Chicago, Naperville, Rockford, Peoria, Springfield, Champaign or Southern Illinois: Illinois buyers can order from JCM Armory and pick up at a licensed dealer near them. JCM Armory is a licensed firearms dealer (FFL) in Joppa, Maryland. We ship to local FFLs in 49 states (not California). Illinois has some of the more detailed firearm rules in the country, so please read this page, and check with your dealer, before you order.
How buying a gun online works in Illinois
- Pick your firearm and your dealer. Add the gun to your cart and choose a licensed Illinois dealer at checkout. Make sure your FOID card is current before you order, and confirm the dealer can transfer the exact model.
- Off to your dealer. We keep your FFL’s license on file and ship the firearm to their address. Home delivery of firearms isn’t an option.
- FOID check, wait and pickup. Show your FOID card and ID, complete ATF Form 4473, and the dealer runs the Illinois State Police check. Illinois requires a 72-hour wait before delivery.
What to know about firearm transfers in Illinois
FOID card required. Illinois residents must hold a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card, issued by the Illinois State Police, to acquire or possess a firearm. New applications are processed within 30 days.
72-hour waiting period. Under 720 ILCS 5/24-3, dealers must withhold delivery of any firearm for 72 hours after the purchase agreement.
State background check. Illinois is a full point-of-contact state; dealers run checks through the Illinois State Police.
Protect Illinois Communities Act. Illinois bans the sale and purchase of firearms the Act defines as “assault weapons” (including AR-15-style rifles) and of magazines over 10 rounds for long guns or over 15 rounds for handguns. The Seventh Circuit upheld these restrictions on July 9, 2026 (Barnett v. Raoul), and the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a related Cook County, Illinois case on December 2, 2026. Treat the ban as in force: we can’t ship covered rifles or over-limit magazines to Illinois buyers. This law is being challenged in court and may change; we follow the stricter rule until it’s settled. Ask us before ordering.
Endorsement affidavits for pre-Act items. Illinois residents who owned covered rifles or magazines before the Act had to file an endorsement affidavit with the Illinois State Police through the FOID portal by January 1, 2024. Grandfathered items can’t be sold to another Illinois resident, only to a dealer or out of state.
Gun laws differ by state and city and can change. You are responsible for following all federal, state and local laws, and your Illinois dealer can help with specifics. This overview isn’t legal advice. Some items we sell may not be legal to buy in Illinois; your dealer will not transfer an item that state law prohibits. Last reviewed: October 21, 2026.
Shipping and fees
- Guns at $300 or above: shipping is on us.
- Ammunition: we cover shipping when your ammo adds up to $750 or more.
- Below those amounts, it’s a single $15 flat rate, and firearms travel separately from ammo.
- Powder or primers in your order add a $40 hazmat surcharge, set by the carriers.
- Your Illinois dealer charges their own transfer fee.
Popular categories for Illinois buyers
- Shotguns for pheasant, ducks and deer (Illinois limits deer firearms; check IDNR rules)
- Bolt-action rifles
- Handguns (compliant magazines only)
- Optics
- Ammunition
- Holsters
Illinois hunting rules, including legal deer firearms, are set by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a FOID card to buy a gun in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois residents need a valid FOID card to buy or possess any firearm or ammunition.
Is there a waiting period in Illinois?
Yes. Dealers must wait 72 hours after the purchase agreement before handing over any firearm.
Can you ship an AR-15 to Illinois?
No. The Protect Illinois Communities Act bans the sale of most AR-style rifles and over-limit magazines, and the Seventh Circuit upheld it in July 2026.
Can a gun be shipped to my house in Illinois?
No. Firearms ship only to a licensed FFL dealer, where you complete the paperwork and background check before pickup.
Is shipping free?
On firearms priced $300 or more, yes. Ammo ships free once you have $750 of ammunition in the cart. Other orders pay a flat $15, and powder or primers add a $40 hazmat fee.
Do you ship to every state?
We ship firearms to local FFL dealers in 49 states. We do not ship to California.