September 4, 2025
Thursday Bulletin – September 4th, 2025
Is National Guard The Answer To Illinois & Chicago Crime?
President Trump is considering sending the National Guard to Chicago. Not surprisingly, Governor Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson do not want this to happen. They say crime in Chicago is under control. Of course it is. Let’s look at some facts.
The Chicago Police Department is at least 1600 officers understaffed. Those police officers who are on the job are hog-tied when it comes to actually enforcing the law. If they try to enforce the law and someone complains, they will be thrown under the nearest bus. In 2023, there were 225,000 high-priority 911 calls that went unanswered. High-priority calls include “man with a gun, shots fired” and the like. That averages out to just over 24 unanswered calls a minute.
Since cash bail was eliminated, 67,000 defendants have skipped their court dates. When they do skip their court dates, what do they get? A post card in the mail… that’ll show them. So, if they skipped their court date and you know their address, why not send a couple of police officers out to help them remember? Just a thought. Right now 90% of the people who commit violent crimes are out there walking around, somewhere. I believe only about 2 percent get any prison time.
No one knows what the real crime rate is in Chicago because Chicago is famous for “doctoring” their police reports. Armed robbery gets turned into petty theft or some other low level offense, if it reported at all.
No Governor, no Mayor… crime isn’t under control. Crime is out of control and both of you are aiding and abetting. So, why would the governor and mayor be accomplices? The answer is…to stay in political power, they keep chaos going so they can offer more and more left-wing solutions that will not work. Those solutions are not meant to work. They are meant as a tool to gain control over all aspects of society at the sacrifice of individual freedoms. The only thing that really works in Chicago is the governor’s propaganda machine.
So, does Chicago need National Guard troops? I think the answer is absolutely…and a couple of divisions of United States Marines wouldn’t hurt anything either.
What the Governor and Mayor fear most is… if the National Guard comes in and citizens find out what it is like to walk around the streets of Chicago without being mugged or murdered, they might start questioning the asinine, so-called leadership of the Governor and the Mayor. Who knows where this could lead?
Please check the ISRA Calendar on the website HERE for available classes.
Youth Camp A Great Success!
I would like to give a shout out to Larry and Becky Haas and to the Secor Sportsmen’s club for putting on a great youth camp. The camp had 73 attendees. This is the 29th year of this great camp. Well done-again!
The Final Full Moon Of Summer
On September 7th 2025 ,the final full moon of summer will brighten the sky. The September moon is called the “corn moon”. The name comes from the Algonquin Indians. September was the time the Indians harvested their food for the cold months. This included corn, pumpkins, squash and other staples. The October moon is called the harvest moon. Enjoy!
Litigation Update
All of our litigation is proceeding. We are preparing for our oral arguments in Harrel et al v Rauol et al on September 22, 2025. I want to thank all of those who are supporting our efforts.
LITIGATION UPDATE:
On Tuesday, September 2nd, the Seventh Circuit ruled against U.S. in the Schoenthal V Raoul. This case deals with the ability for licensed concealed carry citizens to carry on public transportation. We will be petitioning the Supreme Court of the United requesting they hear the case.
In other news…..
– Exerpt from Second Amendment Foundation, August 27, 2025.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and its partners have petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for review in Viramontes v. Cook County, SAF’s challenge to the Cook County, Ill., ban on so-called “assault weapons.”
Originally filed in 2021, the case was put “on hold” during which time the Supreme Court handed down the 2022 Bruen decision, and the Illinois legislature passed the nearly identical statewide ban on “assault weapons,” which SAF has also challenged, in Harrel v. Raoul. SAF is joined in Viramontes by the Firearms Policy Coalition and two private citizens.
“The Supreme Court has indicated its interest in addressing assault weapons bans within the next term or two, and we think this case is a solid vehicle for that review,” said SAF Director of Legal Operations Bill Sack. “As Justice Thomas rightly pointed out in his dissent from denial in Snope, the longer SCOTUS delays, the longer millions of Americans are subject to these unconstitutional, categorical bans of the some of the most popular arms in America.”
As noted in the petition: “Cook County’s ‘assault weapons’ laws restrict many perfectly ordinary and common firearms, like the AR-15 rifle. These firearms are not distinct from other rifles in their design or their function. Indeed, the very term ‘assault weapon’ is a political slogan masquerading as a meaningful designation, designed to exploit ‘the public’s confusion over fully automatic machine guns versus semi-automatic firearms.’ ”
“The idealogues in Cook County wrongfully think that the AR-15, and similar firearms, are not appropriate for self-defense,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “The disenfranchisement of an entire population of residents is an absolute infringement on their Second Amendment rights. We’ve fought this case for far too long and it’s time for the Supreme Court to step in and determine that bans on the AR-15 are unconstitutional.”
