October 16, 2025
Thursday Bulletin – October 16, 2025
Some Illinois gun owners talk about defending freedom. Others make it happen.
Right now, we’re asking a handful of our most dedicated members to step forward and strengthen the ISRA for the battles ahead. The fight for the Second Amendment in Illinois is far from over — and what you do today will determine how strong we are tomorrow.
That’s why we’re offering a rare opportunity to upgrade your membership at a special rate:
Silver Membership: Normally $5,000 — now $4,000
Gold Membership: Normally $10,000 — now $8,000
Platinum Membership: Normally $15,000 — now $12,000
These are lifetime-level commitments that ensure ISRA can keep fighting in Springfield, in the courts, and across Illinois for generations to come.
When you upgrade, you’ll receive a custom plaque recognizing your elite membership and a specialty engraved membership card — symbols of your leadership and your dedication to the cause.
We’ve stood the line for over 100 years. With your help, we’ll keep standing.
UPGRADE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TODAY!
Call us at 815-635-3198 to upgrade over the phone or ask any questions.
Thank you for all you do to keep Illinois free and responsible!
The ISRA Range will be holding our Annual Sighting-in-Day on Saturday, October 18, from 10am until 3pm. If you are going hunting or have a firearm that you want help with, bring it out.
We will be sighting in rifles, handguns, shotguns and muzzle loaders. You will need to bring your firearm and your own ammunition. We will provide targets, shooting rests and assistance. I’m looking forward to seeing you there.
How To Prepare For A Russian Invasion – My Two Cents
Europe is rightfully getting more and more concerned about a Russian invasion. Some European countries are prepared and some are simply marshmallows. A few months ago, I wrote about Poland introducing marksmanship programs in schools. Good for them. Then there are some other countries like Denmark.
Last week, Denmark issued an alert telling it’s citizens to prepare for a possible Russian invasion. And how are they to prepare? By having three days food and water on hand. Worthless. This is what happens when you don’t have a Second Amendment. At least the Russian troops will be well fed.
Litigation Update
On Monday, September 22, the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments for the State’s appeal of Harrel et al v. Raoul et al, the so-called “assault weapons” ban case. Arguments went as expected. The DOJ civil rights lead attorney, Harmeet Dhillion, supported our position. Now the waiting game begins.
Thanks to all those who have and will continue to support the ISRA in our efforts to protect the Second Amendment in Illinois. If you are not a member join now. This fight is far from over.
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 second Veto Session will be October 28, 29 and 30th. They will be home in time for Halloween. No gun legislation is expected currently. Nevertheless, the ISRA will be there.
You can follow along by clicking the ISRA Legislation Page.
Get Your Tickets For The “Guns Of November Raffle” By Oct. 25!
Emergency Medical Classes Available To ISRA Members
ISRA Academy is please to offer a duel-certificate 8-hour emergency medicine course that is registered with the IDOH. Firearms instructors and RSOs receive up to 8-hours of continuing education CEU credits for completing this class. The class is open for all ISRA members. The full, one day, 8-hour class runs twice on two consecutive days – on November 8th, or November 9th, from 8am – 5pm.
For additional class details/registration.
Contact: (708) 990-4367 or E-mail: teamsttg@aol.com
ISRA Range – Once Fired Brass For Sale
If you are an ISRA member and reload your own ammunition the ISRA Range has once fired brass for sale. Please contact Mike James at 847-456-3386.
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.
One need not be present to win and winner will be notified. Dues & donations to the ISRA are NOT tax deductible. Winner of firearm must comply with all federal, state, and local laws. You have 90 days from the drawing to claim firearm. Good luck to all!
To Enter online, CLICK HERE , or call the ISRA office for more details at 815-635-3198.
“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list. The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson
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.
