May 21, 2026
Thursday Bulletin – May 21, 2026
Executive Director’s Message
Richard Pearson
The Left Never Stops Trying To Abolish The Second Amendment
Here we go into the last few days of the Illinois General Assembly Spring Session. These are perilous times for all citizens and law-abiding gun owners, in particular.
As expected, the left-wingers are pushing HB4471, the Convertible Pistol Bill; AKA “The Glock Ban Bill”. What this bill does is punish companies who use a cruciform trigger bar that criminals have found a way to illegally convert to fully automatic.
This bill also makes it illegal to manufacture what is called a convertible pistol. It also makes it illegal for an FFL to sell a convertible pistol. This, of course, also punishes law abiding gun owners by not allowing them to sell to another individual in Illinois. The only exception to this is for FFLs to sell or facilitate the transfer of a convertible pistol to someone in another state. An individual also cannot have their convertible pistol serviced unless they are in an exempted category, such as law enforcement.
The conversion of any firearm to fully automatic is illegal under both state and federal law. The solution is to punish those who break the law, but that is not what the left wants. Their goal is to destroy the Second Amendment using any method they can. If they can ban firearms, that is the best way to put the jack-booted tyranny of government on the neck of those who dare oppose them and their freedom-stealing polices.
If you look at history, you’ll see the Left’s game plan is always the same. BUT, with your continued help, we at the ISRA will continue to stand firm for the Second Amendment and all law-abiding gun owners! Thank you for your unwavering support!
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.
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!
Hurry!!! 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. There is still time to register! 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.
HURRY!!! Just a couple of days left to register for ‘Empowering First Shots”!!!
Legislative Update
The Illinois State Rifle Association remains firmly opposed to so-called “red flag” laws and the misuse of Clear and Present Danger reporting systems that can strip law-abiding citizens of their constitutional rights without meaningful protections.
However, under current Illinois law, a person can have a Clear and Present Danger report filed against them and never know who made the accusation. That means an individual can face the loss of their FOID card, concealed carry rights, firearm rights, employment opportunities, and reputation — without the ability to fully defend themselves against potentially false, misleading, retaliatory, or politically motivated claims.
HB4999 addresses one critical due process problem within this flawed system.
This legislation would require disclosure of the individual who filed the report when ordered by the courts or the FOID Review Board. While ISRA does not support the underlying red flag framework itself, we strongly support the right of citizens to confront accusations made against them and to defend themselves against false statements that could permanently impact their constitutional rights.
No law-abiding citizen should lose their rights based on anonymous accusations with no accountability.
There is also another important effect of this legislation: accountability discourages abuse.
When individuals know their names may eventually be disclosed through proper legal channels, they are far less likely to file questionable, exaggerated, retaliatory, or politically motivated reports in the first place. Anonymous systems with no accountability create opportunities for abuse. Transparency helps protect innocent people from having their constitutional rights targeted through personal grudges, false allegations, or bad-faith complaints.
Transparency matters.
Due process matters.
Constitutional rights matter.
Unfortunately, many opposition witness slips are being filed simply because the bill is assigned to the Gun Violence Prevention Committee or because of assumptions about the sponsor. We encourage members to actually review the legislation and understand what this bill does.
HB4999 is about restoring a basic level of fairness and accountability to a system that currently lacks both.
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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.
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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.
Litigation Update
There are no updates to be given as of today. We will let you know when there is movement on any cases the ISRA is involved or has interest in when information becomes available.
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – 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
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
In May 1776, the American colonies were on a collision course with Great Britain and King George III. The idea of breaking away from the British Empire was not to King George’s, nor Parliament’s, liking. The colonies’ ideas of freedom had to be swatted like a fly. It should have been easy to do… after all, Great Britain had the best and most powerful, innovative army and navy in the history of the world. A lot of people never consider how innovative the British military was in 1776. Great Britain was going to let the world know what was going to happen if they dared defy the mighty British Empire.
The American colonies didn’t have much in the way of military readiness. Their military was made up of militias, most of which were poorly trained. One of the great problems the American colonies had was the lack of gunpowder. There were a few powder mills but they couldn’t keep up with the everyday demand as it was, let alone fight a war.
To give you an idea about how much black powder was required calls for simple mathematics. Gunpowder came in 100-pound barrels, 50-pound half barrels and 25-pound kegs. Each one of these was filled to only 90 percent for safety reasons. Copper was used in making barrels and kegs to prevent sparks. A hundred-pound barrel of powder only contained 90 pounds of powder. Muskets were .75 caliber and required 150 grains of powder. A pound of gunpowder weighs 7000 grains. Out of a pound of gunpowder, there was only enough powder for 46 shots. Assuming nobody spilled any powder, there were 4200 shots per 100-pound barrel. Field artillery ( 6 pounders ) took from two to three pounds per shot ( one third to one half the weight of the cannon ball ). Bigger cannons took 10 pounds per shot. At one time, Washington’s army was down to 36 barrels of gunpowder. It sounds like a lot until you are fighting a war.
A prime example of how important a shortage of powder could be was the Battle of Bunker Hill in June, 1775. The militia had only two or three shots per man. Had they had 10 shots, the war would have been over, but the patriots had to retreat. The British literally had boatloads of gunpowder.
When one reads about the Revolutionary War, the capturing of stores of powder and shot were critical goals. France’s support of the Revolutionary War is well publicized and was critical. What is not well known is the vital role Spain secretly played.