Support ISRA Legal efforts by donating HERE.
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – CLICK HERE.
Legislative Update
The Illinois Legislature is not in session at this time.
You can follow along by clicking the ISRA Legislation Page.
Please Sign Lynn Gipson’s Petition for NRA Board!
ISRA Range – Once Fired Brass For Sale
If you are an ISRA member and reload your own ammunition the ISRA Range has once fired brass for sale. Please contact Mike James at 847-456-3386.
M1 Garand Rifle Raffle
We are also pleased to announce our M1 Garand Expert Rifle Raffle with WWII U.S. Army M1923 M1 Garand rifle cartridge belt. Tickets are $20 per chance, 3 for $50, 8 for $100, etc. The winning ticket will be drawn on November 11, 2025.
One need not be present to win and winner will be notified. Dues & donations to the ISRA are NOT tax deductible. Winner of firearm must comply with all federal, state, and local laws. You have 90 days from the drawing to claim firearm. Good luck to all!
To Enter online, CLICK HERE , or call the ISRA office for more details at 815-635-3198.
“Guns N Grub” Event At The ISRA Range – Volunteers Needed!
Come join us for a one-of-a-kind event at the ISRA Range in Bonfield, IL. on September 13, starting at 9am! Firearm training, great food, and a vibrant shopping experience combine to create an unforgettable day filled with excitement, learning, and cameraderie.
To learn more about the Guns N Grub event and to register, go HERE.
We also need volunteers to help during the day from 7am to 5:30pm. Coffee, donuts and lunch are provided. If you would like to to volunteer to help out during this terrific event or If you have any questions, please call the ISRA office at 815-635-3198 or email us at: member@isra.org
Sighting-In-Day Raffle
Once again, we are pleased to announce our “Sighting-In-Day” raffle for a Savage Axis II 350 Legend w/scope and other great prizes. Tickets are only $10 a piece and entering is easy – enter online, by phone or by mail! Entries by mail must be postmarked by October 13, 2025. The drawing is at 1pm on October 21, 2025.
One need not be present to win and winner will be notified. Dues & donations to the ISRA are NOT tax deductible. Winner of firearm must comply with all federal, state, and local laws. You have 90 days from the drawing to claim firearm. Good luck to all!
To enter online, CLICK HERE.
“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list. The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson
ISRA’s “250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War”
Muzzleloader Raffle
We are pleased to offer a Pennsylvania Rifle for the 250th Anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War!
The Pennsylvania Rifle, and the people who carried them, played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. Their marksmanship was exemplary. Many of the sharpshooters in the Revolutionary War were from Pennsylvania and used Pennsylvania rifles. The most famous of these is Patrick Murphy, who shot and killed British General Patrick Ferguson in the Battle of Kings Mountain. Murphy made the shot, at a range of 300 yards, using his Pennsylvania Flint Lock Rifle.
One need not be present to win and winner will be notified. Dues & donations to the ISRA are NOT tax deductible. Winner of firearm must comply with all federal, state, and local laws. You have 90 days from the drawing to claim firearm. Good luck to all!
In commemoration of this 250th Anniversary, we’re pleased to offer 5 prizes that include:
1st Prize: Traditions Pennsylvania Carbine Rifle – .50 Cal Percussion & Midway Deluxe Padded 54″ Gun Case
2nd Prize: ISRA Custom Engraved BUCK Hunting Knife
3rd Prize: ISRA Custom Engraved BUCK Hunting Knife
4th Prize: ISRA Black Powder Hat
5th Prize: ISRA Black Powder Hat
To enter online, CLICK HERE.
Upcoming 2025 ISRA State Championships
September 6th & 7th (Saturday & Sunday) – Illinois State F Class Championship
For more info, CLICK HERE
September 20th (Saturday) – Illinois State Short Course Championship
For more info, CLICK HERE
October 11th (Saturday) – Illinois State Black Powder State Championship
For more info, CLICK HERE
Register NOW for ISRA Academy CCL Renewals
Do not miss out on the ISRA Academy featuring CCL renewals each month. Be sure to pre-register by checking the ISRA Range Calendar for times/dates and clicking on the event of your choice for more info.
Click here for ISRA Range or call the ISRA Offices for more info at 815-635-3198.
Education & Training @ ISRA Range, Bonfield, IL.
