October 15, 2026
Thursday Bulletin – October 15, 2026
Executive Director’s Message
From Richard Pearson
Press release by CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb, October 12, 2026 – CCRKBA.org
BELLEVUE, WA – Internationally-recognized firearms researcher and author Dr. John Lott, founder and president of the Montana-based Crime Prevention Research Center, was honored during this year’s Gun Rights Policy Conference (GRPC) as the recipient of the “Gun Rights Defender of the Year” by the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.
Lott gained national attention with the publication of his book More Guns, Less Crime almost 28 years ago. It offered a much-welcomed contrast to arguments by gun prohibitionists that increasing private gun ownership would result in an increase in deadly violent crime. Almost three decades later, Lott’s original contention appears to be vindicated with violent crime data showing a significant decrease, while American gun ownership has been expanding.
“It’s been almost exactly 30 years,” Lott said, “since my first research got attention in August 1996. It’s kind of hard to believe it’s been 30 years since I’ve been involved in this effort. I greatly appreciate this, and the support from all of you makes the type of research that we do possible. Thank you.”
“John Lott is a person we all know,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb, “and quite frankly over the years he has done extra work this past year, and without his efforts, the gun rights movement would not have the ammunition to win all of its battles.”
The presentation occurred during the 41st annual GRPC held in Dallas, Texas. The annual conference brings together the leaders in America’s Second Amendment movement, together with grassroots activists from across the country. CCRKBA co-hosts the event with its sister organization, the Second Amendment Foundation.
Dr. Lott has appeared at previous conferences, and his presentations have always been informative and loaded with information.
The nut jobs are at it again. Remember, just because they are a nut job does not mean they aren’t dangerous!
What just happened in San Diego County, California, proves what I just said. San Diego County is suing Polymaker Plastics because they make plastic that can be used to make “Ghost Guns”. This is like suing the farmer who grew the corn that was used to make ethanol that fueled the car involved in an accident. A member of the anti-gun Giffords Law Center is behind all of this and they are using the unlimited power of government as their law-fare cudgel and hit-man. Organizations like this, working in tandem with other liberal bureaucratic holdouts, are seemingly untouchable. So are the liberal legislators who pass anti-gun legislation and activist judges who let murders out of jail just to murder again. They seem accountable to no one. Of course, the response is to “just vote them out of office”. Hard to do when they control the money and the media.
We have to build a stronger, better financed organization to help businesses and individuals fight against this type of law-fare. PLEASE – help recruit new members for the ISRA! Ask all your like-minded friends to join and, as always, donate to ISRA as often as you can. Every little bit helps us in our continued fight for 2A rights!
Last week, a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) janitor, Julian Mobley, 41, was stabbed to death. Chevazz Campbell, 37, has been charged with the murder. Campbell was wearing an ankle monitor as a condition of probation for his two previous felony convictions. Those ankle monitors really work well, don’t they? Thanks judge… you did a great job with this guy. Too bad judges can’t be charged as an accessory in cases like this. Grrr!!!
Illinois might be the haven for large whitetail deer, but Texas beats us as far as numbers go. The deer herd in Texas is estimated at 5,640,000. While that is good news for hunters, it may not be such good news for deer. Let’s hope the Texas deer hunters have a lot of success – if there is a drought many of those deer will starve to death.
Illinois farmers are taking advantage of the great Fall weather and their combines are going full tilt. Certainly, crops will be out of the fields before Illinois gun deer season, meaning deer will be in the open fields feeding. Archery season started October 1. I haven’t heard any reports yet on how they are doing.
If you are not ready for deer season yet, it’s time to get going. At the ISRA Sighting-IN-Day, I zero-ed my new Savage .400 Legend. I put a Vortex 3 X 9 scope on it, which good for Illinois deer hunting. The gun shot a quarter sized 3 shot group at 100 yards. Since it was a new gun, I shot several shots to get the zero, making the barrel warm. I now have to take some time to zero it with a cold barrel.
Next, I have to do my part in the field. Don’t forget to send us your hunting pictures! They don’t have to be deer – they can be ducks, pheasants, moose or whatever. We will have a random drawing from your entries for a $50 Boyt Harness gift card and a few other prizes on February 2nd. Good luck out there!!!
The Supreme Court of the United States is back in session. Here we go!
ISRA continues fighting for Illinois gun owners through litigation involving gun and magazine restrictions, concealed carry, firearm regulations, FOID issues, the rights of young adults, suppressor restrictions, and other Second Amendment issues.
These cases require attorneys. They require legal research, briefs, appeals, filings, experts, and years of determined work. That work costs money — and we need your help to keep doing it.
Help Fund ISRA Litigation Efforts.
