Illinois

Illinois Compliant Firearms

Yes, you can buy and own a rifle similar to an AR-15 in Illinois — as long as it is configured to comply with the Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA). Dark Storm Industries offers several Illinois legal AR-15 style options, including Fixed Magazine Rifles and Bolt Action Rifles.

Our Fixed Magazine Rifles feature a non-removable 10-round magazine and are configured to avoid the prohibited characteristics outlined in PICA. These rifles retain key features such as an adjustable stock and pistol grip, offering a practical and legal solution for residents seeking a compliant AR-15 in IL. Under current law, they are not classified as assault weapons and are available for civilian purchase.

We also manufacture Bolt Action Rifles that are IL legal AR alternatives. These rifles are exempt from the PICA restrictions due to their non-semi-automatic action. Built on our billet receiver platform and chambered in 5.56 NATO, they are legal to own with detachable magazines and offer an ideal option for precision, tactical, or utility use in restricted states.

For those interested in building their own Illinois compliant AR-15, Dark Storm offers Fixed Magazine Lower Receivers as well as DSI Builder Boxes — perfect for first-time or experienced builders looking to create their own compliant rifle in Illinois. We also recommend our BF-10 Ejection Port Loaders for faster reloads with fixed mag platforms.

To better understand why these configurations are compliant, we recommend reviewing the PICA feature flowchart provided by the Illinois State Police and our legal opinion letter from Barr & Klien PLLC, a respected Illinois constitutional law firm.

Contact your local FFL to confirm legality in your area. If you are an Illinois FFL interested in offering compliant firearms, apply to become a dealer.

FAQ

How do I know these ARs are legal in Illinois?
Laws define what is prohibited — not what is permitted. The Illinois State Police’s official PICA Identification Guide outlines the criteria for legality. You can view it here.

Is there a legal analysis beyond what DSI says?
Yes. We commissioned a formal legal opinion from Barr & Klien PLLC, a law firm specializing in Illinois constitutional law. You can read their full letter here.

Are all AR-15s banned in Illinois now?
No. The fixed magazine configuration — like the SKS mentioned on page 18 of the ISP guide — remains legal. Our fixed mag AR-15 rifles are the modern AR equivalent. See page 83 of the guide for the flowchart explaining how these rifles are exempt.

Can I see that flowchart?
Yes, it is embedded below and available for reference in the ISP Identification Guide linked above.