Hand-Picked Daily GUN DEALS, and Exclusive Coupons Codes >>>
We review products independently. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support our testing. Learn more.

Weekly Wrap: Hawaii Cracks Down on Ammo & Illinois Faces New Gun Purchase Hurdles

Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun Ammo
Hawaii pushes for new age restrictions on ammo purchases while Illinois residents might face more background checks and training requirements.
We review products independently. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support our testing. Learn more.
JUMP TO SECTION Jump To:

    Welcome to a weekly series here on Pew Pew Tactical dedicated to the gun news you need to know.

    Weekly Wrap PPT Shadow Systems

    So, keep reading for this week’s notable news headlines…

    Table of Contents

    Loading…

    Hawaii Cracks Down on Ammo: Pushes to Ban Purchases for Those Under 21

    Lawmakers in Hawaii are cracking down on ammunition, making strides to limit ammunition purchases to those 21 years and older.

    SB2345 passed the State House earlier this week 46-5. The measure aims to raise the minimum age to purchase ammunition to 21 and require retailers to verify the age of purchasers by checking government-issued IDs.

    Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun Ammo
    Shotgun Ammo

    Additionally, it outlaws the possession, ownership, or control of ammunition for anyone under 21, meaning that if retailers sell to a person under that age, they could face criminal charges.

    Though the proposal outlines exceptions for those “actively engaged” in hunting and target shooting, it doesn’t define what “actively engaged” means, nor does it mention self-defense purposes.

    Glock 18 Shooting Targets

    “The bill would implement new age restrictions for ammunition, prohibiting persons under the age of 21 from purchasing or possessing ammunition, with very limited exceptions,” the NRA-ILA, the legislative wing of the National Rifle Association, said in a statement.

    “This legislation follows a similar tactic taken by other anti-gun states, pushing laws that discriminate against young adults from lawfully exercising their Second Amendment Rights.”

    10. Henry Big Boy X Different Ammunition

    The bill has previously won favor in the State Senate, passing 22-3. It now heads to conference so the two versions – House and Senate – can be combined.

    From there, it will land on Governor Josh Green’s (D) desk for signing. It’s worth mentioning that Green has already signed anti-gun legislation during his time in office.

    9mm Ammo in Stock

    Deal
    Grain
    Cost Per Round
    Notes
    124gr
    $0.26
    CYBERWEEK 8% off, Free Ship $149+
    115gr
    $0.26
    Free Shipping
    115gr
    $0.27
    124gr
    $0.27
    147gr Subsonic
    $0.26
    124/147gr Hollow Point
    $0.80
    CYBERWEEK 8% off, Free Ship $149+
    124/147gr Hollow Point
    $0.80
    CYBERWEEK 8% off, Free Ship $149+

    Illinois Residents Face New Firearm Purchase Hurdles

    Illinoisans could soon be required to undergo firearms training and multiple background checks if a proposed bill clears the House.

    HB3239 would amend the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act, adding a training requirement for renewals and new applicants, as well as a special permit for firearm purchases.

    Handgun Women SW Shield 9

    Under the proposal, residents would be required to visit their local law enforcement department to undergo a background check and fingerprinting. They would then receive a permit valid for 180 days that would allow them to purchase a firearm. At the time of purchase, residents would have to surrender the permit to the FFL.

    “It’s like a punch card; you get to buy one per permission slip,” William Kirk, president of Washington Gun Law, told the Washington Examiner. Kirk explained that the process basically means multiple background checks for a singular purchase.

    Just because someone works behind a gun store counter they’re not automatically experts. Do ask questions but take what is said with a grain of salt.

    “Illinois residents will have to go through a background check, to get a background check to get a background check,” Kirk said. “Illinois also has the goofy [Firearm Owners Identification] card as well, so anyone who has a FOID card has to undergo a background check, then, of course, anyone who has ever purchased a gun knows that any FFL is going to run you through a federally-mandated background check and then you have to go through a background check when you get your permission slip from local police.”

    In addition to the purchase permit, the bill would also mandate residents to provide proof of completion of an 8-hour, state-approved firearms training course in order to get their Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID) – whether they are renewing or applying for the first time.

    A FOID Card is required to legally possess guns and ammo in the state.

    Illinois FOID
    Illinois FOID (Photo: State Journal-Register)

    According to the Illinois State Police, almost 19% of residents currently have a FOID card, roughly 2.4 million people.

    The bill’s sponsor, Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia), was one of several legislators invited to the White House in December by the newly created Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

    Classroom side
    The bill would also require training to apply or renew a FOID card.

    “The deadly status quo is unacceptable. It is important that we come together to share the common sense gun policy ideas that are taking shape in states across the country,” Hirschauer said about the event.

    “Together, we can craft comprehensive legislation to address everything from firearm industry accountability to innovative community-based violence prevention programs.”

    The bill is currently awaiting review by the Illinois House Judiciary Criminal Committee.

    Sources

    The Best Gun Deals, Coupons and Finds

    Subscribe to Pew Pew Tactical's sales and deals email.

    3 Leave a Reply

    • Elvis Barbee

      So a person can join and go fight and die for this country but they can’t buy ammo if they are 18 years old. Oh yeah who does this benefit? Not a law abiding citizen

      April 8, 2024 4:23 pm
    • Douglas

      So basically Illinois is making it harder to buy a gun from a gun store than buying one "on the street": in a state where only gangs seem able to easily acquire one.

      April 7, 2024 9:06 pm
    • Gene

      re Hawaii: the age of majority is 18. re Illinois: That's what you voted for? Stay out of my state with Illinois tags.

      April 7, 2024 10:20 am
    Join the community! Log in
    Please provide a valid email address.
    Password is required.
    or
    Register
    Please provide a valid display name.
    Please provide a valid email address.
    The password should contain at least 8 characters with at least one number or special character.
    Please accept in order to continue.
    By unsubscribing, you will not be able to access exclusive training courses in your profile. You will still be able to save and access your products and articles.
    or
    Trouble logging in?
    Type your email address and we’ll send you a link to reset your password.
    Please provide a valid email.
    Password
    Type your new password and hit button below to confirm it.
    Field is required.
    Account already exists
    We already have an account registered for email address () which is linked to your Facebook account.
    To log in type your Pew Pew Meter password below.
    Field is required.
    Account already exists
    We noticed that you have previously logged in with your Account which is linked to the same email address () - we can link both of your accounts together.
    In order to link your accounts, hit button below and log in to your Account with the same email as above.

    Account in Pew Pew Tactical means more.

    Login or create a free account to get the following
    Access and save hundreds of reviews, gun guides, and articles!
    Find the best daily deals on guns, gear, and ammo
    Manage your newsletter subscriptions and comments