September 17, 2026
Thursday Bulletin – September 17, 2026
Executive Director’s Message
From Richard Pearson
FREE ADMISSION!!!
Join us as we celebrate 100 years of the ISRA Range! This milestone honors generations of Illinois firearm owners committed to safety, education, marksmanship, and the responsible defense of constitutional rights. Open to all ISRA members. Onsite memberships will be available for purchase.
Enjoy a day on the range with fellow members, families, youth, and new shooters. Expect safe shooting activities, history displays, and chances to learn more about our training programs, competitions, and leagues.
We ask that you please RSVP by October 3, 2026.
Reserve your tickets – CLICK HERE.
Scan the QR Code below to RSVP.
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.
THIS FIGHT IS NOW BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT.
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 Litigation efforts 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 – because it costs 10 times as much to force a correction in the courts as it does to prevent offending legislation from happening!
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.
To make a contribution to our Legislative efforts, 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.
Summary from original story by Cam Edwards, BearingArms.com – September 10, 2026
To view full story, CLICK HERE.
Giffords, a gun-control organization, has announced plans to spend $10 million targeting Republican candidates who support Second Amendment rights. Rather than focusing mainly on promoting its endorsed candidates, the group plans to run attack ads against several pro-gun candidates in competitive races.
The announced spending includes $1 million against former Rep. Mike Rogers in Michigan, $850,000 against Rep. Jen Kiggans in Virginia, and $350,000 against Rep. Tom Kean Jr. in New Jersey. Giffords also plans to target four additional Republican House candidates. Its ads accuse these candidates of prioritizing the gun industry over public safety and opposing tougher gun laws.
The spending comes as Republicans hold an advantage over Democrats on crime and public-safety issues, according to Giffords’ own polling. Republicans argue that declining crime rates are the result of targeting violent offenders—not restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners—and say Giffords is trying to undermine that advantage with misleading attack ads.
One potential target is Brandon Herrera in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District. Although Giffords has endorsed Democrat Katy Padilla Stout, recent campaign filings show the group has contributed only $1,000 to her campaign. Its final targets may depend on where the organization believes its spending can have the greatest impact.
On September 24, 25 and 26, the annual Gun Rights Policy Conference will be held in Dallas, Texas. This is, in my option, the best event for those involved in the gun rights movement. There will be presentations from local, state, national and international leaders on what I call “the state of the gun rights movement”. If you wish to attend in person or attend online, you can find further information on the SAF.org website. The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCKRBA) do a great job in putting this event on.
For more information on the Gun Rights Policy Conference, CLICK HERE.
In many parts of Illinois, the harvest season has started. Deer will soon be displaced from their summer homes which means they will be out on the highways and roads. Deer also like to move in bright moon light. This year’s Harvest Moon will occur on September 26th. While the 26th will be when the moon is at its brightest, it will also be bright about five days on either side of the 26th. Our little brown friends will be running around and just love jumping on the road just when you are passing by. Watch out for them.
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
“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
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 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.
George Washington was a great leader and, like all great leaders, he surrounded himself with very able men. One of those men was Nathanael Greene.
Nathanael Greene was born in Rhode Island into a Quaker family. Greene’s father did not believe in ‘book learning”, so his children were not allowed to go to school. Nathanael, being the youngest son, was finally able to convince his father to hire a tutor to teach him the classics and mathematics.
In 1770, Nathanael’s father died. He then took over the family business, despite being only 28. Dissatisfaction was growing between the colonists and the Crown at that time, but Greene did not support either side. It was not until a British navy ship seized one of Greene’s ships, including the cargo of 1,400 gallons of rum, that the infuriated Greene had his sentiments changed.
Greene became a leader in the Rhode Island Militia, only missing the Battle of Bunker Hill because he was too far away to get there in time. But, when the Continental Army was formed, he was one of 16 generals appointed by the Continental Congress and he soon gained the confidence of George Washington. Even though he was a staff officer, Washington included Greene in his war strategy meetings. Greene always performed well in every mission he was given and soon earned the nickname “The Fighting Quaker”.
