March 12, 2026
Thursday Bulletin – March 12, 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.
The ISRA will be sponsoring a bus for Southern Illinois. The pickup site will be at the Dairy Queen parking lot, 816 Lehmen Dr., Chester IL 62233. The bus will arrive at 7:00 am and depart for Springfield at 7:15 am. The cost per seat is $30. Please contact Rick Hall at 618-317-1176 to reserve your seat.
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.
Please Support Our New ISRA Sponsor – Ring Clear
We have had several calls regarding an email you received from ISRA’s newest sponsor, Ring Clear. Ring Clear offers supplements to help control tinnitus. Tinnitus affects many shooters, especially those shooting loud firearms. If Ring Clear can help some of our members, that is great.
Sponsorships help to offset the enormous cost of fighting for your gun rights in Illinois. In the future, the ISRA will be looking for more sponsors. None of this is fun or easy. If you get an email that you don’t want, just delete it; please don’t unsubscribe. If you unsubscribe, the email system will unsubscribe you to ALL future emails.
We appreciate you being a member and thank you for helping the ISRA by viewing the messages of our sponsors.
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – CLICK HERE.
My Two Cents
Sometimes gun owners are just dumb. As a case in point, very pro-gun Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon went to a gun range last weekend. She is a new shooter. She went there to learn and have some fun. While most people there were very supportive of her, there were some dumb as–s who criticized her newbie marksmanship skills. They must have forgotten that they were ”new” once. Every shooter should have been honored to have her there! Instead, some of them exposed the fact that they have less brain power than a turnip. If I was running that range, the only remnant of those disrespectful dim-wits would be the skid marks their butts made on the black top of the parking lot after I threw them out! Just my two cents…..
Legislative Update
We understand that the Governor is urging the Legislature to pass a bill to ban Glocks and other easily converted semi-auto handguns. I don’t have a definition of “easily converted”. Here we go again.
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
The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms today is celebrating a 2-1 ruling by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals which strikes down the ban on so-called “large-capacity magazines” in the District because it violates the Second Amendment.
The case, known as Benson v. U.S., could still have more hurdles, however, CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb is hailing the ruling as a major step forward, simply because of the influence it might have. Such magazine bans exist in some states, and they are all in the legal cross-hairs.
“This is a major Second Amendment ruling,” Gottlieb observed. “You could say that it is the ‘second Shot Heard Around the World.’”
The majority opinion was written by Associate Judge Joshua Deahl, a Donald Trump appointee. Judge Deahl was joined in his opinion by Judge Catherine Friend Easterly, a Barack Obama appointee. Writing a dissent was Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby. There has been no announcement from the District about whether it will appeal.
“Whether anti-gun lawmakers and liberal judges realize it or not,” Gottlieb said, “Judge Deahl’s opinion means the Second Amendment has teeth. The gun prohibition lobby just got smacked, because this ruling puts one of their major arguments in the corner, where it belongs.”
To read more, CLICK HERE.
* * *
ISRA AS PLAINTIFF
ISRA SUPPORTING
As the Supreme Court of the United States considers the ISRA supported Schoenthal v Raoul lawsuit, crime keeps going up on public transportation. The Schoenthal case deals with Illinois prohibition on licensed concealed carry holders carrying on public transportation. Illinois law has turned public transportation into a “gun-free zone” which means it is an unrestricted hunting ground for criminals. That hunting ground includes train stations and platforms, which are easy ambush spots and escape routes for criminals. Hopefully, the Supreme Court will not only take the case but rule in our favor.
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – CLICK HERE.
Quote Of The Week
“The laws that forbid the carrying of arms are laws of such a nature. They disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes…. Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man.”
– Thomas Jefferson
2026 NRA Illinois State Indoor Pistol Championships – Bullseye
ELGIN ILLINOIS – Elgin Rifle Club – CLICK HERE.
405 Ramona Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120
9:00 AM, 12:00 & 3:00 PM Saturday, March 21, 2026
HIGHLAND ILLINOIS – Highland Pistol & 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 & 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 at 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!
