June 18, 2026
Thursday Bulletin – June 18, 2026
Executive Director’s Message
Richard Pearson
Thank You For Your Continued Support!
From Richard Pearson, Executive Director of the Illinois State Rifle Association:
The Illinois General Assembly adjourned its 2026 Spring Session. We have good news to report! Because of your support, freedom held the line in Springfield.
This year, the Illinois State Rifle Association tracked more than 350 firearm-related bills and fought every day to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners. The results speak for themselves.
The so-called Glock Ban failed.
The extreme RIFL Act failed.
The ammunition serialization and tax scheme failed.
Broad new firearm restrictions at polling places were significantly weakened before the legislature adjourned without action.
These victories didn’t happen by accident. They happened because ISRA was there – monitoring legislation, testifying in committee, meeting with lawmakers, and mobilizing thousands of gun owners across Illinois.
In a state where anti-gun politicians hold super-majorities, stopping bad legislation is often the biggest victory of all. This year, the ISRA delivered big time
If you’ve ever wondered whether your membership matters, the answer is YES! Every membership dollar helps fund the legislative advocacy, grassroots education, legal efforts, and the communications needed to defend the Second Amendment in Illinois. The victories from this session are proof that your investment is being put to work wisely. But the fight isn’t over.
The politicians who introduced these bills will be back with new proposals and new attacks on our firearm rights. That’s why we need your continued support. If you’re already a member, thank you. If your membership has expired, please renew today. If you’re not yet a member of the Illinois State Rifle Association, now is the time to join.
Together, we can continue to defend freedom and protect the rights of Illinois gun owners.
Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, follow us on social media, and share this video with your friends and family.
Thank you for standing for the Second Amendment.
Thank you for helping to ensure that freedom held the line in Springfield.
Thank you for standing with the ISRA!
Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – CLICK HERE.
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Harmeet Dhillon Discusses Trump DOJ’s Strategy For Taking Down Democrat Gun Bans
Condensed Exerpt from DailyCallerNewsFoundation.org article by Harold Hutchinson.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, led by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, created a Second Amendment Section in December 2025 and is using it to challenge state and local gun restrictions. Dhillon told the Daily Caller News Foundation the unit’s strategy is to bring cases that create “circuit splits” between appellate courts so the Supreme Court will take them up, aiming for nationwide rulings that could invalidate bans such as those on semiautomatic weapons and high-capacity magazines.
Current high-profile suits target Denver and Colorado’s magazine rules in the Tenth Circuit, which could conflict with other circuits that have upheld similar bans. Dhillon said the section can’t pursue every law it sees as unconstitutional, so it prioritizes cases likely to have the largest legal impact and a “trickle-down” effect on other jurisdictions.
The Second Amendment Section also is probing administrative practices, including an investigation into Philadelphia’s handling of concealed-carry permit revocations. Dhillon defended the DOJ’s role when criticized by some pro-gun groups for defending parts of the National Firearms Act in other cases, saying policy debates belong in Congress while the DOJ defends existing federal law.
Dhillon reiterated the section’s goal: make it easier for law-abiding citizens to obtain and carry firearms quickly and to push for a clear Supreme Court ruling protecting popular semiautomatic rifles and related firearms. She invited private litigants to use the DOJ’s work in their own suits and said the unit will continue to target laws and practices chosen for maximum constitutional impact.
To view full article by Harold Hutchinson, CLICK HERE.
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Legislative Update
Veto session is on the way and we are waiting. We will keep you apprised of any news on legislation as we become aware of it
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The up-coming 2026 veto session dates for the Illinois Senate are:
November 17th, 18th, 19th and December 1st, 2nd, 3rd.
You can find downloadable PDF versions of the House calendar HERE and the Senate calendar HERE to view all the legislative session deadlines.
The ISRA maintains a list of the most important bills under consideration in the Illinois State Legislature; the most current list is always the ISRA Legislation Page. Click and follow along!
Thank you for standing with the ISRA and for defending the rights of law-abiding Illinois gun owners.
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – CLICK HERE.
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Litigation Update
No updates for now. We are still waiting on the Seventh Circuit.
