January 15, 2026
Thursday Bulletin – January 15th, 2025
Executive Director’s Message
Richard Pearson
Safe Storage of Firearms Act
By Ed Sullivan, ISRA Lobbyist
The Safe Storage of Firearms Act, designated as Public Act 101-0031, is now fully implemented. Under this legislation, firearm owners are required to secure their firearms in a safe storage device if certain individuals are present on their premises. The term “premises” is defined broadly as any location under a person’s control, including homes, businesses, or vehicles. Therefore, a safe storage device is necessary for these areas unless the firearm is carried by the owner.
The law specifies three categories of individuals who trigger the safe storage requirement: persons under eighteen years of age, individuals considered “at-risk,” and those prohibited from owning firearms. An “at-risk” individual is defined as someone whose statements or behavior suggest to a reasonable observer that they may be at risk of attempting suicide or causing harm to themselves or others. Additionally, the legislation mandates that firearm owners report any lost or stolen firearms within forty-eight hours of becoming aware of the loss or theft.
Violations of the Safe Storage Act are subject to civil penalties, meaning that individuals may face lawsuits for non-compliance. For example, if a visitor with a criminal record—classified as a prohibited person—were to steal a firearm and subsequently commit a crime, the victim could pursue legal action against the firearm owner for negligence due to improper storage. Similarly, if a criminal were to steal a firearm and suffer injury during a police encounter, their family might file a lawsuit citing negligence.
Concerns have been raised regarding the focus and implications of this law. The Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) continues to evaluate possible legal challenges to its constitutionality.
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As always, it is important to support the ISRA any way you can so that we can continue to follow and fight Illinois legislation that impedes Second Amendment rights. Thank you for your continued support!
For more information on how you can help, call the ISRA office at (815) 635-3198, or e-mail us at member@isra.org today.
ISRA Partners With StopBox
The ISRA is excited to partner with StopBox! While we don’t agree with this safe storage act, we realize that many of our members are at risk because of this. If you have a handgun or select shotguns and rifles that needs to be secured, this is an answer for you. Any proceeds from the sale of StopBox will be used to continue the fight for your gun rights. Scan the QR code to order today or call the office at 815-635-3198 for more information.
Legislative ALERT!!
Springfield is at it again! The RIFL Act is their latest gun-grabber, sleight-of-hand scam. “We’re not banning guns,” they say, while quietly jacking up fees and red tape to price out law-abiding citizens from our 2A rights.
The following is commentary by Ed Sullivan, our ISRA Lobbyist…..
Over the past two decades, my work at the Capitol has given me a front-row seat to the evolving tactics of the General Assembly. Their creativity in imposing taxes, instituting regulations, and challenging Second Amendment protections never ceases to amaze me. Because of this, I have vowed never to utter the words, “I’ve seen it all.” For gun owners, the ongoing struggle to protect Second Amendment rights has been especially pronounced during the Pritzker administration, with the most recent threat emerging in the form of HB 3320 and SB2279 (collectively known as the RIFL Act – Responsibility in Firearm License).
The RIFL Act requires firearm manufacturers to obtain a state license in Illinois. The fees associated with this license are calculated on a pro rata basis and correspond to the public health costs and financial burdens resulting from firearm injuries and deaths. To illustrate, if Manufacturer A’s firearms are involved in 100 out of 1,000 shootings statewide, they would be responsible for 10% of the total healthcare costs related to those shootings. If the total costs amount to $100,000,000, Manufacturer A would be assessed $10,000,000 in fees.
One of the most significant aspects of the RIFL Act is the establishment of a year-one baseline fee of $821,000,000. According to available data, 504,452 guns were sold in Illinois, a number that is likely to include private transactions. Using this figure for analysis, the fee per gun sold would be $1,627.50($821 million divided by 504,452 guns). If private sales are excluded, this fee would likely double. The consequences for failing to comply are steep: a manufacturer that does not obtain a license faces a $1,000,000 fine for each month of non-compliance, while a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) that sells a firearm from an unlicensed manufacturer is subject to a $10,000 fine per incident.
Despite claims from certain legislators in Springfield that they are not seeking to ban firearms and support hunting rights, the reality is that the RIFL Act would effectively halt gun sales in Illinois. Manufactures are unlikely to register their businesses under these conditions, and FFLs will avoid selling firearms from unregistered manufacturers. This legislation represents a direct threat to the Second Amendment community, which must remain united in opposing both the RIFL Act and any lawmakers who support it.
The RIFL Act will price us out of our 2A rights — HELP ISRA STOP THE RIFL ACT!
Be sure to attend IGOLD this year!
For more information on how you can help, call the ISRA office at (815) 635-3198, or e-mail us at member@isra.org today.
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The General Assembly has reconvened for the Spring 2026 session on January 13th.
The Senate has returned on 1/13 and the House will return on 1/20. The deadline for drafting requests is 1/16 and the introduction of House and Senate bills is 2/6. The Governor’s Budget Address will take place on 2/18. IGOLD will take place on 4/15.
