March 26, 2026
Thursday Bulletin – March 26, 2026
Executive Director’s Message
Richard Pearson
Legislative Update
We are now entering the busiest part of the legislative season. Right now, we are monitoring 350 gun bills in the Illinois House and Senate. Ones that are high on our most dangerous list are the RIFL Act (HB3320), Serialization of Ammunition and Tax Bill (HB4414), and the GLOCK Ban Bill (HB4471).
Illinois is the crucible for anti-gun bills. Right now, everything is being proposed but nothing is happening, all at the same time. It is a frustrating time of year.
Witness slips are a big topic currently. The ISRA will not call for witness slips unless we know a bill or amendments are actually being heard in committee. Here is why, for example, if a bill scheduled to be heard this week and either the committee is canceled or the bill is not heard, all of those witness slips die. None will be carried over until next week or whenever. Only if a bill is postponed but heard the same day at a different time will the witness slips count. Once a bill is heard, the witness slips are forever with the history of that bill. As frustrating as this process is at times, it is nevertheless important.
The number of bills to be heard and the description of the bills is so long that we have provided a link to view them. Please CLICK HERE.
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.
Thank you for your support and I will see you at the Illinois Gun Owner’s Lobby Day (IGOLD) on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
Thank you for standing with the ISRA and for defending the rights of law-abiding Illinois gun owners.
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – CLICK HERE.
Litigation Update
We are still waiting to see if the U.S. Supreme Court will take up the Viramontes vs. Cook County Semi-Auto Ban Case. We are also still waiting to see if the U.S. Supreme Court will take up the Schoenthal vs. Raoul Case (concealed carry on public transportation). And we are waiting on a decision from the Seventh Circuit on the PICA Law which bans semi-auto firearms in Illinois. Waiting, waiting, waiting.
To follow the cases the ISRA is tracking, visit the ISRA Litigation page – CLICK HERE.
The Finnish People Were Ready To Fight Back
I have always admired how Finland stood up to the Soviet Union’s invasion in the “Winter War” of 1939. The Soviets wanted the mineral-rich Finland for their war machine. They invaded tiny Finland to take the nickel and iron mines. To their surprise, the Finns kicked the heck out of them. One Finnish farmer, Simo Hayha, was a sniper credited with killing 542 Soviet troops in 98 days. He became known as the “White Death”. He didn’t use a telescopic sight, by the way. After the war, Simo Heyha went back to hunting and farming and lived to the ripe old age of 96. Eventually, the Soviets won when Finland ceded territory in the Moscow Peace Treaty in March, 1940, but it took a million Soviet troops to do it.
The Finnish government just changed the rules for their reservists. Reservists can now bring their own rifles, GPS devices and drones to training and battle. This action on the part of the Finns is a warning of what may be coming and it may be coming our way also. While we may neutralize Iran’s long-range missiles, that doesn’t mean we’re out of danger. Remember, these people, and other Islamic radicals, have been shouting “Death to America” for years. They have killed thousands of Americans. They mean what they say. Take them at their word. What are you doing to be ready when the fight comes to your town, your neighborhood and your front door? The Finns are preparing to defend their homeland. The Polish are too. I suggest that you get prepared as well.
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.
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.
Spring Is Here – Get Out And Shoot!
At last Spring has arrived and with it comes the shooting seasons. It’s time to get outdoors and start practicing. Head to your local gun shop and buy shells. Early Spring is a good time to set up a trap, if you have a place to do that, and throw clay birds. If you have a Trap Range, Skeet Range, or Sporting Clays Range near you, that is perfect. Now is also a good time to get the young ones out and let them do some shooting. Remember to teach them the safety rules.
I have enclosed the basic 11 safety rules at the bottom of this article. Also be sure you have eye and ear protection for everyone. Some outdoor shooting leagues have already started and more will start in the next couple of months. Join one of them. Leagues are a great way to enhance your marksmanship skills. Shooters are more than happy to share their knowledge and shooting tips.
Be sure to check over your firearms to make sure they are clean and in good operating order. Check around for some classes, that always helps improve marksmanship skills. See you at the Range!
The fundamental Safe Gun Handling Rules are:
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 – 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.
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
Registration is now open!! Register early as seats are limited!!
Please scan the QR code below or use THIS LINK to register for MAG20, MAG40, or MAG80.
Please scan the QR code below or use THIS LINK to register for MAG30.
“Money can only buy happiness if you spend it on freedom. Join the ISRA today.” ~ Richard Pearson
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
Gently Used Ruger Mark II Slab Side .22 Pistol Raffle
Ticket prices:
1 Ticket – $10
3 Tickets – $25
7 Tickets – $50
15 Tickets – $100
For more Information, CLICK HERE. or scan the QR code.
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!