We will keep you apprised of any other movement on litigation as we become aware of it.
Thank you for standing with the ISRA and for defending the rights of law-abiding Illinois gun owners!
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“The Complete Combatant” Class With Brian Hill
Pistol Proficiency is our 2 day class for the more INTERMEDIATE – ADVANCED shooter. Both IRON sights and RED DOT sights are welcome in this class!
Saturday, June 27 & Sunday, June28 / 9am – 6:00pm (arrive 8:30am)
This class is for the person that wants to advance their skills to be more prepared for any eventuality. Pistol Proficiency will use paper and steel targets! We invite you to attend as many times as you like because it is never the same class twice. As the shooter’s skills advance, the class standards will become more challenging.
We will finish classes with a few words from your coaches, Certificates of Participation (or emailed), and hand out White Ant Rank Patches.
TOP SHOT: Our Top Shot Award (and prize) will be given out to the person that shoots the highest score on the “end of day” test. This is a HUGE accomplishment that should not go unnoticed. CONGRATS!
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED AWARD: Our Challenge Accepted Award goes out to the person that faced their fears, changed their mindset, and worked their bums off to accept the challenge of working through obstacles. The person that earns this award will also receive a “one on one” consultation with Tom Kelly of
Dark Star Gear. You will discuss your current gear, goals and ways to improve your shooting journey. This consult will include up to $250 GIFT CERTIFICATE. This GC will be “spent” according to your gear “needs” after your consultation. Thank you Dark Star Gear!
You will register/pay for courses online. Keep the receipt, payment is your first confirmation. Your second and official confirmation from Brian Hill will arrive via email about a week prior to class (check your SPAM). Please arrive to class 30 minutes early to complete waivers and registration.
For more information or to register for the class, CLICK HERE.
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The ISRA Range Has Classes, Leagues, Special Events And More!
From now until June 30th, we will be giving $50 off new member initiation fees when one joins the ISRA Range. We offer 18 different shooting leagues. Some are weekly and some are monthly, and all of them are fun. There is no better place to learn new things and for camaraderie while you improve on your marksmanship skills. It’s a great place for you to shoot!
Check Out These ISRA Leagues:
On the first Saturday of every month, we have the Steel Challenge. The league starts at 8:00am. This is one of our most popular leagues. New shooters welcome for this league. CLICK HERE for details.
The first Sunday of every month is when the Black Powder League meets. If you haven’t ever shot Black Powder before, we have loaner rifles and instruction available. Black Powder is a hoot. Be there about 8:00 am. New shooters are welcome. CLICK HERE for details.
On Sunday, June 21st, the NEW ISRA Concealed Carry League will kick off at the ISRA Range in Bonfield. The league is from 9:00AM until Noon. Registration is at 8:30AM with the first match kicking off at 9:00AM. This is a great chance to practice you concealed carry skills and have fun at the same time. This league is sponsored by Springfield Armory. New shooters welcome for this league. CLICK HERE for details.
The Glock League will have two relays this year, a morning relay and an afternoon relay. The Glock League meets the last Sunday of the month. New shooters welcome for this league. CLICK HERE for morning details and CLICK HERE for afternoon details.
Come and join in one of the many leagues we have! We’ll see you at the range!
To check out all of our classes, leagues and other events, browse the ISRA Range calendar! – CLICK HERE.
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ISRA Town Hall Monthly Meetings
Come and meet fellow activists and learn the latest on protecting our Second Amendment Rights!
Livingston County – 4th Tuesday of the month – South Post Guns, 104 Livingston Rd., Streator, IL; Summer meetings are postponed until August.
Madison County – 1st Wednesday of the month – Piasa Armory, 625 Lewis and Clark Blvd., East Alton, IL; Doors open at 6:15pm; Meeting starts at 6:30pm
Northwest Suburban – 3rd Tuesday of the month – Algonquin/Dundee area – New Location – GAT Guns, 970 Dundee Ave, East Dundee, IL – Discounted Pistol Range from 4pm to 6pm, Social starts at 5:30pm, Meeting 7pm – 8pm, Catering fee $20
South Suburban/Cook County – 2nd Thursday of the month – New Location: Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant, 14459 LaGrange Rd, Orland Park, IL; Doors open 6:00pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
Will County – 3rd Wednesday of the month – Silver Dollar Restaurant, 422 E. Mississippi Ave., Elwood, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
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“Money can only buy happiness if you spend it on freedom. Join the ISRA today.” ~ Richard Pearson
ISRA 123rd Anniversary / 250th Commemorative Coin Raffle
Win one of the 123 Great Prizes!
