Not in Illinois. Silencers are legal in 42 states but Illinois is not one of them. There are only eight states that currently do not allow an individual to own a silencer and if you happen to live in Illinois, then you live in one of them. Here is the shortlist of other states that do not allow you to own/possess a silencer; California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.
What kind of trouble can you get into if you are found to possess a silencer illegally?
From the research that I have been able to find you are potentially looking at a class 3 felony that can lead you into a probation sentence or send you away for a two to five-year prison stint. Ouch, right?
According to the summary of the Illinois House Bill 3912 below it appears that Illinois is attempting to pass/allow the use of silencers on the premises of a firing or shooting range. Did I read that right? Or, did I miss something?
Illinois House Bill 3912 Summary
Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a person also commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons when the person knowingly uses, attaches, or possesses with the intent to use or attach (rather than possesses) any device or attachment of any kind (deletes designed, used, or intended for use in) for silencing the report of any handgun. Permits the use, attachment, or possession with the intent to use the device or attachment on the premises of a firing or shooting range. Prohibits the possession of any device or attachment of any kind designed, used, or intended for use in silencing the report of any other firearm if the device or attachment is not possessed in compliance with the federal National Firearms Act. Provides that a person also commits the offense of unlawful sale or delivery of firearms when he or she transfers or gives a suppressor or silencer to a person not authorized to possess the suppressor or silencer under federal law. Amends the Wildlife Code. Removes the prohibition of using a silencer or other device to muffle or mute the sound of the explosion or report resulting from the firing of any gun. Effective immediately.
Check out the article for yourself along with all the legal verbiage and let me know how you interpret it. Here is the link to the Illinois House Bill 3912.
Thank you for reading.
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