September 18, 2025
Thursday Bulletin – September 18th, 2025
You Can’t Make Peace With Evil
The assassination of Charlie Kirk is a notification to all of us as to how far the left will go. They will stop at nothing in their efforts to take over the United States. They will kill anyone who pulls down their mask of deceit. Charlie Kirk was very successful at doing that very thing. The fact that Charlie Kirk was thinking of running for president of the United States made him an existential threat to the left. He would have undoubtedly been successful… something the left could not let happen.
Many are calling for everyone to turn down the “heat” in the national discourse. If you do that, here is what will happen. The left will quiet down for a while but, under the surface, they will continue to connive, plot, fund raise and lay there like a venomous snake ready to strike. At some point, they will rise again and when they do, they will come back with ferocity greater than ever before. They are like a cancer. Every cell must be destroyed or they will come back and destroy freedom and liberty.
Please check the ISRA Calendar on the website HERE for available classes.
Warm Fall Weather Means Extra Caution Needed
The recent surge of warmer-than-normal temperatures is causing the crops to mature much faster than expected. Farmers are in the field and harvest has begun. As the corn disappears into the hoppers on combines, deer will find their summer homes shrinking rapidly. That means they will be on the move. Deer also are more likely to move in moonlight. The coming full moon is known as the Harvest Moon and it will be a Super Moon on top of it. That means it will be extra bright because the moon is closer to the earth. The brightest nights will be on October 6th and 7th. A few days on either side of the full moon will also be bright. When you drive, you will have to be extra cautious. For the bow hunters, this is good news. Deer season should be good this year. Bow season starts October 1st. We will see how it all turns out.
The warm, dry air also increases the fire danger everywhere, but more so in the fields and timbers. Wildfire is a great concern. Nearly a third of Illinois counties have fire restrictions and I expect more and more counties to be added to the list. In farm country, combine fires are always a concern. Combine fires can turn into wildfires in a matter of minutes. For those driving, smoke from wildfires is dangerous, particularly on interstate highways. People who go into those heavy smoke plumes think they are like fog until they can’t breathe… then they hit the brakes. Avoid going into smoke if you possibly can.
Litigation Update
ALERT – DOJ Joins ISRA in Fight Against Illinois Gun Ban
For the first time in decades, the United States Department of Justice is stepping directly into our case against Illinois’ so-called “assault weapons ban.” Court records confirm that Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, the DOJ’s top civil rights official, has been granted time to personally argue before the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago.
On September 22, 2025, ISRA will stand before the court in Harrel et al. v. Raoul et al. to challenge this unconstitutional law. And this time, we won’t be alone—the federal government will stand beside us. Arguments are prepared and we are ready to present them. I cannot wait to hear the additional arguments by Harmeet Dhillon.
This is a truly historic moment. It proves that our case is solid, our cause is just, and that your voices are being heard at the highest levels. When lawmakers trample on our freedoms, we fight back—and now, we’ve brought backup.
But make no mistake, the fight is far from over. We need every member engaged and strong as we move forward. Your continued support is what makes this possible.
Please renew your membership today and stand with us as we fight for your rights:
Join or Renew ISRA Membership
Thank you for being part of this fight for freedom. Together, we will defend the Second Amendment here in Illinois and across the nation.
Click the image below to view a message from ISRA Executive Director Richard Pearson.
https://youtu.be/lts5xA8P30Q?si=-ig47gjUpgNhFQxb
Support ISRA Legal efforts by donating HERE.
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – CLICK HERE.
In other litigation news…..
In Illinois public transportation is a prohibited place for concealed carry licensees. That is what the Schoenthal v. Raoul case is all about. We are preparing writ of certiorari (CERT) to see if the Supreme Court will take the case. That orders the lower court to deliver the case to the Supreme Court, however the Supreme Court does not necessarily have to take up the case. We will keep you updated.
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 Illinois Legislature is not in session at this time.
You can follow along by clicking the ISRA Legislation Page.
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
Please Sign Lynn Gipson’s Petition for NRA Board!
Please Sign Eb Wilkinson’s Petition for NRA Board!
