Gun sellers, after sales spike ahead of state assault weapons ban, say law won’t survive

A photo of assault weapons on display at Maxon Shooter’s Supplies in Des Plaines before the passage of the Illinois assault weapons ban on Jan. 10, 2023. Owner Dan Eldridge says he will keep the inventory in storage, hoping the law will be struck down. (Provided photo)

In the days before Illinois’ assault weapons ban was signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday, business ticked up at Maxon Shooter’s Supplies, a gun shop in suburban Des Plaines.

Handgun sales doubled, and rifle sales were 10 times what they were over the last year, according to owner Dan Eldridge.