Thanks for this info - not a typical scenario, and very easy for people to not think about if they have never had to do this.You might also have some terrible firearms laws to deal with. Illinois has a Firearms Owner ID card.
Once you take possession of the firearm in the terminal you would be in violation. If you were connecting, the airline remains in possession.
People have been arrested in NJ after their flights were diverted and they picked up their firearms.
I would recommend if you have to switch airlines:
- extend your layover to 2 hrs
- connect through a free state