May 28, 2026
Thursday Bulletin – May 21, 2026
Executive Director’s Message
Richard Pearson
Celebrating Our Country’s 250th Anniversary
Memorial Day has become the gateway to summer, although, this year, summer is as far away as it gets because of the early date. This year is going to be a really special year with the 250th anniversary of the United States looming large over the country. I have been looking forward to this celebration since 1976. How fortunate I am to witness both the 200th and the 250th anniversaries.
I have fond memories of the 200th anniversary. One of those is seeing the Freedom Train in Peoria, Illinois. The train was pulled by the 2102 from the Western Maryland Railroad, a big 4-8-4 steam locomotive. There were two locomotives; one for the area East of the Mississippi and one for West of the Mississippi. This year, there isn’t a Freedom Train, but there will be the Union Pacific “Big Boy” touring the United States. The “Big Boys” wheel arrangement is 4-8-8-4 and weighs in at slightly over 600 tons. You don’t want to miss the Big Boy! Take yourself, your kids, grand kids, the neighbor kids, the scout troop or whoever you can find to see the Big Boy. It is something they will long remember!
The second fond memory is when I purchased a Winchester X1 shotgun with deluxe wood and red, white and blue spacers ahead of the recoil pad. It was a beauty, to say the least.
There will be all kinds of patriotic celebrations the rest of this year. Attend every one you can. Hopefully, they will help revitalize the patriotic spirit we so much need in the United States. No one else can do this but you.
The Second Amendment must also be celebrated or, without it, there would not be a free United States. If we lose the Second Amendment, the United States will soon follow. We will become a quagmire, just like Europe.
Many of you enjoy the “Tidbits” section of the Thursday Bulletin and I appreciate that very much. Recently, I have added a section called “Super Tidbits” which delves deeper into various aspects of the founding of our nation. It is both a foundation and a jigsaw puzzle that, when put all together, makes the United States what it is.
Richard Pearson
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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.
Litigation Update
ISRA is pleased to share that the ISRA-supported matter of Atkinson v. Blanche has been resolved in the federal Courts in Chicago, and that the case has helped in remedying a situation that has impacted innumerable law-abiding persons in Illinois.
The Plaintiff in the case has a non-violent felony conviction from three decades ago in Federal Court, and while no felonies are “minor,” the Plaintiff’s was on the smaller side of the scale. Unfortunately, under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), he was permanently prohibited from possessing a firearm due to being convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment (the definition of a felony).
If Plaintiff had been convicted in state court in Illinois, he would have been able to file a FOID appeal and seek to have his rights restored, which would also have removed federal prohibitions. This is true even for violent felonies. But federal law provided no remedy for firearm rights restoration of any federal felony convictions short of a Presidential pardon, so Plaintiff sought to change the law.
In 2021, Plaintiff – with ISRA’s support – filed suit in the Northern District of Illinois to declare Section 922(g)(1) unconstitutional as to Plaintiff and non-violent felons generally, and to mandate an individual hearing to allow him to show his character was non-dangerous and law-abiding. The District Court ruled against Plaintiff, and we appealed. While the appeal was pending, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the Bruen case, which held that firearm restrictions must be evaluated though a “history and tradition” test. The Seventh Circuit vacated the District Court’s ruling, and remanded it back to evaluate Plaintiff’s claim under the Bruen standard. Unfortunately, the District Court again ruled against Plaintiff, and he again appealed to the Seventh Circuit.
While this was happening, other cases with the same issue were percolating in the federal Courts across the United States, with the Seventh Circuit’s Opinion in Atkinson being cited in many of them. The Department of Justice took note, and carrying out the President’s Executive Order 14206, created a program for federal felons to seek restoration of their firearm rights pursuant to the long-dormant 18 U.S.C. § 925(c). The Plaintiff was permitted to engage in this process, which will shortly be rolled out to the public (see https://www.justice.gov/ffrr ), and for the first time in 28 years, Plaintiff has full Second Amendment rights.
