September 10, 2026
Thursday Bulletin – September 10, 2026
Executive Director’s Message
From Richard Pearson
Illinois gun owners deserve someone willing to fight all the way to the highest court in the country.
The Illinois State Rifle Association has filed an amicus brief with the United States Supreme Court in Viramontes v. Cook County.
This case challenges Cook County’s ban on commonly owned semiautomatic firearms and standard-capacity magazines.
And ISRA is making sure Illinois gun owners’ voices are heard.
Our message is clear:
Government should not be allowed to redefine the Second Amendment until commonly owned firearms suddenly fall outside its protection.
Our brief asks the Supreme Court to reverse the lower court and confront more than a decade of Seventh Circuit decisions that have strayed from the standards established in Heller and Bruen.
We argue that firearms commonly possessed by law-abiding Americans for lawful purposes are protected arms. We also challenge attempts by lower courts to create new tests that weaken protections the Supreme Court has already recognized.
But Viramontes is only one front in the fight to defend our rights.
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 THE FIGHT.
Every contribution helps ISRA continue defending the constitutional rights of law-abiding Illinois gun owners. To donate to ISRA today, CLICK HERE.
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.
STAND WITH ISRA.
Help us continue the legal fight for Illinois gun owners.
To make a contribution to our Legislative efforts, CLICK HERE.
Want to see the other legal battles ISRA is fighting? Visit ISRA Litigation page HERE.
Right now, we are in one of those nail-biting quiet times as far as litigation goes. Stuff is happening, but we just can’t see it.
The 72-hour waiting period lawsuit (Pearlstein v Raoul) is moving along and, in addition, we have filed a Notice of Appeal in the Daycare lawsuit (Miller v Meuller). That does not mean they will hear the lawsuit, but they are talking about it. The Supreme Court is not in session until October.
We will keep you apprised of any other movement on litigation as we become aware of it.
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!
Thank you for standing with the ISRA and for defending the rights of law-abiding Illinois gun owners.
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – CLICK HERE.
Excerpt from the story by Stephen Gutowski and Alejandra O’Connell-Domenech – for full story, CLICK HERE.
A new survey of nearly 17,000 gun owners has found AR-15 ownership now reaches the 40 million mark, and that women and people of color make up an ever-larger share of buyers.
The 2026 National Firearms Survey, published on Saturday, examined firearm ownership and use across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It determined 25 percent of gun owners report they currently have an AR-15, and an additional 12.9 percent said they own a similar semi-automatic rifle–putting the combined number of owners somewhere around 26.4 million. It also found that more people of color and women are choosing to own guns, a trend that picked up speed during the COVID-19 pandemic and persisted in the years since. Gun ownership among nearly every minority group increased from the last National Firearms Survey fielded in 2021.
“In sum, firearms ownership has continued to grow, and firearms owners are more diverse than ever,” Georgetown Professor William English, who conducted the survey, wrote.
The survey is among the broadest and most comprehensive scientific looks at firearms ownership and use patterns available to date. Its findings on those fronts may help shape the legal and political conversation around firearms. The continued diversification of gun ownership the survey identified may influence how politicians approach gun regulation, and the widespread popularity of AR-15s and other guns commonly targeted by “assault weapons” bans it found could impact how the Supreme Court decides on the constitutionality of those bans in an upcoming case–especially since the Court’s standard for deciding whether a gun restriction violates the Second Amendment is grounded in whether the gun is in “common use.”
“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” ~ Thomas Payne
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 – NEW LOCATION: 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
“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
September 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 (Mon – Fri) NRA Law Enforcement Pistol Instructor Course – Range 11 – 8:00am – 5:00pm
September 26 (Sat) NRA Basic Instructor (BIT) – Clubhouse – 12:00pm – 6:00pm
September 27 (Sun) NRA Basic Pistol Instructor – Clubhouse & Range 11 – 8:00am – 6:00pm
*** Please contact academy@isra.org for any training or class questions and check the ISRA Range Calendar 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.
On October 13, 1775, the Second Continental Congress formed what would become the United States Navy. It would eventually become the most powerful navy in the world, but it certainly did not start out that way.
The first ships in the United States Navy were converted merchant ships which were not really built for war. Some ships were lent to the United States by France, the smallest of which were the sloops. The smallest sloop was called The Mosquito, which carried four small cannons. The largest ships of the time were known as “Ships of the Line” and carried 70 to 100 cannons. They were BIG cannons — 32 pounders and 42 pounders which could smash though the sides and decks of enemy ships with ease. Ships of the Line were the battleships of the time and the United States had one Ship of the Line which carried 74 cannons. While records show the U.S. Navy had about 74 ships during the Revolutionary War, the number in service at any given time was more like 20. The British, however, had 130 Ships of the Line and a total of about 355 war ships. Although the British Navy had a large contingent of ships, they were dispersed throughout the seas around the globe. Despite this fact, our home team was clearly outnumbered.
One of the people trying to get the U.S. Navy started was John Paul Jones. Jones was born in Scotland and went to sea at age 13. He grew up tough. In 1769, at the age of 22, Jones became a Captain of a ship for the first time. Although some of his past is a bit sketchy, even with a possible stint as a pirate for about 18 months, John Paul Jones was a remarkably bold and able leader.
During the Revolutionary War, Jones was appointed Captain of the Bonhomme Richard, a converted French merchant ship. The Bonhomme Richard was equipped with 42 cannons, the same as a frigate at the time. Frigates are sort of like cruisers — formidable ships, but not able to take on a Ship of the Line.
