October 1, 2026
Thursday Bulletin – October 1, 2026
Executive Director’s Message
From Richard Pearson
Richard Pearson has been a prominent voice in firearms rights advocacy through his long-standing leadership with the Illinois State Rifle Association. His work has focused on legislative advocacy, member education, and the promotion of Second Amendment issues in Illinois and nationally.
The Lifetime Achievement Award presented at the Gun Rights Policy Conference represents recognition of years of dedication to advocacy, organizational leadership, and participation in the broader firearms-rights community.
Pearson has also been associated with national advocacy efforts and has served on the Board of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, reflecting his involvement beyond Illinois.
A lifetime achievement award acknowledges sustained contributions made over many years. For supporters and colleagues, the recognition highlights Pearson’s influence on policy discussions, grassroots engagement, and organizational development within the firearms-rights movement.
It should be noted that upon receiving this award, Richard was very humble and made it known that “He’s not done yet!”
This year’s Gun Rights Policy Conference (GRPC) was the most monumental in the history of the GRPC. The speaker’s list was The Who’s Who in the Second Amendment movement. The amount of information, insights and ideas was the best it has ever been.
William Kirk, host of “Washington Gun Law” on the YouTube Channel, interviewed Barry Arrington, Acting Chief of the Second Amendment Section of the Department of Justice. How cool is that? We actually have the “people’s law firm” on our side recognizing the Second Amendment as a civil right. On top of that, Armed American Radio host Mark Walters interviewed newly appointed ATF Director Robert Cekada and ATF Chief Counsel Robert Leider live on stage. Both men have a correct understanding of what the Second Amendment means. Gone are the days of the Biden Administration’s weaponized harassment of Federal firearm dealers and firearm companies. There will be actual investigations of criminals instead of focusing on driving people out of business for political reasons. Elections do have consequences! Thank you, President Trump! Remember – the Midterms are just around the corner.
Others in the all-star lineup included Mark Smith of the 4 Boxes Diner, Cheryl Todd, Host of Gun Freedom Radio, John Petrolino of the Patriot Pen, famed investigative Journalist Lee Williams and many, many others.
Lee Williams investigated the case of Patrick “Tate” Adamiak who recently received a pardon from President Trump. Mr. Adamiak was arrested by a Biden era ATF agent for having a toy machine gun. Mr. Adamiak was in the United States Navy. He collected military memorabilia and disabled weapons of various kinds. One of those items was a disabled Rocket Propelled Granade launcher (RPG). The ATF seized the disabled RPG and added real parts to that would make it fire. Those parts are not available to the public. After they made it fire, they arrested him for having a NFA item. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He spent four years in prison on a false charge. Mr. Adamiak appealed to 200 reporters, asking them for help. Only Lee Williams investigated his case. I am sure there are many more such travesties of justice out there. Thank you, Lee Williams!
This is just a small sample of the important Information, insights and ideas that were a part of this year’s conference. I don’t know where next year’s GRPC will be, but if there is any way you can make it, you should go. It was well worth it!
Come out and join us for Sighting-In Day at the ISRA Range!
October 3, 2026 – Ranges 2, 3, 5 and 6.
To view a video tour of the ISRA Range with Richard and Mandi, CLICK HERE.
This year, we also have a special Sighting-In Day Raffle for a chance to win a Savage Axis II 400 Legend rifle with scope. See next section below for more info!
Hunting season is fast approaching and each year the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) allows the public to sight-in their firearms in preparation for hunting season. This includes rifles, shotguns, handguns, and muzzle-loading firearms. ISRA or ISRA Range membership is not required to participate, but you are welcome to join that day. The ISRA has experienced instructors and shooters on hand to assist those who may not be familiar with their firearm.
Sighting-In Day serves several purposes:
In recent years, Sighting-In Day has seen more casual shooters who are not hunters attend. Many new shooters, who are target shooters, show up to gain a greater understanding of how to adjust their sights and shoot more accurately. It is a great time for all and a terrific opportunity to improve the accuracy of your firearms and your shooting capabilities.
Event held on October 3, 2026 from 10am to 3pm at the ISRA Range!
Every firearm you sight in on Sighting-In Day will include a raffle ticket for the drawing of a Savage Axis II 400 Legend rifle with scope! Extra tickets available for purchase at event or scan the QR code.
