July 30, 2026
Thursday Bulletin – July 30, 2026
Executive Director’s Message
Richard Pearson
Civilian Marksmanship Program Announces Sale Of M14s
Excerpt from Article by Cam Edwards of bearingarms.com
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has offered military surplus rifles for sale to members of CMP-affiliated clubs for many years. After approvals from the Army and ATF, it has been announced that the CMP will soon start selling over 100,000 historic M14 rifles to American citizens with the first sales now expected to occur in late 2026.
The CMP revealed that the rifles will be modified to be “permanently and irreversibly semi-automatic rifles,” and will be “fully compliant with CMP enabling legislation authorizing the transfer and sale of military surplus .30 caliber rifles.” This could open the door to apply the same logic to the millions of surplus 5.56 firearms (M16A1, A2, A4s, etc.) in military storage, provided Congress tweaks the organization’s charter to include that caliber (currently the CMP is only allowed to sell surplus U.S. military .30-caliber and .22-caliber rifles).
The CMP hasn’t said how much the surplus M14s will cost, but the best guess is probably somewhere around $3,000 to $3,500, to compete with other high-end commercial M14-pattern rifles.
We’ll be keeping our eyes out for any more details, but the CMP’s announcement is significant, both in itself and what it might portend for the future.
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Litigation Update
There have been no updates since last week but, in case you missed it, below is the most recent commentary on our litigation efforts:
Usually, this time of year is as dull as can be as far as litigation goes, but not this year. Here are the reasons. The Seventh Circuit, which is the federal appeals court for Illinois, has ruled the Cook County semi-auto ban constitutional. The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) was requested to issue a writ of certiorari to the Seventh Circuit, and it has done so. A writ of certiorari is an order from a higher court to a lower court to send a certain case up for review. The lawsuit is Viramontes v Cook County, which has been combined with a Connecticut lawsuit, Grant v Higgins. Connecticut has a similar semi-auto and magazine ban. The Seventh Circuit has also ruled the Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA), the Illinois semi-auto ban, constitutional – which, in MY opinion, should be renamed the “Protect Illinois Criminals Act” instead, since it takes away the most effective firearms that law-abiding citizens have for self defense. The ISRA lawsuit, Harrel v Raoul, which was combined with the NSSF lawsuit, Barnett v Raoul, and several others, were filed in the Seventh Circuit requesting the PICA be declared unconstitutional. The Seventh Circuit upheld the State of Illinois’ arguments and declared PICA, the Illinois ban, constitutional.
Our attorneys are now requesting the SCOTUS issue a writ of certiorari to the Seventh Circuit regarding the Harrel V Raoul and other combined lawsuits be sent to the Supreme Court for review. Just because the Supreme Court reviews a lawsuit does not mean they will rule on it, but the case is certainly in the running.
The Third Circuit has just ruled the New Jersey semi-auto ban unconstitutional. The New Jersey ban is very similar to the Illinois ban. Now we have a dispute between two circuits. The only court that can settle the dispute in the Supreme Court of the United States.
There are other lawsuits out there also. Maryland is an example. What happens to the cases which may not get a writ of certiorari? Various parts of those cases will be submitted the SCOTUS so they can review, if they wish, the evidence presented in those cases. These are known as amicus ( amicus curiae – friend of the court ) briefs. The ISRA is now working on an amicus brief, which is due September 4th.
When will these cases be heard? The SCOTUS meets the first Monday in October, but I don’t think we will hear anything until the last part of June. Whether or not states can ban commonly possessed firearms will be a big decision.
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On Tuesday, the 7th of July, we partnered with the NRA, gun shops and several individuals, to get rid of the 72 hour waiting period Illinois requires before you can pick up your firearm after passing a background check. This lawsuit is Pearlstein v Raoul. The ISRA believes a right delayed is a right denied. There are no historical precedents for waiting periods once you have passed your NICS background check. We are waiting to hear from the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The ISRA continues to fight for YOU!
We will keep you apprised of any other movement on litigation as we become aware of it.
To donate to the ISRA to help us continue the fight for Second Amendment rights,
Thank you for standing with the ISRA as we defend the rights of law-abiding Illinois gun owners!
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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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My Two Cents
BUY AMMO!
I expect ammunition prices to continue to rise. China is choking off the supply of antimony, which is critical in the making of ammunition. Antimony is used in hardening lead and in making priming compound. My advice is to STOCK UP NOW!
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The ISRA Range Has Classes, Leagues, Special Events And More!
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!
For more info on Classes, Leagues, Special Events and more, go to 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; Meetings resume in 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 – This meeting is canceled for the remainder of this summer.
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
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LAST CALL! – ISRA 123rd Anniversary / 250th Commemorative Coin Raffle
You must either call the ISRA office to purchase your tickets or order online by 11pm, August 4th, to 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.
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.
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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Please CLICK HERE for information on the rest of our RAFFLES.
