November 5, 2026
Thursday Bulletin – November 5, 2026
Executive Director’s Message
From Richard Pearson
I want to thank all the members that have logged on and activated their new account on member.isra.org . If you haven’t completed this yet, please do so today!! Life members are already active and just need to log in. CLICK HERE to activate your account or CLICK HERE to log in.
This system allows you to have choices as to how your renewal happens. You now have the option to receive paper statements, emailed statements, or an automatic renewal. You only need to store a credit card on file if you choose to do automatic renewals.
Once you’re logged in, you can update your demographic information, sign up for classes at a discounted rate, and participate in the community page! This new system has a lot of options that we will be rolling out in the coming months including blogs and online learning opportunities! Please call or email the office if you are having difficulty at (815) 635-3198.
Short Synopsis from Ammoland Inc. Posted on October 30, 2026 by David Codrea.
To read the full story, CLICK HERE.
On Monday, October 26, 2026, a gun-control activist was arrested for defacing the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero in Manhattan with graffiti in an effort to draw attention to his website, ‘juststopkillingkids.com’, officials said. Jonathan Andrew Tijerina, 31, scrawled the graffiti across bronze panels inscribed with the names of 9/11 victims at the memorial’s north pool around 5 p.m., police said.
“Tijerina’s demands for stricter firearm regulation include universal background checks for gun purchases and laws requiring every gun in America to be registered, according to his website, which invites visitors to ‘learn how civil resistance works,’” the report from Daily News elaborates.
“Civil resistance is proven to change laws and society. We are demanding action — and we will not stop until it happens,” the website declares, in effect threatening more disruptions and lawbreaking until they get what they want.
For now, they are claiming to want “Two specific, achievable demands. Neither requires repealing the Second Amendment. Both have majority public support. Both already exist in every other high-income country”:
Universal Background Checks: Every gun sale — private, online, at gun shows — must require a background check. No loopholes. No exceptions. This is the single most effective policy to keep guns out of dangerous hands.
Universal Gun Registry: Every firearm in America must be registered to its owner. Accountability deters crime, aids law enforcement, and creates the infrastructure for a safer society. Every car is registered. Every gun should be too.
Unfortunately, as has been proven time and time again, Universal Background Checks and a Universal Gun Registry will not encourage criminals to “just stop killing kids”. Criminals, the predators out there “killing kids” (who don’t register stolen cars, either) won’t obey the law, and the Bureau of Justice Statistics documents states that they don’t obtain their guns through conventional means:
“Among these, more than half (56%) had either stolen it (6%), found it at the scene of the crime (7%), or obtained it off the street or from the underground market (43%). Most of the remainder (25%) had obtained it from a family member or friend, or as a gift. Seven percent had purchased it under their own name from a licensed firearm dealer.”
Universal registration would only impact the “law-abiding” citizens as well. It would also be key to confiscation when the state figures it can get away with it.
(Commentary continues on website)
The bottom line is that those hell-bent on taking away the rights of law-abiding citizens to own firearms never sleep. When they can’t gain ground legally, they will often resort to escalating threats and physical means to get their way. We must be ever vigilant to guard our Second Amendment rights.
Stand with the ISRA in our continuing quest to protect our 2A rights here in Illinois and across the U.S. 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.
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – CLICK HERE.
Smith & Wesson has announced the reintroduction of their Model 1917 in .45 ACP and Model 22 in a .45 ACP / .45 Colt. The Model 22 will handle both cartridges in the same cylinder. Both revolvers come with five sets of half-moon clips to accommodate the .45 ACP and both models come with lanyard rings, which is ideal for carrying them while walking around in the woods. The Model 22 is a blued version of the Smith & Wesson Mountain Gun with the addition of the .45 ACP. Smith & Wesson had also reintroduced both Models previously in different configurations.
Seeing the press release stirred one of my shooting memories. Before I Graduated from college in 1966, I was assigned to Bradley Bourbonnais High School to do my student teaching. John L. Williston was my critic teacher who would supervise me for a semester before graduation. My future was in his hands. Within minutes of meeting John L. Williston, I knew he was one tough dude. Later on, I would find out how tough. I did well in my student teaching and, after graduation, I was hired. John and I would become lifelong friends.
When WW II came along John enlisted in the Marines. In those days, soldiers could carry a personal firearm. His father wasn’t able to buy him a 1911 because there were none to be had. He did find a Model 1917, however. John equipped the gun with stag horn grips.
Eventually, John found himself in the South Pacific and in the thick of it. The Model 1917 was his constant companion and was especially handy when facing Japanese Bonzi charges. In fox holes, it was handier and easier to use than an M1. John Told me several Japanese soldiers “served their emperor to the fullest” when they met John’s 1917.