September 6-7 (Saturday & Sunday) Intro to International Rifle Shooting – Range 12 7am-6pm
September 6 (Saturday) Range Work Day – 8:00am-4pm
September 7 (Sunday) Titan Pistol Mini Workshop – Range 9 8:30am-1pm
September 20-21(Saturday & Sunday) Intermediate Rifle – Range 5 & Clubhouse 9am-3pm
September 21 (Sunday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11 & Clubhouse 1pm-4pm
September 21(Sunday) Handgun Drills – Range 10 & Clubhouse 9am-3pm
September 27 (Saturday) Defensive Rifle 1 – Range 9 8:30am-4pm
September 27 (Saturday) Armed Women of America – Range 11 & Clubhouse 9:00am-12pm
September 28 (Sunday) Intro to LPVO and Intermediate Distance – Range 15 10am-3pm
October 4 (Saturday) Range Work Day – 8:00am-4pm
October 2-5 (Thursday-Sunday) Massad Ayoob’s MAG-40 Course – There are a few spaces left. Sign up as soon as you can!
October 19 (Sunday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 9 1pm-5pm
*** 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.
World Shooting and Recreational Complex (WSRC) Events
The ISRA office is located at: 1 Main Event Lane, Unit 502-503, Sparta, IL 62286
Women Only Classes at WSRC
October 10 (Friday) “Refuse To Be A Victim” – 5pm – 9pm
October 11 (Saturday) NRA Basic Pistol – 8:30am – 5pm
October 12 (Sunday) NRA Basic Rifle – 8:30am – 5pm
ISRA Members: View the Summer 2025 Shooter HERE
If you would like to donate to us, please visit: https://isra.org/support-us/
Thank you for your support!
GET IN THE FIGHT, STAY IN THE FIGHT, JOIN THE ISRA
To Join the ISRA, Go To: https://isra.org/join-us/
The Illinois State Rifle Association
is the home of marksmanship in Illinois
Tidbits
September 4, 1888 – George Eastman secures a patent for a small, film roll, hand-held camera that 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”.
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 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.
September 9, 1942 – A Japanese sea plane drops incendiary bombs on the Oregon State Forest. This was the first air attack on the U.S. mainland in World War II.
September 10, 1919 – New York holds a parade to welcome General John J. Pershing, commander of the American expeditionary forces, home from Europe. Some 25,000 men had served in the AEF First Division. By November 11, 1918, the United States had mobilized more than 2 million Americans who served on the battlefields of Western Europe. More than 25,000 soldiers of the First Division marched in file formation down Fifth Avenue in New York City.
Other Events & Gun Shows
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.
Sept 20, 2025 National Civil War, Military, and Collector Arms Show, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, IL.
Sept 27 – Sept 28, 2025 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sprotsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Sept 27 – Sept 28, 2025 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee County Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
Oct 4 – 5, 2025 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
Oct 12, 2025 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL.
Oct 25 – Oct 26, 2025 Belleville Gun & Knife Show, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, Belleville, IL.
Oct 25 – Oct 26, 2025 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
Nov 1 – Nov 2, 2025 Bloomington Gun & Knife Show, Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL.
Nov 9, 2025 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL.
Nov 22 – Nov 23, 2025 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee County Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
Nov 29 – Nov 30, 2025 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
Nov 29 – Nov 30, 2025 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
Dec 6 – Dec 7, 2025 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sprotsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Sept 13 – Sept 14, 2025 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee County Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
Dec 14, 2025 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL.
Feb 14 – Feb 15, 2026 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
ISRA Grassroots Monthly Meetings
Come and meet fellow activists and learn the latest on protecting our Second Amendment Rights!
Northwest Suburban – 3rd Tues – Golden Corral, 601 S. Randall Rd., Elgin, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
South Suburban/Cook County – 2nd Thurs – Kenootz Pizza, 4659 147th St., Midlothian, IL; Doors open 6:30pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
Will County – 3rd Wed – Silver Dollar Restaurant, 422 E. Mississippi Ave., Elwood, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
Livingston County – 4th Saturday of the month – South Post Guns, 104 Livingston Rd., Streator, IL; Social Hour 4:30pm – 5:30pm; Meeting 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Stand Strong &
Thank you for being a member!
If you are not an ISRA member, join today!
Donate: https://isra.org/support-us/
Visit: www.isra.org
Upcoming Meetings: https://isra.org/isra-activities-and-events/
Upcoming Range Events: https://isra.org/the-range/#range-calendar
Stand by for the ISRA Range Post on
Tuesday!
If you are not an ISRA member, join today
Donate: https://isra.org/support-us/
Upcoming Meetings: https://isra.org/isra-activities-and-events/
Upcoming Range Events: https://isra.org/the-range/#range-calendar