July 24, 2025
Congratulations to the ISRA Two Person Pistol Team!
I am pleased to announce that the ISRA Two Person pistol team has won both the .22 Caliber and Centerfire matches. The .45 match was not held due to weather. The team was made up of John Dervis and Saanvi Singh. Saanvi is a junior shooter who also won the .22 caliber Excellence in Competition Match.
Also, three Illinois shooters made the prestigious “President’s 100”. They are John Kish, Wally Klinger and John Spomar. A special thank you to Ralph Wilson III for getting all this done. It has been a very good year for the ISRA!
Memories From The Firing Line
The National Rifle And Pistol Matches are in full swing and, with them, old memories are stirred of my favorite days. There were many wonderful times at the National Matches held at Camp Perry, Ohio. Memorable people and events come to mind which are mostly all good…mostly.
The competitors’ housing at Camp Perry were old prisoner of war huts that were left over from World War II. To give you an idea of what they were like, we used to stop and buy three bug bombs and throw them in whatever hut we were assigned to, leave for two or three hours, and come back to start sweeping out the place. There was no air-conditioning and we always brought hardware to repair the doors, windows and screens. The mosquitoes there were so big, they were required to have landing lights.
One night, the moon was shining bright through the window, lighting up the inside of the hut. I felt something on my big toe. I looked down and, in the moonlight I saw a little mouse sitting on my toe. I just shooed him away and went back to sleep, but I remember that to this day!
There were four competitors assigned to each hut. You may or may not know them before arriving but they were all good fellows. There are no better people than competitive shooters. More about that next time though.
I used to shoot both the Service Rifle Matches and the Pistol Matches. I had just finished shooting the National Infantry Match, had packed my equipment and was relaxing, watching the next relay. It was a typical warm, humid July or August morning, shortly before the first Gulf War. I was looking forward to the events of the day. Suddenly, the loud speakers started to blare, announcing the U. S Armed Forces were on alert. All military competitors were to finish their match, pack up their gear and return to their commands. Military competitors, coaches, personnel and equipment were everywhere. I could immediately feel the mood change from one of enjoyable competition and camaraderie to one of duty and resolve.
As soon as the military competitors competed their matches, they began the task of packing up. It was a lot of work. I, and almost all the other civilians along the firing line, did not leave. Instead, we all spontaneously began to help the military personnel pack up, load and do whatever else was needed. Within a couple of hours, everything was cleaned up and the soldiers were on the way back to their military bases. I, like the other civilians, were glad to help and proud to do it. We all wished we could have done more. What happened that day showed the patriotism and willingness of competitive shooters to support our military and our county. It was a feeling I will never forget.
You Can’t Make This Stuff Up
Minnesota Democrat State Senator Nicole Mitchell, a big supporter of the group “Moms Demand Action”, has plead guilty to breaking into her step-mother’s home in a burglary attempt. Mitchell’s defense team portrayed her as being concerned for the wellbeing of her step-mother. That, however, was going to be a hard sell to the jury had it gone to trial. You see, Senator Mitchell broke into her step-mother’s home in the middle of the night by using a crowbar to pry a window open while dressed in black and carrying a flashlight shrouded in a stocking. The police have her on a body cam coming out of the house. The Senator said “I know I did something bad.” A good response from a four-year-old. Who elects these people?
Litigation Update
All of our litigation is proceeding. We are preparing for our oral arguments in The Harrel et al v Rauol et al on September 22, 2025. I want to thank all of those who are supporting our efforts.
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.
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.
Winner does not have to be present to win and will be notified. Dues and donations to the ISRA are NOT tax deductible. Good luck to all!
To enter online, CLICK HERE
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. Winner does not have to be present to win and will be notified. Dues and donations to the ISRA are NOT tax deductible. Good luck to all!
To enter online, CLICK HERE.
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. Winner need not be present to win and will be notified. Dues and donations to the ISRA are NOT tax deductible. Good luck to all!
To Enter online, CLICK HERE , or call the ISRA office for more details at 815-635-3198.
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.
Winner does not have to be present to win and will be notified. Dues and donations to the ISRA are NOT tax deductible. 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.
