The State of Illinois has submitted their reply to the court in the ISRA FOID card case. All the preliminary work is done and now we have to wait for a court date. In the past, it has taken anywhere from one month to six months for that to happen. As I have mentioned before, watching paint dry is quite exciting compared to waiting for courts and court cases to move. When something happens it will be posted in the Thursday Bulletin.
Joe Biden’s gun control plan is out there. Of course, one of the things it includes is the approval of the United Nations Small Arms Treaty which calls for an international registry of gun owners. That will be coming up for approval in the United States Senate. Those who read this column regularly know how much I detest the United Nations, the ground it sits on and the air its members breath.
Beyond that, Joe Biden’s “common sense gun control” scheme is a nightmare for legal gun owners. Only the general language is out there but the intent is clear as to where this is heading. The plan includes:
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Mandatory screening of all people who are seeking to be firearm owners.
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Restrictive licensing for guns and ammunition.
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Restrictions on the number of guns and the amounts of ammunition you can own.
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Bans on magazines that hold more than 10 rounds.
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Bans on firearms used for self-defense.
I am sure there will be more when we see the details. This is going to be a trying time for us all.
The anti-gun crowd seems to be pushing for two pieces of legislation at the state level. The first is for fingerprints to get a FOID card and a fee increase. We have not seen a bill at the time I write this but I’m sure one will be coming. The second item is an ammunition tax. They will do anything to make it tough on gun owners but even worse, if they get the tax, they will use our money against us in some way. Right now HB0438 is the ammunition tax bill we are tracking. Keep an eye on the ISRA website for more bills as they are released. We will let you know when it is time to act.
It is no surprise the Colt Firearms has been sold. The good news is that they were sold to CZG who makes CZ firearms in Czechoslovakia. CZ makes really good stuff and is committed to the shooting sports. In recent years and several times in the past, Colt has had serious financial problems. Like all of these buyouts, the purchasing company usually brings infusions of cash, new technology and ideas into the company. I assume this will be the case with CZG and Colt. One of the things I would advise CZG to do is get out of Connecticut and move to a friendlier gun climate.
We are entering the legislative season which is the most dangerous time for citizens. Most firearm owners pay attention to federal and state legislation. The primary job of the ISRA is to handle legislation in the Illinois State Legislature. That does not mean we ignore federal and local legislation. Local legislation at the county, city, village or other forms of local government can be just as dangerous. Zoning boards are a particular headache. The fact is, I look at all forms and levels of government with a jaundiced eye. Every level of government has huge power when compared to the individual citizen. Most of the time, people who serve on local government boards are good people but every once in a while, somebody gets elected who believes they are God’s gift to us all. These people become tyrants. Someone once said “There is no tyrant like a small tyrant.” They knew what they were talking about.
At the national level, H. R. 127 is an example of really bad legislation that is out there. This Resolution was introduced by anti-gun zealot Sheila Jackson Lee (D-18 Texas). We all need to call our Congressmen or Congresswomen and oppose this Resolution. You can google the Resolution and get the wording. This Resolution has a long way to go but it shows us all where the anti-gun crowd wants to go. I should remind everyone that in Congress, Resolutions are proposed laws and as such are binding. In the State of Illinois, resolutions are not binding but the bills are.
In Illinois we are watching more and more bills being introduced. Please go to our website and click on Advocacy – Legislation to see which bills we are tracking. There are three categories: Support, Oppose or Monitor. Some bills are easy to figure out where they are going but at other times, we just need to keep an eye on the bill because we may think it will turn into something else.
As I have mentioned, bills all start out in the Rules Committee in the Illinois House and are then assigned to a Committee for hearings. In the Senate, they start out in the Assignments Committee and from there, are sent to a Committee. Right now, there are no face to face hearings scheduled in the Illinois Legislature. The hearings are subject matter only. That means no real action can be taken on them. As soon as something happens, we will let you know. In the meantime, I would refresh your skills on filling out witness slips. This is going to break loose sometime.
Your ISRA lobbyists are on the ground here is Springfield after a long hiatus. Today the Illinois House of Representatives passed a significant resolution. The Resolution, H.R. 72, limits the terms of Speaker of the House and Minority Leader to five General Assemblies or 10 years. I have long advocated for this limitation. The problem has been entrenchment. These people accumulate too much power.
The month of January set a new record for firearm sales. There were 4.3 million background checks in January 2021, half of which were for concealed carry permits and FOID cards but that still leaves about 2.1 million background checks that resulted in a firearm purchase. As I said last month, there would be more firearms sold but some stores simply ran out of firearms to sell. It looks like Joe Biden may exceed Barack Obama’s gun sales record.
Winchester has added some new ammunition to their Silvertip self-defense line of ammunition; this ammunition is designed with massive stopping power. Included in this line of ammunition is .223, .300 Blackout, .308 Winchester and .22 long rifle. The .22 long rifle is most interesting. This .22 round is loaded with a 37 grain bullet that breaks into three parts on impact and penetrates 12 inches. For those who can’t handle a larger caliber or much recoil, this might be an answer for them.
Illinois State Rifle Association is providing a 2-day class for NRA Range Safety Officer, at our range in Bonfield, 1589 N 7000 West Rd., Bonfield, IL 60913. The class is scheduled for March 13, and March 27, 2021, from 9am to 3pm. Coffee, donuts, lunch and all class materials are provided both days. If you are interested, and can attend both days, register by Monday, March 8, 2021.
The ISRA is offering another Glock Armorers Course on March 16th at the ISRA Range in Bonfield. We are also hosting a Glock Operator Course at the ISRA Range on March 18th. There are still openings left for both classes. You will need to sign up on the Glock website: https://glocktraining.com/Schedule.aspx
You don’t have to be a member to attend. Cost is $75 for members and $115 for non-members. Non-Members attending will receive an ISRA membership with the cost of the class. Class is limited to 30 students. Call or email the office with any questions or concerns, member@isra.org or 815-635-3198.
Rush Limbaugh, long time ISRA Life member, has passed away from lung cancer. Rush Limbaugh was a true American patriot. He will be sorely missed in these trying times.
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