Including 16 Firearms
First Prize: Rock River RBG 1-S 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle
Download The ISRA 123rd Anniversary Prize List
When you purchase this year’s challenge coin you are helping fund our side of the battle that we are in. You will also be entered into a drawing for 123 great prizes. There is one prize for every year of our existence. A list of these prizes is on the enclosed order form mailed directly to you. The more tickets you purchase gives you additional chances to win a prize and help us fight on to victory.
The winning tickets will be drawn August 5th, 2026, at the Illinois State Rifle Association headquarters. All entries must be postmarked by July 25, 2026.
The Illinois State Rifle Association is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization, donations to Illinois State Rifle Association are not tax-deductible. Prize must be claimed within 90 days of drawing.
Ticket Donations:
1 ticket & One coin for $30
3 tickets & One coin for $50
7 tickets & One coin for $100
20 tickets & One coin for $250
45 tickets & One coin for $500
100 tickets & One coin for $1000
600 tickets & One coin for $5000
For more raffle info or to order tickets online, CLICK HERE.
Download The 123rd Anniversary Raffle Order Form
For a Complete List of All Prizes, click here! Please Read The Fine print:
Official Rules
For other questions or information on this raffle, contact:
ISRA – PO Box 637 – Chatsworth, IL 60921
(815)635-3198 or E-Mail: member@isra.org
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Henry Golden Boy .22lr NRA 2nd Amendment Tribute Edition Raffle
Chambered in .22lr / Only 2,000 produced in 2016 / MSRP $1,100 – $1,350
Drawing will be held July 9th, 2026. Entries being mailed must be postmarked by July 2nd, 2026.
Ticket prices:
1 Ticket – $20
3 Tickets – $50
8 Tickets – $100
25 Tickets – $250
For more Information on the raffle and to purchase tickets – CLICK HERE.
Please Read The Fine print:
Official Rules
For other questions or information on this raffle, contact:
ISRA – PO Box 637 – Chatsworth, IL 60921
(815) 635-3198 or E-Mail: member@isra.org
The Illinois State Rifle Association is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization, donations to Illinois State Rifle Association are not tax-deductible. Winner of the firearm must comply with all Federal, State and local laws. Prize must be claimed within 90 days of drawing.
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“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list. The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson
Education & Training @ ISRA Range, Bonfield, IL.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to start time.
*Every Thursday (unless otherwise noted) ISRA Precision Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
June 20 (Saturday) ISRA Academy – CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 1 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 12:00pm
August 20 – 23 (Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun) Massad Ayoob – MAG40 – World Shooting & Recreational Complex – 8:30am – 7:00pm
August 26 – 30 (Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun) Massad Ayoob – MAG80 – ISRA Range, Bonfield (more info TBA)
*** Please contact academy@isra.org for any training or class questions and check the ISRA Range for links to dates, times, descriptions of ISRA activities and events.
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ISRA Members: To view the
Illinois Shooter – Spring 2026, click HERE.
If you would like to donate to us, please CLICK HERE.
Thank you for your support!
GET IN THE FIGHT, STAY IN THE FIGHT, JOIN THE ISRA
To Join the ISRA, CLICK HERE.
The Illinois State Rifle Association
is the home of marksmanship in Illinois
Super Tidbit
The British were pushing hard against the American Colonies in June, 1776. In the south, the British were stirring up the Cherokee, Creeks, Choctaw and Iroquois Federation. The British were doing all they could to break up any relationships the native Americans had with the settlers. As was mentioned previously, the British were arming the Native Americans with all kinds of equipment.