One day, a grenade landed near John and filled his leg with burning hot shrapnel. He was taken aboard a Navy Hospital Ship for surgery, still holding on to his beloved 1917. He heard sailors talking about taking his 1917 when he was in surgery – John didn’t like that idea. When John was on the operating table, he told the surgeon to not give him any anesthetic. He was determined that the sailors were not going to get John’s 1917! John stayed awake during the entire operation while holding on to his beloved 1917. See, I told you he was tough! I think I will buy a new model 1917 and put stag horn grips on it in honor of my friend John L. Willison.
I know, in the modern age of plastic striker fired pistols, big revolvers are not that popular, but they are certainly a part of history. They are also fun to shoot. Smith & Wesson has them on their website if you would like to take a look at them – CLICK HERE.
Young deer hunters continue to set a challenging pace for their elders, with Illinois DNR reporting another record youth-season harvest.
Cheyenne Cavanagh (above), a 9-year-old hunter from Chatsworth, Illinois, serves as a perfect example of the upward trend. On October 10th, she took her first deer on the first shot of her first hunt with a 400 Winchester Legend. Congratulations Cheyenne!
DNR reported that a total of 4,852 deer were taken, 110 more than the 4,742 taken last year. The 2025 harvest had also broken the state record.
There were 14,529 crashes involving deer in Illinois last year, and of those, 13,846 resulted in damage to property or vehicles, while 677 caused injuries. Of those crashes, 6 resulted in 7 fatalities.
Those figures come from the Illinois Department of Transportation, which partnered with DNR to share an annual reminder to the state’s drivers that November and December are prime time for deer movement.
Statistics show that 41% of deer-related crashes in the state in 2025 occurred during October, November and December, with November being the most dangerous month. Rural roads accounted for 6% of deer-related crashes, while 8 out of every 10 collisions occurred during twilight or nighttime hours.
The Supreme Court of the United States is in session and we should start hearing some oral arguments from them on cases in early December (Tuesday, December 1st or Wednesday, December 2nd, probably).
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 still 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.
Send us your hunting pictures at member@isra.org! They don’t have to be deer – they can be ducks, pheasants, moose or whatever. We will have a random drawing from your entries for a $50 Boyt Harness gift card and a few other prizes on February 2nd. Good luck out there!!!
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
Enter now to win an Ithaca World War II Era M 1911 A1 U.S. Army 45 Auto –
Drawing on December 17, 2026!
CLICK HERE to order tickets online!!
Ticket prices:
1 Ticket – $20
3 Tickets – $50
8 Tickets – $100
25 Tickets – $250
60 Tickets – $500
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.
Ithica M 1911 Raffle Printable Order Form
Please Read The Fine print:
For other questions or information on this raffle, CLICK HERE or 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
*** Please contact academy@isra.org for any training or class questions and check the Events Page for links to dates, times, descriptions of ISRA activities and events.
Click here for the Illinois Shooter – Fall 2026
If you would like to donate to us, please CLICK HERE.
Thank you for your support!
To Join the ISRA, CLICK HERE.
George Washington’s development and use of spies has always been one of the most fascinating parts of Revolutionary War. Washington knew he was out-manned, out-monied, out-gunned, and his troops and supporting militias were out-trained. He had to keep his army together. He couldn’t afford to lose men or battles, or lose at least as few as possible. General Washington needed intelligence. To get that intelligence, he needed spies. He knew the value of intelligence from his experiences in the French and Indian War, where Native Americans and deserting French soldiers provided him valuable information.
Upon being appointed Commander and Chief on the Continental Army, one of his first acts was to form a 130-man unit known as Knowlton ’s Rangers. Their job was to scout British positions, movements and supplies. They played an important role in the Battle of Harlem Heights, where Colonel Thomas Knowlton was killed. The U. S. Army Intelligence service still has 1776 as part of its logo in remembrance of Knowlton’s Rangers.
Washington appointed Benjamin Tallmadge as his Spy Master and ordered him to create a spy ring. This group became the Culper Spy Ring. Agents were given aliases, but soon many were just given numbers (it turns out 007 wasn’t such a new idea after all, Mr. Bond).
One agent, known a 355, was most likely a woman named Anna Strong, lived on Long Island. When there was a message to be sent, she would hang out her laundry, which included a black petticoat, signaling a message was ready. She would include any number of handkerchiefs, which would indicate where the message was located. Then, Caleb Brewster, a whale boat commander, would pick up the message and row it over to Connecticut where Benjamin Tallmadge would deliver to Washington.
There were many spies but, to give you an idea of their diversity, Robert Townsend was a loyalist newspaper columnist who played to the publicity-seeking British officers who would brag about their plans and everything else. Hercules Mulligan ran a high-end clothing store which catered to wealthy patrons and the local British Officers. Mulligan actually saved George Washington’s life a couple of times. For instance, there was a British Officer who had come in for a new uniform because, he stated, in 48 hours he was going on a special mission to kill George Washington. A slave named Cato, an assistant to Mulligan who could slip thought the British lines easily, delivered the message of the impending assassination attempt to George Washington. Washington changed his route and was spared. After the war, Washington bought his clothes from Mulligan who proudly advertised the fact he was clothier to General Washington.