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“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list. The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson
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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
August 1 (Sat) NRA Range Safety Officer – Sparta, IL – 8:30am – 6:00pm
August 20 – 23 (Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun) Massad Ayoob – MAG40 – World Shooting & Recreational Complex – 8:30am – 7:00pm
September 5 – 6 (Sat, Sun) IL Concealed Carry – Clubhouse – 9:00am – 5:30pm
*** Please contact academy@isra.org for any training or class questions and check the ISRA Range Calendar 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
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Super Tidbit
After the successful siege of Boston, George Washington began moving the Continental Army to New York with the goal of defending the strategically important city and surrounding area. This forced the British to retreat to Nova Scotia to regroup. They did not take kindly to being kicked out of Boston. The Continental Army was short on everything, as Washington had inherited a poorly trained and vastly under-equipped army. Washington had only about 9,000 troops in his command, while the British, on the other hand, had plenty of everything and had landed 20,000 troops on Staten Island, with another 12,000 on the way. A huge British fleet blockaded and controlled New York Harbor.
General Washington and the Continental Army took up a position on the Guan Heights on Long Island. On August 21, 1776, British General Howe managed to slip around the Continental Army and attacked their flank. Despite having secured several paths of attack against the Guan Heights, Washington had failed to secure the Jamaica Pass. This was a fatal error and had disastrous consequences: the Continental Army suffered heavy casualties. Over 1,000 men were captured and sent to British prison ships, notorious for being hellholes. Men were starved, but most died of disease. More patriots would die in captivity than were killed in action.
Washington and the Continental Army were in big trouble. They had to retreat to Brooklyn Heights. The British and the Hessian mercenaries were on the verge of destroying the Continental Army. Hearing this, American General Stirling led 400 militia from Maryland and Delaware on a sacrificial mission to hold off the British. This gave Washington and the troops another night to escape. General Stirling was captured and spent the rest of the war in captivity. They became known as the “Maryland 400”—the Revolutionary War version of the 300 Spartans.
In an attempt to save the Continental Army, General Washington called together a council of his generals to brainstorm. Pennsylvania Brigadier General Thomas Mifflin suggested crossing the East River during the dark of night. Washington agreed. At 7pm on the night of August 29, 1776, the plan was put into action. The wheels of the wagons were muffled, wrapped in cloth, burlap, or what ever they had. Everything was done with speed and the utmost silence. General Mifflin and the Pennsylvania Brigade volunteered to be the rear guard in case they were discovered. If the British attacked, few, if any, would survive. These men and the “Maryland 400” were examples of the sacrifices these people were willing to make for freedom—not for their freedom, but for the freedom of others.
Boats were rounded up and loaded with men, cannons, and what little ammunition and other supplies they had. One by one, boats went back and forth through the strong currents of the East River. Time was running out. There was no way they would be done by sunrise. The British would surely see them. Suddenly, a heavy fog rolled in so thick that visibility was only 20 feet. By 7 a.m., the last boat was about to leave to make the crossing. General George Washington, having made sure all his troops had crossed before him, was the last man to board.
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Tidbits
July 30, 1945 – The USS Indianapolis was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine and sank in shark-infested waters. The Indianapolis was on a secret mission to deliver the atomic bomb to the island of Tinian in the South Pacific. No one knew the Indianapolis was out there except the Captain, the crew and the Pentagon.
Those who survived the sinking watched as sharks ravaged the men who had already died or had fallen off the lifeboats due to dehydration and injuries. All they could do was watch and pray, hoping that a passing ship would see them and rescue them before they were all taken by the sharks.
Finally, on August 2, a submarine crew on routine patrol saw the remaining men and radioed for assistance. The ship’s Commander, Captain Charles McVay, was court-martialed for failing to sail a zigzag course which would have helped in evading the enemy submarines. Many believe that McVay was simply a scapegoat. He committed suicide in 1968. Finally, in 2000, Congress cleared his name.
July 31, 1777 – The Marquis de Lafayette had become a Major General in the Continental Army. Lafayette served without pay.
July 31, 1975 – Jimmy Hoffa, famed leader of the Teamsters Union, goes missing. No part of his body was ever found, and my guess is, it will never be.
August 1, 1861 – Robert Fitzroy makes the world’s first weather forecast. Fitzroy served in British Navy and was tasked to observe and give weather reports to aid in preventing the massive loss of life every year on the oceans. In a five year period, more than 7400 shipwrecks occurred near the British coast. His “weather forecast”, a term he coined, became very popular and were followed and counted on by those putting on events such as fairs, flower shows, agricultural events and horse races. His first forecast predicted “62 degrees and sunny” for London. Hmmm…I wonder if it snowed that day.
August 2, 1776 – Delegates sign an enlarged version of the Declaration of Independence. Eight days later, the news of the signing reached London. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall in King George’s throne room.
August 2, 1918 – United States troops land at Archangel in northern Russia. They are part of an Allied intervention in the civil war raging in Russia at the time. The Allied powers were worried that the Bolsheviks, also known as the “Reds”, would defeat those in favor of the monarchy, also known as the “Whites”. It was too little, too late.
August 3, 1482 – Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain. History reports the expedition had three ships, the Santa Maria, the Pinta and the Nina. What history forgot was that Columbus actually had four ships, the fourth being the Saint Paulo…the lead ship that sailed off the edge of the Earth.
August 4, 1784 – Russia begins to settle Alaska. Russian fur trader, Grigory Shelikhov, establishes the first permanent Russian settlement on Kodiak Island.
August 5, 1962 – Actress Marilyn Monroe is found dead in her Los Angeles home. The police determined she had overdosed on pills which she took for her depression, but further study indicated there was foul play. What really happened was so deep, none of us will ever know
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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.
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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Stand Strong &
Thank you for being a member!
– Richard Pearson
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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