One prize the British were looking at was the port of Charleston, South Carolina. South Carolina was expecting a British attack and began building a fort on Sullivan’s Island to defend the harbor and city. Naturally it became known as Fort Sullivan. The British were about to receive a lesson on attacking people on their home turf.
The South Carolinians built their fortifications out of palmetto wood, with walls 16 feet thick. The British were used to attacking fortifications made of wood, mostly oak, maple and other hard woods, which cannonballs would blow apart easily. However, palmetto wood is quite different, unbeknownst to the British. Palmetto wood is soft and absorbs cannonballs and mortar shells like a sponge.
The Americans were short on gunpowder, as usual, and were outnumbered 435 to 2,200. Fort Sullivan was commanded by William Moultrie. General Lee ordered Moultrie to abandon Fort Sullivan but he refused knowing, if he did, the British would have an easy foothold in South Carolina.
The British began to bombard Fort Sullivan but, to their dismay, they inflicted very little damage. At one point, British sailors on board the well-armed British ships were so frustrated at the lack of damage, they over-loaded their cannons and mortars. The excess loads managed to tear up the planking on the gun decks. The British Troops then attacked using shallow draft boats to get to the fort but they were met by South Carolina riflemen whose sniper fire forced the boats to retreat. Our friend “American marksmanship’ once again helped turn the tide of battle.
The British hit Fort Sullivan with around 10,000 shells to no avail. William Moultie fired only about 1,000 rounds of cannon fire but his artillerymen were very accurate, damaging the British ships extensively, Moultie was even able to force one of the British ships to run aground which the British then burned. In the end, the British had 220 casualties, and the Americans suffered 37 casualties. The British decided to sail back to New York.
William Moultrie’s heroic efforts earned him an appointment of Brigadier General by the Continental Congress and the Committee of Five, quite aware of what was going on, were reviewing wording for what was to become the Declaration of Independence.
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Tidbits
June 18, 1775 – Just a few weeks after the “shot heard around the world”, the Battle of Bunker Hill begins. The American troops were under the command of Colonel William Prescott, who reportedly said the famous line “don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.” At 40 yards, Americans unleashed lethal musket fire, driving the British back in retreat. General Thomas Gage reformed his troops and led his men up the hill. The American troops, low on ammunition, were out-numbered by the British and were forced to engage in hand-to-hand combat.
The Patriots were eventually driven back, but the British had suffered nearly 1000 casualties, including 92 of their officers. The Patriots lost 370 troops, a majority of which were shot in the back while retreating.
June 18, 1812 – The War of 1812 begins. The British couldn’t get used to the idea that the United States was a free, independent country. We had to take them to school again.
June 19, 1865 – Juneteenth, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, is a federal holiday (since 2021) in the United States celebrated on June 19 to commemorate the end of slavery in the country. It marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.
June 19, 1944 – The Battle of the Philippines Sea begins. It was nicknamed the Marianna’s Turkey Shoot because of the tremendous losses to the Japanese aircraft carriers and minimum losses to the Americans. The Japanese lost two aircraft carriers and 300 aircraft while the Americans lost only 29 airplanes.
The Japanese admiral thought that their missing aircraft had landed on their airbase on Guam. The next day, he ordered another attack, which was equally bad. By the end of the second day, the Japanese had lost a total of 600 aircraft. It was one of the largest one-sided losses in history.
June 20, 1782 – Congress adopted the “Great Seal of the United States”. The Great Seal centers around the bald eagle which is clutching an olive branch in its right talons and arrows in its left talons. On the eagle’s breast is a shield marked with 13 vertical red and white stripes topped by a field of blue containing 13 white stars. In the eagle’s beak is a banner inscribed the “E Pluribus Unum”, a Latin phrase meaning “Out of many, One.”
The back side of the Great Seal is often overlooked. The backside features a thirteen step pyramid with 1776 in Roman numerals at the base. On top of the pyramid is an “Eye of Providence” with the inscription
“Annuit Coeptis” meaning “He favors our undertakings.” At the bottom of the pyramid there is a scroll which reads “Novus Ordo Seclorum” which is Latin for “New Order for the Ages.”
Now you know more about the Great Seal of the United States than 99.9% of the people.