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.
IGOLD – Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day
Come to the BoS Center in Springfield, Illinois for Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day on April 15, 2026. The most important day of the year for gun owners in Illinois, IGOLD is when gun owners gather in Springfield to speak with one voice and send a message to the legislature. Dave McDermott, the well known self-defense attorney, will be one of the speakers at IGOLD. You don’t want to miss his address. Please mark your calendars to reserve this date.
Tables are available to those who wish to display their products or services to those attending. Political candidates may also purchase a table. Tables are $100.00 each. If interested, please call the office at 815-635-3198.
You can find the latest information at the ISRA’s IGOLD Page.
Litigation Update
ISRA AS PLAINTIFF
We have been waiting and waiting on a ruling on Harrel v. Raoul from the Seventh Circuit which we hope to get soon.
ISRA SUPPORTING
Schoenthal v Raoul (7th Cir.) – Last Friday, the US Supreme Court Justices began their conference to decide which cases they are going to accept. Once again, they asked for more information. So it is looking better and better that they will hear our case.
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.
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 per-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.
Introducing – The “ISRA Paladin” Sustaining Membership
I am pleased to announce that the ISRA is introducing 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.
Your invitation to this membership should be arriving in the USPS mail starting this week. The letter will explain the further details of the ISRA Paladin membership.
If you would like to become a ISRA Paladin member, please call the office at 815-635-3198.
Thank you for your continuing support of the mission of the ISRA!
2025 Firearm Deer Harvest Stats
This year’s firearm deer harvest was 81,225, which was less than last year by 1,271 deer. I expected the harvest to be more, but that prediction did not materialize. The crops were out, so deer could not find much cover. Which is why I was surprised by this number.
This season, 30% of the deer were taken with rifles. Now this figure does NOT surprise me. The new “straight walled” cartridges are efficient and kick a lot less than shotgun slugs. There are companies that make telescopics that are designed specifically for the new cartridges. If you are considering one of these rifles, I would take the time to talk to one of these scope companies and think about adding one of those to your rifle. Now is the time to plan for next year.
By the way, we will have a booth at the Illinois Deer Classic which will be held at the Peoria Civic Center on March 20 – 22nd. We will be offering a brand new Savage AXIS rifle in .400 Legend with a Vortex scope. See you there.
Second Amendment Quotables
“To disarm the people… is the effectual way to enslave them.” – James Madison, June 14, 1788
One day, two wolves decided they were going to have lamb for lunch. They spotted a lamb a couple hundred yards away. As they approached the lamb, they noticed that it was armed. One wolf looked at the other and said, “How about rabbit for lunch?” – Author unknown
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.
ISRA Colt Anaconda 44 Magnum Raffle – Tickets Now Available
Buy your tickets early for the ISRA Colt Anaconda 44 Magnum Raffle! Drawing will be held on February 17, 2026. Entries must be postmarked by February 9, 2025.
TICKET PRICES:
• 1 for $10
• 3 for $25
• 7 for $50
• 15 for $100
You need not be present to win. Dues and donations to the ISRA are NOT tax deductible. Winner of the Colt Anaconda must comply with all federal, state and local laws. Winner has 90 days to claim prize.
Scan the QR code in the ad or Click HERE for more info.
Questions? Call the ISRA office at: 815-635-3198.
We appreciate your continuing support! Every ticket you buy helps keep Illinois gun owners strong, trained, and protected. We’ve stood for your rights since 1903 — and we’re not slowing down. Thank you for standing with us!
ISRA Gen-5 Glock 30 Raffle – Tickets Now Available
Right now, you can enter to win a pre-owned Gen 5 Glock 30® with six magazines. This pistol is gently used—fired less than 500 rounds—and calibered in .45 ACP. It’s a solid, dependable choice for any Illinois gun owner.
This raffle helps fund the ISRA’s work: training, safety programs, and defending the rights of law-abiding firearm owners across Illinois. Your support makes that possible.
TICKET PRICES:
• 1 for $10
• 3 for $25
• 7 for $50
• 15 for $100
Drawing Date: February 3, 2026
Mailed entries must be postmarked by January 26, 2026.
You do not need to be present to win.
(All state and federal laws apply. Prize must be claimed within 90 days.)
To get your tickets, CLICK HERE.
Or call the ISRA office at 815-635-3198 and we’ll help you over the phone.
Every ticket you buy helps keep Illinois gun owners strong, trained, and protected. We’ve stood for your rights since 1903 — and we’re not slowing down.
Thank you for standing with us.
ISRA Range – Once Fired Brass For Sale
If you are an ISRA member and reload your own ammunition the ISRA Range has once fired brass for sale. Please contact Mike James at 847-456-3386.
“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list. The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson
Education & Training @ ISRA Range, Bonfield, IL.