“Money can only buy happiness if you spend it on freedom. Join the ISRA today.” ~ Richard Pearson
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
IGOLD Expert Grade M1 Garand Raffle
9 Additional prizes include Glock 43 MOS (3), Glock 42 MOS (1), pistol cases (3), and rifle cases (2)!
Ticket prices:
3 Tickets – $30
7 Tickets – $50
15 Tickets – $100
40 Tickets – $250 85 Tickets – $500
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.
NOTICE: Kevin Kanaski – Mag 20 Class Coming up in May!
If interested in attending, please CLICK HERE.
*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) Kevin Kanaski – MAG20 – Range 8 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 5:30
June 12 – 14 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) David Maglio – 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
March 12, 1933 – Franklin D. Roosevelt conducts his first “fireside chat” as US President via radio, speaking directly to 60 million listening Americans, eight days after his inauguration.
March 13, 1942 – United States Army Quartermaster Corps begins training for the new K-9 Corps. The United States Army Quartermaster Corps train dogs for the Army, the Navy, the Marines, and the Coast Guard. In World War I, millions of dogs were utilized in different capacities, including carrying messages and providing psychological comfort for our soldiers.
In 1918, an abandoned puppy was found in France that was left over from the German war-dog program. That puppy came to the United States and, in 1922, that puppy made his debut with the stage name of “Rin Tin Tin”. The German Shepherd breed was little known in the United States until Rin Tin Tin’s movie debut.
During World War II, one famous German Shepherd, serving in the Army’s Third Infantry Division, broke away from his handler and attacked an enemy machine gun nest, causing the entire crew to surrender. The dog, Chips, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. Later, the Army revoked those medals because they were given to an animal. I have to think about that one. Thousands of dogs give their lives, protecting their handlers and other troops.
Today, not only are German Shepherds trained, but so are Belgian Malinois, Sheepdogs, Doberman Pinchers, Collies, Siberian Huskies, Malamutes, and Eskimo dogs.
March 14, 1776 – Alexander Hamilton receives his commission as a Captain in the New York Artillery. Throughout the next year, he established himself as a great artillery leader in several battles around New York City. In March 1777, Hamilton’s performance came to the attention of General George Washington, who commissioned him as a Lieutenant Colonel and his personal aide to both himself and the Continental Army.
While most of us think of Hamilton as establishing the United States Treasury, he did many other great things as well. One of those was that he was the primary author of the Federalist Papers – 85 articles designed to convince the United States to ratify the Constitution of the United States. His fellow authors were James Madison and John Jay. That is some pretty lofty company.
March 15, 44 B.C. – Julius Caesar was stabbed to death by a group of conspirators who believed his death would restore the Roman Republic. What would eventually happen would be the exact opposite. In the end, Caesar’s great nephew, Augustus, would destroy the Roman Republic forever.
Julius Caesar, however, left his mark on history. He established something called the Julian Calendar, which was slightly adjusted in the 16th century, but we still use it today. So every time you look at the calendar, you can think of Julius Caesar.
“Beware the Ides of March”, a quote from Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, is an often used warning which is also associated with March 15 and the assassination.
March 16, 1802 – Congress founded the United States Military Academy at West Point. Today, it is simply known as West Point by most people. West Point turns out about 900 graduates a year.
March 17, 461 A.D. – Saint Patrick dies. The celebrated priest has a day named after him. The first celebration took place in the United States in 1601 and the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was in New York in 1752. Corned beef and cabbage all around!
March 18, 1925 – The “Tri-State Tornado” passes through Eastern Missouri, Illinois and Southern Indiana, killing 695 people and injuring some 13,000 people. When the tornado struck Murphysboro, Illinois, it killed 234 people there, and another 127 people in West Frankfort, Illinois.
When I was going to Eastern Illinois University, my landlady’s father had worked for the Illinois Central Railroad. I think it was in West Frankfort, Illinois, that this occurred, but I am not sure. They saw the tornado coming and there was a cold steam locomotive parked, waiting for service. This lady’s father and another worker crawled inside the fire-box of the 200 ton monster and weathered out the storm. When the tornado passed, they crawled out of the locomotive and there was very little left around them.
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.
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: Papa Joe’s 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
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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