June 4, 2026
Thursday Bulletin – June 4, 2026
Executive Director’s Message
Richard Pearson
Legislative Update
Freedom Held the Line: How ISRA Delivered Major Victories for Illinois Gun Owners in
2026
By Illinois Review
As the Illinois General Assembly adjourned its 2026 Spring Session, gun owners across the state had reason to celebrate.
Despite repeated efforts by anti-gun lawmakers to advance some of the most restrictive firearm proposals in recent memory, the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) once again proved why it remains the state’s leading defender of Second Amendment rights.
For months, ISRA’s legislative team was on the front lines in Springfield, tracking more than 350 firearm-related bills, providing expert testimony, educating lawmakers, and mobilizing grassroots supporters.
In a state where Democrats hold overwhelming super-majorities, stopping bad legislation is often the greatest victory of all.
This year, those victories were significant.
Among the biggest defeats for anti-gun activists was the so-called “Glock Ban” (HB 4471), legislation targeting some of the most popular firearms owned by law-abiding citizens. While the bill advanced through committee, it never gained enough support to receive a full vote in either chamber.
The extreme RIFL Act, which threatened to expose firearm manufacturers, retailers, and industry partners to costly litigation, also failed to advance.
Likewise, the ammunition serialization and tax proposal (HB 4414) – a burdensome measure that would have tracked and taxed handgun ammunition purchases – quietly died after facing strong opposition from gun owners and industry advocates.
ISRA also played a critical role in defeating broad firearm restrictions at polling places. Early versions of the proposal would have prohibited firearms in virtually any building serving as a polling location, potentially impacting residents whose condominium or community facilities were used for voting.
ISRA’s longtime legislative advocate, Ed Sullivan, forcefully challenged the measure, reminding lawmakers that Illinois concealed carry license holders are among the most law-abiding citizens in the state.
Following intense opposition, the language was significantly narrowed before ultimately dying when lawmakers adjourned.
These victories did not happen by accident.
They were the result of relentless legislative monitoring, strategic advocacy, persuasive testimony, and a grassroots membership that consistently answered the call when action was needed.
ISRA made it clear that anti-gun legislation would not move quietly through the Capitol without facing organized resistance.
For more than 120 years, the Illinois State Rifle Association has stood as the premier defender of Illinois gun owners. The 2026 legislative session was another reminder of why that legacy matters.
The fight for the Second Amendment never truly ends in Springfield. New challenges will emerge, and anti-gun proposals will undoubtedly return.
But as the gavel fell on the 2026 Spring Session, one thing was clear:
Freedom held the line.
And the Illinois State Rifle Association led the way.
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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.
You can find downloadable PDF versions of the House calendar HERE and the Senate calendar HERE to view all the legislative session deadlines.
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – CLICK HERE.
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Litigation Update
As always, we will keep you apprised of any new movement if/when it happens.
Thank you for standing with the ISRA and for defending the rights of law-abiding Illinois gun owners!
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My Two Cents
For a longtime, I have been pointing out that consequences go far beyond the election of a president, governor, Congress or state legislature. What an election gives you is an insidious thing called the “shadow government”. The shadow government is made up of unelected bureaucrats and the millions of people employed in those bureaucracies who make rules that act the same as laws. Restricting citizens trying to exercise their Second Amendment rights is a prime example of this.
For years, the Department of Interior banned hunting, target shooting and fishing on federal lands. This is one of those prime examples of a shadow government decision designed to attack America’s outdoor tradition. Now, the Department of Interior under President Donald Trump has reversed that ban. The Department of Interior has opened 92 million acres for hunting and fishing. How much is 92 million acres? The State of Illinois is about 37 million acres, so the amount of land opened up is about 2.5 times the size of the State of Illinois. That is a boon to the outdoors-men and a shot in the arm for hunting and fishing in the United States.
To give you an idea of how complicated this one ruling is, there are more than 500 rules that have to be deleted or revised to make if this possible. Imagine all the anti-gun rules in the other federal and state bureaucracies that have been slipped in over the years!
While I celebrate the opening of federal lands, we should have a sober understanding of how dangerous shadow government has become.
Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – CLICK HERE.
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Visit The ISRA Range For Classes, Leagues, Special Events And More!
From now until June 30th, we will be giving $50 off new member initiation fees when one joins the ISRA Range. 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!
Don’t let your kids miss out!!! Coming up on June 7th, our Youth Shooting Camp fee has been reduced to only $30. For more details and to register – CLICK HERE
Check Out These ISRA Leagues:
On the first Saturday of every month, we have the Steel Challenge. The league starts at 8:00am. This is one of our most popular leagues. New shooters welcome for this league. CLICK HERE for details.
The first Sunday of every month is when the Black Powder League meets. If you haven’t ever shot Black Powder before, we have loaner rifles and instruction available. Black Powder is a hoot. Be there about 8:00 am. New shooters are welcome. CLICK HERE for details.
Later in June we have the new Concealed Carry League. The first one will be June 21st. The league runs from 8:am until noon. New shooters welcome for this league. CLICK HERE for details.
The Glock League will have two relays this year, a morning relay and an afternoon relay. The Glock League meets the last Sunday of the month. New shooters welcome for this league. CLICK HERE for morning details and CLICK HERE for afternoon details.
Come and join in one of the many leagues we have! We’ll see you at the range!
To check out all of our classes, leagues and other events, browse the ISRA Range calendar! – CLICK HERE.
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“Money can only buy happiness if you spend it on freedom. Join the ISRA today.” ~ Richard Pearson
ISRA 123rd Anniversary / 250th Commemorative Coin Raffle
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. All entries must be postmarked by July 25, 2026.
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.
Download The 123rd Anniversary Raffle Order Form
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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LAST CALL!!! Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy AOS Handgun Raffle
Drawing on June 16, 2026 – Entries must be postmarked by June 9, 2026
Ticket prices:
1 Ticket – $20
3 Tickets – $50
8 Tickets – $100
25 Tickets – $250
All funds raised go to fight for your 2A rights in Illinois!
For more Information on the raffle and to purchase tickets, CLICK HERE.
Or contact us at:
ISRA – PO Box 637 – Chatsworth, IL 60921
(815) 635-3198 or E-Mail: member@isra.org
The Illinois State Rifle Association is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization, donations to Illinois State Rifle Association are not tax-deductible. Winner of the firearm must comply with all Federal, State and local laws. Prize must be claimed within 90 days of drawing.
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Henry Golden Boy .22lr NRA 2nd Amendment Tribute Edition Raffle
Chambered in .22lr / Only 2,000 produced in 2016 / MSRP $1,100 – $1,350
Drawing will be held July 9th, 2026. Entries being mailed must be postmarked by July 2nd, 2026.
Ticket prices:
1 Ticket – $20
3 Tickets – $50
8 Tickets – $100
25 Tickets – $250
For more Information on the raffle and to purchase tickets – 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
The Illinois State Rifle Association is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization, donations to Illinois State Rifle Association are not tax-deductible. Winner of the firearm must comply with all Federal, State and local laws. Prize must be claimed within 90 days of drawing.
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“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list. The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson
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
June 12 – 14 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) David Maglio – MAG30 – Range 11 – 8:00am – 6:00pm
June 20 (Saturday) ISRA Academy – CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 1 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 12:00pm
August 20 – 23 (Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun) Massad Ayoob – MAG40 – World Shooting & Recreational Complex – 8:30am – 7:00pm
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.
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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
Super Tidbit
In June of 1776, the clouds of war were gathering. Thomas Paine’s pamphlet “Common Sense” was still
spreading like wildfire though the colonies.
On May 10, 1776, the Continental Congress began meeting on how the American Colonies would break
away from Great Britain. These patriots would become known as “The Founding Fathers”. One has to
remember the risks these people were taking. The punishment would be death. All personal wealth, land,
and personal items would be taken from them. The Colonies were being taxed but had no representation
in Parliament. Although the colonists protested, it was to no avail. King George and Parliament kept
pouring it on. The American colonists had enough.
On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the “Lee Resolution” to the Second Continental
Congress which proposed breaking away from the British Empire, forming a confederation and making
foreign alliances.
