December 4, 2025
Thursday Bulletin – December 04, 2025
Executive Director’s Message
Richard Pearson
Introducing – The “ISRA Paladin” Sustaining Membership
I am pleased to announce that the ISRA is introducing our new sustaining membership. The membership is called the “ISRA Paladin.”
When you become an ISRA Paladin, you join the front line in defending the Second Amendment in Illinois. Your commitment helps power the ISRA’s training, education, and legal efforts that protect the rights of every law-abiding gun owner in our state.
What is a PALADIN—and why should you become one?
In the time of King Charlemagne, the Paladins were his most trusted and honorable knights—sworn to act with courage, defend the innocent, and protect what was just. Their loyalty and leadership made them legends. Today’s ISRA Paladins carry that same spirit. They stand firm for freedom, safeguard the innocent, and defend our rights against those who would take them away.
You can be a Paladin member and an Annual, Life, Endowment, Benefactor, or Patron member concurrently. Every bit helps.
Your invitation to this membership should be arriving in the USPS mail starting this week. The letter will explain the further details of the ISRA Paladin membership.
If you would like to become a ISRA Paladin member, please call the office at 815-635-3198.
Thank you for your continuing support of the mission of the ISRA!
Trump’s DOJ To Focus On Gun Rights Protections
Excerpt from Reuters – November 25,2025
In February of this year, President Trump issued an executive order which directed Attorney General Bondi to comb the entire U.S. government to “assess any ongoing infringements” of gun rights. Since that time, the Department Of Justice (DOJ) expedited plans to expand gun-rights protections by creating a new office in its civil rights division dedicated to enforcing the U.S. constitutional right to bear arms. The new division, called the “Second Amendment Rights Section”, will be created using existing funds and personnel and is expected to open on December 4.
Under the umbrella of Second Amendment rights, the new DOJ Section will focus on investigating systemic violations of constitutional and statutory rights by police departments, local municipalities, State legislatures and other governing bodies. In one instance earlier this year, the DOJ launched a civil rights investigation into allegations that the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department was slow-walking approvals for concealed-carry permits after gun-rights groups launched a lawsuit over the department’s process, fees and wait times. In another instance, the DOJ has also withdrawn or seeks to withdraw at least a dozen consent decrees from cities and states around the country under investigation over their policing practices. When the new division officially opens, it will spearhead efforts such as these and focus entirely on such Constitutionally relevant matters, making the Second Amendment right to bear arms a major priority of this administration.
To read the entire story, Click HERE.
* * * *
In my opinion, we are in for a bumpy ride as blue-run states and cities prepare for the battle ahead. They are dead-set against this departure from the anti-gun, anti-Second Amendment path they have trudged us down for years. You can believe there will be ranting, gnashing of teeth, clutching of pearls and boat-loads of money funneled into litigation to try and rein in this new DOJ directive.
You have my word that the ISRA, with your continued help, will be right there in the thick of it in Illinois! And now, we finally have a powerful, new ally in our fight, thanks to President Trump! But we cannot do this without YOU!
So please… take the time to become a member, renew/upgrade your membership, sponsor someone else to join or make a contribution to the ISRA today. Thank you for your continued support!
My Two Cents – Take A Lesson From Europe
Creeping anti-gun-ism is fostered and promoted by billionaires, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and governments who want to crush individualism and make their own power absolute. In short, these groups want to put their jack-booted heels on the necks of citizens and force them to comply with whatever regulations and laws they push upon them. When the Second Amendment is quashed then free speech is next. Just look at people from Europe who are being arrested for social media posts because they are expressing thoughts contrary to government policy.
The United States is the envy of people around the world for many reasons, but primary among those reasons is the Second Amendment.
I remember meeting four people from the United Kingdom while I was at the National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio. I talked to them while I was on the ready line. They had come to the United States just to see the National Matches. Later that evening, I ran into them at the ice cream shop in Port Clinton. I asked them what they thought. Their answer was both quick and clear. They wanted to own firearms. They were going back to the “UK” and apply for immigration to the United States.