CLICK HERE to order tickets online!!
The Illinois State Rifle Association is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization, donations to Illinois State Rifle Association are not tax-deductible. Prize must be claimed within 90 days of drawing.
Please Read The Fine print:
For more information on this raffle, CLICK HERE.
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
FREE ADMISSION AND BRING A FRIEND!!!
Join us as we celebrate 100 years of the ISRA Range! This milestone honors generations of Illinois firearm owners committed to safety, education, marksmanship, and the responsible defense of constitutional rights. Open to all ISRA members. Onsite memberships will be available for purchase.
Enjoy a day on the range with fellow members, families, youth, and new shooters. Expect safe shooting activities, history displays, and chances to learn more about our training programs, competitions, and leagues.
We ask that you please RSVP by October 3, 2026.
Reserve your tickets – CLICK HERE.
Scan the QR Code below to RSVP.
The Supreme Court has granted review in Viramontes and Grant, related cases concerning whether assault-weapons bans violate the Constitution. At its September 28 conference, the Court is scheduled to consider 57 firearms-related cases, including:
Six additional firearms cases are scheduled for the October 9 conference, including four involving the felon-in-possession ban and two concerning unlawful drug users. Notable cases include Shepherd v. United States, which asks whether short-barreled shotguns qualify as constitutionally protected “arms,” and Salas-Martinez v. Texas, which challenges restrictions on handgun carry by adults under 21. The Court’s decisions could significantly affect firearm regulations nationwide, especially if it adopts broad rulings that limit lower courts’ ability to narrowly interpret its precedents.
ISRA continues fighting for Illinois gun owners through litigation involving gun and magazine restrictions, concealed carry, firearm regulations, FOID issues, the rights of young adults, suppressor restrictions, and other Second Amendment issues.
These cases require attorneys. They require legal research, briefs, appeals, filings, experts, and years of determined work. That work costs money — and we need your help to keep doing it.
Help Fund ISRA Litigation Efforts.
Every contribution helps ISRA continue defending the constitutional rights of law-abiding Illinois gun owners. To make a contribution to ISRA Litigation efforts today, CLICK HERE.
Want to see the other legal battles ISRA is fighting? Visit ISRA Litigation page HERE.
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Thank you for standing with the ISRA as we defend the rights of law-abiding Illinois gun owners!
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
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!
When anti-gun politicians pass another restriction, Illinois gun owners need an organization prepared to challenge it.
When a lower court refuses to follow Supreme Court precedent, we need to keep appealing.
And when a major Second Amendment case reaches the United States Supreme Court, ISRA needs to be there! However, it costs much more to force a correction in the courts than it does to prevent offending legislation from happening in the first place!
STAND WITH ISRA.
Help us continue the legislative fight for Illinois gun owners in Springfield.
To make a contribution to our Legislative efforts today, CLICK HERE.
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – CLICK HERE.
For more information on how you can help, call the ISRA office at (815) 635-3198, or e-mail us at member@isra.org today.
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.
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 – 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
“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” ~ Thomas Payne
Chances To Win Every Evening In November!
Enter the GUNS OF NOVEMBER RAFFLE to stand with the Illinois State Rifle Association. Your participation helps defend the rights protected by the Bill of Rights and supports safe, responsible firearm ownership.
A GUN DRAWING WILL BE HELD EVERY EVENING IN NOVEMBER. 4 chances to win with each ticket, your numbers will be picked from the Illinois Pick 4 Evening Lottery.
PLUS! Get a BONUS CHANCE to win a HK CC9 OPTIC READY 9MM PISTOL with each 5 ticket purchase made by October 24, 2026!
CLICK HERE to order tickets online!!
Ticket Donations:
1 ticket for $25
5 tickets for $100
Please Read The Fine print:
The Illinois State Rifle Association is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization, donations to Illinois State Rifle Association are not tax-deductible. Prize must be claimed within 90 days of drawing.
For more information on this raffle, CLICK HERE.
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
“Money can only buy happiness if you spend it on freedom.
Join the ISRA today.” ~ Richard Pearson
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
October 3 (Sat) Range Work Day – Clubhouse – 8:00am – 4:00pm
October 3 (Sat) ISRA Annual Sighting-In Day – Range 2,3,5,6 – 10:00am – 3:00pm
October 4 (Sun) Basic CCL – Range 9 – 1:00pm – 5:00pm
*** 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.
Click for Illinois Shooter – Summer 2026
If you would like to donate to us, please CLICK HERE.
