a month from do-gooders yelling at me for selling a product designed to blind people an bring down aircraft... It got real old real quick even though I knew they were coming and deleted them... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobPistol Posted October 10, 2013 at 08:54 PM Share Posted October 10, 2013 at 08:54 PM What was the anti's public reason for banning lasers? I can't think of any thing. Because the thugs they love will get hurt. That's why If it is an aftermarket accessory I think you will end up arrested for sure. It will be seized and you'll get an administrative ticket, they only do it for the revenue. Chicago currently has a 15 round cap on magazines, Actually it is 12 rounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundguy Posted October 10, 2013 at 10:49 PM Share Posted October 10, 2013 at 10:49 PM Chicago currently has a 15 round cap on magazines, Actually it is 12 rounds Chicago changed it this summer to 15. It was 12 in the post-McDonald era. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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