February 19, 2026
Thursday Bulletin – February 19, 2026
Executive Director’s Message
Richard Pearson
Get Ready For IGOLD 2026!
IGOLD 2026 is set for April 15, 2026, and we need you in Springfield!
The Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD) will be held at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield, Illinois. Doors open at 10:00 AM. This is your opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with thousands of law-abiding gun owners and send a clear message to lawmakers:
WE WILL DEFEND OUR RIGHTS.
This year matters more than ever. We are behind enemy lines. There is no question about that. When you are behind enemy lines, all like-minded groups must stick together. This includes gun rights groups, hunters, gun collectors, gun shops, gun clubs, shooting ranges, FFLs, manufacturers and YOU.
The so-called “Responsibility in Firearm Legislation” Act (RIFL Act), a bill under consideration in the Illinois House and Senate, would eliminate the sales of new firearms in Illinois by establishing an over-the-top licensing fee for manufacturers to be able to sell firearms to retailers (FFLs) in Illinois. The RIFL Act is the anti-gunner’s dream. If this legislation were to pass, no manufacturer would participate in this scheme. No manufacturers means no merchandise, no more retailers, no more firearms sales. Remember when they said that they are not against hunters, shooting clubs, individual law-abiding gun owners? Well, that was all a lie, all along. That is why IGOLD is so important this year and your participation is crucial!
Remember what Benjamin Franklin said (attributed to him during the signing of the Declaration of Independence): “We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.”
Our special guest this year is David McDermott, founder of McDermott Law Group. With over 27 years of courtroom experience and national recognition as a self-defense expert, David brings insight, energy, and a fighter’s spirit. You won’t want to miss his message.
IGOLD began in the early 1990’s as Illinois State Rifle Association Lobby Day, and became IGOLD, Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day, with input and assistance from other gun groups in Illinois. The goal was to put a face on Illinois gun owners. In 2013, more than 8,200 gun owners filled Springfield. One early attendee was Otis McDonald, whose US Supreme Court case, McDonald v Chicago, changed the nation, and helped pave the way for Illinois Conceal Carry. IGOLD proves what happens when we stand together.
Now it’s our turn again.
Please take a moment right now and:
Click the Facebook event link HERE.
Click “Going.”
Click “Invite” and invite all your friends.
Share the event to your profile.
Let’s pack the Bank of Springfield Center.
Set up carpools. Organize your club. Sponsor a bus. Bring family and friends.
Politicians notice numbers. The media notices numbers. And numbers send a message.
We will support those who support our rights. We will oppose those who don’t. And we will never apologize for exercising the freedoms guaranteed to us.
Mark your calendar for April 15, 2026.
Doors open at 10:00 AM.
Springfield, Illinois.
Let’s make this the biggest IGOLD yet.
We teach safety. We stand for freedom. We never back down.
See you in Springfield!
To Join or Renew Your ISRA Membership, CLICK HERE.
Legislative Update
The General Assembly reconvened on 2/17.
You can find the House calendar HERE and the Senate calendar HERE to view all the legislative session deadlines.
You can follow along by clicking the ISRA Legislation Page.
Litigation Update
ISRA SUPPORTING
Schoenthal v Raoul (7th Cir.) – At this time, the State of Illinois has submitted their answers to the Supreme Court Conferences of the Justices.
We need extra support right now, so please… donate HERE.
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – click HERE.
From The NRA – Updated Training Credential Fee Structure
NRA credentialing update as of 2/1/2026
There is an adjustment to the NRA Training Credential Fee Structure. As of February 1, 2026, the updated fee structure below is in effect.
Credentialing Fees
Member: $40
Non-Member: $175
Additional Rating Activation Fee
Member: $20
Non-Member: $40
The current instructor renewal rates have remained static since 2019 despite increases in operational costs. This adjustment will allow us to continue delivering high-quality training programs and maintaining the Basic Firearms Training Program with a focus on:
– Continued investment in digital systems, including upgrades to the instructor portal.
– Expanded development of new courses, to be announced soon.
– Expanded instructor resources, curriculum development, and program support.
Additionally, this new fee structure establishes parity between members and non-members; previously, members were paying more between their membership dues and credential fees than non-members.
