February 27, 2025
New Sheriffs In Town…..
The confirmation of Kash Patel as FBI director, followed by the appointment of Dan Bongino as FBI Deputy Director, bodes well for the Second Amendment. One of Patel’s first acts was to get rid of Pam Hicks as Chief Counsel for the ATF. She was a proud anti-firearms advocate and part of the Biden anti-gun “machine”. I expect Trump to appoint a pro-Constitution Chief Counsel for the ATF.
Both the FBI and the ATF have been weaponized against the citizens of the United States. Not only firearm owners, but also, those who want to protest or even question what their local school board might be doing wound up in the FBI’s sights. Law abiding citizens became the focus of FBI investigations while terrorists were coming across the our borders in droves. What is especially frustrating has been seeing those in charge actually proud, and bragging, that they had gotten away with running rough-shot over the Constitutional rights of U.S. citizens. This has gone on for far too long…but it will come to and end now.
Another upside to the appointments of Kash Patel and Dan Bongino is that vendors who supply the Federal buildings in Washington D.C. and elsewhere can add “Depends” underwear to the items in their inventory. I have a feeling there are many people in the Federal Government who will be needing such items with ever increasing frequency, at least in the near term.
Be Ready When It Counts
Shortly before midnight, a would-be robber, armed with a shotgun, walked into a convenience store in Concord, California. The clerk acted quickly and shot the robber before he could let loose with the shotgun. The robber was dead and no one else was hurt.
Patrons who were in the store were quick to come to the defense of the clerk. The next day, many people from the community were also glad that the clerk did what he had to do. The area around Concord had been ravaged by continual burglaries, robberies and assaults. The citizens were tired of it. The actions of the clerk sent a clear message to all other would-be robbers in the area.
At the time of the incident, a witness had called 911 but the police couldn’t possibly get there in time. This scenario, again, points to the fact that you only have between three to five seconds to act in situations like this. This is why you cannot depend on others…you have to depend on yourself.
Get your concealed carry license today and take further training so you will be ready when it counts.
Legislative Update
The General Assembly is currently holding Subject Matter hearings on firearm legislation. Presently, these hearings are only being held in the Illinois House of Representatives. There are no votes taken in Subject Matter hearings because it is just a general discussion, therefore witness slips are not needed at this time. For the next two weeks, the Legislature will meet Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Stand by for alerts.
You can follow along by clicking the ISRA Legislation Page.
Litigation Update
Right now, we are still waiting. There are no changes in cases at this time. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
ISRA Academy Ladies Weekend – April 4 – 6, 2025
The ISRA Academy is hosting a Ladies Weekend with instructor Mandi Ehler at The World Shooting Complex in Sparta, Illinois, from April 4th to April 6th, 2025. The NRA “Refuse To Be A Victim” program, which offers constructive tips and techniques for personal safety, will be held on Friday, April 4th. The NRA Basic Pistol shooting course, focusing on safety and fundamentals, will be held on Saturday, April 5th , and the NRA Basic Rifle Course, encompassing all things rifle-related, will be held on Sunday, April 6th , 2025. Reserve you spot today!
For more information, please visit our website, email us at academy@isra.org or call the ISRA at: 815-844-9949.
Upcoming Municipal Elections
Tuesday, April 1 will be the municipal elections in Illinois. These elections are extremely important because this is from where the next round of State Representatives and State Senators will emerge. It is very important that you review all candidates in these elections and vote for those who are pro-gun.
NOTICE to all ISRA Members
PLEASE CHECK YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARDS!
We have had tremendous problems with the mail in recent months, not being delivered. There are those that we have mailed Membership Renewal notices and they never received them. If your membership has expired or is close to expiring, please go online to our website, www.isra.org , or call the ISRA offices at 815-635-3198 to renew. Thank you!
Register NOW for NRA Range Safety Officer Classes
NRA Range Safety Officer Class –
3/1/2025 (Sunday) 8:30am – 6:00pm / Range 1 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
NRA Certified Chief Range Safety Officer Class –
3/8/2025 (Saturday) 12:00pm – 6:00pm / Range 1 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
3/9/2025 (Sunday) 8:30am – 6:00pm / Range 1 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
Register NOW for ISRA Academy CCL Renewals
Do not miss out on the ISRA Academy featuring CCL renewals each month. Upcoming dates are:
3/16/2025 (Sunday) 9:00am – 12:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
3/27/2025 (Thursday) 1:00pm – 4:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
Henry 1000 Man Shoot Rifle Raffle
Help us fund our youth shooting programs by purchasing tickets for our Henry 1000-Man Shoot Silver Boy rifles! ISRA will be raffling off rifle #873 out of 1000, which comes in its original case, on March 31, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to not only win a beautiful and rare firearm but also to support and encourage our young marksmen!
If you prefer to call the office and purchase tickets, you may do so between 8am and 4pm, Monday through Friday. You can also mail a check to the ISRA at P.O.Box 637, Chatsworth, IL. 60921. Be sure to include a note stating it is for the Henry Rifle Raffle.
Ticket prices are 1 for $25, 5 for $100 and 15 for $250.