On June 11, 1776, the Second Continental Congress appointed “The Committee of Five” which consisted
of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert R. Livingston and Roger Sherman. The job
was to draft a formal Declaration to present to King George and Parliament. Thomas Jefferson was
selected to write the official document.
On June 12, 1776, the Virginia Constitutional Convention adopts the Virginia Declaration of Rights which
would eventually serve as a model for the Bill of Rights.
The countdown clock toward revolution was now ticking. In a few short weeks, the minute hand would
strike midnight and the world would change forever.
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Tidbits
June 4, 1942 – The Battle of Midway begins. The four day battle would see the outnumbered U.S. fleet succeed in destroying four Japanese aircraft carriers while only losing the Yorktown. It was the turning point of the war in the South Pacific. Aside from the four aircraft carriers, the Japanese also lost a cruiser, 292 aircraft and suffered an estimated 2500 casualties. The United States lost the aircraft carrier Yorktown, one destroyer, 145 aircraft and suffered 300 casualties.
June 5, 1944 – This was the original date for D-Day but, because of bad weather, it was postponed for 24 hours. At the end of that 24 hours, it had to be a go or it would have to wait for another month and the Germans and Americans knew that.
Nevertheless, bombers started bombing the gun emplacements. Radar jamming techniques were used to make the Germans believe that the convoy was on the move and going to try to capture the port of Cherbourg. Dummy parachutists were dropped and took an entire German infantry regiment away from their position, 6 miles from the D-Day landing beaches.
June 5, 1956 – Elvis Presley rocks the Milton Berle show with his performance of “Hound Dog”. It was not Elvis’ first television appearance. When he previously appeared, he sang mostly slow-moving ballads and was featured in close-ups. It was on this date that Elvis let loose. His reviews were universally negative. It was here that he first was given the nickname “Elvis the Pelvis”.
June 6, 1918 – The Battle of Belleau Wood begins. General John J. Pershing sent down the U.S. Marines under the command of Lt. General James G. Harbord. The Marines and other allied forces lead the attack against four German divisions positioned in the woods. For the next three weeks, it rained. The U.S. Army artillery launched many attacks toward the forward area as the German General Ludendorff kept bringing up more and more reinforcements from the rear. The Germans attacked with machine guns and artillery. In the end, The Marines and the allies prevailed.
June 6, 1933 – The first drive-in movie theater opens in Camden, New Jersey. The original price of admission was $.25 per person and per car but no group would pay more than a dollar. The idea caught on and the largest drive-in movie theater, which opened in New York, had parking space for 2500 cars, a children’s playground, and a full-service restaurant, all on 28 acres.
There are still about 500 active drive-in movie theaters in the United States.
June 6, 1944 – U.S. troops begin the D-Day invasion. It is the largest amphibious invasion in history. Over 160,000 troops landed alone on the 50 mile stretch of heavily fortified French coastline. More than 5000 ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion.
By day’s end, the Allies had gained a foot hold and it was the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe.
June 7, 1776 – Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduces a resolution for independence into the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Sam Adams seconded the motion.
June 8, 793 – The first recorded Viking attack in Europe. This was only the first of many Norse raids on the English, Irish and Scottish coasts. Accounts of the time reported dreadful warnings, including “fiery dragons in the sky.”
June 8, 1998 – Actor Charlton Heston is elected President of the National Rifle Association.
June 10, 1775 – John Adams proposes a continental army. He also proposed that George Washington of Virginia be in command of those forces. That sounds like it might work out alright.
June 10, 1775 – The Continental Congress appointed the committee of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and others to draft a declaration of independence.
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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.
June 19 – June 21, 2026 Pecatonica Gun Show, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica, IL.
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. 24 – 25, 2026 Belleville Gun & Knife Show, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, Belleville, IL.
Oct. 24 – 25, 2026 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
Nov. 7 – 8, 2026 Bloomington Gun & Knife Show, Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL.
Nov. 28 – 29, 2026 Sauk Trail 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.
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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; Summer meetings are postponed until 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 temporarily canceled until further notice, a new location is being planned.
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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Executive Director’s Message
Richard Pearson
Richard Pearson
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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