December 25, 2025
Thursday Bulletin – December 25, 2025
Executive Director’s Message
Richard Pearson
Merry Christmas !!
from the ISRA family to you and yours!
We so appreciate your continued support throughout the year. With your support, we will continue to be on
the forefront of defending Second Amendment rights in Illinois. Thank you for taking the time to become a member, renew/upgrade your membership, sponsor someone else to join or for making a contribution to the ISRA. We couldn’t do it without YOU!
Concealed Carry Holder stops a mass shooting in Harvey, Il.
At about 8:00 pm a house party was just beginning in Harvey, IL. According to police two armed men drove up and began shooting into the crowd. Fortunately, an Illinois Licensed Conceal Carry holder was there and quickly returned fire. One of the suspects, Charles Lipsey, was DRT (Dead Right There). The second suspect was wounded and is in stable condition. A third person related to the incident according to the police was killed around 5:00 am the next morning for whatever reason. There is obviously more to this story.
You never know when an attack is coming, what matters is that you survive the attack. The best way is to fight back immediately. Being armed is the best way. Get your Conceal Carry License immediately.
Every eligible person in your home should have a FOID card.
We often receive calls about a husband who has passed away and left his wife with a gun collection. The problem is the wife does not have a FOID card. Don’t let this happen in your household. Spouses should have a FOID card. Be sure that anyone whom you might want to handle your firearms has a FOID card.
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!
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 have been waiting and waiting on a ruling on Harrel v. Raoul from the Seventh Circuit which we hope to get soon.
ISRA SUPPORTING
Schoenthal v Raoul (7th Cir.) – The right of a licensed CCL holder to carry on public transportation is now being discussed in a conference of the Justices, which will decide if the Supreme Court will hear the case. The DOJ is in support of CCL holders to carry on public transportation.
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.
2026 IGOLD
We have reserved the Bank of Springfield Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, Springfield Illinois, for IGOLD 2026 on April 15, 2026. David McDermott, a well known criminal defense attorney who deals with second amendment cases, will be one of the speakers at IGOLD 2026. You won’t want to miss his address. 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
Education & Training @ ISRA Range, Bonfield, IL.
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
January 8 (Thursday) ISRA Precision Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
January 11 (Sunday) NRA Basic Rifle Shooting Course – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 8:30am – 5:00pm
January 15 (Thursday) ISRA Precision Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
January 17 (Saturday) NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) – Clubhouse – 8:30am – 2:30pm
January 18 (Sunday) NRA Basic Rifle Instructor – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 8:30am – 6:00pm
January 22 (Thursday) ISRA Precision Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
January 29 (Thursday) ISRA Precision Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
January 31 (Saturday) Armed Women of America – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 12:00pm
*** 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 25, 2025 – Merry Christmas everyone!!!
December 25, 350 A.D. – Pope Julius I declares December 25 as the official day that Christ’s birth will be celebrated.
December 25, 1776 – General George Washington crosses the Delaware River and attacks Hessian mercenaries at Trenton, NJ. While the victory was not militarily significant, it did raise the spirits of Americans, giving them added faith in the Continental Army.
December 26, 1776 – General George Washington and the Continental Army are in desperate straits. Moral was low, enlistments were down and the men just wanted to go home. George Washington desperately needed a victory.
In Trenton, New Jersey, a group of German mercenaries, known as the Hessians, held the town. Washington decides to take advantage of the Hessian Christmas party and attack on the morning of December 26. He planned a three-prong attack. Washington would lead his troops against the 1400 Hessians, General James Ewing would prevent the Hessians from escaping, and Colonel John Cadwalader would prevent British reinforcements from coming to the aid of the Hessians.
General Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware river, completely surprising the Hessians and capturing over 1000 of their troops. General Ewing and Colonel Cadwalder failed to achieve their objectives. Washington knew he could not hold Trenton, so he withdrew across the Delaware River. The victory, while not militarily important, rallied the Americans’ spirits.
December 29, 1845 – Texas joins the union as the 28th state. Texas is the only state that was formally a country.
December 26,1862 – United States Navy formally commissions its first hospital ship the Red Rover. In the first seven months of service on the Mississippi 374 patients were treated, of which 332 were discharged. 37 died and five deserted.
December 31, 1879 – Thomas Edison demonstrates the light bulb. Along with the light bulb came the embedded power distribution grid that we know today. Edison’s invention has affected the entire world by bringing light to the darkness. Edison himself was amazed at how profoundly his light bulb had changed the world.
December 30, 1903 – In Chicago, a fire at the Iroquois Theater claims 591 lives. The Iroquois Theater was supposed to be fireproof but, unfortunately, a fire broke out started by one of the calcium lights. There was no stopping it. The theater had 30 exit doors but, when the fire started, the ushers ran for their lives and forgot to unlock 27 of those doors. There was no evacuation plan or training for the staff. This shows what happens when an emergency occurs and don’t plan anyway to deal with it. Panic ensues.
The theater’s claim to be fireproof was questionable since its interior featured a fully wooden stage with wooden trim, conditioned with oil-soaked rags stored around the stage area. There was also an asbestos curtain, which was supposed to be lowered to protect the crowd, but that did not work.
There were about 2000 people in the theater when the fire broke out, the patrons ran for the doors. In a horrendous scene, the bodies near the exits were piled six deep. A nearby saloon was used as a temporary morgue. The only person to serve any jail time because of this fire was the nearby saloon owner who robbed the dead bodies of their belongings and money.. Ah…Chicago at its finest.
December 26, 1944 – General George S. Patton strikes the German left flank, relieving the troops at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. The town was defended by the 101st airborne division. The surprise attacked by the Germans was only anticipated by General Patton. The allied General staff was caught completely unaware. General Patton thought that the Germans might try a winter attack. He formulated a plan to deal with it in advance. When the attack came General Patton turned his Army 90°, moved his Army 100 miles and attacked the Germans left flank, destroying the German attack. Well, done, General.
December 27, 1944 – President Franklin D Roosevelt, orders the secretary of war to seize the properties belonging to Montgomery Ward because the company refused to comply with a labor agreement. This avoided a strike against the company. Montgomery Ward was considered valuable to the war effort, supplying tractors, auto parts, clothing, all kinds of items to the war effort.
Happy New Year – everyone !!
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.
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
Jan. 25, 2026 Common Caliber: Cold Weather Pistol – Range 10 & Clubhouse – 8:00am – 4:00pm
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!
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
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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