June 5, 2025
ISRA Range Tour – THIS WEEKEND – Open to the public!
On Saturday, June 7th, the ISRA Range in Bonfield will be conducting range tours for those who might be interested in joining the ISRA Range. The ISRA Range is one of the few “Five Star” outdoor ranges around. You are welcome to take the tour and please bring a friend. On that day, the range will be hosting the USPSA Steel Challenge which is worth watching all by itself.
There will be two tours. The morning tour starts at 10:00am and ends at 11:30am. The afternoon tour starts at 1:00pm and runs until 2:30pm.
Join today and receive $50 off your Range Initiation Fee!
I hope to see you there!
My Two Cents – Teach Your Children Well
More than 16,400,000 men and women served in the United States Armed Forces in WWII. Growing up, I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by WWII veterans, both men and women. I grew up in Chatsworth, Illinois, and it was a very patriotic town. My teachers were veterans, many of the older men in town were WWI veterans, and the businesses in town were mostly owned or operated by WWII veterans. Every adult male capable of serving in the armed forces served. I didn’t know how fortunate I was to grow up around these men and women.
I am glad that someone had the foresight to write books like “The Greatest Generation”, “Band of Brothers” , “Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo” and many others which chronicled the lives and deeds of these great people. I am sad to say there are only 66,000 WWII veterans left and that number dwindles every day. Please take time to learn about the “Greatest Generation” and teach your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews about them so they, and their sacrifices, will never be forgotten.
Litigation Update
Harrel v. Raoul – We will be filing our brief on Friday, June 6. The State has until Friday, June 27th, to reply, then we will be waiting for the court to set a date for the oral arguments.
*This case challenges the PICA Act.
Reece v. Raoul – We will be appealing this to the Illinois Supreme Court.
*This case addresses the grace period that allowed law abiding citizens to purchase firearms after Judge McGlynn’s ruling. The state police later said that those firearms were illegally purchased and could not be registered under the PICA law. This case challenges the state police ruling.
Schoenthal v. Raoul – Oral arguments have been made and we are waiting for the Seventh Circuit’s decision.
*This case challenges the law that says that concealed carry license holders do not have a right to carry on public transportation.
As always, the Illinois State Rifle Association fights for you. Not a member? Join today!
Donate to Legal Assistance HERE!
Legislative Update
The session ended. Senate Bill 8 was passed and it is expected to be signed by the Governor.
You can follow along by clicking the ISRA Legislation Page.
Speakers Announced For Gun Rights Policy Conference 2025
Mark your calendars for the 40th annual Gun Rights Policy Conference (GRPC) – Sept. 26 – 28. Registration is now open! You won’t want to miss the opportunity to learn from the nation’s top 2A scholars and influencers about what the future holds for the 2A movement.
Co-hosted by the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA), this year’s event will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek.
The theme for this year’s event is “Advocacy Through Action” and embodies the urgency and momentum we share to defend, secure and restore our Second Amendment rights. The two-day event will feature speakers from some of the nation’s most influential 2A advocates.
Confirmed speakers to date include:
To Register for this event, go HERE.
Once Again, Concealed Carry Saves The Day
On Wednesday night, May 28th, in Seattle, Washington, an armed citizen was in the right place at the right time to stop a dangerous criminal suspect. The incident started as an argument between three people. The witness, who was legally carrying his firearm for protection, saw the argument escalate to an attack where the 16 year old suspect shot the other two people, seriously wounding them. Luckily, the armed citizen was there to intervene.
According to CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb, despite the liberal policies which reduce the number of police officers on the streets and impose limitations on their policing, more and more law-abiding citizens are acquiring licenses to carry firearms to protect themselves and their loved ones. This did not seem to surprise the CCRKBA Chairman, who also commented on the lack of response or interest by the gun prohibition lobby after this incident.
It seems the anti-gun coalition conveniently and consistently ignores the positive instances of law-abiding gun owners who defend themselves. As usual, it takes a law-abiding firearm owner to step in and tackle a situation that would normally be handled by law enforcement. Again, it goes to show that, in the time it takes for the police to show up on the scene, bad things can and do often happen. The police are seldom there to save you when unfortunate incidents happen. Your best bet is to be prepared. Having your concealed carry license and your firearm near goes a long way to keeping you and your loved ones safe.