Please take a few moments to sign Eb’s online petition for the upcoming NRA Board elections. He is running for re-election. We need Illinois representation, so please help!
Click HERE to sign his petition. Thank you!
Please Sign Rob Beckman’s Petition for NRA Board!
Please take a few moments to sign Lynn’s online petition for the upcoming NRA Board elections. We need Illinois representation, so please help!
Click HERE to sign his petition. Thank you!
Please Sign Todd Vandermyde’s Petition for NRA Board!
Please take a few moments to sign Todd’s online petition for the upcoming NRA Board elections. We need Illinois representation, so please help!
Click HERE to sign his petition. Thank you!
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.
Sighting-In-Day Raffle
Once again, we are pleased to announce our “Sighting-In-Day” raffle for a Savage Axis II 350 Legend w/scope and other great prizes. Tickets are only $10 a piece and entering is easy – enter online, by phone or by mail! Entries by mail must be postmarked by October 13, 2025. The drawing is at 1pm on October 21, 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.
“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list. The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson
ISRA’s “250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War”
Muzzleloader Raffle
We are pleased to offer a Pennsylvania Rifle for the 250th Anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War!
The Pennsylvania Rifle, and the people who carried them, played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. Their marksmanship was exemplary. Many of the sharpshooters in the Revolutionary War were from Pennsylvania and used Pennsylvania rifles. The most famous of these is Patrick Murphy, who shot and killed British General Patrick Ferguson in the Battle of Kings Mountain. Murphy made the shot, at a range of 300 yards, using his Pennsylvania Flint Lock Rifle.
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!
In commemoration of this 250th Anniversary, we’re pleased to offer 5 prizes that include:
1st Prize: Traditions Pennsylvania Carbine Rifle – .50 Cal Percussion & Midway Deluxe Padded 54″ Gun Case
2nd Prize: ISRA Custom Engraved BUCK Hunting Knife
3rd Prize: ISRA Custom Engraved BUCK Hunting Knife
4th Prize: ISRA Black Powder Hat
5th Prize: ISRA Black Powder Hat
To enter online, CLICK HERE.
Upcoming 2025 ISRA State Championships
September 20th (Saturday) – Illinois State Short Course Championship
For more info, CLICK HERE
October 11th (Saturday) – Illinois State Black Powder State Championship
For more info, CLICK HERE
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.
September 20-21(Saturday & Sunday) Intermediate Rifle – Range 5 & Clubhouse 9am-3pm
September 21 (Sunday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11 & Clubhouse 1pm-4pm
September 21(Sunday) Handgun Drills – Range 10 & Clubhouse 9am-3pm
September 27 (Saturday) Defensive Rifle 1 – Range 9 8:30am-4pm
September 27 (Saturday) Armed Women of America – Range 11 & Clubhouse 9:00am-12pm
September 28 (Sunday) Intro to LPVO and Intermediate Distance – Range 15 10am-3pm
October 4 (Saturday) Range Work Day – 8:00am-4pm
October 2-5 (Thursday-Sunday) Massad Ayoob’s MAG-40 Course – There are a few spaces left. Sign up as soon as you can!
October 19 (Sunday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 9 1pm-5pm
*** 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.
World Shooting and Recreational Complex (WSRC) Events
The ISRA office is located at: 1 Main Event Lane, Unit 502-503, Sparta, IL 62286
Women Only Classes at WSRC
October 10 (Friday) “Refuse To Be A Victim” – 5pm – 9pm
October 11 (Saturday) NRA Basic Pistol – 8:30am – 5pm
October 12 (Sunday) NRA Basic Rifle – 8:30am – 5pm
ISRA Members: View the Summer 2025 Shooter HERE
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
Tidbits
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. 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, 2025 – 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.
September 24, 1906 – President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed the Devil’s Tower in Wyoming as the country’s first national monument.
September 24, 1941 – Japanese officials in Hawaii are ordered to gather preliminary data on Pearl Harbor and report their findings back to Japan.
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.
Sept 20, 2025 National Civil War, Military, and Collector Arms Show, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, IL.
Sept 27 – Sept 28, 2025 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sprotsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Sept 27 – Sept 28, 2025 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee County Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
Oct 4 – 5, 2025 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
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