June 25, 2026
Thursday Bulletin – June 25, 2026
Executive Director’s Message
Richard Pearson
Warning!!! Tick Season Is Here!
These nasty little guys are not only irritating when they bite, but they can transfer some nasty illnesses to their hosts! This year, they are supposed to be especially numerous and cases of tick-borne illness are up considerably nationwide. Be sure to take precautions when out in wooded or grassy areas. Use sprays with DEET in them on exposed skin, clothing and equipment to keep the biting critters at bay.
We recommend this OFF Tick spray from Amazon: CLICK HERE
Be safe and bite-free out there!
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My Two Cents
June is rapidly disappearing and both the 4th of July and the 250th anniversary of the United States will soon be here. What a great time to be alive and to be an American!
I am really proud of the “good old” USA . People like to criticize the USA, try to destroy our institutions and rewrite our history. They are mostly people who have contributed nothing, sacrificed nothing, haven’t been responsible for anything, and haven’t ever been held accountable for anything. They must be challenged on every point and held accountable for their destructive actions. The USA has done more good than all of the other countries in history put together. Only the USA has worked this hard and put blood and treasure where our mouth is.
The socialists and the communists have come out of hiding and are on full attack mode in their attempts to take over not only the government but our way of life. We can’t let them do that. Politicians like Bernie Sanders, AOC, Tim Walz and others of their ilk, have and will continue to be a negative movement that will have ruinous consequences unless they are stopped. It is up to each one of us to fight back, otherwise we, and our children, face a dark future.
Let us prepare for the great 250th celebration. We have a lot to be proud of – LET’S SHOW IT!
USA, USA, USA!!!
Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – CLICK HERE.
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GSSF Glock League Starts This Sunday @ ISRA Range
Illinois gun owners, the GSSF Glock League begins this Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the ISRA Range.
This is a great opportunity for GLOCK owners to compete, improve their skills, and enjoy a safe day on the range with other responsible shooters.
The ISRA Range will offer two start times.
Morning Session
Mandatory safety briefing: 8:30 AM
Shooting starts: 8:45 AM
Last relay: 11:00 AM
Contact: Frank Perrotta
Email: fap111@isra.org
Phone: 630-240-5403
Match Directors: Frank Perrotta and Tony Jacobazzi
Afternoon Session
Mandatory safety briefing: 1:30 PM
Shooting starts: 1:45 PM
Last relay: 3:30 PM
Contact: David Diller
Email: dddiller@icloud.com
Match Directors: David Diller and Frank Becvar
Categories include Stock, Rimfire, MOS, and Unlimited, with Ladies, Seniors, and Juniors divisions available.
The standard course of fire is 50 rounds per string. Re-fires are available. The Pocket category is a 25-round string.
Important: This match is open to GSSF members only. Registration for GSSF will not be available at the match. If you are not already a GSSF member, please join before Sunday.
Cost is $20 for the first firearm and $15 for each additional firearm. Re-fires are $5 each. Re-fire participants will also be entered into a special drawing to win a GLOCK firearm sponsored by the ISRA Range at the end of the year.
Each participant will also receive a ticket at the match for a drawing to win 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
A GSSF Indoor League Match is a series of three matches held over a three-month period, or on a schedule chosen by the host range. Participants must compete in two of the three matches to qualify for prizes. The top two scores will be averaged.
Competitors may shoot any GLOCK pistol in the Indoor League Series events, except the G36.
Come out this Sunday, be ready for the safety briefing, and enjoy a strong day of competition at the ISRA Range. We’ll see you on the range!
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Litigation Update
SUPREME COURT HANDS DOWN SIGNIFICANT SECOND AMENDMENT VICTORY
Press Release – June 18, 2026 – SAF.org.