In 1778, when General Washington was coming out of Valley Forge, Greene was made Quartermaster of the Continental Army. Greene did not particularly like the job, but he wasted no time in getting his 3000 man unit organized. The Continental Army was always short of everything, so it was critical that whatever they did have was delivered in a timely and organized manner. Greene did a great job reforming nearly every aspect of the Quartermaster Corps. It was often speculated that one of the reasons the Quartermaster Corps was so well organized is because Greene didn’t want to hear about any problems.
At one point, Generals Thomas Conway, Horatio Gates and others, in what became known as the “Conway Cabal”, tried to oust General Washington. Generals Greene and Knox stood firmly with Washington. In the aftermath, Thomas Conway resigned from the Army and Gates publicly apologized.
General Greene was then promoted to Major General and put in charge of the Army of the South. In his command were Baron Friedrich von Steuben, the Marquis de Lafayette, Major General Daniel Morgan, Brigadier General Harry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee and Brigadier General Francis “The Swamp Fox” Marion – all able leaders. The problem was they were out-manned, out-gunned and out-supplied, but they were not to be out-smarted. Greene understood the role of logistics better than anyone. He knew if he kept forcing Cornwallis to over-extend his supply chain and continued to attack, he would force the British out of North Carolina. The Americans attacked and lost the fight, but this came at great a cost to the British Army. At the Battle of Guilford Court House, Cornwallis technically won, but lost 25% of the British Army. British politician Charles Fox, on the technical victory at Guilford Court House, was reported to have exclaimed – “Another such victory will ruin the British Army.” Greene’s strategy worked. The British were demoralized, depleted and were forced to retreat to Yorktown, Virginia, to wait to be rescued, which did not work out very well for them.
General Greene continued to serve in the Continental Army until 1783. He eventually moved to Mulberry Grove, Georgia. Unfortunately, after spending too much time in the hot Georgia sun, Nathanael Greene collapsed and died of sunstroke on June 19, 1786. This was a very sad end to America’s number two General in the Revolutionary War.
September 17, 1787 – The Constitution of the United States of America is signed by 39 delegates present at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention. There was a test debate. I’m not sure about the delegates, but you have to say that they came up with a really great document.
September 18, 1793 – George Washington lays the cornerstone for the Capitol building. It would take 100 years to complete. I think we have to be careful to guard that proverbial cornerstone today from those who would tear the cornerstone of Democracy down for the sake of partisan politics. We cannot let this happen.
September 19, 1957 – As part of Operation Plumbbob, a 1.7 kiloton nuclear bomb was set off at the Nevada test site. This was the first underground nuclear test. The shock-wave could be felt as far as Alaska. Even more amazing, the size of the warhead was only 218 pounds.
September 20, 1777 – Near the town of Paoli, Pennsylvania, General Charles Grey and 5000 red coats attack a small regiment of patriot groups commanded by Brigadier General Anthony Wayne. The attack was done at night and the British used only bayonets and swords to attack the sleeping patriots. The attack killed 200 colonial troops. Those who tried to surrender were burned to death. Anthony Wayne never forgot this defeat. He would return the favor when they came upon Stoney Point on the Hudson, a British outpost. General Wayne’s troops killed 9400 British and captured 472 others.
September 21, 1942 – The United States B-2 bomber makes its first flight. It wouldn’t be until June 5, 1944, that it would make its first bombing raid. The bomber could carry a bomb load equal to its own weight and fly at altitudes of 30 to 40,000 feet. It was radar guided and had pressurized compartments to help the crew.
September 22, 1888 – National Geographic publishes its first issue without photos. The magazine had so few subscribers that they were hand addressed and taken to the post office. Later on, pictures would be added. It would become a very widely read magazine, and still is.
September 22, 2026 – Autumn arrives.
September 23, 1806 – Merriweather Lewis and William Clark returned to St. Louis, Missouri, after the famous Overland Journey from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. The expedition was known as the “Corps of Discovery”. The expedition had taken 2.5 years and secured U.S. claims to the lands west to the Pacific Ocean, particularly in the Oregon Territory.
“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.
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!
Richard Pearson
If you are not an ISRA member, join TODAY!
Donate: isra.org/support-us/
Upcoming Meetings: isra.org/isra-activities-and-events/