Thank you for your support!
To Join the ISRA, CLICK HERE.
As a Founding Father, few people know anything about Alexander Hamilton. Most people look at a $10 bill and that’s about all they know, or care to know. There are only two people who are not former presidents on United States currency – Benjamin Franklin is one and Alexander Hamilton is the other. But what did Hamilton actually do to get his face onto the $10 bill?
Hamilton was born in the British West Indies to a Scottish nobleman and a local woman. Hamilton’s father wanted nothing to do with his son and abandoned him. He and his mother struggled. Then, when Alexander was eleven, his mother died and he was on his own. He found work with one of the local merchants who saw a spark of talent in the young man. The merchant and a couple of Alexander’s aunts sent him to New York for formal schooling. He did well.
In 1776, when Alexander was only 19 years old, he was an ardent supporter of the American cause. He was commissioned in the local military to raise a company of artillery to defend New York. Soon, he and his company were transferred to the Continental Army where General Henry Knox was his commander. He became a captain in the artillery. Hamilton was soon recognized as a skilled combat commander as well as an excellent writer.
General Washington, most likely with the urging of General Knox, promoted Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) and made him his aide-de-camp. An aide-de-camp is the Secretary to the Commander and handles the Commander’s confidential documents and communications. LTC Hamilton did a great job for Washington, but he longed for combat.
In October of 1781, everyone knew the war would soon be over and Hamilton wanted his chance at combat once again. British General Cornwallis had retreated to Yorktown, Virginia, because it had a deep harbor which made it easy for the British Navy to both supply him and rescue him and his army. However, General Washington and French Commander Rochambeau had other plans.
Cornwallis had done an excellent job fortifying his position in Yorktown. He had built a fortress surrounded by 10 redoubts. A redoubt is an angular fortification surrounded by trenches, steep walls and sharpened tree branches which acted like modern day razor wire and artillery positions. The layout allowed each wall to support other walls of the redoubt, devastating the assaulting troops within the trenches as they attempted to penetrate the walls – pretty tough stuff.
The siege of Yorktown, planned by General Washington and French Commander Rochambeau, had beaten the British down. They were short of supplies and demoralized. The British rescue ships had never arrived because Commander de Grasse and the French Navy had blockaded the port. Still, to end this battle, redoubts 9 and 10 had to be taken.
Washington the Rochambeau had decided a full-frontal assault would be too costly. They would have to be taken the old-fashioned way – with fixed bayonets. The French would attack redoubt 9 and the Americans, under command of LTC Alexander Hamilton, would take redoubt 10 at night. No muskets were loaded for fear a discharge would warn the British. The French took out redoubt 9. Hamilton led 400 men over the walls of redoubt 10, capturing and taking 70 British prisoners. Clearly, Alexander Hamilton was no shrinking violet. Cornwallis was done.
Alexander Hamilton had served his new country well. George Washington had observed his organizational abilities, his courage and his patriotism. Hamilton would go on to be the first Secretary of the Treasury, creating the first National bank, standardized United States currency and founding the Federalist Party – the first political party in the United States.
Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr became bitter political rivals. In 1804, Burr claimed that Hamilton had made statements that defamed him and challenged Hamilton to a duel. Both were from New York where dueling was illegal, so they went across the Hudson River to Weehawken, New Jersey. Both used .56 caliber dueling pistols. It is claimed that Hamilton aimed high to purposefully miss Burr. Burr didn’t see it that way and took dead aim. Unfortunately, Hamilton was hit and died the next day. Burr was charged with murder but never tried. No doubt, Alexander Hamilton was one of the greatest of the Founding Fathers.
October 1, 1903 – The Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Boston Americans 7 to 3 in the first World Series game. It was right fielder Jimmy Sebring who hit the first home run.
October 2, 1918 – On October 2nd, 1918, one of the greatest stories on military heroism began to unfold. American General John J. Pershing had been ordered by Supreme Commander Ferdinand Foch to command the Meuse-Argonne Campaign.