On September 3, 1779, John Paul Jones and the Bonhomme Richard engaged the British 44 gun frigate Serapis off the East Coast of England, near Yorkshire, in what was called the the Battle of Flamborough Head. The British Frigates Serapis and Countess of Scarborough were escorting a merchant convoy. The Sarapis was a much tougher ship, built for war. The Bonhomme Richard was soon blown apart and sinking. The Captain of the Sarapis, whose name was Richard Pearson, called out to Captain Jones and asked if his colors had been struck. Jones fired a shot back and told Captain Pearson “We have not begun to fight!” Captain Jones lashed the two ship together and the crew fought on.
The Bonhomme Richard had one advantage — the masts were taller than those of the Sarapis. The American sailors and marines crawled up on the masts and poured devastating musket fire down on the crew of Sarapis. The battle lasted three and a half hours. It was hand to hand combat. The musket fire of the American Sailors and Marines was so intense that it drove the crew of the Sarapis below deck. The British sailors could not fire their cannons. Eventually, realizing he was out-maneuvered, Captain Pearson struck the colors of the Sarapis himself. The American Navy had scored a tremendous victory under the leadership of John Paul Jones and through the ferocious determination of his crew. The Sarapis, a little the worst for wear, was confiscated and then became an American ship. When word reached the United States, it spread and uplifted the spirits of all the Americans who heard it.
In 1783 and 1784, the United States Navy was disbanded for a time. Because of this, John Paul Jones was out of a job. He dedicated himself to lobbying Congress to reinstate the Navy, but to no avail. He finally offered his services to Empress Catherine II of Russia who appointed him to the position of Rear Admiral. After two years, he returned to Paris and tried to get back pay for the men of the Bonhomme Richard.
John Paul Jones had been in failing health for sometime and, on July 18, 1792, he died in his apartment in Paris, France. He was buried in an unmarked grave in a cemetery for foreigners. He did not live long enough to see the rebuilding of the United States Navy through the Naval Act of 1794 which commissioned six new frigates to be built. These frigates were the U.S.S. Philadelphia, U.S.S. Constellation, U.S.S. Constitution, U.S.S. Congress, U.S.S. Chesapeake, and the U.S.S. President. The U.S.S. Constitution is the only one that survives and is the oldest commissioned warship in the world.
Finally, when Theordore Roosevelt became President, he was determined to have a strong navy once again and he wanted the body of the patriot John Paul Jones to be returned to the United States. The search began for John Paul Jones’ burial site. It was finally found and the U.S.S. Brooklyn was dispatched to bring him home. In 1905, his remains aboard the U.S.S. Brooklyn were greeted by salvos from 7 battleships saluting his return. John Paul Jones was finally laid to rest in the chapel crypt at Annapolis Naval Academy in 1913. I’m sure there is no place else he would rather be. An American hero is finally home.
September 10, 1919 – New York holds a parade to welcome General John J. Pershing, commander of the American expeditionary forces, home from Europe. Some 25,000 men had served in the AEF First Division. By November 11, 1918, the United States had mobilized more than 2 million Americans who served on the battlefields of Western Europe. More than 25,000 soldiers of the First Division marched in file formation down Fifth Avenue in New York City.
September 11, 2001 – The Twin Towers in New York City and the Pentagon are hit by hijacked airplanes in a coordinated attack. The attack by Al-Qaeda against the United States, resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths. A fourth plane crashed in a rural Pennsylvania field during a passenger revolt against the terrorists aboard. These events led to major changes in U.S. domestic and foreign policy, including the initiation of the “War on Terror”, and was a truly sobering, yet unifying event for the American people.
September 13, 1862 – A Union soldier finds Robert E. Lee’s battle plan for Antietam wrapped around three cigars. The soldier dutifully turned in his finding to General George B. McClellen. McClellen was a notorious procrastinator. It took him 18 hours to get his first troops on the move. By that time, he had lost the advantage. Had McClellen acted swiftly, it might have shortened the Civil War by a couple of years.
September 14, 1901 – President William McKinley dies of gunshot wounds. He had been shot eight days earlier at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. President McKinley was the last President of the United States who served in the American Civil War. The death of President McKinley brought about the presidency of the progressive Republican by the name of Theodore Roosevelt.
September 15, 1951 – The United States Marines, under the command of United Nations Supreme Commander Douglas MacArthur, land at Inchon, Korea. This brilliant tactical move recaptured Seoul, the South Korean capital, and caused the capture of 125,000 North Korean Army troops.
September 16, 1620 – The Mayflower leaves from Plymouth, England, bound for Virginia. Aboard were 102 passengers and 26 crewmen. The Mayflower missed Virginia, landing off the coast of Massachusetts. They landed at Plymouth Rock. I have visited Plymouth Rock and Cape Cod. The passengers knew it was Plymouth Rock because there is a sign there that says “Plymouth Rock”. I saw it with my own eyes.
September 16, 1940 – The United States institutes the draft. All men between ages 21 and 36 were eligible. In 1942, those ages were changed from 18 to 37. The draft did a lot of things for the United States. For one, it taught a great percentage of young American males discipline, organization, and the ability to think. I believe that we should re-institute the draft because it will do the same thing today as it did originally.
“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list. The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson
While the gun shows 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. 19 – Sept. 20, 2026 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Sept. 19, 2026 National Civil War, Military, and Collector Arms Show, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, IL.
Oct. 3 – 4, 2026 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
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. 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.
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!
If you are not an ISRA member, join TODAY!
Donate: isra.org/support-us/
Visit: isra.org/
Upcoming Meetings: isra.org/isra-activities-and-events/
PO Box 637
420 E Locust St
Chatsworth Illinois 60921
USA
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