August 13, 2026
Thursday Bulletin – August 13, 2026
Executive Director’s Message
Richard Pearson
Judge: Short-Barreled Rifle, Suppressor NFA Registration Scheme Unconstitutional
Press Release by Matt Coffey, media contact, Second Amendment Foundation – SAF.org.
BELLEVUE, Wash. — Aug. 5, 2026 — A judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas has ruled that the remaining registration scheme for short-barreled rifles and suppressors in the National Firearms Act (NFA) is unconstitutional in Jensen v. ATF, a case supported by the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF).
Since 1934, the NFA required anyone who wished to purchase certain classes of firearms, including silencers and short-barreled rifles, to pay a $200 tax and register the firearm with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), purportedly drawing from Congressional authority to levy taxes. Through the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, however, the tax on these arms was eliminated but the registration requirement was left in place. SAF and its partners have filed three lawsuits challenging the remaining registration requirements, because without the tax, Congress’ reliance on their taxing power is no longer justifiable.
“The basis for each lawsuit challenging the NFA registration scheme is the same – without the tax, the remaining requirements for the affected arms under the NFA have no constitutional basis,” said SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut. “And today the first court to rule on the issue has agreed with us. We’re eager to continue this fight and leave major portions of the NFA in the dustbin of history. A big win is a great way to kick things off.”
SAF itself is a named plaintiff in NFA lawsuit Brown v. ATF and is backing two additional challenges – Roberts v. ATF and this case, Jensen v. ATF. Plaintiffs in Jensen are SAF sister organization – Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, FPC Action Foundation, Texas Rifle Association, Hot Shots Custom and three individuals.
“The removal of the $200 tax in the One Big Beautiful Bill offers the best opportunity to remove the NFA registration requirements that we’ve had in almost a century,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “We are thrilled the court ruled in our favor and look forward to other jurisdictions following suit in our remaining NFA cases. This ruling will set a precedent we can now argue in courts across the country to allow Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights without fear of being placed on some government registry.”
The ISRA applauds the SAF in their continued efforts as we continue to support 2A rights in Illinois and beyond! To join us in the fight, CLICK HERE.
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A Message From NRA Board Member Todd Vandermyde
ISRA Members —
Last year I was elected to a one year term on the NRA BoD, which means I have to run again this year. Over the last year, we have begun to make improvements to NRA operations. But we are not done yet. Being from Illinois, a large part of my focus in on helping those behind the “blue” wall or “enemy” lines. It is going to take some work to do as getting an organization this big to change directions is akin to turning the 7th fleet.
But, with your help, I can qualify for the ballot and, with your vote, I can earn a full 3 year term. I believe the NRA is an organization that can be saved and turned into the 8oo pound gorilla of the gun rights movement. But it is going to take a few more people who want to see real change at the NRA to make that happen.
So, if you are an NRA voting member and would take a few minutes of your time and fill out the petition at the link below, I would appreciate it.
Please CLICK HERE to sign my petition.
Thank you,
Todd Vandermyde
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My Two Cents – More On The Winchester Junior Rifle Corps
Winchester Junior Rifle Corps story continued:
Interest in the Winchester Junior Rifle Corps (W.J.R.C) spread across the country after WWI. According to the W.J.R.C., the standard distance to shoot a qualifying score was 50ft. Indoor shooting ranges were then designed around a 50ft distance for both rifle and pistol. Winchester had inadvertently set the indoor shooting standard distance for most everyone.
The targets issued by W. J. R.C. had two sides. The front side had a target with a 9/16ths bullseye and the back side is an advertisement for various Winchester rifles. While the 9/16ths bullseye seems large, one has to remember that the single-shot rifle had only a V-notch rear sight and a single post front sight. Any rifle could be used, not just Winchesters, because Winchester also made rifles for several other companies. Below you will see both the front and back of a W.J.R.C. Target.
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Winchester Model 97 & M12 Trench Guns To Be Available Through Civilian Marksmanship Program
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has announced they will be receiving an unknown number of Winchester Model 97 and M12 trench guns. In WWI, German soldiers feared the trench guns for a couple of reasons. For one, the trench guns were 12 gauge and most German soldiers had never seen a 12 gauge shotgun. In Germany, only noblemen or high government officials had 12 gauge shotguns. The “lower class” Germans were limited to 16, 20, 28 or even 32 gauge shotguns. The other reason the German soldiers feared the trench guns was that they could be “slam fired”, which means a soldier could hold the trigger back, pump the shotgun and it would fire every time. In the confines of a WWI trench, these guns were devastating and the Germans complained that trench guns were an “unfair” advantage. Of course, they had no problem with killing thousands with poison gas attacks, however.
These firearms are wonderful for gun collectors. The gunsmiths at the CMP will have to go through each one to check it for safety and grade the gun for condition. I have no idea when these will become available, but I will keep you informed.
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Litigation Update
Right now, we are in one of those nail-biting quiet times as far as litigation goes. Stuff is happening, but we just can’t see it.
The 72 hour waiting period lawsuit (Pearlstein v Raoul) is moving along and, in addition, we have filed a Notice of Appeal in the Daycare lawsuit (Miller v Meuller). We are also working on an amicus brief in Varimontes v Raoul lawsuit (Cook County semi-auto and magazine ban) which is now being considered by the Supreme Court of the United States. That does not mean they will hear the lawsuit, but they are talking about it. The Supreme Court is not in session until October.
