May 14, 2026
Thursday Bulletin – May 14, 2026
Executive Director’s Message
Richard Pearson
Protecting the Second Amendment Is An Ongoing Fight
I am totally happy the Department of Justice (DOJ) is going to sue Colorado over the so called “Assault Weapons” ban. 2 days later, the same DOJ also filed suit against the City of Denver over its own weapon ban. I believe our case, the NSSF case, and the rest of the cases that are bogged down in the Seventh Circuit, was one of the reasons the DOJ is suing Colorado. The cases in the Seventh Circuit or, at least, the pile of evidence supporting our position, will eventually make it to the Supreme Court of the United States.
In Connecticut, their version of the “Convertible Pistol” or GLOCK Bill has reached Governor Ned Lamont’s desk. He will undoubtedly sign it. Of course, the problem is that it not only bans the select GLOCKS, which are a substantial part of the market, but it sweeps up a bunch of other striker-fire pistols with it. The question would be what’s next; the answer is everything they can get. When Governor Lamont signs the bill, a plethora of lawsuits will follow. The anti-gun argument will be yapping about public safety, which is total hog wash. If they really cared about public safety they would throw the criminals in jail with maximum sentences. Of course, that will not happen because it would chip away at a major Left Wing voting block.
Richard Pearson
* * * *
With your continued help and support, the ISRA will stay on the front lines in the fight for 2A rights in Illinois and beyond.
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – CLICK HERE.
It’s A Great Time To Visit The ISRA Range For
Classes, Leagues, Special Events And More!
Expounding on our listing of leagues from last week, I would like to remind everyone that the ISRA Range offers 18 different shooting leagues. Some are weekly and some are monthly, and all of them are fun. There is no better place for fun and camaraderie while you improve on your marksmanship skills. And, from now until June 30th, we will be giving $50 off new member initiation fees when they join the ISRA Range. It’s a great place for you to shoot!
On May 23rd, we are hosting the great “Empowering Women” event. This is free to all women and only takes up a little of your time. CLICK HERE or see the brochure below for details.
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 Sunday of every month, we have the Black Powder League. 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.
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.
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!
Next week, we will continue with more of the upcoming leagues. See you at the range!
To check out all of our classes, leagues and other events, browse the ISRA Range calendar! – CLICK HERE.
Legislative Update
We are coming closer to the end of the Spring legislative session. As Samuel Clements reportedly said, “No man’s life, liberty, or property are safe while the legislature is in session.” Samuel Clements, AKA Mark Twain, grew up in Hannibal, Missouri, just across the Mississippi River from Illinois. He had a clear view of Illinois shenanigans, even back in his day.
As I have previously mentioned, we don’t know when First and Second Veto sessions are going to be scheduled. However, we will know before the Spring session is over. I suspect they will be after the General Election in November which means there will be two additional Lame Duck sessions. The regular Lame Duck session would be, presumably, in reality, January 11, 2027 and January 12, 2027 but, again, nothing has been scheduled yet.
* * * *
Here is the legislative calendar for the Illinois Senate for May, 2026 (Spring Session).
And here is the legislative calendar for the Illinois House of Representatives for May, 2026 (Spring Session).
You can find downloadable PDF versions of the House calendar HERE and the Senate calendar HERE to view all the legislative session deadlines.
* * * *
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.
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – CLICK HERE.
Litigation Update
ISRA AS PLAINTIFF
ISRA SUPPORTING
To follow the cases the ISRA is tracking, visit the ISRA Litigation page – CLICK HERE.
“Money can only buy happiness if you spend it on freedom. Join the ISRA today.” ~ Richard Pearson
ISRA “250 Years of Freedom” Raffle – $30 For 30 Days of Prizes
ISRA members and supporters, we’re excited to announce the launch of the ISRA “250 Years of Freedom” Raffle beginning June 5, 2026 and running through July 4, 2026.
For just $30, you’ll have 30 days of chances to win outstanding prizes including firearms, commemorative items, silver, and more. Daily winners will be determined using the Illinois Lottery Pick 3 Evening Drawing.
This raffle celebrates America’s 250th anniversary and supports ISRA’s ongoing fight to defend the rights of law-abiding Illinois gun owners.
Questions? Call the ISRA office at 815-635-3198 or email member@isra.org
Prizes include:
Important:
Only 1,000 tickets will be sold. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Secure your ticket before they sell out!
