September 3, 2026
Thursday Bulletin – September 3, 2026
Executive Director’s Message
Richard Pearson
Fall – My Favorite Time Of Year
Suddenly, there are signs of Fall everywhere. It’s not like we didn’t know Fall was on the way, but it sort of sneaks up on us every year. Some maples are turning red and yellow, school buses occupy the roads and streets, and the sun is coming up noticeably later. September 1st hailed the opening day of Dove Season and that means waterfowl, deer and fall turkey will follow shortly.
Now is the time to buy ammunition and get your firearms ready for hunting season. Ammunition manufacturers estimate what the demand will be, manufacture that amount of shotgun slugs and rifle cartridges and then reset their machinery to make other things. Once it’s gone, it’s gone until next season. Buy your ammunition early and get enough of it.
For years the ISRA has run Sighting-In-Days and every year people show up with too little ammunition or decide to sight in their gun with one type of ammunition and hunt with another type of ammunition. Both are recipes for failure. Rifled slugs are particularly finicky. If you need to resupply your rifled slug ammo, it is best to pick up a couple of boxes of different brands and test them in your gun. Just because a certain slug shoots well in one gun does not mean it will shoot well in another gun, even though it’s the same make and model. Once you find what works, go back and buy more from wherever you bought the first lot. Check the end flap of your shell or cartridge box, the lot numbers should be there. Get the same lot number. One lot number will shoot differently than the next. That is true with both rifled slugs and rifle cartridges. Rifle cartridges may come in several different bullet weights. Make sure you select the one that shoots best. Shot placement is more important than bullet weight.
Getting your firearms ready for hunting season needs to be done right away. If you find that your gun has a problem that you can’t fix, you need enough time to get the problem taken care of well before hunting season. Gunsmiths can get overwhelmed by people who wait until the last minute. If you have a Remington firearm, you need to get started right away. Remington Arms closed their doors and parts for them are hard to get.
Most people use some form of optic these days on their deer and turkey guns. That means the mounts and scope rings must be checked to make sure they are not loose. If either of these items need tightening, be sure to check to see how much torque is recommended. Twisting off a screw is never a good idea. If you are using some type of red or green dot, be sure the batteries are fresh. It’s no fun to have your “dot” go out just when that long-sought-after turkey is finally in range. I guarantee that turkey would have been a new state record.
Many hunters are switching from using slug guns to straight-walled rifle cartridges because of lessened recoil, less expensive ammunition and greater long-range accuracy. I recommend you clean your new rifle before shooting it. There’s always a chance that there will be gunk in the bore, chamber or somewhere in the gun. Remember, clean the rifle from the breech forward. At the end of the barrel there is the crown. This precisely machined area off the muzzle is the last thing that touches the bullet before it leaves the barrel. Mess it up and accuracy is lost. The barrel has to be re-crowned — this is not cheap and time consuming. Once the barrel is cleaned, I recommend firing two or three fouling shots before zeroing the firearm.
Shotguns, that have rifled barrels, also need to be cleaned. Saboted slugs leave plastic residue in the barrel which should be cleaned out, not only for accuracy, but because the small particles attract moisture causing rusting inside the barrel. Several companies offer plastic removers.
Shotguns used for waterfowl or upland game hunting should be cleaned before hunting as well. Removing plastic residue from the bore and choke tubes, as well as other gunk, is important. Choke tubes should be removed and the threads cleaned and lubricated with choke tube lube which is an anti-seize grease. The threads in the barrel should also be cleaned before the choke tubes are reinserted. Proper maintenance today can prevent big expensive problems tomorrow.
Now we are all set! Guns are cleaned, ammunition purchased and we are off to the range for zeroing in rifled firearms or the trap field for practicing shooting at clays. Fall is about here, my favorite time of the year!
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“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” ~ Thomas Payne
Litigation Update
News Release by CCRKBA.org – August 25, 2026
BELLEVUE, WA – A new Rasmussen survey released Tuesday shows support for gun control is slipping among likely voters, and it also once again reveals Democrats are the “party of gun control” for wanting stricter gun laws, while Republicans favor enforcing current laws.
“Ten weeks before the midterm elections is a good time for these distinctions to be revealed by a national poll,” noted Alan Gottlieb, chairman of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. “You have an overwhelming majority of Democrats saying the U.S. needs stricter gun control laws, and 65 percent of Democrats saying they would vote for a congressional candidate who promises to completely ban modern semi-automatic rifles.