Every contribution helps ISRA continue defending the constitutional rights of law-abiding Illinois gun owners. To make a contribution to ISRA Litigation efforts today, CLICK HERE.
Want to see the other legal battles ISRA is fighting? Visit ISRA Litigation page HERE.
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Thank you for standing with the ISRA as we defend the rights of law-abiding Illinois gun owners!
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
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!
When anti-gun politicians pass another restriction, Illinois gun owners need an organization prepared to challenge it.
When a lower court refuses to follow Supreme Court precedent, we need to keep appealing.
And when a major Second Amendment case reaches the United States Supreme Court, ISRA needs to be there! However, it costs much more to force a correction in the courts than it does to prevent offending legislation from happening in the first place!
STAND WITH ISRA.
Help us continue the legislative fight for Illinois gun owners in Springfield.
To make a contribution to our Legislative efforts today, CLICK HERE.
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – CLICK HERE.
For more information on how you can help, call the ISRA office at (815) 635-3198, or e-mail us at member@isra.org today.
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!
For more info on Classes, Leagues, Special Events and more,
go to the ISRA Range Calendar – CLICK HERE.
Come and meet fellow activists and learn the latest on protecting our Second Amendment Rights!
Livingston County – This meeting is being reorganized to better engage area ISRA members. More information will be posted when available.
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 – Algonquin/Dundee area – This meeting is being reorganized to better engage area ISRA members. More information will be posted when available.
South Suburban/Cook County – 2nd Thursday of the month – Barraco’s Pizza, 13445 S. Cicero Ave, Crestwood, IL; Doors open 6:00pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm; Buffet is $20.
Will County – 3rd Wednesday of the month – Silver Dollar Restaurant, 422 E. Mississippi Ave., Elwood, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” ~ Thomas Payne
Drawing on November 5th!
CLICK HERE to order tickets online!!
Ticket prices:
1 Ticket – $20
3 Tickets – $50
8 Tickets – $100
25 Tickets – $250
60 Tickets – $500
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.
Please Read The Fine print:
For more information on this raffle, CLICK HERE.
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
Chances To Win Every Evening In November!
Enter the GUNS OF NOVEMBER RAFFLE to stand with the Illinois State Rifle Association. Your participation helps defend the rights protected by the Bill of Rights and supports safe, responsible firearm ownership.
A GUN DRAWING WILL BE HELD EVERY EVENING IN NOVEMBER. 4 chances to win with each ticket, your numbers will be picked from the Illinois Pick 4 Evening Lottery.
PLUS! Get a BONUS CHANCE to win a HK CC9 OPTIC READY 9MM PISTOL with each 5 ticket purchase made by October 24, 2026!
CLICK HERE to order tickets online!!
Ticket Donations:
1 ticket for $25
5 tickets for $100
Please Read The Fine print:
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.
For more information on this raffle, CLICK HERE.
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
“Money can only buy happiness if you spend it on freedom.
Join the ISRA today.” ~ Richard Pearson
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
*** 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.
Click for Illinois Shooter – Summer 2026
If you would like to donate to us, please CLICK HERE.
Thank you for your support!
To Join the ISRA, CLICK HERE.
One of the important bits of history often overlooked is a place in Boston, Massachusetts, known as the Green Dragon Tavern. The Green Dragon was a public house and one of the larger buildings in Boston at the time, being 3 stories on almost an acre of land. It was located on Green Dragon Lane, now Union Street, near the waterfront, and was marked by a large green dragon, made of copper, over the door.
Taverns in those days were not only a place to eat and drink, but were hotels where people could stay and also congregate in private meeting rooms. The Freemasons Lodge of St. Andrews met there, as well as the Sons of Liberty, Boston Committees of Correspondence and the Boston Caucus.
The Master of St. Andrews Lodge was Dr. Joseph Warren who was a spy and leader of the patriots at Bunker Hill. He was just as important as the other Founding Fathers who risked their lives secretly planning and plotting against the British. So, when Joseph Warren died at Bunker Hill, it was a definite set-back to the American side during the early Revolutionary War period.
Much of the planning of the Revolutionary War was done in Masonic Lodges due to the pledges of secrecy and trust between members. The Sons of Liberty held those same standards. Almost all of the Revolutionary War leaders were Freemasons.
It was at the Green Dragon that the Boston Tea Party was planned, as well as Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride. Members of the St. Andrews Lodge included Joseph Warren, John Hancock, Paul Revere, John Adams, Samuel Adams and Benjamin Edes owner of the Boston Gazette. The British referred to the Green Dragon as a hot bed of sedition. After the Revolutionary War, further well-attended meetings at the Green Dragon spawned a call for a new constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation.
In 1832, the original Green Dragon burned down and was replaced by a warehouse. A sign now marks the original location of the Green Dragon Tavern. There is a new Green Dragon located at 11 Marshall Street, next to Union Street. If you are ever there, it would only be fitting to stop in and hoist a pint of Boston lager to our country’s founders.