If you have questions about the federal restoration program, please contact the ISRA. Whether it is big-picture issues like the pending PICA lawsuit, or individual suits with a broader impact like Atkinson, the ISRA has been on the front lines of defending your Second Amendment rights – in the courts and in the legislatures – and will continue to do so.
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – CLICK HERE.
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SAF FILES LAWSUIT CHALLENGING NEWLY SIGNED MARYLAND GLOCK BAN
News Release from SAF.org , May 26, 2026
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and its partners have filed a lawsuit challenging Maryland’s newly signed Glock ban. The filing comes in immediate response to Gov. Wes Moore signing the bill into law today.
Gov. Moore signed into law Senate Bill 334, which states a person “…may not manufacture, sell, offer for sale, purchase, receive, or transfer a machine gun convertible pistol.” It further defines a “machine gun convertible pistol” as a firearm that contains a cruciform trigger bar. The ban goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
“This Maryland law bans nearly every Glock and Glock-style handgun on the market today,” said SAF Executive Adam Kraut. “These pistols are among the most popular on the market, chosen in overwhelming numbers by peaceable citizens for lawful purposes like self-defense. Maryland has now attempted to ban these firearms because a subset of criminals illegally modifies them, using conversion parts that are themselves illegal to possess, and then commit crimes with the modified handguns. Not only is this law as foolish as banning hops and barley to prevent drunk driving, but these commonly owned arms are clearly protected by the Second Amendment, the ratification of which takes certain policy choices – including this one – off the table.”
SAF is joined in National Rifle Association v. Moore by the NRA and Firearms Policy Coalition. “Bans like the one just signed in Maryland are the antithesis of good policy,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “This unconstitutional law does nothing more than punish peaceable gun owners in the state, and it cannot be allowed to stand. You can’t stop criminal violence by broadening the law just to make everyone a criminal. That strategy never works.”
Legislative Update
Only 4 days left until freedom! Hopefully, the Illinois Legislature will adjourn on May 31st, before they can do any more damage.
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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.
Don’t Play Games With “Wild” Animals
When I was in Yellowstone, I watched groups of mostly Japanese tourists surround a young bull elk to get a close-up photo of him. I was infuriated. As far as I was concerned, this was the elk’s home. The elk finally walked away deeper into the forest and the tourists were lucky. The elk could have killed a couple of these idiots and I wouldn’t have cared but, of course, the elk would have been destroyed. I would have testified on his behalf.
Last week, a women in Custer Park was killed by a Bison. Bison deaths are rare but, once again, the tourists asked for it. A man and his wife were following 50 yards behind a pair of bison . An unwise idea. The bull turned around and charged the women. Her husband escaped but went over to help his wife. The bison attacked again tossing the women into the air. This time it was fatal. While I feel sorry for the couple, I still must ask “What were to thinking?”.
Some of you reading this will be heading out to enjoy the great outdoors. Please give wild creatures a wide berth. They are called wild animals for a reason!
It’s A Great Time To Visit The ISRA Range For
Classes, Leagues, Special Events And More!
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!
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.
“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 begins June 5, 2026 and runs 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.
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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.
“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 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
Episode IV – Spain continued…..
Beginning in 1776, Spain began helping the Americans and General Washington. Spain and France were allies against Great Britain. The Seven Years War, known as the French and Indian War in the American Colonies, was over in 1763. Spain and France had no ” love lost” on the British. Spanish support for the Americans was quiet and in the self-interest of Spain. Wars in Europe never ended, then just went on hiatus and restarted under a new name. That is why George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Adams, Thomas Jefferson and the rest on the Founders warned against becoming involved in “foreign entanglements”.