BELLEVUE, Wash. — — In a major victory for gun owners, the U.S. Supreme Court has released its opinion in United States v. Hemani, a case challenging the lifetime firearms ban for marijuana users.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) filed an amicus brief in support of Hemani which explained that firearm possession by marijuana users affects millions of law-abiding Americans who face losing their Second Amendment rights simply for using a substance that is state-legal and widely accepted, often for medical reasons. Marijuana is currently legal to various extent in 40 states. In today’s decision, the Court affirmed the Fifth Circuit’s ruling that the lifetime ban for marijuana users is unconstitutional and secured a victory for Second Amendment advocates and firearms owners nationwide.
“The Court’s decision today affirms what SAF has argued for some time – there is no historical tradition of permanently disarming law-abiding citizens who use marijuana,” said SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut. “Founding-era laws addressed the dangers of intoxication through temporary restrictions, but not the complete ban on firearms possession for the remainder of the person’s life. We’re thrilled the Supreme Court agrees with us and struck down Mr. Hemani’s unconstitutional conviction.”
SAF was joined in the Hemani amicus filing by the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, California Rifle & Pistol Association, Second Amendment Law Center, and Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus.
“The Court rightly held today that the proper understanding of the Second Amendment only provides for disarming those who are actually dangerous,” said. SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “Simply being an unlawful user of any drug fails to meet that standard, and today the court concluded that marijuana use, absent any other evidence, was insufficient to show Mr. Hemani was dangerous such that his rights could be constitutionally extinguished.”
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No further updates for now. We are still waiting on the Seventh Circuit.
We will keep you apprised of any other movement on litigation as we become aware of it.
To donate to the ISRA Legislative Fund to help us continue the fight for Second Amendment rights,
Thank you for standing with the ISRA and for defending the rights of law-abiding Illinois gun owners!
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Legislative Update
Veto session is on the way and we are waiting. We will keep you apprised of any news on legislation as we become aware of it
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The up-coming 2026 veto session dates for the Illinois Senate are:
November 17th, 18th, 19th and December 1st, 2nd, 3rd.
You can find downloadable PDF versions of the House calendar HERE and the Senate calendar HERE to view all the legislative session deadlines.
The ISRA maintains a list of the most important bills under consideration in the Illinois State Legislature; the most current list is always the ISRA Legislation Page. Click and follow along!
Thank you for standing with the ISRA and for defending the rights of law-abiding Illinois gun owners.
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – CLICK HERE.
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“The Complete Combatant” Class With Brian Hill
LAST CALL!!! There is still time to register for this weekend’s class!
Pistol Proficiency is our 2 day class for the more INTERMEDIATE – ADVANCED shooter. Both IRON sights and RED DOT sights are welcome in this class!
Saturday, June 27 & Sunday, June 28 / 9am – 6:00pm (arrive 8:30am)
This class is for the person that wants to advance their skills to be more prepared for any eventuality. Pistol Proficiency will use paper and steel targets! We invite you to attend as many times as you like because it is never the same class twice. As the shooter’s skills advance, the class standards will become more challenging.
We will finish classes with a few words from your coaches, Certificates of Participation (or emailed), and hand out White Ant Rank Patches.
TOP SHOT: Our Top Shot Award (and prize) will be given out to the person that shoots the highest score on the “end of day” test. This is a HUGE accomplishment that should not go unnoticed. CONGRATS!
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED AWARD: Our Challenge Accepted Award goes out to the person that faced their fears, changed their mindset, and worked their bums off to accept the challenge of working through obstacles. The person that earns this award will also receive a “one on one” consultation with Tom Kelly of
Dark Star Gear. You will discuss your current gear, goals and ways to improve your shooting journey. This consult will include up to $250 GIFT CERTIFICATE. This GC will be “spent” according to your gear “needs” after your consultation. Thank you Dark Star Gear!
You will register/pay for courses online. Keep the receipt, payment is your first confirmation. Your second and official confirmation from Brian Hill will arrive via email about a week prior to class (check your SPAM). Please arrive to class 30 minutes early to complete waivers and registration.
