January 29, 2026
Thursday Bulletin – January 29, 2026
Executive Director’s Message
Richard Pearson
Official Statement From The ISRA On Minnesota
We are all watching the mess in Minnesota unfold. The ISRA has been called upon to address the recent shooting of a protester. Here is our official statement:
Statement from the Illinois State Rifle Association – Doug Mayhall, President
“The Illinois State Rifle Association is concerned about recent statements from US Attorney Bill Essayli and FBI Director Kash Patel implying that people do not have a right to carry firearms at protests. The ISRA maintains that individuals have a constitutional right to carry a firearm at a protest, provided they are acting lawfully. ISRA calls for an open and transparent investigation into the recent shooting incident in Minnesota. The Association also commends Illinois General Assembly members who previously opposed the Second Amendment but now recognize the right to carry firearms outside the home. The Illinois State Rifle Association looks forward to collaborating with these legislators to review and address unconstitutional laws, beginning with Section 65 (“Prohibited Areas”) of the Conceal Carry Act of 2013 (430 ILCS 66/65).”
ISRA Label Mailing – RIFL Act
Many of you have been looking forward to the annual ISRA label mailing. We have gotten calls wondering when they would arrive. Good news! They are in the mail. In fact, I received mine in the mail on Tuesday.
In the mailing, we address the RIFL Act, which is an attempt to ban firearms by running firearm manufacturers and firearm dealers out of business. View a brief synopsis provided by Ed Sullivan, one of our lobbyists, in this brief YouTube video, HERE. The RIFL Act is unconstitutional. We know it and they anti-gunners know it, but they don’t care. We will file lawsuits and we will win but these lawsuits will drag though the courts and bankrupt firearm manufacturers and dealers in the process. The process becomes the punishment.
Please donate to help us fight these abominable bills and also make time to come to IGOLD on April 15!
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.
My Recommendations For NRA Board Of Directors
You should be receiving your NRA ballot in the mail soon and every year I am asked who I recommend for the NRA Board of Directors, and how do I cast my vote? NRA members that are eligible to vote will receive a paper copy of an NRA publication containing a ballot, and the cover of the magazine is marked that it contains your ballot. The members below are from my October 2025 list. Remember, these are my recommendations – if you have other ideas that is fine. The important thing is that eligible NRA members actually DO VOTE. The turn out for NRA Board of Directors elections have been miserable.
My criteria for my picks are simple. I must know them and they must actually do something that matters. Reading a resume alone doesn’t get it for me. I much prefer sweat over talk. I know many of the candidates on the list but that doesn’t mean I am going to recommend them.
To be eligible to vote in NRA elections you must be a five year or a Life, Endowment, Patron or Benefactor member of the NRA. The NRA Board of Directors has 76 members. One third of them (25) are elected each year for a three year term. The 76th board member is elected for a one year term at the annual meeting. Eligible members can vote for up to 25 candidates. The problem is that for every person you vote beyond that first vote makes each subsequent vote less valuable. The fewer people you vote for the more weight your vote has. The term for this is “bullet voting” which is highly appropriate for a rifle association. There is a balance between one and twenty five. I believe the practical number is five. Below are my five recommendations.
Robert Beckman – Cincinnati, Ohio.
Lynn Gibson – New Athens, Illinois.
Amanda Suffecool – Wayland, Ohio.
Todd Vandermyde – Yorkville, Illinois.
James Wallace – Newburyport, Massachusetts.
Remember, this is just what I think. Remember, your vote is still YOUR VOTE.
Safe Storage of Firearms Act – ISRA Partners With StopBox
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.
Despite concerns having been raised regarding the focus and implications of this law, and that the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) is continuing to evaluate possible legal challenges to its constitutionality, the ISRA is excited to partner with StopBox – firearm security devices!
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 ISRA office at 815-635-3198 for more information.
Legislative Update
IGOLD – Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day Info
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. If your club or business would like to bring a bus-load of people to IGOLD, the ISRA will pay for parking meters and parking spaces.
Tables are available to those who wish to display their products, organization 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.
For more information on how you can join, help, or donate, call the ISRA office at (815) 635-3198, e-mail us at member@isra.org or click the links below:
* * *
The General Assembly has reconvened and is in session now.
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.
Litigation Update
ISRA SUPPORTING
Schoenthal v Raoul (7th Cir.) – At this time we have not heard anything from the Supreme Court of the United States on whether or not they are going to take the Schoenthal v Roaul case. We do know they are considering it.
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.
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!
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.
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
HURRY! Entry Deadline Is February 9th For
ISRA Colt Anaconda 44 Magnum Raffle!
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!
“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
January 31 (Saturday) Armed Women of America – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 12:00pm
January 31 (Saturday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 1:00pm – 4:00pm
February 7 (Saturday) Range Work Day – 8:00pm – 4:00pm
February 12 (Thursday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 12:00pm
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 Illinois 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
January 29, 1861 – Kansas is admitted to the Union as a free state, becoming the 34th state. This event was significant in the lead-up to the Civil War due to the conflict between pro- and anti-slavery factions.
January 29, 1936 – The U.S. Baseball Hall of Fame elects it’s first members. They included Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Christy Matthewson and Walter Johnson. The Baseball Hall of Fame is located in Cooperstown, New York, and hosts 350 thousand visitors per year.
January 30, 1835 – President Andrew Jackson became the first President to suffer an assassination attempt. An unemployed house painter by the name of Richard Lawrence tried to shoot the 67-year-old Jackson at point-blank range. Jackson beat the would be assassin with his cane. As Lawrence pulled out his pistol and had tried to shoot, the gun misfired during the struggle. Lawrence then went for his second pistol, which also misfired. The President’s aides eventually wrestled the attacker to the ground.
In the 1930s, the Smithsonian Institute tested both pistols and both fired on the first shot. It was determined that the odds of both guns misfiring were one in 125,000.
January 31, 1950 – President Harry S. Truman announced his support for the development of the hydrogen bomb. On November 1, 1952, the United States successfully detonated its first hydrogen bomb. The mushroom cloud eventually reached 120,000 feet, with the mushroom itself stretching 60 miles across. Three years later, the Soviet Union detonated its first bomb.
February 1, 1790 – Chief Justice John Jay presided over the first meeting of the Supreme Court of the United States. The United States had no Supreme Court building, so this meeting was held in the Royal Exchange building in New York City, which was located on Broad Street.
February 1, 1884 – The first portion of the Oxford English Dictionary was published. It would take more than 44 years to complete the dictionary. The complete dictionary today is 20 volumes and weighs 137 pounds. Supplementary additions are published to keep the dictionary up-to-date with the latest words. In the year 2000, an online version was made available. There are 59 million letters within the dictionary…and if anyone doubts me, you can count them yourself.
February 2, 1887 – Groundhog Day, the day we have all been waiting for, was celebrated for the first time at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. In Germany, similar celebrations had been held for centuries using a hedgehog. In the United States, which is incredibly short on hedgehogs, German immigrants instead chose the effervescent (and pervasive) groundhog as their annual prognosticator.
February 4, 2004 – Harvard University sophomore, Mark Zuckerberg, launches his social platform, Facebook. He has since become one of the wealthiest people on the planet.
February 4, 1789 – George Washington is unanimously elected President of the United States. At the time, the Electoral College only consisted of 69 electors.
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. 31 – Feb. 1, 2026 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee County Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
Feb. 7 – Feb. 8, 2026 Bloomington Gun & Knife Show – Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL.
Feb. 8, 2026 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St Charles, IL.
Feb. 14 – Feb. 15, 2026 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
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
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 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 – 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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