American Troops were looked down upon by the European Commanders. The Germans also looked down upon the American troops because they weren’t pure. We were everything… Russian, Polish, Irish, English, French, Italian, German, African, Scandinavian and who knows what else. Many American soldiers were recent immigrants. Americans were described as “mongrels” by the snobby Europeans,
On October 2nd, the U.S. Army’s 77th Division, under command the Major Charles Whittlesey, began to attack the German troops in the Argonne Forest. Whittlesey’s command was made up of tough New Yorkers who grew up fighting on the streets in their neighborhoods. Covering the 77th’s left flank were seasoned French troops. Their right flank was protected by American troops. The Germans were dug-in and had double lines of trenches. Fighting was ferocious. Unbeknownst to Major Whittlesey, the French troops retreated and the American troops on the right stalled. Communication was poor in those days. Carrier pigeons were the only way to communicate and that was limited by headquarters.
The 77th pressed forward and soon became isolated. The Germans were having problems with the 77th and deployed storm-troopers equipped with flamethrowers. The Germans launched counter-attack after counter-attack against the tough Americans. Still the Americans fought on. The 77th soon suffered more casualties. The Germans were also suffering heavy casualties. The 77th began to run out of ammunition, food, and water. The Germans could hear the screams and moans of the American troops and pleaded with them to surrender. The 77th didn’t even reply to the Germans. No man wanted to surrender.
As days 3,4, and 5 came, things got tougher. No one knew where the 77th was. Allied artillery, through some miscommunication, began to bombard the 77th. Whittlesey had to get word back to the commanders to stop the artillery barrage. He only had two carrier pigeons left. The first one got shot down by the Germans. The only one left was named Cher Ami. Soldiers loaded Whittlesey’s message to stop the bombardment into Cher Ami’s capsule. Cher Ami took off carrying the last hope of the 77th. Quickly, Cher Ami was wounded and fell to the ground. Somehow, the brave little pigeon struggled and took off again, making it to the command center. The artillery stopped and now the allies knew where the 77th was.
Commanders quickly organized troops to rescue the 77th. Airplanes tried to drop supplies to the Americans, but those supplies fell into German hands. Medical supplies were so low that bandages were taken off dead soldiers and reused on the wounded. Still the 77th fought on. Finally, on the 8th day, American troops made it to the remaining troops of the 77th Division. The 154th Brigade and the 308th infantry broke though, relieving Whittlesey’s command.
Major Whittlesey started out with 554 soldiers but, by the time they were rescued, there were only 197 of them left. Major Whittlesey, 1st Lt. Harold Goettler, 2nd Lt. Edwin Bleckley, Sgt. Benjamin Kaufman, Pvt. Archie Peck, Capt. George McMurtry and Capt. Nelson Holderman were awarded the Medal of Honor. Also, 31 others received Distinguished Service Crosses and Silver Stars. The word spread of the heroism and bravery of the 77th. Doubts about American soldiers gave way to admiration. Even the Germans admired the courage and fighting spirit of the 77th.
Major Whittlesey was promoted to Lt. Colonel. Later, he was given the honor of being one of the pall-bearers participating at the ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
October 3, 1863 – Abraham Lincoln declares the first official Thanksgiving Day on November 26, 1863. Thanksgiving Day would be moved around for a few decades before we finally become official on the fourth Thursday of November.
October 4, 1861 – Abraham Lincoln watches a balloon ascension. Balloons were used by both sides in the Civil War. It was new technology and, like all new technology, some Generals did not like it because they thought the information garnered was not accurate. Why, I do not know.
October 5, 1775 – General George Washington informed the President of the Continental Congress that Dr. Benjamin Church, Surgeon General of the Continental Army, was a British spy. Church was convicted and was exiled to the West Indies. His ship sank along the way, losing all hands. Later, he was sentenced to death but it was too late. Fate had already taken care of him.
October 6, 1926 – Babe Ruth sets the World Series record. The New York Yankees were playing the St. Louis Cardinals and Ruth had three home runs in the game. The Yankees eventually lost the series to the Cardinals. In 1977, Reggie Jackson would become the second player to have three home runs in a single World Series game.
October 7, 1763 – George III of Great Britain issues the Proclamation of 1763, closing lands in North America north and west of the Alleghenies to white settlement.
“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list. The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson
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.
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.
Stand Strong &
Thank you for being a member!
Richard Pearson
If you are not an ISRA member, join TODAY!
Donate: isra.org/support-us/
Upcoming Meetings: isra.org/isra-activities-and-events/