July 17, 2025
Another Attempt To Thwart The 2nd Amendment By The U.N.
The United Nations is at it again. This time they are trying to bring ammunition manufacturing under control of the governments that, of course, comply with proposed UN regulations. These regulations would become part of every country by treaty and enforced by bureaucrats who are not accountable to anyone. This session of UN meetings on this topic are over, but they will begin again in 2027. In the meantime, they will be having informal discussions on how to accomplish ammunition controls. “Informal discussions” are code words for secret meetings, just in case you don’t know how the UN operates. This is the same old modus operandi used over and over by the UN. This is a direct attack on the Second Amendment, make no mistake about it!
Litigation Update
Across the country, it has become more and more common for law enforcement to confiscate firearms found while in the process of criminal investigations, whether they are related to the crime or not. As this practice of blanket confiscation has become more commonplace, treating firearms as contraband, the rights of law-abiding citizens can become blurred.
In one such case, Novak, et al. v Federspiel, the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Office seized fourteen guns from a cabin where a domestic violence event occurred in 2017. Some time later, when the domestic violence case was completed, the owners of the cabin, who are relatives of the person charged, asserted the guns belonged to them and asked the Sheriff to return them. The Sheriff, however, refused to do so, saying, in part, that the owners had not provided proof they owned the guns. Some of the guns were older, without serial numbers, and the owners did not have copies of receipts.
The plaintiffs, Novak and Wenzel, have filed affidavits stating they own the firearms. They filed several state and federal cases against Sheriff Federspiel in his official and personal capacity, including claiming violation of their Constitutional rights under the Fourth, Fifth, Fourteenth, and Second Amendment rights. Although the lawsuits were eventually dismissed at the state and federal level, the plaintiffs filed an appeal to the three judge panel of the Court of Appeal for the Sixth Circuit.
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.
You can follow along by clicking the ISRA Legislation Page.
Volunteers Needed For AIM Youth Program Shoot By Tomorrow!
The ISRA is one of the proud sponsors of the Academics Integrity Marksmanship (AIM) program youth shoot at the World Shooting Complex in Sparta, Illinois. This is one of the premier youth shooting events in the United States.
To make this program work, the ISRA needs 20 volunteers a day to help at this event. The volunteers will be helping load magazines, assist the kids shooting and, of course, making sure everyone is safe. The dates of the event are Friday, July 25th, and Saturday the 26th. The times are from 8:30am to 5:00pm on Friday and 9:30am to 5:00pm on Saturday. Lunches and refreshments will be provided but, if you have special dietary needs, you should bring your own special items. You will receive a special ISRA volunteer hat and an ISRA goody bag. You will also receive a work day card which will be entered into a drawing for a new Ruger 10-22. If you work both days, you will receive two chances to win the Ruger 10-22.
Please call the office at 815-635-3198 and ask for Laura or Mel, as soon as possible. You can also send an email to member@isra.org with your information (name, address, phone number, email address and availability). We will need to have the final roster completed by July 18th.
This is one of those events that helps Pass the Torch of Freedom to the next generation. I look forward to seeing you there!
ISRA’s 122nd Anniversary Commemorative Coin Raffle
This year’s challenge coin memorializes “The Shot Heard Around the World”. Eighty armed patriots had the courage to stand against the most powerful empire the world had ever known. This emphasizes the importance of the 2nd Amendment and the birth of the United States of America.
Right now, we all realize we are in the fight of our lives. We are fighting to preserve the 2nd Amendment on every level: local, state, and national. It is not news that this battle takes money. The fight has become very expensive, and we need every penny to keep the fight going.
When you purchase this year’s challenge coin, you are helping fund our side of the battle that we are in. You will also be entered into a drawing for 122 great prizes. There is one terrific prize for every year of our existence. The more tickets you purchase gives you additional chances to win a prize and help us fight on to victory. Your entry must be postmarked by August 13th, 2025. The winning tickets will be drawn August 20th, 2025, at the Illinois State Rifle Association headquarters.
To enter online, CLICK HERE
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.
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.
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.
“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list.The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson
Free Digital Addition of “Midwest Outdoors Magazine” for ISRA Members
Beginning in May, for all current members who receive our email, a digital copy of “Midwest Outdoors Magazine” will be available to you for FREE! You will receive an email from them at the beginning of each month with a link to the online magazine. If you were to purchase this, it would be $9.95 per year, but this is just another of the benefits of being an ISRA member. You can always opt out if you care to do so.
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.