June 21, 1788 – New Hampshire ratifies the newly created Constitution of the United States. The rules required nine of the thirteen states ratify the newly constructed Constitution. The agreement was the the Bill of Rights would be added later, which occurred on December 15, 1791. New Hampshire was the ninth vote.
June 21, 1916 – The U.S. military expedition into Mexico, commanded by General John J. Pershing, is attacked. The Pancho Villa Expedition – now known officially in the United States as the Mexican Expedition, was originally referred to as the “Punitive Expedition, US Army” and was embarked upon to kill or capture Poncho Villa
In January, 1916, Villa executed 16 U.S. citizens in Santa Isabel, Northern Mexico. On March 9, 1916, Villa raided the border town of Columbus, New Mexico, killing 17 U.S. citizens. The town was burned to the ground. Had it not been for the war in Europe, the United States would have probably declared war on Mexico.
If you recall, in January, 1917, German Foreign Minister, Arthur Zimmermann, was trying to make a deal with Mexico to attack the United States. Fortunately, the British intercepted the telegram an it was revealed to the American public.
During World War I and World War II, German spies and saboteurs made their way into the United States through Mexico. I don’t believe any of this could have been done without the blessings of the Mexico government in some form. Don’t forget your history.
June 21 – Summer officially starts at 3:24AM on June 21. I’m sure you will be getting up to see it start.
June 22, 1775 – Congress authorizes the issue of paper currency, known as “Continental Currency”. It didn’t work out very well. It was said a wagon load of currency would not buy a wagon load of provisions. One of the phrases that was popular was “not worth a Continental”, which became a moniker for anything worthless.
June 22, 1941 – Adolf Hitler double crosses Joseph Stalin and invades the Soviet Union. German intelligence had underestimated the Soviet Army. The German Army was better trained, better equipped, and could have handled one, two or possibly even three German armies. What German intelligence didn’t understand was that the Soviet Union had enough able-bodied men to field 12 or 13 armies. This wasn’t a good idea, Adolf.
June 22, 1953 – A newsboy drops a nickel on the ground and finds more than he bargains for. The nickel broke open and, inside, was a piece of micro film. The newsboy turned it into the FBI and it eventually led to the arrest of the Soviet spy, Rudolph I. Abel.
June 23, 1314 – The Battle of Bannockburn, a decisive engagement in Scottish history whereby the Scots defeated the English, regained their independence, and established Robert the Bruce as Robert I, began this day.
June 24, 1947 – American businessman Kenneth Arnold saw a number of objects “flying like saucers” while piloting a small plane over Mount Rainier in Washington; it was considered the first modern sighting of UFOs and gave rise to the term “flying saucer”.
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Gun Shows
While the gun show information shown in this email is believed to be accurate, sometimes changes occur. This is provided for informational purposes only.
If your club or organization is holding a gun show, event or class, let us know the details, and we’d be happy to post it in our Weekly Range Schedule.
June 19 – June 21, 2026 Pecatonica Gun Show, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica, IL.
Sept. 19 – Sept. 20, 2026 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Sept. 19, 2026 National Civil War, Military, and Collector Arms Show, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, IL.
Oct. 3 – 4, 2026 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
Oct. 24 – 25, 2026 Belleville Gun & Knife Show, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, Belleville, IL.
Oct. 24 – 25, 2026 Sauk Trail Gun Collectors Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
Nov. 7 – 8, 2026 Bloomington Gun & Knife Show, Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL.
Nov. 28 – 29, 2026 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
Nov. 28 – 29, 2026 Sauk Trail Gun Collectors Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
Dec. 6 – Dec. 7, 2026 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Feb. 13 – 14, 2027 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
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Executive Director’s Message
Richard Pearson
Richard Pearson
Stand Strong &
Thank you for being a member!
If you are not an ISRA member, join TODAY!
Donate: isra.org/support-us/
Visit: isra.org/
Upcoming Meetings: isra.org/isra-activities-and-events/
Upcoming Range Events: isra.org/the-range/#range-calendar
PO Box 637
420 E Locust St
Chatsworth Illinois 60921
USA
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