If you just renewed your membership, please wait 24-48 hours to ensure membership and instructor credentials sync up and so you are invoiced correctly.
The NRA appreciates your continued commitment to firearms education, safety, and responsible instruction. You role as an NRA Trainer is vital to the NRA mission and we thank you for your dedication to our core values of Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude.
Please contact the Training Department at training@nrahq.org for any questions.
2026 NRA Illinois State Indoor Pistol Championships – Bullseye
ELGIN ILLINOIS – Elgin Rifle Club – CLICK HERE.
At the intersection of Iberg and Bellm Rds., approximately 1.3 miles Southeast of Highland, Illinois, near St. Louis, Mo.
9:00 AM, 12:00 & 3:00 PM Saturday, March 21, 2026
HIGHLAND ILLINOIS – Highland Pistol & Rifle Club – CLICK HERE.
405 Ramona Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120
9:00 AM & 11:30 Sunday, March 22, 2026
Match Fees:
Adults $35
Juniors $15
Matches (Standard indoor course of fire):
Rimfire Centerfire
Match #1 20 shots SF Match #6 20 shots SF *
Match #2 20 shots TF Match #7 20 shots TF *
Match #3 20 shots RF Match #8 20 shots RF *
Match #4 30 shots NMC Match #9 30 shots NMC *
Match #5 AGGREGATE Match #10 AGGREGATE
Match #11 Grand Aggregate
Note: Juniors will shoot .22 in the centerfire portion of the match, but
will compete only amongst themselves. An 1800-all-fired with the .22
will determine the junior championship.
If you are unable to make the relay, please notify us 48 hours in advance so another
competitor can take your place. Additional relays will be scheduled only if needed.
Rules: Current NRA pistol rules will govern. Course of fire: Standard indoor course.
*Note for match 6 and slow fire in match 7, only 5 shots will be fired on each target.
Note also that rules (22.1) .22 Caliber Only Aggregate Match. Also, any local range
safety rules will apply, and the deputy match director will be responsible for enforcing
them.
Targets: B-2 slow fire, B3 timed & rapid-fire target. Tuning targets will be used.
Competitors: You do not need to be an NRA member. Competitors must have
equipment that meets all rules and match specifications. All record shots must be fired in
the same relay, i.e., you cannot shoot a 900 in the morning and a 900 in the afternoon or
the next day, etc.
Classification: NRA classifications will be used, and current NRA rules will apply. It is
the competitor’s duty to have their current classification card when entering the
tournament. Unclassified shooters will obtain a temporary score record book from the
match director and shoot in the Master class for the first match.
Awards: A .22 Pistol will be given away in both the Northern and Southern Championship events.
Contacts:
For Elgin Ralph Wilson – rawilson@rawilson.net – 224-828-1322
For Highland John B. LaBusier – jblphoto@yahoo.com – 618-246-6648 (before 9 PM)
Aurora Sportsman’s Club Hosts “Bullseye 101” Class
Are you curious about Bullseye? Wonder what it is? Wonder what it takes to shoot it? The ASC Bullseye Department is hosting a “Bullseye 101” clinic on Sunday, March 29, 2026. This clinic is intended for new-to-Bullseye shooters and will hopefully answer all your questions about the game, equipment, matches, and basic shooting process. The clinic will also include some range time to allow you to practice what you learn as well as get the feel of an actual bullseye match.
The clinic includes:
This clinic is free and open ASC members and invited guests. Shooters of all ages (over 10yrs) and skill levels are encouraged to attend.
Come join us for a fun day!
ISRA Academy Announces 2026 Massad Ayoob Group Classes
The Illinois State Rifle Association is very excited to announce we are hosting multiple Massad Ayoob Group classes this year including MAG20 Live Fire, MAG30, MAG40, and MAG80. Please click on the class title to learn more about each one, including pre-requisites.
MAG20 will be May 2-3, 2026
MAG30 will be June 12-14, 2026
MAG40 will be August 20-23, 2026
MAG80 will be August 26-30, 2026
MAG40 will be held in Sparta, IL, at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex, all others held at ISRA Range in Bonfield, IL.