July 18 (Friday) NRA Basic Pistol – Range 1 & Clubhouse 8:30am-5pm
July 19 (Saturday) NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) – Clubhouse 8:30am-2:30pm
July 20 (Sunday) NRA Basic Pistol Instructor – Range 1 & Clubhouse 8am-6pm
July 20 (Sunday) Springfield Pistol Match – Range 11 9am-12:30pm
July 26 (Saturday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Clubhouse 1pm-4pm
July 27 (Sunday) NRA Certified Range Safety Officer Class – Clubhouse 8:30am-6pm
July 27 (Sunday) Glock Summer League – Range 11 9am-12pm
August 10 (Sunday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11, Clubhouse 1pm-4pm
August 14 (Thursday) IDNR Hunter Safety Course – Clubhouse 5pm-8pm
August 16 (Saturday) IDNR Hunter Safety Course – Clubhouse & Range 1 8am-4:30pm
August 22 (Friday) NRA Basic Rifle Shooting Course – Range 11 & Clubhouse 8:30am-5pm
August 23 (Saturday) NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) – Clubhouse 8:30am-2:30pm
August 23 (Saturday) ISRA Pistol Training 201 Course – Range 8 8am-5pm
August 24 (Sunday) NRA Basic Rifle Instructor – Range 11 & Clubhouse 8:30am-6pm
August 27 (Wednesday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11, Clubhouse 9am-12pm
August 29-31 (Friday-Sunday) Rangemaster 3-Day Firearms Instructor Development & Certification Course
October 2-5 (Thursday-Sunday) Massad Ayoob’s MAG-40 Course
*** 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
Located at: 1 Main Event Lane, Unit 502-503, Sparta, IL 62286
SPARTA Events – WSRC
August 3 (Sunday) NRA Certified Range Safety Officer Class – 8am – 6pm
Women Only Classes at WSRC
August 2 (Saturday) Intermediate Pistol Class – 8am – 2pm
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
GET IN THE FIGHT, STAY IN THE FIGHT, JOIN THE ISRA
To Join the ISRA, Go To: https://isra.org/join-us/
July 17, 1945 – The Potsdam Conference begins. Potsdam was a community near Berlin, Germany, in the area controlled by the Soviet Union. The attendees of the conference were United States President Harry S. Truman, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. Churchill was later replaced by Clement Attlee who won the election over Winston Churchill.
It was at this conference that President Truman informed the other two leaders of the successful test of the atomic bomb. Stalin was not surprised, however, because his spies had told him of the successful test the day before.
Stalin and Churchill had previously made a deal, behind the back of President Truman, on how Eastern Europe was to be carved up. This led to the Cold War but also shows how little you can trust allies.
July 17, 1955 – Disneyland opens in Anaheim, California. The original park cost $17 million and was built on 160 acres. Today, Disneyland hosts more than 18 million visitors per year and grosses $3 billion annually.
Walt Disney was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1901. He became a commercial artist and his first film, a cartoon made in 1928, was called “Steamboat Willie” featuring Mickey Mouse in the starring role.
July 18, 1792 – John Paul Jones dies in Paris while awaiting his commission as the United States Counsel to Algiers. In the Revolutionary War, John Paul Jones was a bold and courageous naval leader who raided British harbors in England. In September of 1779, John Paul Jones fought one of the fiercest battles in U.S. naval history. Jones was in command of the Bonhomme Richard, a U.S. Navy frigate. Badly outgunned, Jones took on the 50 gun British warship HMS Serapis. The Captain of Serapis ordered Jones to surrender. Jones replied defiantly, “I have not yet begun to fight!” Within 3 or 4 hours, the captain and crew of the Serapis surrendered.
July 20, 1889 – Homesteaders Ellen Watson, known as “Cattle Kate”, and James Averrell, were accused of cattle rustling and were lynched. They were grazing their herds on lands previously controlled by Wyoming rancher, Albert Bothwell. Although 5 men were charged and tried, they were found not guilty by a pro-rancher jury. The “Range Wars” had turned ugly.
July 20, 1989 – Astronaut Neil Armstrong walks on the moon. In May of 1961, President John F. Kennedy voiced a goal of putting a man on the moon before the end of the decade. Although Kennedy would never live to see it happen, it was a great feat for the United States and the space program.
July 21, 1865 – Wild Bill Hickok wins the first classic western shootout. Wild Bill got in an argument with David Tutt. No one actually knows why because some say it was over a card game, and some say it was over a woman. Whatever the cause, the two agreed to a duel.
The two met on a street in Springfield, Missouri. It became know as the “classic western walk down.” At a distance of 75 yards, Wild Bill told Tutt not to come any closer. Tutt drew his revolver and fired, missing Hickok. Cool Wild Bill then drew and fired, hitting Tutt in the chest, killing him. The dime novels sensationalized the story and it became the standard for western shootouts.
By the way…that’s a good shot considering that Wild Bill used an 1851 Colt Navy. It was said Hicock could shoot accurately at a distance of 100 yards.
July 22, 1933 – Famed aviator, Wylie Post, returns after a round-the-world trip. Post was the first aviator to fly solo around the world. It took seven days and 19 hours. An amazing feat for the time.
July 23, 1885 – Ulysses S. Grant dies of throat cancer. Grant had failed at nearly everything in his life until the Civil War. He graduated from West Point in 1883 and entered the United States Army, but was dismissed because of drunkeness on the job. He tried farming, running a store and even a tannery but he failed at them all. When the Civil War began, Grant re-entered the Army as a very low-level commissioned officer. However, war was something he understood. Moreover, he understood how to win a “modern” war. Grant started to rise in rank within the U.S. Army. Grant was relentless, despite losses, despite hardships. He kept pressing General Lee until he surrendered. It was Ulysses Grant, more than any other Union general, who helped save the United States of America.
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/
Upcoming Meetings: https://isra.org/isra-activities-and-events/
Upcoming Range Events: https://isra.org/the-range/#range-calendar