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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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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The ISRA M1 Garand Online Raffle
Includes: WWII U.S. Army M1923 M1 Garand Rifle Cartridge Belt
M1 Garand Raffle Order Form (PDF)
Ticket prices:
1 Ticket – $20
3 Tickets – $50
8 Tickets – $100
25 Tickets – $250
60 Tickets – $500
Link to M1 Garand Raffle Order Form
Please Read The Fine print:
Official Rules
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.
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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“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 14,15,16 (Fri, Sat, Sun) Rangemaster Three-Day Firearms Instructor Development & Certification Course – World Shooting & Recreational Complex – 8:30am – 7:00pm
August 20 – 23 (Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun) Massad Ayoob – MAG40 – World Shooting & Recreational Complex – 8:30am – 7:00pm
September 5 – 6 (Sat, Sun) NRA Basic Pistol/CCL – Classroom/Range 8 & Clubhouse/Range 11 – 8:00am – 5:30pm
September 5 (Sat) Range Work Day – 8:00am – 4:00pm
September 11, 12, 13 (Fri,Sat, Sun) 3-Day Comprehensive Instructor Development for the Dedicated Woman Firearms Instructor – Clubhouse & Range 11 – 9:00am – 5:00pm
*** 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 – Summer 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
George Washington was a far more astute man than the people give him credit for. Things were about to go badly for the Americans, and Washington knew it. He knew he needed time, troops, war materiel, and better-trained soldiers; he was facing a series of battles that would be impossible to win. Washington didn’t lose his head. He planned for the long term.
In August of 1776, General Washington formed the first two army intelligence units—the first being Knowlton’s Rangers, whose mission was to find out where the British were, the strength of those British units, and what they intended to do. Nathan Hale, an American patriot and spy for the Continental Army, who was credited with saying, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country,” before his execution by the British, was a member of Knowlton’s Rangers.
The second newly formed unit was the highly successful Culper spy ring assembled in 1778. Its makeup included servants of the British General’s staff, double agents loyal to the American cause, and couriers made up of women and children. Many of these people were Black Americans. Washington spent one tenth of his military budget on spying. When the Revolutionary War was over, the British admitted Washington’s spying efforts made the difference.
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Tidbits
August 13, 1961 – Berlin becomes a divided city. East German soldiers started laying down barbed wire and brick in the area between East Berlin and the democratic western section of the city. The structure became known as the “Berlin Wall”. It would stand until Ronald Reagan called for the destruction of the wall in 1987. By that time, America had become much stronger and taken more seriously, especially with Reagan’s emphasis of “Peace Through Strength”.
August 14, 1945 – The United States officially announces Japan’s unconditional surrender. Japan would formally surrender in writing two weeks later, on September 2, 1945. Sixteen million men and women had served in the armed forces of the United States in World War II, earning the heart-felt moniker “The Greatest Generation”.
August 15, 1914 – The Panama Canal is finally opened to traffic. The building of the Panama Canal is quite a tail. At first, the French, who had built the Suez Canal in 1869, decided to build the canal, but they went bankrupt. They did not know how to fight all of the diseases from the mosquitoes and all of the things that could go wrong in a tropical location.
The United States had experience with the mosquito problem and yellow fever, all the way from Tennessee to Louisiana, starting in the 1880s. It took three years just to clear the jungle and underbrush, fighting the mosquitoes, so they could start building the canal. Finally, in 1909, construction began. U.S. engineers moved 240 million cubic yards of earth and spent $400 million to construct the 40 mile long canal. Remember, those numbers were 1914 numbers. A great job on the part of the U.S.A.!
August 16, 1896 – George Carmack spots gold nuggets in a creek bed while fishing for salmon. Carmack was fishing near the Klondike River in Alaska with two companions. The discovery led to the last gold rush. Thousands of prospectors and merchants then came to Alaska. In the end, it was the merchants who ended up making all of the money.
August 17, 1943 – General George S. Patton and the General’s Field Marshal, Bernard Montgomery, reaches Massina, Italy first, completing the allied conquest of Sicily. General George S. Patton was one of my favorite generals in history. He wasn’t a politician. He was a General Sometimes he got in trouble because he told it the way it was.
August 18, 1227 – Genghis Khan dies. The great Mongol leader had established an empire that covered most of Eurasia. He was one of the greatest warriors in history. You just have to love a guy who played polo with the skulls of his enemies. Khan died at age 60, probably from a fall from a horse.
August 19, 1812 – The USS Constitution earned the name “Old Ironsides” when it engages the British warship Guerriere. The British Navy was considered invincible, but the USS Constitution changed all of that. The action between the two ships was close and violent, but the American oak, of which the ship was made, was so tough that the British cannonballs bounced off the side. The American victory against the British warship rallied the public opinion to support the war. USS Constitution is the oldest warship in service in the world.
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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. 17 – 18, 2026 Kankakee Gun & Sportsmans Show, Kankakee Fairgrounds, Kankakee, 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. 21 – 22, 2026 Kankakee Gun & Sportsmans Show, Kankakee Fairgrounds, Kankakee, 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.
Dec. 12 – 13, 2026 Kankakee Gun & Sportsmans Show, Kankakee Fairgrounds, Kankakee, 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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