Chicago Handgun Rights

On November 2nd, I was mailed a denial for registration for five rifles and one shotgun, four of which are fixed-magazine SKS rifles and are pictured below along with a redacted scan of the letter.

On November 8th, I followed the instructions on the denial letter and faxed a hearing request to the Department of Administration Hearings.  I was called later that day by that office informing me that the new ordinances placed into effect following the McDonald case require that I appear in person to submit the hearing request.

Also on November 8th, I was sent the second denial letter with the corrected Municiple code section cited and indicating the correct appeals procedure.

On November 12th, I took time off from work and appeared in person at the Department of Administration Hearings to file my appeal.

As can be seen in the corrected denial letter, registration of the SKS rifles was denied pursuant to Municiple code Section 8-20-170 (d) on the grounds that they are “assault weapons”.

Section 8-20-010 defines “assault weapons” with respect to rifles as:

(1)     A semiautomatic rifle that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine and has one or more of the following:

(i)     a folding or telescoping stock

(ii)     a handgun grip which protrudes conspicuously beneath the action

(iii)     a bayonet mount

(iv)     a flash suppressor or a barrel having a threaded muzzle

(v)     a grenade launcher;