October 23, 2025
Thursday Bulletin – October 23, 2025
Reports Of Wrongful Prosecution Of Black Licensed Gun Owners In Chicago
The Illinois State Rifle Association is outraged by reports that law-abiding gun owners in Chicago – Black citizens with valid FOID cards and Concealed Carry Licenses – have been arrested and charged with felonies despite full compliance with Illinois law.
These actions represent a grave injustice and a violation of constitutional rights.
Every lawful gun owner in Illinois deserves equal protection under the law. When properly licensed citizens are handcuffed, booked, and charged for exercising their rights, it undermines public trust and exposes a dangerous double standard in firearm enforcement.
These arrests are not only unconstitutional – they are discriminatory and unacceptable.
The ISRA calls for an immediate investigation into the conduct of the Chicago Police Department and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Those responsible must be held accountable.
Furthermore, the ISRA encourages any individuals who have experienced similar wrongful arrests or prosecutions to come forward and to file suit. We will stand beside them as they seek justice.
Join us at the ISRA Range in Bonfield on Thursday, October 23rd, as we begin the 2025–2026 Air Pistol Instruction and Practice Training season!
This program is open to the public, and new shooters are welcome — no prior experience is required. If you don’t have your own air pistol, we have several Olympic-quality pistols available for your use. Targets and ammunition will be provided.
You’ll receive professional coaching from Mike Vernon and Richard Pearson, making this a great opportunity to learn or improve your marksmanship skills in a safe, friendly environment.
Where: ISRA Range, Bonfield, IL
When: Thursdays beginning October 23rd
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Cost: $5.00 per night
Come on out and give it a try — it’s a great way to train, compete, and meet fellow shooters.
If you’re not already a member, we encourage you to join the ISRA and help defend and promote your Second Amendment rights here in Illinois.
See you at the range!
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!
Litigation Update
The Supreme Court of the United States has agreed to hear the United States v Hemani Second Amendment case. This case deals with the rights of marijuana users to possess firearms. Other types of drugs are also involved. Many states have passed medical marijuana and even recreational marijuana laws in defiance of federal law. We will continue to watch this case, as well as many others, and will keep you informed of any updates.
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
Many members have called concerning HB3320 and SB2279 . These are duplicate bills, known as the RIFL Acts, which are designed to destroy firearms manufacturing in Illinois. These bills, if enacted, would raise the cost of a firearm from $1800 to $2000 per firearm. The excuse is to use the money raised from the unfair tax to give to the victims of “Gun Violence”. The term “Gun Violence” is a made-up term to attack your constitutional right own a firearm. The real solution is to hold the criminals who commit murders and mayhem responsible. Of course, the “soft-on-crime” people have caused this problem in the first place.
This is all part of the anti-gun strategy to cut off the supply of firearms, making it all but impossible to own a firearm and to exercise your Second Amendment rights. Be sure to look over the list of sponsors of these onerous bills. It is a list of the anti-gun legislators.
I do not expect either one of these bills to pass in the Second Veto Session but we will certainly see these bills, or versions of them, in the Spring Session. Pass the word, alert your friends.
You can follow along by clicking the ISRA Legislation Page.
ATTENTION – Glock Models To Be Discontinued
Glock has announced they are going to discontinue all of their double stack models and replace them with the V series models. The slim line models are not going to be discontinued. All this is supposed to happen on November 30th.
2025 Youth Deer Season A Huge Success
This year, the young hunters took 4,714 deer… an increase of 617 deer over the 2024 season. Congratulations!
For those young hunters who were not successful, their permits are valid for the November 21-23 and December 4-7 seasons.
Keep An Eye Out For Comet C/2025
Comet C/2025 A1 is visible in the sky. It will be brightest on October 31st and November 1st. Don’t miss it because it won’t be back for 15,000 years.
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 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 23, 1983 – In Beirut, Lebanon, a suicide bomber drives a truck loaded with explosives into the Marine barracks killing 241 Marines and other personnel. My cousin was there. Fortunately, he had left the cafeteria early to go back to his office, so he avoided most of the force of the blast. He was thrown against the wall and suffered a broken jaw and other injuries. It took him a year to recover. The explosive charge was equivalent to 18,000 pounds of dynamite. The truck was loaded with a highly sophisticated gas mixture that no local terrorist group could develop and build.
There had been several attacks against U.S. installations prior to the bombing. We saw a similar pattern leading up to the attack on the World Trade Center. The enemies of the United States and Western Civilization are in it for the long game.
Right now, we are entering a time of peace in the Middle East. Don’t be fooled. These enemies will be back. They will attack in different ways. Look at what is happening in New York City right now. We can’t be lulled to sleep. I leave you with two bits of advice. First, you can’t make peace with evil and, secondly, we are either at war or preparing for war. Grim, I know, but it will be even more grim if we don’t face these enemies head on.
October 24, 1921 – The body of the unknown soldier is selected to be buried at Arlington Cemetery. Four U.S. soldiers from different cemeteries in France were selected. These soldiers were buried without any evidence of name, rank, date of death or military unit.
Sergeant Edward Younger was given the task of selecting one of the soldiers to be inturred in the tomb. Sergeant Younger entered the tomb and, after circling the four identical caskets three times, he laid a wreath of white roses on the third casket from the left to mark the body to be inturred.
October 25, 1983 – President Ronald Reagan began the invasion of Grenada. The Caribbean island was taken over by leftist forces and the Cuban military was building an airbase there to be used to strike the United States. There were also about 1,000 Americans in Granada, most of whom were at the island’s medical school. President Reagan sent nearly 2,000 troops to seize the island and free Grenada.
October 26, 1942 – Japanese planes destroy the USS Hornet in the Battle of Santa Cruz. The USS Hornet was the last aircraft carrier built before World War II began.
October 27, 1962 – After tension-filled negotiations between the United States and the Soviet Union, a plan for the Cuban Missile Crisis is complete. The Strategic Air Command was loaded and ready to go. All U.S. forces were placed on DEFCON 2, meaning war was imminent. I remember those times well.
October 28, 1886 – President Grover Cleveland dedicates the Statue of Liberty. A parade was held in celebration, which was the first ticker-tape parade in New York City.
October 29, 1929 – Black Tuesday hits Wall Street and the stock market crashes. Billions of dollars were wiped out of people’s personal investments and the world spiraled down into the Great Depression. By 1933, approximately 9,000 banks in the United States had failed. Despite all the high-sounding government programs implemented in the U.S., the country would not crawl out of the Great Depression until World War II started.
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