Never let anyone take the Second Amendment from us. We must do whatever we have to do to keep it.
ATTENTION – Deer Hunters
We would like to publish pictures of your deer in the Illinois Shooter. Please send us a photo with your name, the county in which you bagged the deer, and what type of firearm you used. Please email your pictures and info to member@isra.org .
Litigation Update
ISRA AS PLAINTIFF
We are still waiting on a ruling on Harrel v. Raoul from the Seventh Circuit which we hope to get soon.
ISRA SUPPORTING
Schoenthal v. Raoul (public transportation CCL case) (7th Cir.) – Judgment in Seventh Circuit for State; Petition for writ of certiorari has been filed at the Supreme Court.
The Second Amendment Foundation, the Connecticut Citizens Defense League and several individual plaintiffs have filed an appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) in case of Grant v Rovella, the Connecticut “assault weapons ban.” That is one more nudge toward getting SCOTUS to decide on so-called assault weapons bans.
Thanks to all those who have and will continue to support the ISRA in our efforts to protect the Second Amendment in Illinois. This fight is far from over.
We need extra support right now, so please… donate HERE.
If you would like to mail a check to the ISRA Legal Assistance Committee (donations to the ISRA LAC are tax deductible), please send to:
ISRA Legal Assistance Committee
PO Box 494
Chatsworth, IL 60921
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – click HERE.
Legislative Update
The General Assembly will reconvene for the Spring 2026 session on January 13th.
The House deadline for drafting is January 16, 2026, and the deadline for the Senate drafting is February 6, 2026.
You can find a PDF of the House calendar here and a PDF of the Senate calendar here to view all the legislative session deadlines.
We have reserved the Bank of Springfield Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, Springfield Illinois, for IGOLD 2026 on April 15, 2026. More details to follow. Please mark your calendars to reserve this date.
You can follow along by clicking the ISRA Legislation Page.
“Money can only buy happiness if you spend it on freedom. Join the ISRA today.” ~ Richard Pearson
ISRA Colt Anaconda 44 Magnum Raffle – Tickets Now Available
Buy your tickets early for the ISRA Colt Anaconda 44 Magnum Raffle! Drawing will be held on February 17, 2026. Entries must be postmarked by February 9, 2025.
TICKET PRICES:
• 1 for $10
• 3 for $25
• 7 for $50
• 15 for $100
You need not be present to win. Dues and donations to the ISRA are NOT tax deductible. Winner of the Colt Anaconda must comply with all federal, state and local laws. Winner has 90 days to claim prize.
Scan the QR code in the ad or Click HERE for more info.
Questions? Call the ISRA office at: 815-635-3198.
We appreciate your continuing support! Every ticket you buy helps keep Illinois gun owners strong, trained, and protected. We’ve stood for your rights since 1903 — and we’re not slowing down. Thank you for standing with us!
ISRA Memorial Brick Fundraiser – Honor Your Mentors
We all have people in our lives who have influenced our lives in a positive manner, we do not want them forgotten. My father is a perfect example, he taught me how to shoot, hunt, and many other life lessons. He was a WWII veteran with two purple hearts, I did not want him to be forgotten.
To remember people like my father and those in your life that have made a positive impact over the years the ISRA has established a Memorial Brick Project. The memorial bricks are laid out around the flagpole at the ISRA Range in Bonfield, IL, which is located near Kankakee, IL.
Please look over the attached flier and consider buying a brick for someone who has made a difference in your life.
For more info or to order your commemorative brick today, CLICK HERE.
ISRA Ruger 10/22 Collector Series Raffle – Tickets Now Available
Buy your tickets early for the ISRA Ruger 10/22 Collector Series Rifle Raffle! Drawing will be held on January 7, 2026. Entries must be postmarked by December 30, 2025.
