SPRINGFIELD – A new law carried by State Senator Patrick Joyce will increase the max capacity of centerfire hunting rifles.
“Centerfire rifles are often preferred by hunters due to the stopping power needed to cleanly harvest large game, such as deer and elk,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “These hunting rifles are also very reliable in freezing, damp or rugged outdoor conditions.”
Senate Bill 2756 will increase the max capacity of centerfire rifles from one to three rounds. This will put Illinois on par with all other states, as Illinois is the only state that institutes a single-shot limit on centerfire rifle capacity. Joyce led previous legislation that formally legalized the use of single shot centerfire rifles for deer hunting season. Since its introduction, centerfire rifle use among youth hunters has jumped to just over 50 percent.
Single-shot rifles increase the possibility of severely wounding a deer without giving hunters the opportunity to humanely put the deer down with a second shot. Non-resident hunters, and some Illinois hunters, either need to modify existing rifles or buy new ones to hunt in Illinois. Joyce’s law could increase the number of non-resident hunters visiting the state on hunting trips. Centerfire rifles are also an easier gun to handle for women and children, which could make hunting more accessible and safe.
Senate Bill 2756 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.