Purchase Tickets for the Henry 1000 HERE
New IGOLD Merchandise in the ISRA Online Store
Come visit the ISRA Online Store to view our new line of IGOLD merchandise. We have new items added every week and, if you have something particular you would like to see available, let us know! We would love to hear your ideas and appreciate your input! Email them to us at: member@isra.org
Visit the ISRA Online Store HERE
Education & Training @ ISRA Range, Bonfield, IL.
ISRA Academy is continuing to offer CCL renewals each month –
3/16/2025 (Sunday) 9:00am – 12:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
3/27/2025 (Thursday) 1:00pm – 4:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
4/27/2025 (Sunday) 9:00pm – 12:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
NRA Range Safety Officer Class –
3/1/2025 (Sunday) 8:30am – 6:00pm / Range 1 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
NRA Certified Chief Range Safety Officer Class –
3/8/2025 (Saturday) 12:00pm – 6:00pm / Range 1 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
3/9/2025 (Sunday) 8:30am – 6:00pm / Range 1 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
Basic CCL Qualification –
3/15/2025 (Saturday) 8:30am – 5:00pm / Range 1 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
3/16/2025 (Sunday) 9:00am – 5:30pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
3/23/2025 (Sunday) 8:00am – 5:00pm / Range 9 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
4/27/2025 (Sunday) 1:00am – 5:00pm / Range 9 – Register HERE
Pistol Coaching Class / Level 1 –
3/22/2025 (Saturday) 8:30am – 4:30pm / Range 1 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
3/23/2025 (Sunday) 8:30am – 4:30pm / Range 1 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
Pistol Optics Principles with Brian Hill of “The Complete Combatant” –
4/12/2025 (Saturday) 9:00am – 6:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
4/13/2025 (Sunday) 9:00am – 6:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
*** Please contact academy@isra.org for any training or class questions and check the ISRA Range Calendar HERE for links to dates, times, descriptions of ISRA activities and events.
Important Announcement – IGOLD
The 2025 IGOLD date has been moved to May 14, 2025. This is due to a change in the legislative calendar. I am looking forward to seeing you there.
GET IN THE FIGHT, STAY IN THE FIGHT, JOIN THE ISRA
To Join the ISRA, Go To: https://isra.org/join-us/
February 27, 1827 – Mardi Gras was celebrated for the first time in New Orleans. Prior to that time, it was forbidden to wear masks on the streets of New Orleans.
February 28, 1993 – The ATF raided the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas. The Branch Davidians were used to being cited for firearm violations and explosives violations. U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno ordered a raid on the compound, which included the use of Bradley tanks. The assault on the compound killed 58 adults and 22 children.
The FBI and the ATF handling of the raid has been described as being anywhere from incompetence to premeditated murder. I would like to see the files opened up on this fiasco too.
March 1, 1917 – The news breaks on what would become known as the “Zimmerman Telegram”. This telegram, between the German Ambassador in Mexico and German officials, was an attempt to create a military alliance with Mexico against the United States, offering Mexico the return of the territory they had previously lost to the U.S. in the Mexican-American War. They hoped this would encourage Mexico to enter WWI by urging them to launch an attack on the U.S.
The telegram was intercepted by the British and given to the Americans. Upon hearing this, Mexico, now finding itself in a sticky situation, declined to reply to the offer from Germany. After the contents of the telegram were published in U.S. papers, anti-German sentiment roiled as calls for the U.S. to enter the war increased. The U.S. eventually entered WWI on the side of the Allies on April 6, 1917.
March 2, 1836 – Texas declared independence from Mexico. General Santa Anna had been attacking the Texas garrison at the Alamo. On March 6, Santa Anna and 3000 troops overran the defenders, killing all but a handful of civilians. The seige of the Alamo had distracted the Mexican army and allowed the Texas army to organize. Six weeks later, the Texas army would defeat the Mexican army at the Battle of San Jacinto.
March 3, 1931 – President Herbert Hoover signs a congressional act making the Star-Spangled Banner the official national anthem of the United States.
March 5, 1770 – The Boston Massacre occurs. A group of Patriots gathered and taunted British soldiers in front of the customs house in Boston. The soldiers fixed bayonets at the protesters who, in turn, responded by throwing snowballs. The confrontation escalated until musket shots were fired by the British into the crowd. The first American to be killed was Crispus Attucks, a black American man. In Carbondale, Illinois, there is a park named after Crispus Attucks.
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.
Mar 1 – Mar 2, 2025 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee Co. Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
Mar 7 – Mar 8, 2025 Prairieland Frontiersman Show, Sullivan American Legion, Sullivan, IL.
Mar 9, 2025 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL.
Mar 29 – Mar 30, 2025 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
April 5 – April 6, 2025 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe, IL.
April 13, 2025 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL.
May 17 – May 18, 2025 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee Co. Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
June 6 – June 8, 2025 Pecatonica Gun Show, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica, IL.
Sept 27 – Sept 28, 2025 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, 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, 1591 S. Randall Rd., Algonquin, 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/
Upcoming Meetings: https://isra.org/isra-activities-and-events/
Upcoming Range Events: https://isra.org/the-range/#range-calendar