June 26, 2025
Commemorating 250 Years of America’s History
– Teach Your Children Well
We are commemorating the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War this year. The “Shot heard around the world” happened on April 19th, 1775. The Battle of Bunker Hill followed on June 17th, 1775. July 4th will be the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
I remember sitting in Civics , as a freshman in high school, thinking about the year 2000 and the 200th anniversary of all the previously mentioned events and how far away those dates were away. I wondered if I would ever see them. Obviously, I made it here and am now celebrating the 250th anniversaries of those and many other coming events. We are lucky to be alive at this time to witness all of this! Make the most of it and teach your children well about these and other events that will take place over the next six years. If ever there was a wonderful teaching moment about U. S. History, this is definitely it!
The ISRA 122nd Anniversary coin commemorates the 250th anniversary of the “Shot heard around the world.” Your coin purchase will automatically enter you into our raffle for 122 other exciting prizes. See section “ISRA’s 122nd Annivarsary Commemorative Coin Raffle” below for more details. Be sure to get your coin today!
To receive your 122nd Anniversary coin and to enter the raffle online, CLICK HERE.
Litigation Update
In direct response to the claims in Brunke v. Kelly, a “clear and present danger” case supported by ISRA, the State has enacted HB850 (now PA104-0005), which purports to resolve the issues raised in that lawsuit about the myriad problems with the clear and present danger system. The most notable change brought about by HB850 is the creation of an expedited FOID Review Board process for those revoked under the clear and present danger statute, with a mandate to provide the appellant sufficient information to defend the allegations. There are notable exceptions to this, such as the Review Board’s right to redact information when it feels that someone’s safety is potentially impacted (to which the appellant can object), but most of the procedural changes will come sometime around January 1, 2026, which is the deadline for the Review Board to implement rules for this new process. However, ISRA notes that even the “fixes” in the new statute create new civil rights problems for those revoked as a clear and present danger.
The most notable non-addressed issue is the ability of police officers to unilaterally decide to revoke someone’s FOID as a clear and present danger, with no training or other qualifications to make such a determination. As the definition of “clear and present danger” involves a determination of someone’s mental state, there is nothing to suggest that a police officer is any more qualified to make such a diagnosis than any other non-mental health professional. This problem is at the core of the Brunke lawsuit and is untouched by HB850. So while the State is claiming HB850 resolves the issues of Brunke, the plaintiffs (and ISRA) strongly disagree, and the Brunke plaintiffs will be asking the Court to allow the lawsuit to continue.
You can find the information and text of HB850 HERE
Click here to read this statement on our website, where you’ll find the full amicus brief filed by the US DOJ.
Support ISRA Legal efforts by Donating here
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois 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 July 18th
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. Most famous of these is Patrick Murphy who shot and killed British General Patrick Ferguson 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.
“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.
ISRA Academy Youth Shooting Sports Camp – June 29
This youth camp is for girls and boys ages 10-16, on June 29, 11am to 5pm. Youth camp provides everything needed to give safety instruction, basics of pistol, rifle, shotgun, and black powder, all under the guidance of NRA instructors and range safety officers. Snacks, drinks and lunch, firearms, ammunition, and targets are provided. Class is limited to 40 students. Cost: $50. You must pre-register by June 20, 2025.
Annual 4th of July “Independence Day 800” at the ISRA Range
Come join us at the ISRA Range in Bonfield, Illinois on July 4th for the “Independence Day 800” tournament. The tournament is open to all shooters. Advanced entries are not required but entries close on July 4th at 7:30am. Entry fee is $25. It is always a fun day.
For more information and to download the program index, click HERE, or call the ISRA office for more details.
Reminder – Range Work Day – July 5th
Range Work Day is Saturday, July 5th, from 8am – 4pm. Be sure to mark your calendar!
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.
June 29 (Sunday) Youth Shooting Sports Camp – Range 1,2,6, Pavilion, Clubhouse 11am – 5pm
July 4 (Friday) Annual 4 of July “Independence Day 800” – Range 3 & Pavilion 7am-1pm
July 5 (Saturday) Range Work Day – Range 8am-4pm
July 13 (Sunday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11, Clubhouse 1pm-4pm
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 26 (Saturday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Clubhouse 1pm-4pm
July 27 (Sunday) NRA Certified Range Safety Officer Class – Clubhouse 8:30am-6pm
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.
GLOCK League Starting
The Glock Summer League will have it’s first shoot on Sunday June 29, 2025. Registration will be at 9:00am. We have divisions for Stock, Unlimited, Pocket and Rimfire Glocks. Please come join us.
For more info, Click HERE
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/
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.
July 2, 1776 – The Continental Congress votes for independence from Britain. Thomas Jefferson is assigned the task of writing the Declaration of Independence.
July 2, 1863 – The 15th Alabama, under the command of Colonel William Oates, attacks the left flank of the Union Army at Gettysburg. The left flank of the Union Army was protected by a few dozen troops of the Second U.S. Sharpshooters. The Second U.S. Sharpshooters were equipped with new breech-loading Sharps rifles but were out-numbered 10 to 1. To be in the Second U.S. Sharpshooters, you had to shoot 10 shots within a 7 inch circle at 200 yards. They had superior firepower and marksmanship skills.
The 644 men of the 15th Alabama were up against whithering fire from the Sharpshooters. The 15th Alabama suffered 343 casualties out of 644 men. The Sharpshooters were out of ammunition when they were reinforced by a regiment from the Abraham Lincoln brigade. July 2, 1863, is the date that the United States was saved by superior marksmanship.
July 2, 1937 – American aviator Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan are reported missing near Howland Island in the Pacific. The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Itasca received sporadic radio contact with Earhart. She said she was running low on fuel and that they had lost their way. No trace of Earhart or her plane has ever been found.
July 3, 1775 – George Washington takes command of the Continental Army. Some oppose the appointment of Washington as General of the Army, but he was eventually chosen because his leadership would bind together the Southern Colonies, the New England Colonies and the rebellion.
July 3, 1863 – The Battle of Gettysburg ends when Confederate General George Pickett is commanded by General Robert E. Lee to attack the center of the Union line on Cemetery Ridge. This was known as “Pickett’s Charge”. Union artillery, as well as rifle fire, cut down the army of Northern Virginia. In less than an hour, more than 7,000 troops had been killed. A few reached the Union lines and were dead almost immediately. General Lee and his exhausted troops withdraw.
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