You need not be present to win. Dues and donations to the ISRA are NOT tax deductible. Winner of the Ruger Rifle must comply with all federal, state and local laws. Winner has 90 days to claim prize.
Scan the QR code in the ad or CLICK HERE for more info or to purchase tickets.
Questions? Call the ISRA office at: 815-635-3198.
ISRA Gen-5 Glock 30 Raffle – Tickets Now Available
Right now, you can enter to win a pre-owned Gen 5 Glock 30® with six magazines. This pistol is gently used—fired less than 500 rounds—and calibered in .45 ACP. It’s a solid, dependable choice for any Illinois gun owner.
This raffle helps fund the ISRA’s work: training, safety programs, and defending the rights of law-abiding firearm owners across Illinois. Your support makes that possible.
TICKET PRICES:
• 1 for $10
• 3 for $25
• 7 for $50
• 15 for $100
Drawing Date: February 3, 2026
Mailed entries must be postmarked by January 26, 2026.
You do not need to be present to win.
(All state and federal laws apply. Prize must be claimed within 90 days.)
To get your tickets, CLICK HERE.
Or call the ISRA office at 815-635-3198 and we’ll help you over the phone.
Every ticket you buy helps keep Illinois gun owners strong, trained, and protected. We’ve stood for your rights since 1903 — and we’re not slowing down.
Thank you for standing with us.
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.
“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list. The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson
“Citizen’s Use Of Force – Lawful And Justified To Criminal Attack” Class At The ISRA Range
Renowned instructor Jeff Chudwin is going to present “Citizen’s Use of Force—–Lawful and Justified to Criminal Attack” at the ISRA Range on December 14th from 9:00am to 1:00pm. You may sign up on the website. There will be other speakers as well.
For ISRA members, the class is $50 which includes your spouse or significant other. For non-ISRA members, the cost is $75 a person. For anyone concerned about self-defense inside or outside the home, this is a must take class.
Mr. Chudwin is both a former State’s Attorney and Police Chief. CLICK HERE for the total description and to sign up for the class.
Education & Training @ ISRA Range, Bonfield, IL.
December 4 (Thursday) Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
December 6 (Saturday) NRA Basic Pistol Instructor – Classroom/Range 1 – 8:00am – 6:00pm
December 6 (Saturday) Range Work Day – 8:00am – 4:00pm
December 11 (Thursday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 12:00pm
December 11 (Thursday) Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
December 14 (Sunday) “Citizen’s Use of Force – Lawful and Justified Response to Criminal Attack” – Clubhouse – 9:00am – 1:00pm
December 18 (Thursday) Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
December 27 (Saturday) Armed Women of America – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 12:00pm
December 27 (Saturday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 1:00pm – 4:00pm
*** 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.
ISRA Members: View the Fall 2025 Shooter 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
Tidbits
December 4, 1780 – George Washington wasn’t the only Washington in the Revolutionary War to show creativity and guile. Colonel William Washington was George Washington’s second cousin. On December 4, 1780, Colonel Washington and his dragoons (cavalry) were ordered to attack Loyalist Colonel Rowland Rugeley and his contingent of Loyalist soldiers which had fortified Rugeley’s house and barn. The problem was that Colonel Washington did not have any artillery to attack the fortifications . Colonel Washington decided to see if he could trick the Loyalist commander. He ordered his soldiers to cut down a tree and make a “Quaker gun”. A Quaker Gun is a log that has been shaped to look like a cannon. Once the gun was made and leveled at the British fortifications, he told Colonel Rugeley to surrender or he would kill every man in his command. Rugeley surrendered without firing a shot. Cornwallis was not happy when he found out his troops had surrendered to a pine tree.
December 4, 1783 – George Washington gives an emotional farewell to his officers and announces his retirement as Commander of the Continental Army. Washington told them that he was no longer going to be in public service. Sorry George… fate had other plans!
