50 CALIBER RIFLES

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961 relating to the unlawful use of weapons. Prohibits the sale, manufacture, purchase, possession, or carrying of 50 caliber rifles. Provides that a violation is a Class 2 felony, unless the weapon is possessed in the passenger compartment of the a motor vehicle or upon the person, while loaded, in which case a violation is a Class X felony. Exempts: (1) peace officers while in performance of their official duties; (2) wardens, superintendents, and keepers of prisons, penitentiaries, jails, and other institutions for the detention of persons accused or convicted of an offense; (3) members of the Armed Services or Reserve Forces of the United States or the Illinois National Guard, while in the performance of their official duty; and (4) persons licensed under federal law to manufacture those weapons. Provides that the provision prohibiting the sale, manufacture, purchase, possession, or carrying of 50 caliber rifles does not apply to a person that possesses a 50 caliber rifle before the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that such person shall only be allowed to transfer a 50 caliber rifle to a dealer licensed as a federal firearms dealer on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act.