720 ILCS 5/24-2.1 – Unlawful Use of Firearm Projectiles (Armor-Piercing Bullets)
This law makes it illegal for most people to have or sell special kinds of dangerous bullets or shotgun shells.
This Illinois law says that it is against the law to make, sell, buy, or carry certain types of ammo that can pierce armor or cause extra harm, unless you are a law enforcement officer, military member, or someone else legally allowed to handle them.
(a) It is illegal for a person to knowingly make, sell, buy, own, or carry any of these kinds of ammunition: armor-piercing bullets, dragon’s breath shotgun shells, bolo shells, or flechette shells.
Definitions:
“Armor piercing bullet” means handgun ammunition made mostly of hard metals like steel or uranium that can pierce armor. It does not include bullets made mostly of softer metals like lead or zinc, or ones used mainly for sports or industry. Shotgun shells are not considered armor-piercing bullets.
“Dragon’s breath shotgun shell” means a shell made to shoot out flames or fireballs like a mini flamethrower.
“Bolo shell” means a shell that shoots out two or more metal balls connected by a metal wire.
“Flechette shell” means a shell that shoots out small metal darts or wires.
(b) Some people are exempt from this law. It does not apply to:
- Police officers.
- Wardens and workers in prisons or jails.
- Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves, or Illinois National Guard doing official duties.
- Federal officials required to carry firearms on duty.
- U.S. Marshals performing their job duties.
- Licensed gun and ammunition makers or sellers when working within their legal business, such as making, moving, or testing ammo (but not for private use).
- Labs that study or test bullets and explosives.
- Anyone making, transporting, or selling these ammo types to the authorized people listed above.
(c) When charged, the accused person has to prove if they qualify for one of the exemptions listed above.
(d) Sentence: Breaking this law by possessing armor-piercing bullets is a Class 3 felony, which is a serious crime.
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