To read the original story, view it HERE on CCRKBA.org
“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.
Empowering First Shots – June 21 & 22
Ladies, it’s time to take aim and boost your confidence! Join us for a FREE, women’s-only shooting event led by female instructors who are passionate about empowering women in the world of shooting sports. No experience needed!
A safety briefing will be conducted at the beginning of your time slot, followed by one-on-one instruction on the range. Expect to be at the range 2-3 hours.
What to Expect:
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.
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 7 (Saturday) Range Tours 10am-11:30am & 1pm-2:30pm
June 14 (Saturday) Holster Skills & Drills – Range 11 – 12pm-4pm
June 21- 22 (Saturday & Sunday) Empowering First Shots – Range 1, 2, Pavilion, Clubhouse 9am – 6pm
June 28 (Saturday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11, Clubhouse 1pm-4pm
June 29 (Sunday) Youth Shooting Sports Camp – Range 1,2,6, Pavilion, Clubhouse 11am – 5pm
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 8:30am-6pm
July 27 (Sunday) NRA Certified Range Safety Officer Class – Clubhouse 8:30am-2:30pm
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 Rifle Instructor – Range 11 & Clubhouse 8:30am-6pm
August 23 (Saturday) ISRA Pistol Training 201 Course – Range 8 8am-5pm
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
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 5, 1944 – This was the original date for D-Day but, because of bad weather, it was postponed for 24 hours. At the end of that 24 hours, it had to be a go or it would have to wait for another month and the Germans and Americans knew that.
Nevertheless, bombers started bombing the gun emplacements. Radar jamming techniques were used to make the Germans believe that the convoy was on the move and going to try to capture the port of Cherbourg. Dummy parachutists were dropped and took an entire German infantry regiment away from their position, 6 miles from the D-Day landing beaches.
June 5, 1956 – Elvis Presley rocks the Milton Berle show with his performance of “Hound Dog”. It was not Elvis’ first television appearance. When he previously appeared, he sang mostly slow-moving ballads and was featured in close-ups. It was on this date that Elvis let loose. His reviews were universally negative. It was here that he first was given the nickname “Elvis the Pelvis”.
June 6, 1918 – The Battle of Belleau Wood begins. General John J. Pershing sent down the U.S. Marines under the command of Lt. General James G. Harbord. The Marines and other allied forces lead the attack against four German divisions positioned in the woods. For the next three weeks, it rained. The U.S. Army artillery launched many attacks toward the forward area as the German General Ludendorff kept bringing up more and more reinforcements from the rear. The Germans attacked with machine guns and artillery. In the end, The Marines and the allies prevailed.
June 6, 1933 – The first drive-in movie opens in Camden, New Jersey. The original price of admission was $.25 per person and per car but no group would pay more tan a dollar. The idea caught on and the largest drive-in movie theater, which opened in New York, had parking space for 2500 cars, a children’s playground, and a full-service restaurant, all on 28 acres.
There are still about 500 active drive-in movie theaters in the United States.
June 6, 1944 – U.S. troops begin the D-Day invasion. It is the largest amphibious invasion in history. Over 160,000 troops landed alone on the 50 mile stretch of heavily fortified French coastline. More than 5000 ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion.
By day’s end, the Allies had gained a foot hold and it was the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe.
June 7, 1776 – Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduces a resolution for independence into the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Sam Adams seconded the motion.
June 8, 793 – The first recorded Viking attack in Europe. This was only the first of many Norse raids on the English, Irish and Scottish coasts. Accounts of the time reported dreadful warnings, including “fiery dragons in the sky.”
June 8, 1998 – Actor Charlton Heston is elected President of the National Rifle Association.
June 10, 1775 – John Adams proposes a continental army. He also proposed that George Washington of Virginia be in command of those forces. That sounds like it might work out alright.
June 10, 1775 – The Continental Congress appointed the committee of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and others to draft a declaration of independence.
June 11, 1979 – Actor John Wayne succumbs to cancer at age 72. Some of my favorite films were “She Wore A Yellow Ribbon”, “The Quiet Man”, and “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance”, his last film. “The Shootist” was a film about a gunslinger dying of cancer.
John Wayne starred in about 250 films over the span of his career.
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.
June 6 – June 8, 2025 Pecatonica Gun Show, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica, IL.
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 – Village Pizza and Pub, 2496 N 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