December 5, 1933 – The 21st Amendment to the Constitution is ratified officially repealing the 18th Amendment. The 18th Amendment was prohibition. Prohibition created a crime wave that we are still recovering from in the United States. Prohibition ended at 5:32pm Eastern Standard Time, to be exact.
December 6, 1884 – The Washington Monument is completed.
December 7, 1941 – Pearl Harbor is attacked by the Japanese fleet. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was notified around 1:30pm. In Eleanor Roosevelt’s book, No Ordinary Time, she would recount the scene at the White House. She recounts that President Roosevelt was both incensed and calm. But it wasn’t just an ordinary calm, it was a deadly calm. The next day, December 8, Roosevelt would ask and receive a declaration of war against the Japanese.
I’ve spoken to many people who can remember the beginning of World War II. They have all described to me an underlying fury that festered in the hearts of the citizens of the United States. You were right Mrs. Roosevelt. It was no ordinary time.
December 8, 1940 – The Chicago Bears beat the Redskins, 73 to nothing, in the National Football League Championship game.
December 10, 1922 – The Canton Bulldogs defeat the Toledo Maroons, 19 to nothing, and are declared the champions of the newly formed National Football League. Canton finished the season 10 – 0 – 2.
December 11, 1941 – Germany declares war on the United States. On December 8, the Japanese Ambassador requested Germany declare war on the U.S. Just days after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, Germany and Italy declare war on the U.S. Germany was actually under no obligation in their treaty agreement with Italy to declare war on the U.S., but Hitler and Mussolini made an enormous blunder in this regard. It is said that it would cost them the war. They certainly did “awaken a sleeping giant”.
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.
Dec. 6 – Dec. 7, 2025 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sprotsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Dec. 13 – Dec. 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.
Jan. 24 – Jan. 25, 2026 Belleview Gun & Knife Show – Belle-Clair Fairgounds, Belleview, IL.
Jan. 24 – Jan. 25, 2026 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
Feb. 7 – Feb. 8, 2026 Bloomington Gun & Knife Show – Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL.
Feb. 14 – Feb. 15, 2026 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
March 28 – March 29, 2026 Belleview Gun & Knife Show – Belle-Clair Fairgounds, Belleview, IL.
March 28 – March 29, 2026 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
Other Events
Dec. 6, 2025 Sandy Ford International Pistol Event, Sandy Ford Sportsman Club Indoor Range, 720 S Bloomington St, Streator, IL.
Dec. 6, 2025 Highland Pistol & Rifle Club International Pistol Event, Highland, IL.
Jan. 3, 2026 Highland Pistol & Rifle Club International Pistol Event, Highland, IL.
Jan. 10, 2026 Sandy Ford International Pistol Event, Sandy Ford Sportsman Club Indoor Range, 720 S Bloomington St, Streator, IL.
Feb. 7, 2025 Highland Pistol & Rifle Club International Pistol Event, Highland, IL.
Feb. 14, 2026 Sandy Ford International Pistol Event, Sandy Ford Sportsman Club Indoor Range, 720 S Bloomington St, Streator, IL.
Mar. 14, 2026 Sandy Ford International Pistol Event, Sandy Ford Sportsman Club Indoor Range, 720 S Bloomington St, Streator, Illinois
April 11, 2026 Sandy Ford International Pistol Event, Sandy Ford Sportsman Club Indoor Range, 720 S Bloomington St, Streator, IL.
ISRA Grassroots Monthly Meetings
Come and meet fellow activists and learn the latest on protecting our Second Amendment Rights!
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
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 No Meeting In December
Northwest Suburban – 3rd Tuesday of the month – Golden Corral, 1591 S Randall Rd., Algonquin, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
South Suburban/Cook County – 2nd Thursday of the month – Kenootz Pizza, 4659 147th St., Midlothian, IL; Doors open 6:30pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
Will County – 3rd Wednesday of the month – Silver Dollar Restaurant, 422 E. Mississippi Ave., Elwood, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
Stand Strong &
Thank you for being a member!
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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