SPRINGFIELD — Gun- rights supporters think they have momentum on their side this year to allow Illinoisans to carry concealed weapons. Opponents don’t think enough has changed to signal any break in the ongoing stalemate.

That doesn’t mean the battle over gun rights isn’t going to heat up in the coming days.

On Tuesday, a House panel stocked with a number of downstate gun-rights backers is expected to once again approve legislation to make Illinois the 49th state to allow citizens with special training to carry guns in public.

On Thursday, thousands of gun activists are scheduled to descend on the Statehouse for an annual rally organized by the Illinois State Rifle Association.

State Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg, said a combination of legal and political changes in the past year have pushed concealed carry legislation to the forefront.

“I’ve never had the groundswell or the grassroots effort that this bill is getting and attention that it’s getting right now,” he said.

But opponents say there remains scant support among Chicago-area lawmakers for allowing concealed carry, meaning the issue may remain unresolved for at least another year.