In 1776, Spain thought it was in their best interest to support the American Colonies. While Benjamin Franklin was getting all the publicity, a couple of George Washington’s officers were secretly negotiating with Spain. One of the topics was gunpowder. Spain secretly supplied 300,000 pounds of gunpowder to Washington’s army. The Spanish brought the gunpowder though New Orleans and up the Mississippi, skirting the British Blockade. The supply of gunpowder would be a critical item for George Washington.
More about Spain to come in the next exciting issue of the Thursday Bulletin!
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Tidbits
May 21, 2000 – The bones of President James Garfield, particularly his spine, was put on display at the National Museum of Health and Medicine in Washington D.C. It was put on display and showed where one of two assassin’s bullets had passed through. Wow! The exhibit was supposed to feature medical oddities from the museum’s archives. I think it showed multiple pieces from politicians in Washington. Well, Garfield’s spine looked fine. Maybe those in Washington today should go find their own spines sometime.
May 22nd is Poppy Day. What is Poppy Day? Many people have never heard of it. Poppy Day memorializes those who have fought in war. After World War I, the devastated battle fields in France and Belgium suddenly became covered with brilliant red poppies. It is thought that the artillery shells broke up limestone that mixed with the nitrates and other residue from the artillery shells which fertilized the ground and made the perfect seed bed for the native poppies. The fields were covered in endless poppies that waved in the breeze where just months before hundreds of thousands had been killed or wounded.
In 1920, the poppy was adopted as the official flower of the American Legion. Each year, on the Friday before Memorial Day, poppies are distributed to memorialize those who fought and died in World War I and after. There is no charge for the poppy. If you choose to make a donation, those funds are earmarked for assisting veterans and can only be used for providing necessary items for veterans in hospitals, homeless veterans, grocery cards or gas cards for veterans, food pantries or assistance in Honor Flights. Be sure to take a moment from your busy day and get your poppy!
May 22, 1892 – Dr. Washington Sheffield invents the metal, collapsible, toothpaste tube. Today, toothpaste comes in plastic tubes. Originally, toothpaste and artists paint tubes were made of tin and lead. Tin is a rare earth metal and was a scarce commodity because the United States had no large-scale tin mines. In WWII, tin was mostly mined in South America. Tin was important for making solder for make electronic equipment and in for use in various alloys. During WWII, druggists required you to turn in your old tooth paste tube before they would give you a new one. My father, a WWII veteran, kept a box filled with old toothpaste tubes just in case the Korean War spread across the globe.
May 23, 1900 – Army sergeant William Harvey Carney receives the Medal of Honor. Sergeant Carney was the first black American to receive the Nation’s highest honor. The Carney family were slaves in the south and made their way to Massachusetts before the Civil War. Carney was originally planning to go into the ministry but, when the Civil War started, he thought the best way to serve his God, his country, and his brothers would be to enlist in the Army. Carney enlisted in the 54th Massachusetts, the first black regiment.
In the attack on Fort Wagner, Carney saw the flag bearer shot and the flag descending to the ground. He leaped forward and grabbed the flag, carrying it uphill to the fortress wall where he planted it in the sand. He held the flag up despite many bullet wounds. He nearly died, but was determined not to let the flag fall. His wounds were so bad, he was discharged from the United States Army and returned to Massachusetts where he worked for the United States Post Office and, eventually, in the Massachusetts State House.
May 24, 1775 – John Hancock becomes the first president of the second Continental Congress. He is best known for his signature on the Declaration of Independence. His large, over-sized signature was made, it is said, so that King George could read it clearly.
May 24, 1935 – The Cincinnati Reds defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 2 – 1 in Major League Baseball’s very first night game. The first night game ever played by a baseball team was in Des Moines, Iowa, on May 2, 1930. Night games saved major league baseball. In the depression, the number of fans attending games dropped dramatically. The introduction of lights helped to bring the crowds back.
May 25th is Memorial Day! The first Memorial Day Ceremony north of the Mason/Dixon line was at Woodlawn Cemetery in Carbondale.
Be sure to attend your local ceremonies to commemorate and thank all those who fought and died for this great country!
May 25, 1787 – The Constitutional Convention begins in Philidelphia, Pennsylvania. The Articles of Confederation, which had been ratified in 1781, wasn’t doing the job. George Washington was elected president of the convention.
May 25, 1935 – Babe Ruth hits his last home run at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It would be his 714th home run. Many players thought “The Babe” was all washed up, but they were mistaken. He went three for four, which included three home runs, driving in a total of six runs. Not bad for a guy they thought was all washed up.
May 26, 1907 – John Wayne is born in Winterset, Iowa. His real name was Marion Robert Morrison. When he was six years old, his family moved to Glendale, California. Wayne wanted to join the United States Navy and attend the Naval Academy, but he was rejected. He went to Southern California University on a football scholarship but was then injured.
He began working in the movie industry in 1930, starring in the movie “The Big Trail”, but the movie did poorly. Finally, in 1939, John Ford gave Wayne his big break, casting him in “Stagecoach”…and the rest is history.
May 27, 1986 – The United States Patent Office issues a patent to Lonnie Johnson for his toys. Simply titled “squirt gun”, his toys, after a few name and design changes, became known as the “Super Soaker”. It is the best selling water toy of all time. I know the origin of the “Super Soaker” has been on your mind.
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 – Golden Corral, 1591 S Randall Rd., Algonquin, IL; This meeting is temporarily canceled until further notice.
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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