Last week, I wrote about the Green Dragon Tavern which was a hot bed of patriot activity. The British also had their favorite taverns. Many of the owners and bartenders of these were part of the Culper Spy Ring.
One of my favorite spies was James Armistead. James Armistead was a slave loyal to the patriot cause and a double agent. He made his way into Cornwallis’ headquarters by offering to spy for the British. He also served the British officers as a butler where he gathered vital information. He was spying for George Washington when Cornwallis was planning to leave Yorktown. General Layfette inflated the number of troops blocking Cornwallis’ move north and James Armistead was able to convince Cornwallis to stay in Yorktown. Armistead played a crucial role and, after the war, became a free man.
The Culper Spy Ring tipped off George Washington about Benedict Arnold’s plan to turn West Point over to the British. Major John Andre’s role in the plot was also uncovered by the group and he was eventually hanged as a spy. Nathan Hale, the American spy, was also a member of the Culper Spy Ring. British Major George Beckwith, who also served in the Revolutionary War, admitted the British had been “out spied” by the Americans. He later became the head of British Intelligence, drawing on his experience facing the American spy operations.
There are many more stories about American spying efforts in the Revolutionary War – way too much to tell here. It is safe to say that, without the sophisticated system of spies George Washington and Benjamin Tallmadge created, the United States would have lost the Revolutionary War.
November 5, 1940 – Franklin D. Roosevelt is re-elected president for the third time. Roosevelt was elected on the promise of maintaining American neutrality. America did not want involvement in another European war. Roosevelt knew that war was coming and he did everything he could to prepare America.
Roosevelt fought for the passage of the Lend-Lease Act in March, 1941. Later that year, Roosevelt and Winston Churchill would proclaim a joint statement outlining the goals of the two countries for the post-war world. This statement was known as the Atlantic Charter.
November 6,1917 – The Bolsheviks revolted in Russia. Lead by Vladimir Lenin, they occupied government buildings in Petrograd (now St. Petersberg) in a nearly bloodless coup. In 1918, however, they killed Czar Nicholas II and his entire family. One of those involved was none other than Joseph Stalin. Eventually, they would form the world’s first communist state, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).
November 7, 1944 – Franklin D. Roosevelt wins an unprecedented 4th term to become the longest serving president in U.S. History. Up until that time, Presidents voluntarily stepped down after two terms. Roosevelt was in ill health, the stress of World War II taking a toll on him. He dies in April 1945 and was succeeded by Harry Truman. In 1951, the 22nd Amendment was passed which limited the President to two terms.
November 8, 1895 – German physicist, Wilhelm Rontgen, discovered the x-ray. Although it was an accidental find by Rontgen, he won the Nobel Prize for his discovery.
November 9, 1862 – Ambrose Burnside becomes commander of the Union Army replacing George McClellan. Burnside would have a hard time reconciling the pro and anti-McClellan factions in the Union Army. Burnside was soon replaced. After the Civil War, Burnside would become treasurer of the Illinois Central Railroad, Governor of Rhode Island, United States Senator and first President of the National Rifle Association.
November 10, 1775 – The Continental Congress authorizes 2000 Marines to serve as landing forces in the newly formed Continental Navy. Happy birthday United States Marines!
November 10, 1975 – The SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior killing all 29 crewmen. The ship was loaded with 26,000 tons of iron ore and was the largest freighter on the Great Lakes. The water of the Great Lakes, particularly Lake Superior, are some of the roughest waters in the world during storms.
November 11, 1918 – World War I ends. The day was celebrated as Armistice Day. The armistice took place on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. There was never a peace agreement, just an armistice. The severe terms of surrender dictated to Germany would fester and lead to the rise of Nazism and World War II.
November 11 – The date is now celebrated as Veterans Day throughout the United States. Take time to honor all of the veterans who served and are serving day and night.
“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.
Nov. 7 – 8, 2026 Bloomington Gun & Knife Show, Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL. Richard will be there on Saturday if you would like to stop by with questions or just to say “Hello”.
Nov. 8, 2026 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, 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.
Dec. 13, 2026 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL.
Jan. 10, 2027 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL.
Jan. 30 – 31, 2027 Belleville Gun & Knife Show, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, Belleville, IL.
Feb. 6 – 7, 2027 Bloomington Gun & Knife Show, Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL.
Feb. 13 – 14, 2027 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
Stand Strong &
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If you are not an ISRA member, join TODAY!
Donate: isra.org/support-us/
Upcoming Meetings: isra.org/isra-activities-and-events/