For more information or to register for the class, CLICK HERE.
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The ISRA Range Has Classes, Leagues, Special Events And More!
From now until June 30th, we will be giving $50 off new member initiation fees when one joins the ISRA Range. We offer 18 different shooting leagues. Some are weekly and some are monthly, and all of them are fun. There is no better place to learn new things and for camaraderie while you improve on your marksmanship skills. It’s a great place for you to shoot!
Check Out These ISRA Leagues:
On the first Saturday of every month, we have the Steel Challenge. The league starts at 8:00am. This is one of our most popular leagues. New shooters welcome for this league. CLICK HERE for details.
The first Sunday of every month is when the Black Powder League meets. If you haven’t ever shot Black Powder before, we have loaner rifles and instruction available. Black Powder is a hoot. Be there about 8:00 am. New shooters are welcome. CLICK HERE for details.
On the third Sunday of every month, the NEW ISRA Concealed Carry League will meet at the ISRA Range in Bonfield. The league is from 9:00AM until Noon. Registration is at 8:30AM with the first match kicking off at 9:00AM. This is a great chance to practice you concealed carry skills and have fun at the same time. This league is sponsored by Springfield Armory. New shooters welcome for this league. CLICK HERE for details.
The Glock League will have two relays this year, a morning relay and an afternoon relay. The Glock League begins this Sunday, June 28, 2026. New shooters welcome for this league. CLICK HERE for morning details and CLICK HERE for afternoon details.
Come and join in one of the many leagues we have! We’ll see you at the range!
To check out all of our classes, leagues and other events, browse the ISRA Range calendar! – CLICK HERE.
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ISRA Town Hall Monthly Meetings
Come and meet fellow activists and learn the latest on protecting our Second Amendment Rights!
Livingston County – 4th Tuesday of the month – South Post Guns, 104 Livingston Rd., Streator, IL; Summer meetings are postponed until August.
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 – Algonquin/Dundee area – New Location – GAT Guns, 970 Dundee Ave, East Dundee, IL – Discounted Pistol Range from 4pm to 6pm, Social starts at 5:30pm, Meeting 7pm – 8pm, Catering fee $20
South Suburban/Cook County – 2nd Thursday of the month – New Location: Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant, 14459 LaGrange Rd, Orland Park, IL; Doors open 6:00pm; 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
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“Money can only buy happiness if you spend it on freedom. Join the ISRA today.” ~ Richard Pearson
ISRA 123rd Anniversary / 250th Commemorative Coin Raffle
Win one of the 123 Great Prizes!
Including 16 Firearms
First Prize: Rock River RBG 1-S 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle
Download The ISRA 123rd Anniversary Prize List
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 123 great prizes. There is one prize for every year of our existence. A list of these prizes is on the enclosed order form mailed directly to you. The more tickets you purchase gives you additional chances to win a prize and help us fight on to victory.
The winning tickets will be drawn August 5th, 2026, at the Illinois State Rifle Association headquarters. All entries must be postmarked by July 25, 2026.
The Illinois State Rifle Association is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization, donations to Illinois State Rifle Association are not tax-deductible. Prize must be claimed within 90 days of drawing.
Ticket Donations:
1 ticket & One coin for $30
3 tickets & One coin for $50
7 tickets & One coin for $100
20 tickets & One coin for $250
45 tickets & One coin for $500
100 tickets & One coin for $1000
600 tickets & One coin for $5000
For more raffle info or to order tickets online, CLICK HERE.
Download The 123rd Anniversary Raffle Order Form
For a Complete List of All Prizes, click here! Please Read The Fine print:
Official Rules
For other questions or information on this raffle, contact:
ISRA – PO Box 637 – Chatsworth, IL 60921
(815)635-3198 or E-Mail: member@isra.org
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Enter Soon!!! Henry Golden Boy .22lr NRA 2nd Amendment Tribute Edition Raffle
Chambered in .22lr / Only 2,000 produced in 2016 / MSRP $1,100 – $1,350
Drawing will be held July 9th, 2026. Entries being mailed must be postmarked by July 2nd, 2026.