(See the ISRA Academy Section above for more info)
*Every Thursday (unless otherwise noted) ISRA Precision Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
March 29 (Sunday) Armed Women of America – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 11:00pm
April 12 (Sunday) Basic CCL – Range 9 – 1:00pm – 5:00pm
April 12 (Sunday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 1:00pm – 4:00pm
April 25 (Saturday) CCL Renewal – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 1:00pm – 4:30pm
April 26 (Sunday) Fortress Defense Consultants – Emergency Treatment of Gunshot Wounds – Range 9 – 9:00am – 5:00pm
May 2 (Saturday) Range Work Day – 8:00am – 4:00pm
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 26, 1945 – The fighting on Iwo Jima ended and the island is declared secure. This is one of the great battles in the history of the United States Marine Corps.
March 27, 1939 – The NCAA crowned it’s very first “March Madness” champion. The University of Oregon defeated Ohio State.
March 28, 1979 – Nuclear reactor #2 at Three Mile Island power plant in Pennsylvania suffered a partial meltdown caused by a cooling system failure. and the core heated up to 4000°. A small amount of radiation was released; reactor #2 was never used again. The effects on the power industry are still being felt.
March 28, 1915 – The first American citizen is killed in World War I. Leon Thrasher, and American mining engineer, is killed when the British steamship, Falaba, is torpedoed by the German submarine U-28.
March 29, 1911 – The United States adopts the Browning 1911 .45 ACP as the official service pistol of the Army. The US Navy and US Marine Corps adopted the Browning-designed pistol in 1913. Outstanding choice.
March 30, 1939 – Batman debuted as a superhero character in DC Comics, issue 27. As time passed, Batman gained more and more “toys” to play with, such as the “Bat Gyro”, the one-man helicopter, the Bat Plane and the Bat Boomerang. By the way, if you are looking through your great grandparents’ closet and come up with the first issue featuring Batman, it is worth $1,875,000. At least that is what the last one went for at auction.
March 30, 1775 – King George III formally endorsed the New England Restraining Act. This act required New England to only trade with Great Britain. Because the colonists could only trade with Great Britain, the British were free to levy any tax they wanted upon them. Additionally, it forbade New England colonists from fishing in the North Atlantic. This hardship cost New England fishermen dearly, driving up the costs of their livelihoods and the availability of fish for the colonies. We will just have to see about this King George. We will see you on April 19, 1775.
April 1, 1789 – The United States House of Representatives elects the first Speaker. The first Speaker of the United States House of Representatives was Frederick Augustus Conrad Muhlenberg. He was a Lutheran minister and, obviously, of German descent.
It is April Fools’ Day. By the way, your shoe is un-tied.
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 18 – April 19, 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. 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.
Dec. 6 – Dec. 7, 2026 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Other Events
April 11, 2026 – Sandy Ford International Pistol Event, Sandy Ford Sportsman Club Indoor Range, 720 S Bloomington St, Streator, IL.
May 2 & 3 (Saturday & Sunday) Kevin Kanaski – MAG20 – Range 8 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 5:30
May 23, 2026 – The ISRA is happy to announce the 3rd annual women’s only shooting event “Empowering First Shots” will be held on May 23rd, 2026; registration is now open! Women are invited to sign up for this FREE training designed to introduce them to pistol shooting. Women instructors and RSO’s are utilized for the event for a low pressure, exciting and fun day. Contact Mandi at academy@isra.org with any questions.
June 7, 2026 – ISRA is excited to announce the return of our popular Youth Camp on June 7th. This event is now sponsored by NSSF and the Illinois State Rifle Association; this year’s price has been reduced to $30 per participant to promote more youth getting into shooting. This camp promotes firearm safety, marksmanship, and introduces participants into the fellowship of the shooting sports.
June 12 – 14 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) David Maglio – MAG30 – Range 11 – 8:00am – 6:00
July 4, 2026 – There will be a high-power rifle match on July 4th, the Independence Day 800 starting at 8a.m.; please see the enclosed flier for additional information.
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)
August 29, 2026 – The ISRA Range is hosting the 2nd annual Guns and Grub event on August 29th, 2026. Please visit the range calendar at ISRA.org for more details and to sign up.
We now have steel targets available for members use on ranges 2 and 5. Please see the rules below; if you have any additional questions, please ask the Range Safety Officer (RSO) on duty.
October 3, 2026 – The Illinois State Rifle Association is hosting its annual Sighting-In Day on October 3rd, 2026. Please mark your calendars and keep an eye on the Range Calendar for additional information.
October 10, 2026 – 100th Anniversary Celebration of the ISRA Range and 250th Celebration of the United States of America will be held on October 10th, 2026. Please reserve the date to join in on the fun! All range members are invited to come to the range and enjoy a light picnic lunch and other festivities; bring your family out to enjoy the range. Activities will start at 12pm.
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 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
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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