October 15, 1991 – Clarence Thomas is confirmed into the Supreme Court by a vote of 52 to 48. The battle to get Thomas confirmed was a bitter one but Thomas will become one of the leading jurists of the United States Supreme Court.
October 16, 1991 – George P. Hennard drove his pickup truck into Luby’s Cafeteria in Killeen Texas and begins shooting the patrons. Hennard was a drug-user, stalker and had mental issues. He killed 23 people and wounded 20 before the police could get there. The police shot him twice before he committed suicide.
Among the 23 killed were Ursula and Alphonse Gratia. Their daughter, Suzanna Gratia Hupp watched helplessly as her parents were murdered. Her revolver was in her vehicle 100 feet away but Texas law prevented her from bringing her gun into the cafeteria. It was a “Gun-Free Zone”. In “Gun Free Zones”, people killed or injured are not only victims of the killer but also victims of the law.
So, Suzanna decided to do something. She did not push to have silly “Gun Free Zone ” signs put up or some other meaningless gesture enacted. Suzanna decided the law needed to be changed so innocent citizens could protect themselves in places like Luby’s Cafeteria. She testified before the U.S. Congress on several occasions including the Senate Judiciary and she served five terms as a Texas State Representative. Suzanna got the law changed and made a real difference. Now, all states have some form of concealed carry and 29 states have open carry. Suzanna spoke at IGOLD and led the march to the state capitol the year we passed concealed carry in Illinois.
October 17, 1777 – The Continental Army defeats the British at the Battle of Saratoga. British General John Burgoyne surrenders 5000 troops to American General Horatio Gates. The Revolutionary War had been going well for the Americans but the defeat of the British brought in a valuable ally, France. The British would have more and more trouble from here on out.
October 17, 1835 – Texas approved the resolution to create the Texas Rangers. Their original assignment was to range and guard the frontier between the Brazos and Trinity Rivers. In time, the Texas Rangers would cover all of Texas. They were tough men and were famous for their dispensing law on the spot. Their reputation almost always preceded them.
In one particular instance, there was a town who called for help from the Texas Rangers to put down a riot. The Captain sent one Ranger to the town. Reportedly, the Ranger got off the train, found the rowdy crowd and confronted them, telling them to disperse or he would kill the first man to advance. The crowd immediately dispersed. The Captain was asked why he sent only one Ranger, to which he replied that there was only one riot.
October 18, 1781 – British General Lord Cornwallis surrenders 8000 British soldiers and sailors to George Washington and the Continental Army. Washington was in charge of approximately 14,000 British and French troops. The Continental Army also received 144 cannons, 15 galleys, a frigate and 30 transport ships. Cornwallis did not show up for the surrender ceremony. Instead, he feigned illness and sent his second in command, British General Charles O’Hara. USA, USA, USA!
October 20, 1947 – Congress begins to investigate communists in Hollywood. The face of this investigation would eventually become Joseph McCarthy. The investigation was conducted by the House Un-American Activities Committee. The Committee operated between 1947 and 1975. From the look of things, it might be time to reconstitute that committee.
October 20, 1944 – General Douglas MacArthur returns to the Philippines. When General MacArthur was forced out of the Philippines in 1942, he made a promise that he would return, and he did.
October 21, 1797 – The USS Constitution is launched in Boston Harbor. The 44-gun US Navy frigate was designed to fight the Barbary pirates off the coast of Tripoli. In 1805, the peace treaty with Tripoli was signed on the deck of the USS Constitution. In the War of 1812, the USS Constitution engaged and defeated the British war ship Gurriere. The cannonballs from the British warship bounced off the laminated oak sides of the frigate, giving it the nickname “Old Ironsides”.
In 1855, the USS Constitution was retired from active service but continued to serve as a training ship and national landmark. The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat in the world.
“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list. The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson
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.
Oct. 17 – 18, 2026 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee Fairgrounds, Kankakee, 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. 8, 2026 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL.
Nov. 21 – 22, 2026 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee Fairgrounds, Kankakee, 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. 5 – Dec. 6, 2026 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Dec. 12 – 13, 2026 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
Dec. 13, 2026 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL.
Jan. 10, 2027 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL.
Jan. 30 – 31, 2027 Belleville Gun & Knife Show, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, Belleville, IL.
Feb. 6 – 7, 2027 Bloomington Gun & Knife Show, Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL.
Feb. 13 – 14, 2027 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
Stand Strong &
Thank you for being a member!
Richard Pearson
If you are not an ISRA member, join TODAY!
Donate: isra.org/support-us/
Upcoming Meetings: isra.org/isra-activities-and-events/