Ticket prices:
1 Ticket – $20
3 Tickets – $50
8 Tickets – $100
25 Tickets – $250
For more Information on the raffle and to purchase tickets – CLICK HERE.
Please Read The Fine print:
Official Rules
For other questions or information on this raffle, contact:
ISRA – PO Box 637 – Chatsworth, IL 60921
(815) 635-3198 or E-Mail: member@isra.org
The Illinois State Rifle Association is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization, donations to Illinois State Rifle Association are not tax-deductible. Winner of the firearm must comply with all Federal, State and local laws. Prize must be claimed within 90 days of drawing.
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“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list. The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson
Education & Training @ ISRA Range, Bonfield, IL.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to start time.
*Every Thursday (unless otherwise noted) ISRA Precision Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
July 11 (Sat) Illinois Concealed Carry Renewal – Classroom & Range 8 – 2:00pm – 5:00pm
July 12 (Sun) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 1:00pm – 4:30pm
July 19 (Sun) NRA Range Safety Officer – Clubhouse – 8:30am – 6:00pm
July 28 (Tues) NRA Range Safety Officer – Sparta, IL – 8:30am – 6:00pm
August 1 (Sat) NRA Range Safety Officer – Sparta, IL – 8:30am – 6:00pm
August 1 (Sat) Defensive Tactics for Concealed Carry Level 1 – Range 8 – 8:00am – 5:00pm
August 8 (Sat) CCL Renewal – Clubhouse – 9:00am –12:00pm
August 20 – 23 (Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun) Massad Ayoob – MAG40 – World Shooting & Recreational Complex – 8:30am – 7:00pm
August 26 – 30 (Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun) Massad Ayoob – MAG80 – ISRA Range, Bonfield (more info TBA)
September 5 – 6 (Sat, Sun) IL Concealed Carry – Clubhouse – 9:00am – 5:30pm
*** Please contact academy@isra.org for any training or class questions and check the ISRA Range Calendar for links to dates, times, descriptions of ISRA activities and events.
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ISRA Members: To view the
Illinois Shooter – Spring 2026, click 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
Super Tidbit
Many people are under the impression that Thomas Jefferson single-handedly wrote the Declaration of Independence, but that is not true. Although Jefferson was assigned to write the Declaration of Independence, he had help. The other members of the Committee of Five had a great deal of input.
Every word had to be “on point” every idea clear and correct. Thomas Jefferson and the other members of the Committee of Five produced several rough drafts with their ideas.
On June 28, 1776, they produced what is known as the Fair Copy and presented it to the Continental Congress. The Continental Congress accepted, debated it and then tabled it for review and suggestions by
the whole body. Some revisions were made. The Fair Copy was marked up and that copy was signed by the Secretary of the Continental Congress. That copy became the Declaration of Independence. The
marked-up copy was probably destroyed after being recopied. Several copies of rough drafts of the Declaration have been , but no copies of the Fair Copy.
On July 2, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced what has become known as the Lee Resolution which severed all ties with Great Britain. The Lee Resolution was passed by 12 colonies. New York still
could not vote for the Declaration. New York eventually voted for it as soon as word arrived.
John Adams, in a letter to his wife, Abigail, thought July 2nd would become the day that would be celebrated as Independence Day, but it didn't turn out that way.
On July 4th, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. By the evening of July 4, 1776, 200 copies of the
Declaration were printed by John Dunlap, known as the Dunlap Broadsides ( a broadside is a large sheet of paper printed on only one side ).
On July 6, 1776, the “Pennsylvania Evening Gazette” printed the Declaration of Independence.
On July 8, 1776, Colonial John Nixon read the Declaration of Independence to the citizens of Philadelphia.