“The timing of this Rasmussen survey is important and not just because of the looming midterm elections,” Gottlieb added, “but also because the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments in two consolidated cases challenging bans on so-called ‘assault weapons’ in the upcoming term, which begins in October. Both cases were brought by our sister organization, the Second Amendment Foundation, known as Viramontes v. Cook County in Illinois and Grant v. Higgins in Connecticut and we will be submitting an amicus brief.”
According to Rasmussen, a staggering 79 percent of Democrats want even stricter gun control laws, while only 29 percent of Republicans agree. Fifty-two percent of voters overall think stricter enforcement of existing laws would do more to reduce violent crime involving firearms—up two percentage points from last September—while only 34 percent say passing new laws would be better.
“Such surveys are important because they offer some guidance to voters about which candidates better represent their beliefs on important issues, especially the Second Amendment,” Gottlieb observed. “But it is also important that we keep in perspective the fact that constitutionally protected fundamental rights are not now, and never should be, subject to the results of public opinion polls. Rights guaranteed by the Constitution are special, and recent Supreme Court rulings make it clear the Second Amendment is not a second-class right.”
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Right now, we are in one of those nail-biting quiet times as far as litigation goes. Stuff is happening, but we just can’t see it.
The 72-hour waiting period lawsuit (Pearlstein v Raoul) is moving along and, in addition, we have filed a Notice of Appeal in the Daycare lawsuit (Miller v Meuller). We are also working on an amicus brief in Viramontes v Raoul lawsuit (Cook County semi-auto and magazine ban) which is now being considered by the Supreme Court of the United States. That does not mean they will hear the lawsuit, but they are talking about it. The Supreme Court is not in session until October.
We will keep you apprised of any other movement on litigation as we become aware of it.
To donate to the ISRA to help us continue the fight for Second Amendment rights,
Thank you for standing with the ISRA as we defend the rights of law-abiding Illinois gun owners!
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Legislative Update
Veto session is on the way and we are waiting. We will keep you apprised of any news on legislation as we become aware of it
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The up-coming 2026 veto session dates for the Illinois Senate are:
November 17th, 18th, 19th and December 1st, 2nd, 3rd.
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.
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – CLICK HERE.
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The ISRA Range Has Classes, Leagues, Special Events And More!
We offer 18 different shooting leagues. Some are weekly and some are monthly, and all of them are fun. There is no better place to learn new things and for camaraderie while you improve on your marksmanship skills. It’s a great place for you to shoot!
For more info on Classes, Leagues, Special Events and more, go to the ISRA Range Calendar – CLICK HERE.
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ISRA Town Hall Monthly Meetings
Come and meet fellow activists and learn the latest on protecting our Second Amendment Rights!
Livingston County – This meeting is being reorganized to better engage area ISRA members. More information will be posted when available.
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 – Algonquin/Dundee area – This meeting is being reorganized to better engage area ISRA members. More information will be posted when available.
South Suburban/Cook County – 2nd Thursday of the month – NEW LOCATION: Barraco’s Pizza, 13445 S. Cicero Ave, Crestwood, IL; Doors open 6:00pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm; Buffet is $20.
Will County – 3rd Wednesday of the month – Silver Dollar Restaurant, 422 E. Mississippi Ave., Elwood, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
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“Money can only buy happiness if you spend it on freedom.
Join the ISRA today.” ~ Richard Pearson
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“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list. The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson
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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
September 5 – 6 (Sat, Sun) NRA Basic Pistol/CCL – Classroom/Range 8 & Clubhouse/Range 11 – 8:00am – 5:30pm
September 5 (Sat) Range Work Day – 8:00am – 4:00pm
September 10 (Thurs) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Clubhouse & Range 11 – 9:00am – 12:30pm
September 11, 12, 13 (Fri,Sat, Sun) 3-Day Comprehensive Instructor Development for the Dedicated Woman Firearms Instructor – Clubhouse & Range 11 – 9:00am – 5:00pm
September 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 (Mon – Fri) NRA Law Enforcement Pistol Instructor Course – Range 11 – 8:00am – 5:00pm
September 26 (Sat) Defensive Tactics for Concealed Carry / Level 3 – Range 9 – 9:00am – 5:00pm
September 26 (Sat) NRA Basic Instructor (BIT) – Clubhouse – 12:00pm – 6:00pm
September 27 (Sun) NRA Basic Pistol Instructor – Clubhouse & Range 11 – 8:00am – 6:00pm
*** Please contact academy@isra.org for any training or class questions and check the ISRA Range Calendar for links to dates, times, descriptions of ISRA activities and events.
