Smoke pours out of the back of a shooters gun after taking a shot on Thursday, January 17, 2013. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media
Illinois State Police say a record number of state residents are applying for Firearm Owner's Identification cards this month. It's also meant long waits for card applicants. Sun-Times Media file photo
Gun owner Frank Tripoli holds his daughter Tessa, 17 months, and a Remington 870 express 12 guage shotgun at his home in South Elgin. Tripoli owns guns to protect his family. January 17, 2013 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
SOUTH ELGIN — Frank Tripoli owns two guns: a Remington 870 Express 12-gauge shotgun (something he considers not a gun, but a “tool” for deer hunting) and a Hi-Point Compact 9-millimeter handgun. He used to own more, including an AK-47 — one of those much …