On July 9, 1776, George Washington received a copy of the Declaration of Independence. He immediately ordered all brigades to be assembled and read the Declaration to his officers and men. Washington thought it would give the troops a better idea of what they were fighting for and raise their morale, which it
did.
Word spread slowly to the colonies. As soon as it was read, citizens began tearing down statures of King George. Game on King George!
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Tidbits
June 25, 1876 – The Battle of Little Bighorn takes place. Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer, commander of the Seventh Calvary, attacks more than 10,000 Native American warriors at the Battle of Little Bighorn. The only survivor of the Seventh Calvary was an Army horse named Comanche.
June 25, 1942 – Major General Dwight D. Eisenhower takes command of U.S. forces in Europe. Although Eisenhower had never seen combat, Army Chief or Staff, General George C. Marshall chose him over nearly 400 other officers. He was chosen because of his ability to organize and his knowledge of military strategy. He also had a knack for diplomacy, which would come in very handy in dealing with Winston Churchill, French General Charles DeGaulle and British General Bernard Montgomery.
June 26, 1917 – The first United States troops, under command of General John J. Pershing, land in France. The United States troops were not well enough equipped nor trained to handle war on the Western Front. General Pershing immediately instituted a four month training program. Finally, on October 21st, the first Americans enter combat. The first American to fire a shot in World War I was Corporal Robert Bralet of the Sixth Artillery when he fired a French “75” at the German lines a half-mile away.
June 27, 1844 – Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Latter-Day Saints, is murdered in Carthage, Illinois. Smith lived in the town of Nauvoo, Illinois. Some members of the Church of Latter-Day Saints disagreed with certain church policies, such as polygamy and others, and began to publish a newspaper opposing those practices. When violence broke out between the two opposing sides, Smith called out the militia. Later, he was charged with treason by the State of Illinois, was arrested and taken to the Carthage city jail. A mob stormed the jail and killed Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum. Smith was succeeded by Brigham Young who, in 1847, led the Church of Latter-Day Saints followers to Salt Lake City, Utah.
June 27, 1950 – President Harry S. Truman orders troops into South Korea after reports of an invasion from the Communists in North Korea.
June 28, 1914 – Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife Sophie are assassinated in the Bosnian Capitol of Sarajevo. This touched off a chain of events that would ignite the powder keg in Europe that would become known as World War I.
June 29, 1941 – The Germans invade the town of Lvov in Eastern Ukraine. They slaughtered thousands of Ukrainian citizens.
June 30, 1953 – The first Chevrolet Corvette rolls off the assembly line. Only 300 Corvettes were produced in 1953. The cost for one was $3490 and it would go from 0 to 60 in 11 or 12 seconds. Pretty wimpy for a sports car. While the Corvette started out with a bang in 1954, sales started to lag. Finally in 1955, General Motors equipped the Corvette with a V8 engine and it became much more popular.
July 1, 1904 – The first ever Olympic Games was held in the United States in St. Louis, Missouri. It was also the first Olympic Games to offer gold, silver, and bronze medals.
July 1, 1863 – The Battle of Gettysburg begins. This battle would be the turning point in the Civil War and would prove to be the furthest point at which the troops of the Confederacy would invade the North.
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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. 19 – Sept. 20, 2026 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Sept. 19, 2026 National Civil War, Military, and Collector Arms Show, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, IL.
Oct. 3 – 4, 2026 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
Oct. 24 – 25, 2026 Belleville Gun & Knife Show, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, Belleville, IL.
Oct. 24 – 25, 2026 Sauk Trail Gun Collectors Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
Nov. 7 – 8, 2026 Bloomington Gun & Knife Show, Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL.
Nov. 28 – 29, 2026 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
Nov. 28 – 29, 2026 Sauk Trail Gun Collectors Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
Dec. 6 – Dec. 7, 2026 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Feb. 13 – 14, 2027 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
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Executive Director’s Message
Richard Pearson
Richard Pearson
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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