ISRA has defended Illinois gun owners since 1903.
Law-abiding citizens. Responsible training. Constitutional rights.
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.
* * * *
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.
* * * *
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.
“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
May 23 (Saturday) ISRA Academy – Empowering First Shots – Range 2, Pavilion & Clubhouse – Various times available (see flier below)
June 7 (Sunday) ISRA Academy – CCL Qualification – Range 9 – 1:00pm – 5:00pm
June 12 – 14 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) David Maglio – MAG30 – Range 11 – 8:00am – 6:00pm
June 13 (Saturday) ISRA Academy – CCL Renewal – Range 8 & Classroom – 2:00pm – 5:00pm
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.
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
We are all getting ready for the 250th anniversary of United States on July 4th. I couldn’t be more excited but I am also feeling privileged have been around for the 200th anniversary. While July 4th is the big day, there was so much that happened surrounding that day. If we look back, May of 1776 was an exciting time also.
In May, 1776, the idea of remaining part of the British Empire was abandoned. The colonies were infuriated when they learned King George had hired Hessian Troops (German mercenaries) to fight against the Americans. That meant King George was treating British subjects like foreign enemies.
At the same time, King George armed native Americans (the Cherokee, Shawnee, Iroquois and some others) with new muskets to fight against Americans on the western frontiers. Also at that time, Thomas Paine’s pamphlet “Common Sense” was being widely read thought out the colonies. “Common Sense” advocated for freedom from British rule.
On May 10th, Congress passed a resolution asking every colony to break all ties with Great Britain. Several colonies had already broken ties with the British Crown on their own as George Washington was also fortifying New York to do the same. In May, 250 years ago, the foreboding sense that revolution was coming filled the air. A perfect storm was forming.
* * * *
Tidbits
May 14, 1787 – The Constitutional Convention delegates begin to assemble in Philadelphia. It took several weeks for the delegates to arrive but finally, on May 25th, a quorum was achieved. I wonder what will come of this effort? Good stuff, I think.
May 14, 1804 – Lewis and Clark depart for the Northwest. It wouldn’t be until November 8th, 1805, before the expedition reached the Pacific ocean. They paused there, on the banks of the Pacific, for the winter, and finally made it back to St. Louis on September 23rd, 1806, 2 ½ years later.
May 15, 1765 – Parliament passes the Quartering Act which requires colonists to accommodate soldiers in their homes and provide them provisions including meals and stabling of horses. The act went on to say that if all lodging was filled, then other accommodations may be made as needed. This Act infuriated the colonists.
The Third Amendment to the Constitution of the United States states that NO soldier, in a time of peace, will be housed in private homes without the owner’s consent. During a time of war, however, this may be allowed, but only in a manner prescribed by law.
May 15, 1800 – President John Adams ordered the government to be moved to Washington D.C., leaving Philadelphia, PA.
May 17, 1943 – The B-17 Bomber, the Memphis Belle, flies its 25th and last bombing mission over Germany. In 1990, the film, “Memphis Belle”, was released. It is a fictionalized dramatization of the real flight of the Memphis Belle. Still, it is worth watching.
May 18, 1860 – Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, is nominated for the Presidency of the United States in Chicago.
May 18, 1980 – Mount Saint Helens erupts. The massive eruption killed 57 people and devastated some 210 square miles of southwestern Washington State. I remember seeing the volcanic ash floating over Illinois. It made for great sunsets for a few days.
Just for the record…there is an even larger volcanic dome forming under Yellowstone National Park. If that one goes, it’s going to be mighty exciting around the world and here in Illinois, particularly.
May 18, 1962 – Marilyn Monroe sings the sexually-charged version of “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy during his birthday celebration. JFK got in trouble for that one, I bet.
May 20, 1927 – Charles Lindbergh takes off in the first transatlantic flight from Roosevelt Field in Long Island, New York. It was the first ever non-stop flight across the Atlantic. In 1927, this event was as big as the first moon landing. His plane was named “Spirit of St. Louis”. If you think about that, St. Louis was the departure point for Western exploration. Lindbergh’s plane represented a new frontier at that time.
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.
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.
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.
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; Social half-hour from 6:00pm – 6:30pm; Meeting at 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
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
Unsubscribe | Change Subscriber Options