Registration is now open!! Register early as seats are limited!!
Please use THIS LINK to register for MAG20, MAG40, or MAG80.
Please use THIS LINK to register for MAG30.
Every Eligible Person In Your Home Should Have A FOID Card.
We often receive calls about a husband who has passed away and left his wife with a gun collection. The problem is the wife does not have a FOID card. Don’t let this happen in your household. Spouses should have a FOID card. Be sure that anyone whom you might want to handle your firearms has a FOID card.
“Money can only buy happiness if you spend it on freedom. Join the ISRA today.” ~ Richard Pearson
The “ISRA Paladin” Sustaining Membership
The ISRA recently introduced our new sustaining membership. The membership is called the “ISRA Paladin.”
When you become an ISRA Paladin, you join the front line in defending the Second Amendment in Illinois. Your commitment helps power the ISRA’s training, education, and legal efforts that protect the rights of every law-abiding gun owner in our state.
What is a PALADIN—and why should you become one?
In the time of King Charlemagne, the Paladins were his most trusted and honorable knights—sworn to act with courage, defend the innocent, and protect what was just. Their loyalty and leadership made them legends. Today’s ISRA Paladins carry that same spirit. They stand firm for freedom, safeguard the innocent, and defend our rights against those who would take them away.
You can be a Paladin member and an Annual, Life, Endowment, Benefactor, or Patron member concurrently. Every bit helps.
If you would like to become a ISRA Paladin member, please call the office at 815-635-3198. You may also print out the Paladin Membership card below and send it to the ISRA office along with your annual dues (see card below).
Thank you for your continuing support of the mission of the ISRA!
Gently-Used Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2® Raffle
Ticket prices:
1 Ticket – $10
3 Tickets – $25
7 Tickets – $50
15 Tickets – $100
For more Information, CLICK HERE.
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 on this raffle, contact:
ISRA – PO Box 637 – Chatsworth, IL 60921
(815) 635-3198 or E-Mail: member@isra.org
“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list. The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson
Education & Training @ ISRA Range, Bonfield, IL.
*Every Thursday (unless otherwise noted) ISRA Precision Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
March 21 & 22 (Saturday & Sunday) Concealed Carry Class – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 5:30pm
March 22 (Sunday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 12:00pm
March 29 (Sunday) Armed Women of America – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 11:00pm
May 2 & 3 (Saturday & Sunday) Massad Ayoob – MAG20 – Range 8 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 5:30
June 12 – 14 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) Massad Ayoob – MAG30 – Range 11 – 8:00am – 6:00
August 20 – 23 (Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun) Massad Ayoob – MAG40 – World Shooting & Recreational Complex – 8:30am – 7:00
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.
ISRA Members: To view the nIllinois Shooter – Winter 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
Tidbits
February 19, 1945 – United States Marines invade the island of Iwo Jima. The island was defended by 21,000 Japanese troops. The United States Marines, Navy and Army Air Corps attacked with 110,000 troops. On March 26, 1945, the island was secured. The raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi and the accompanying photo, became an iconic inspiration for the American people and one of the many symbols of the victories attained by the United States Marines. The Marine Memorial in Washington D.C. Is the depiction of the raising of the flag that day on Mount Suribachi.
When I began my teaching career, one of my fellow teachers was an ex-marine who taught US History and World History, which was the same thing that I taught. He was a pistol shooter and we became fast friends despite a 30 year difference in age. He told me that when he left for the Marines, his father gave him a 1917 Colt Revolver chambered in .45 ACP. He said he had used it several times to dispatch Japanese soldiers “to the lower regions.”
While on Iwo Jima, a Japanese artillery round exploded sending shrapnel into his leg. He was taken to the hospital for surgery. Several sailors there were eyeing his Colt 1917. They told him that when he went under anesthetics they would take it; there was no way he was losing his Colt. He had surgery alright, without any anesthetic, and his loaded Colt 1917 in his hand. Needless to say, the swabbies didn’t mess with him or his Colt. How does this suit you, Generation Z?
February 20, 1942 – Navy pilot Edward “Butch” O’Hare became America’s first World War II flying ace. Lt. Commander O’Hare was based on the aircraft carrier USS Lexington. The job of the Lexington during this time was to attack the major Japanese airbase at Rabaul in the Solomon Islands.
