Michael Winter

USA TODAY

A federal judge Monday struck down Chicago's ban on handgun sales within the city.

The ordinance, passed by the City Council in 2010, "goes too far in outright banning legal buyers and legal dealers from engaging in lawful acquisitions and lawful sales of firearm," U.S. District Court Judge Edmond Chang wrote, the Chicago Sun-Timesreported.

The law forbade gun shops and prohibited gun owners from taking firearms outside their homes.

Chang delayed the force of his ruling to give the city time to challenge it.

Four years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Chicago's ban on the possession of guns within city limits was unconstitutional.

Statewide, a week-old law on private gun sales requires a seller to check a buyer's credentials with the state police before transferring ownership.

Another new gun law allows Illinois residents to apply for concealed-carry permits.