this is illinois way of saying move to a state that likes the 2nd amendment .....

Damn that is ridiculous..

I can't give you a definite answer, but seems to me, after reading the FOID law, that this is the opinion of the local shops. The law says you need a FOID to possess a firearm, so technically they are right. However I don't think that the intention was to prevent people from simply holding a gun in a shop. The law does exempt people who are at a firing range under the direct supervision of a FOID card holder. It could be that the shop just wants to make sure you are legal to buy before spending any time on you.

I'd call the IL State Police and ask about it if I were you.

Originally Posted by bruce333

.... It could be that the shop just wants to make sure you are legal to buy before spending any time on you.....

i think bruce nailed it here.... foid card backlog its now over 50 days..... no card no purchase, so why let someone who cant buy put their grubby hands on the merchandise?

Looks like FOID 1st, then handgun shopping/purchase 2nd. Basically it's the state's criminal backgroud check approval card.

and then you still have to have an instant check to make sure you preapproved check is still valid

Funny thing though, the rep behind the counter did spend some time talking to me about my intended purchase. He took the gun out of the display case and showed it to me. I can look at it; just wasn't allowed to handle and touch it.

At my local gun shop, in an area where the guns are laying out in the open there is a sign stating you must have a FOID card to enter that area.

I just got my FOID and it only took a little over 3 weeks. Some shops have asked for them right when you come in, some haven't asked for them at all.