ISRA Thursday Bulletin For February 16, 2017

Illinois
Illinois
Illinois State Rifle Association
Illinois State Rifle Association

USA -(Ammoland.com)- Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD) is coming up on April 5th this year and for the first time in a long time, the ISRA is not going to sponsor charter buses to the event. The expense of these buses has become too great.

This does not mean the ISRA does not welcome clubs, gun shops and shooting ranges to sponsor their own bus. The money is better spent in other ways to protect the Second Amendment in Illinois, such as a better alert system and, perhaps, litigation.

There will be a local bus from the Prairie Capital Convention Center to the Capitol Building for those who have difficulty walking in the march. I hope to see you all there.

This past week, the deadline for substantive bill passed in both the Illinois House and Senate. Right now, we are following 111 bills in the House and the Senate. These bill positions are posted on the ISRA website (hover over “Advocacy” and click on “Legislation”).

Remember, a lot of these bills are not going anywhere. Also, remember that there are bills that may appear suddenly, as amendments to other bills. These bills, known as shell bills, may have nothing to do with the title of the bill, so don’t be fooled. When you go to the ilga.gov website, click on bills and resolutions, then choose a bill.

When the bill comes up, look for amendments to the bill. The last adopted amendment is what the bill is really about. There is a saying, “You can’t tell a book by its cover.” Well, you can’t tell a bill by its title, once it is amended.

The Trump Administration is having a positive influence on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives(BATFE). In the last Thursday Bulletin, I mused that it would be nice if the BATFE would allow U.S. made M1, M1 carbines and 1911’s, which have been loaned to other countries, back into the United States.

In a letter from the head of the BATFE, it proposes that we lift the restrictions on these historically significant firearms and allow them back into the country. There is more in the letter that would help streamline firearm purchases and firearm manufacturing documents that would, in the end, help everyone.

The Illinois State Rifle Association has become an International Defensive Pistol Association(IDPA) affiliate. Thanks to Pat Addyman, who is heading up this project. Look for IDPA matches and leagues to appear this summer.

The ISRA now has 11 leagues to choose from. In a few weeks, I hope to announce a 12th league, designed for the new shooter that will encompass both rifle and pistol. I will let you know as soon as it happens.

Thanks for being a member.

Upcoming Events:
Check our website for more information!

  • Saturday, February 18, 2017
    Armed Forces Training Camp Instructor Orientation
  • Saturday, February 25, 2017
    Care & Maintenance of the AR-15
    Women on Target Pistol Clinic at Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club
  • Saturday, March 4, 2017
    Emergency Medical Response for Firearm Instructors and RSO’s
  • Saturday, March 11, 2017
    Care & Maintenance of the Ruger Mark I, II, III, and 22/45
  • Saturday, March 18, 2017
    Basic Pistol Instructor Lead Training – Phase 2
  • Sunday, March 19, 2017
    Care & Maintenance of the M1
  • Friday, March 31, Saturday, April 1, Sunday, April 2, 2017
    DTI Inc Basic Defensive Handgun Course – Instructor John S Farnam

 

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