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.
Upcoming 2025 ISRA State Championships
August 9th and 10th (Saturday & Sunday) – Illinois State Outdoor Precision Pistol Championship
For more info, CLICK HERE
August 23rd and August 24th (Saturday & Sunday) – Illinois State Smallbore Championship
For more info, CLICK HERE
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 Pistol 201
Registration is open for the ISRA Pistol 201 Course on Saturday, August 23, 2025, with instructor David Diller. The course covers a range of topics in a classroom setting, as well as practical exercises, dry fire training and live fire training at the ISRA Range. Please CLICK HERE to register online or call us the ISRA office ASAP. It is a terrific course!
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 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
The ISRA office is 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 24, 1847 – After 17 months of travel, Brigham Young and 148 pioneers arrived in Utah. They settled in the Valley of the Great Salt Lake. These pioneers were the first of many groups from the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints, or Mormons, to make the trek to Utah.
July 24, 1915 – The steamer, Eastland, turned over in the Chicago River, drowning between 800 and 850 people. They were all part of the Western Electric Company’s annual picnic. The picnic was attended by approximately 7300 people who assembled at the boat dock between LaSalle and Clark Streets. It was thought that the boat capsized because all of the people who had boarded the Eastland ran to one side of the boat to pose for a picture. The engineer aboard the Eastland tried to balance the boat by opening the ballast tanks but couldn’t do it fast enough to counteract the weight of the crowd.
July 24, 1969 – The spacecraft Apollo II returned safely to Earth after a successful moon landing. Astronaut Neil Armstrong was the first human to set foot on a heavenly body outside of Earth.
July 25, 1853 – California Rangers locate and attack outlaw Joaquin Murrieta, killing him and seven members of his gang. They also killed an outlaw known as “Tres Dedos” or “Three-Fingered Jack”. The Rangers preserved the outlaw’s head and Three-fingered Jack’s hand in whiskey, taking them to Stockton, California, to collect the reward of $6,000…a tidy sum in 1853. The Rangers also had the right to exhibit Murrieta’s head and Three-fingered Jack’s hand at fairs and other events. The price of admission was $1. Times and people were tougher then.
July 25, 1961 – President John F. Kennedy warned the American people about the need for atomic bomb shelters. I remember as a kid doing bomb drills in school and having to crawl under our desks. My grade school was a big, old wood structure and, I’m positive, hiding under a desk would not have saved anyone. How many of you remember going through such drills? It seems laughable now, but it wasn’t at the time.
July 26, 1775 – The United States Postal System was established. Benjamin Franklin was the first Postmaster General. Franklin brought a lot of experience to this new system. Starting in 1753, he had been a postmaster in Philadelphia under the British postal system.
July 27, 1953 – An armistice was signed, ending the Korean War hostilities. Remember…an armistice is not a peace treaty and we are still at war.
July 28, 1914 – Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. The world and the map of Europe would be changed forever.
July 29, 1958 – The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was established. The United States arch enemy, Russia, was well ahead of the U.S. in the space race. In 1957, the Soviet Union launches Sputnik, the first man-made satellite. I remember my dad and I going out in the yard and watching for a fly-over.
July 30, 1945 – The USS Indianapolis was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine and sank in shark-infested waters. The Indianapolis was on a secret mission to deliver the atomic bomb to the island of Tinian in the South Pacific. No one knew the Indianapolis was out there except the Captain, the crew and the Pentagon.
Those who survived the sinking watched as sharks ravaged the men who had already died or had fallen off the lifeboats due to dehydration and injuries. All they could do was watch and pray, hoping that a passing ship would see them and rescue them before they were all taken by the sharks.
Finally, on August 2, a submarine crew on routine patrol saw the remaining men and radioed for assistance. The ship’s Commander, Captain Charles McVay, was court-martialed for failing to sail a zigzag course which would have helped in evading the enemy submarines. Many believe that McVay was simply a scapegoat. He committed suicide in 1968. Finally, in 2000, Congress cleared his name.
July 31, 1777 – The Marquis de Lafayette had become a Major General in the Continental Army. Lafayette served without pay.
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