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ISRA Members: To view the
Illinois Shooter – Summer 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
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Super Tidbit
Henry Knox’s story continued….
Henry Knox is most remembered for is Herculean effort in moving 60 tons of desperately need artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston, but Henry Knox did much, much more than that. Knox rose to the rank of Major General and Chief of Artillery, as well as George Washington’s confidant. He was extremely intelligent and personable.
Henry Knox was involved with the Sons of Liberty, the Boston Tea Party and every type of rebellion against British rule. After the Battles of Lexington and Concord, he was forced to escape with his devoted wife Lucy who was always by his side, including at Valley Forge, Morristown and New Haven. Lucy had courageously sewn his sword into the lining of her coat to avoid it being detected. Obviously, Knox was an important target and someone the British wanted to speak with, so they kept on the move.
Knox was with George Washington at every major battle of the Revolutionary War, assisting with strategy and directing artillery. He was also on the jury for the Court Martial of Major Andre who, along with Benedict Arnold, tried to betray West Point and the American cause. Where Washington was, there was General Knox. Even when George and Martha entertained, the Knox’s were there helping host the function. Both Henry and Lucy were known as great conversationalists.
General Knox was both the last Secretary of War under the Articles of Confederation and the first Secretary of War under the United States Constitution, Henry Knox was also instrumental in advocating the building of six frigates for the United States Navy which included the U.S.S. Constitution. He also helped put down the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794. His contribution to the United States cannot be overstated.
In an unfortunate turn of events, Knox died in 1806 from an infection caused by a chicken bone caught in his throat — a humble ending for a truly great man.
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Tidbits
September 3, 1777 – The “Stars and Stripes” is flown in battle for the first time. It was the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge in Delaware.
September 4, 1888 – George Eastman secures a patent for a small hand-held camera that used a roll of film and weighed less than 2 pounds. Prior to that, cameras required glass plates and were cumbersome, heavy and awkward. The first year, Eastman sold 5000 cameras. He registered the name of “Kodak”. This new invention put a camera in the hands of anyone who had $25 to spare; good taste and skills were not required.
September 4, 1951 – President Harry S. Truman makes the first broadcast on television across the nation. His speech focused on the acceptance of a treaty officially ending World War II occupation of Japan. The broadcast was picked up by 87 stations and 47 different cities.
September 4, 1774 – The first Continental Congress convenes at Carpenter Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There were 56 representatives from every colony but Georgia. George Washington, John Adams, John Jay and Patrick Henry were among the delegates.
September 6, 1916 – Piggly Wiggly, the first self- service grocery store, opens in Memphis, Tennessee. Prior to that, you had to have a clerk assemble your order. Although commonplace now, it was cutting-edge news in 1916.
September 7, 1876 – The Second Amendment is at work. The James-Younger Gang attempts a daylight robbery of the Northfield, Minnesota bank. One of the tellers ran to sound the alarm but was wounded in the shoulder. The teller continued and found the alarm. Soon, the citizens of Northfield surrounded the would-be bank robbers and shot them to pieces. One bank robber was killed. Several others were badly wounded but managed to escape. Jesse James shot one teller, killing him before he could run away. Four of the robbers took off with a posse in hot pursuit but, within two weeks, they were killed or captured.
Jesse James and his brother, Frank, escape to Nashville, Tennessee, where they start rebuilding their gang again.
September 8, 1974 – President Gerald Ford pardons former President Richard Nixon, halting further investigation into the Watergate scandal.
September 9, 1776 – The Continental Congress formally declares the name of the new nation to be the United States of America. Previously, the country had been known as the United Colonies.
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Gun Shows
While the gun shows 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.
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. 3 – 4, 2026 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
Oct. 17 – 18, 2026 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
Oct. 24 – 25, 2026 Belleville Gun & Knife Show, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, Belleville, IL.
Oct. 24 – 25, 2026 Sauk Trail Gun Collectors Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
Nov. 7 – 8, 2026 Bloomington Gun & Knife Show, Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL.
Nov. 21 – 22, 2026 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
Nov. 28 – 29, 2026 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
Nov. 28 – 29, 2026 Sauk Trail Gun Collectors Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
Dec. 5 – Dec. 6, 2026 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Dec. 12 – 13, 2026 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
Feb. 13 – 14, 2027 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
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Stand Strong &
Thank you for being a member!
– Richard Pearson
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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