October 18 (Saturday) ISRA Annual Sighting-In Day – Range 2, 3, 5, 6 – 10:00am – 3:00pm
October 19 (Sunday) Basic CCL Qualification – Range 9 – 1:00pm – 5:00pm
October 25 (Saturday) Range Closed at 12:00pm for Private Event
October 26 (Sunday) Basic Pistol Fundamentals – Range 10 – 8:00am – 4:00pm
October 30 (Thursday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 12:00pm
November 1 (Saturday) Range Work Day – 8:00am – 4:00pm
November 2 (Sunday) DTI Defensive Urban Rifle Course – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 5:00pm
November 8 & 9 (Saturday & Sunday) Emergency Medical Response for Trauma Injuries Course – Clubhouse – 8:00am – 5:00pm
November 15 & 16 (Saturday & Sunday) Concealed Carry Class – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 5:30pm
November 15 (Saturday) NRA Basic Pistol – Classroom/Range 1 – 9:00am – 5:30pm
November 16 (Sunday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 12:00pm
November 22 (Saturday) NRA Range Safety Officer – Clubhouse – 8:30 – 6:00pm
November 23 (Sunday) NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) – Clubhouse – 8:30am – 2:30pm
November 29 (Saturday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 1:00pm – 4:00pm
November 30 (Sunday) NRA Certified Chief Range Safety Officer Class – Range 1 & Clubhouse – 8:30am – 6:00pm
December 6 (Saturday) NRA Basic Pistol Instructor – Classroom/Range 1 – 8:00am – 6:00pm
December 6 (Saturday) Range Work Day – 8:00am – 4:00pm
*** 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.
ISRA Members: View the Summer 2025 Shooter HERE
ISRA Range – Once Fired Brass For Sale
If you are an ISRA member and reload your own ammunition the ISRA Range has once fired brass for sale. Please contact Mike James at 847-456-3386.
If you would like to donate to us, please visit: https://isra.org/support-us/
Thank you for your support!
GET IN THE FIGHT, STAY IN THE FIGHT, JOIN THE ISRA
To Join the ISRA, Go To: https://isra.org/join-us/
The Illinois State Rifle Association
is the home of marksmanship in Illinois
Highland Pistol & Rifle Club International Pistol Event
2025-26 NRA Approved Open Indoor International Air Pistol, Standard Pistol, and Free Pistol Match in Highland, Illinois
MATCHES WILL BE HELD ON THESE SATURDAYS
Saturday 11/1/2025 & 12/6/2025
Saturday 1/3/2026 & 2/7/2026
Match #1 will begin at 9:00AM
Match #2-5 will begin at 11:00AM
Match #6 will begin at 12:30PM
Fee: NRA Registration & Entry fee $30.00 per competitor for all .22 matches or Air Gun Match. $30.00 for any combination of .22 and Air Match. Shooters under 18 pay $15.00 for all three matches.
Send no money in advance.
Matches:
Match 1. Free pistol, 60 shots, slow fire
Match 2. 20 shots Slow fire (standard pistol)
Match 3. 20 shots Timed fire (standard pistol)
Match 4. 20 shots Rapid fire (standard pistol)
Match 5. Aggregate matches 2-4
Match 6. 10 Meter Air pistol 60 shots slow fire (Rule 7.5G)
There will be a limit of 9 competitors. If you wish to reserve a place on the line, please contact John LaBusier (618-327-8518 or jblphoto@yahoo.com ). If you are unable to attend, please notify me 48 hours in advance so that another competitor may take your place.
Location: Highland Pistol & Rifle Club, 13312 Bellm Rd., Highland, IL. 62249
Rules: Current NRA pistol rules will govern. Standard pistol rule 3.5H will apply. Air pistol course of fire will be Rule 7.5G.
Targets: B-33 targets for standard pistol, B-40-4 targets for Air pistol, and B-11 targets for Free pistol. Tuning targets will be used.
Competitors: You do not need to be an NRA member. Competitors must have equipment that meets all rules and match specifications.
Classification: NRA classifications will be used, and current NRA rules will apply. It is the competitor’s duty to have their current classification card when entering the tournament. Unclassified shooters will obtain a temporary score record book from the match director and will shoot in the Master class for the first match.
Awards: No awards will be made.
Contact: jblphoto@yahoo.com John B. LaBusier 618-246-6648 or Club 618-654-5971
For More Info go to our website: highlandgunclub.com Or email at: info@higlandgunclub.com
Tidbits
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 1991. 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 Barberry 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.
October 22, 1957 – The first American forces in Vietnam suffered casualties. Nobody really knew we were there yet.
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.
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/
Visit: www.isra.org
Upcoming Meetings: https://isra.org/isra-activities-and-events/
Upcoming Range Events: https://isra.org/the-range/#range-calendar
Stand by for the ISRA Range Post on
Tuesday!
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