Spain used its colonies and possessions to ship war materiel up the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers and skirt the British blockade of the American Colonies. The material would eventually arrive at Fort Pitt ( Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ) for distribution to wherever it was needed. In 1776, Spain financed and facilitated the delivery of 216 cannons, 238 gun carriages, 12,826 grenades, 5l,000 cannon balls, 3,000,000 pounds of powder, 30,000 muskets with bayonets, 4000 tents and 30,000 complete uniforms. The Spanish also financed and delivered aid to American warships and ports. This was all in 1776. There would be more in the following years, all the way to the battle of Yorktown in 1781.
While the Spanish were supplying material, someone had to be sure the Mississippi, and particularly the Ohio Rivers, were safe to get those materials though to Fort Pitt. Most history teachers mention George Rogers Clark in passing, if they mention him at all. Clark was mostly family educated, but what formal schooling he did have included George Mason as a classmate, and they became lifelong friends.
George Mason was called the “Reluctant Patriot.” He wrote the Bill of Rights for Virginia and his ideas were used by Thomas Jefferson and others for writing the Bill of Rights for the United States Constitution. George Mason was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention but he refused to sign the Constitution because there was no Bill of Rights in it. The Bill of Rights was later ratified and included in the Constitution on December 15, 1791. George Mason passed away from gout. That must have been a painful death.
George Rogers Clark became a surveyor along the Ohio River. He got to know both the country and the Indians very well. When the Revolutionary War started, Clark became a commander and captured Kaskaskia and Vincennes, Indiana, and controlled the areas around the Ohio River preventing the supplies from Spain from being captured or destroyed. His effort were heroic yet all but overlooked.
More about all that next week in Episode V!
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Tidbits
May 28, 1918 – In the first American sustained defensive of World War I, 4000 United States soldiers capture the village of Cantigny, France, from the Germans. The victory by American troops was significant in three ways. First, it deprived the Germans of an important observation point outpost. Secondly, it proved the argument that an independent U.S. command should be maintained apart from the Allied Joint Command. And, thirdly, it proved to the Germans and the Allies that American troops were a force to be taken seriously.
May 30, 1868 – General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic issues general order number 11, which designated May 30th as a day to decorate the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers. General Logan was from Murphysboro, Illinois. Originally, the day was known as Decoration Day but, in later years, it became known as Memorial Day to honor all the soldiers who fought in battles for the United States of America.
May 31, 1889 – In Pennsylvania, the Southfork Dam collapses causing a catastrophe known as the Johnstown Flood. More than 2200 people died in the disaster. The people of Johnstown mostly worked in the steel industry. It was a thriving community of 30,000.
The flood was caused by the collapse of the largest earthen dam at that time. The Southfork Dam was 72 feet high and 900 feet long. It was originally used as part of a canal system. The railroad soon overtook the canal business, however, causing neglect in oversight and maintenance of the dam, which ultimately contributed to the tragedy.
The flood waters reached 40 miles per hour and simply crushed people in their homes. One baby survived and was found 75 miles from Johnstown. He floated away on the floor of a house. A few days after the disaster, Clara Barton, who founded the Red Cross, arrived and took charge of the relief efforts. It took five years to rebuild Johnstown.
June 1, 1871 – John Wesley Hardin arrives in Abilene, Kansas, and made friends with Wild Bill Hickok. John Wesley Hardin claimed to have killed 44 men in his frontier career. When Hardin and Hickok were together, it probably was not a good idea to pick a fight with them. It wasn’t too good of an idea to pick a fight with them separately either.
June 2, 1886 – Grover Cleveland becomes the first sitting President to get married in the White House. President Cleveland married Frances Folsom who was Cleveland’s ward. Her father had been Glover Cleveland’s law partner and, when her father died, he became her legal guardian. Frances was 27 years younger than Cleveland at the time.
June 3, 1916 – President Woodrow Wilson signs the National Defense Act which expanded the size and scope of the National Guard. Wilson wanted to remain neutral in World War I but he realized that, most likely, it wouldn’t be possible. Because of this, and the fact that the U.S. Army was kept busy with Mexican rebel Poncho Villa and his raids on the southwest United States, Wilson decided to enhance the National Guard.
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.
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.
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 – 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
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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