Lieutenant O’Hare, a Chicago native, was a fighter pilot in a squadron made up of F4F Wildcats. In four minutes, Lt. O’Hare shot down five Japanese bombers. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery posthumously. He was killed in action on November 26, 1943, and his plane was never found. In 1949, Chicago officials renamed Orchard Field Airport (hence ORD) to O’Hare International Airport.
February 20, 1792 – President George Washington signs legislation renewing the United States Post Office as a cabinet department led by the Postmaster General.
February 21, 1948 – The National Association of Stock Car Racing, a.k.a. NASCAR, is officially incorporated. On June 19, 1949, at the Charlotte Speedway, NASCAR held a strictly stock car race. The 200 lap race was seen by 13,000 fans with top prize money at $2000.
February 22, 1980 – The U.S. Olympic hockey team beat the Soviet Union. It became known as the “Miracle on Ice” as the American team pulled off the legendary win, buoying the spirit of the nation.
February 22, 1819 – Florida is ceded to the United States. After the French and Indian War, Florida became a part of the British Empire. Florida was then returned to Spain as part of the Second Treaty of Paris, which ended the American Revolution. Secretary of State, John Quincy Adams, then negotiated the purchase of Florida by assuming the debt that America had accrued against the Spanish Empire. The cost of the acquisition was $5 million dollars.
February 22, 1732 – George Washington was born. Happy birthday Mr. President. The country you helped establish owes you a debt of gratitude.
February 22, 1946 – American diplomat George Kennan sent what has been come to be known as the “Long Telegram”. Kennan warned the West and, in particular, the United States, that peaceful coexistence with the Soviet Union was probably impossible. He also warned President Franklin D. Roosevelt that hope in Joseph Stalin working with him in good faith was completely misplaced. These ideas and opinions became the underpinnings of what would become the “Cold War”.
February 23, 1861 – Abraham Lincoln arrived in Washington D.C. Abraham Lincoln is, arguable, the smartest President we have even elected, except for Thomas Jefferson. When he arrived in Washington, the United States was on the cusp of the Civil War. Amazing to think that he might have been a catalyst that brought about the Civil War, but he was also the right man for the top job during those tumultuous times.
February 24, 1932 – Malcolm Campbell sets world land speed record speed of 253.96 mph. He achieved this while driving his famous “Blue Bird” car at Daytona Beach, Florida. .
February 25, 1836 – Samuel Colt patents first multi-shot revolving-cylinder revolver. This enabled the firearm to be fired multiple times without reloading.
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.
Mar. 7 – Mar. 8, 2026 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee County Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
Mar. 8, 2026 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St Charles, IL.
March 28 – March 29, 2026 Belleville Gun & Knife Show – Belle-Clair Fairgounds, Belleville, IL.
March 28 – March 29, 2026 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
April 11 – April 12, 2026 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
April 18, 2026 National Civil War, Military, and Collector Arms Show, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, IL.
April 19, 2026 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St Charles, IL.
May 16 – May 17, 2026 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee County Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
June 19 – June 21, 2026 Pecatonica Gun Show, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica, IL.
Sept. 12 – Sept. 13, 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.
Other Events
Mar. 14, 2026 Sandy Ford International Pistol Event, Sandy Ford Sportsman Club Indoor Range, 720 S Bloomington St, Streator, Illinois
April 11, 2026 Sandy Ford International Pistol Event, Sandy Ford Sportsman Club Indoor Range, 720 S Bloomington St, Streator, IL.
ISRA Town Hall Monthly Meetings
Come and meet fellow activists and learn the latest on protecting our Second Amendment Rights!
Livingston County – 4th Saturday of the month – South Post Guns, 104 Livingston Rd., Streator, IL; Social Hour 4:30pm – 5:30pm; Meeting 5:30pm – 6:30pm
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 – Golden Corral, 1591 S Randall Rd., Algonquin, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
South Suburban/Cook County – 2nd Thursday of the month – New Location: Cooper’s Bar and Grill, 15158 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Forest, IL; Doors open 6:30pm; 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
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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