The Foid card is the most useless card in our state. Its not recognized as a state issued id, You still have to receive a background check before you purchase a weapon, and it takes any where from 3 to 6 months to receive your card if approved(which i your not your 20$ application fee will not be refunded). The government isn't holding up to its promise of getting your card to you within 30 days.
From what i have seen for states that have the conceal and carry, it is very effect and has lowered over all crime and as an ex Iraq vet, it makes me feel helpless when i don't have my protection.