January 29 (Thursday) ISRA Precision Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
January 31 (Saturday) Armed Women of America – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 12:00pm
February 5 (Thursday) ISRA Precision Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
February 12 (Thursday) ISRA Precision Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
February 19 (Thursday) ISRA Precision Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
February 26 (Thursday) ISRA Precision Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
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: View the Fall 2025 Shooter 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
January 15, 1967 – The Green Bay Packers beat the Kansas City Chiefs 35 to 10 in the first Super Bowl.
January 15, 2009 – The “Miracle on the Hudson” Captain Chelsey Sullenberger’s airplane suffers bird-strikes which shut down both engines. As luck would have it, Captain Sullenberger taught emergency water landing for U.S. Airways. He never lost his “cool” and handled the situation perfectly. He evacuated the plane and was last to leave.
A small armada of sight-seeing boats, ferries, and rescue boats responded immediately saving all 170 passengers. No one was killed. In fact, the worst injury was two broken legs.
Normally, such incidents turned into disasters with many lives lost. This once again proves that when it’s your day, it’s your day, and when it’s not, it’s not. Hats off to Captain Sullenberger.
January 16, 1919 – Prohibition is ratified. Anti-saloon leagues, suffragettes, temperance societies and many churches pushed for prohibition. They thought prohibition would make America a better place. As usual, they were dead wrong. Prohibition was called “The Noble Experiment”.
It turned out to be a disaster in many ways. Most people think of bootleggers and organized crime, which is true. But it goes way beyond that. Many jobs were lost, including breweries and distilleries, but also theater attendance and restaurants went out of business. Many ordinary people turned to crime simply to feed themselves and their families. The government also lost billions of dollars in taxes.
To detour people from drinking, alcohol was denatured. What that means is that the government required distilleries to put poisons in alcohol. It is estimated that during prohibition, as many as 100,000 Americans died from drinking denatured alcohol. Another case of “I am from the government and I am here to help you”. And what happened to those who pushed prohibition? Nothing at all. They walked away leaving a trail of destruction behind them.
January 17, 1966 – A B-52 bomber and a KC 135 tanker collide over Spain’s Mediterranean coast. The result was a 70 kiloton hydrogen bomb was dropped just off of Spain’s coast. It did not explode, thankfully, because it was not yet armed. However, there was an embarrassing massive cleanup effort from the radioactive debris.
January 18, 1919 – The peace conference that would end World War I begins in Paris. President Woodrow Wilson worked to keep the punishment of Germany to a minimum. However, that was not to be. Negotiators from France and Great Britain put harsh penalties on Germany. These harsh penalties led to the rise of Adolf Hitler and World War II. Of course, in the end, the USA would have come to the rescue of Europe and pay a high price in blood and treasure.
January 19, 1825 – Ezra Daggett and Thomas Kensett receive a patent for putting food into tin cans. It’s hard to believe the tin can has been around for 200 years! Unfortunately, the can opener did not make an appearance until 1858.
January 19, 1809 – Edgar Allen Poe is born. Poe pioneered detective fiction stories. He was also a poet. The National Football League team, the Ravens, derived their name from Poe’s famous poem “The Raven”.
January 20, 1981 – Ronald Reagan becomes President of the United States. Within a few moments, Iran releases 52 Americans held for 444 days. The Iranian hostage crisis would have never happened if Jimmy Carter were a strong president. The Iranians knew that when Ronald Reagan became president, trouble was headed their way unless they released the hostages. Appeasement is never the answer when dealing with hostile adversaries.
January 20, 1977 – President Jimmy Carter grants unconditional pardons to hundreds of thousands of men who evaded the draft in the Vietnam War. Over 100,000 went abroad, mostly to Canada to avoid being drafted. Canada could have prosecuted the draft-dodgers but, instead, welcomed and protected them. Around 50,000 draft-dodgers became residents of Canada.
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.
Jan. 24 – Jan. 25, 2026 Belleview Gun & Knife Show – Belle-Clair Fairgounds, Belleview, IL.
Jan. 24 – Jan. 25, 2026 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
Feb. 7 – Feb. 8, 2026 Bloomington Gun & Knife Show – Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL.
Feb. 14 – Feb. 15, 2026 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
March 28 – March 29, 2026 Belleview Gun & Knife Show – Belle-Clair Fairgounds, Belleview, IL.
March 28 – March 29, 2026 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
Other Events
Jan. 25, 2026 Common Caliber: Cold Weather Pistol – Range 10 & Clubhouse – 8:00am – 4:00pm
Feb. 7, 2025 Highland Pistol & Rifle Club International Pistol Event, Highland, IL.
Feb. 14, 2026 Sandy Ford International Pistol Event, Sandy Ford Sportsman Club Indoor Range, 720 S Bloomington St, Streator, IL.
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 Grassroots Monthly Meetings
Come and meet fellow activists and learn the latest on protecting our Second Amendment Rights!
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 – Kenootz Pizza, 4659 147th St., Midlothian, 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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