September 25, 2025
Thursday Bulletin – September 25th, 2025
This is to inform you that a dues increase is coming very soon. This will apply to all levels of membership.
Recently, I mailed you a special offer to upgrade your membership to a life membership. Those who were already Life, Endowment, Patron, and Benefactor also got special offers to upgrade their memberships to the next levels. These offers will expire on October 7, 2025.
I would take advantage of these offers right away. If you reply by mail, the letter must be post-marked on October 7th. You also may call the office at 815-635-3198 and complete your upgrade by phone. We are open from 8:00am until 4:30pm but please call no later than 4:15pm.
The reasons for this increase are many. We have not had dues increase for several years, but the expenses keep going up. The last two years have seen the worst increases in costs that I have ever seen. Taxes, insurance, postage, paper, and all types of supplies and services have gone through the roof. We have cut expenses every way possible and now we are at the point where there is no place left to cut. We must make dues increase. Thank you for your understanding and continued support of the ISRA.
Richard A. Pearson
Executive Director
Please check the ISRA Calendar on the website HERE for available classes.
It Pays To Have A Concealed Carry License
On Chicago’s west side, an Illinois Concealed Carry Licensee (CCL) shot and killed a man threatening to kill a woman and her children inside her apartment. The man was kicking in the door and had broken a bedroom window trying to get inside. The woman inside called the police and a relative. The relative arrived first and shot the man several times, killing him. This guy was 33 years old, had been arrested 64 times and had 11 convictions. This dude was arrested on an average of slightly less than every 90 days since he was 18 years old. Remember, he was arrested for just the stuff the police knew about. The CCL holder, a women, was questioned and released by the police. It sounds like she deserves a medal and a reward for saving the tax payers a lot of money.
It pays to have a Concealed Carry License!
Register NOW for ISRA Academy Concealed Carry License Training & 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.
Click the video link on the picture below to view a message from Mandi Ehler, Director of Education & Training at the ISRA.
Survey: Americans Like Armed Communities
Excerpt from bearingarms.com article posted on September 18, 2025, by Tom Knighton
Anti-gunners always claim that no one wants to ban all guns. They do it despite the numerous people who have said they want to ban all guns. They claim they’re not coming for your guns, even as they scream about gun control in the wake of Charlie Kirk being killed with the quintessential hunting rifle.
Overall, they say one thing, but demonstrate quite another. They don’t like guns at all; they don’t like that you can have them, and they want them all gone. But a new poll illustrates why they won’t admit it. Americans, including a lot of self-described Democrats, like having guns in their communities.
A new survey conducted by Napolitan News Service reveals 53% of voters “prefer to live in a community where people are allowed to own guns, while 38% say they would prefer to live where guns are outlawed.” This includes 76% of those who self-identify as Republican and 63% of Democrats.
By an almost 2-1 margin, men say they want to live in an area where their friends and neighbors are allowed to own guns. Women, however, appear to have mixed feelings, with 44% saying they prefer to have firearms outlawed. Forty-three percent of women want to live in a location where guns are allowed.
When asked about gun violence and so-called “mass shootings,” 56% of those polled would rather have the laws already on the books enforced over passing new legislation. Concerning matters of race, it’s clear that blacks and Hispanics are more concerned about “mass shootings.” Only 3% of whites said it was “very likely” that a close family member might be killed in a random shooting, but 11% of blacks and 9% of Hispanics felt more personally threatened.
Now, that’s not an overwhelming percentage of anything, but it’s still a clear majority, which is meaningful. Also interesting is that last sentence. While it’s not surprising that the numbers are higher for black and Hispanic people to believe someone they love will be killed in a random shooting, those numbers are significantly lower than we might otherwise be led to believe.
The fact that a plurality of women want guns outlawed is troubling, though, especially as they’re one group that would benefit more from guns than most. The average woman is never going to match up with the average man in a physical altercation. Yeah, there are exceptions, but by definition, most women aren’t the exception. Guns even the playing field for them against a male predator.
This might also be why groups like Moms Demand Action seem to be popular when the numbers above suggest they shouldn’t be.
Clearly, this is a group we need to keep reaching out to.
As for the rest, it’s telling that so many people favor gun ownership being legal and prefer we not enact new gun control laws when the existing ones are so poorly enforced.
To read the story in full on the BEARINGARMS.COM website, click HERE.
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 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!
Please Sign Thomas P. Arvis’ Petition for NRA Board!
Please take a few moments to sign Thomas’s online petition for the upcoming NRA Board elections. He is running for re-election. We need Illinois representation, so please help!
Please 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 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 25, 1789 – The first Congress approves 12 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which would become the Bill of Rights. The original draft of the Constitution had been criticized because it did not include a guarantee that says that United States citizens have certain rights.
Delegate George Mason of Virginia was a lifelong fighter for individual’s rights. He and other delegates supported the Constitution on the grounds that later the Bill of Rights would be added to the Constitution of the United States. Many people do not know how important George Mason was in securing the rights we have as United States citizens.
September 26, 1960 – John Kennedy and Richard Nixon square-off in the first Presidential debate ever carried on television. Richard Nixon wouldn’t wear make-up. He was sweating profusely during the debate. In the end, Kennedy would win the Presidential election. This debate between candidates for political office illustrated how powerful the medium of television had become and would continue to be.
September 26, 1918 – The Meuse-Argonne offensive begins. The offensive was carried out by 37 French and American divisions. The goal was to cut off the entire German Second Army. Allied Supreme Commander Ferdinand Foch ordered General John J. Pershing to take over the offensive. General Pershing’s American Expeditionary Force would play the main role in attacking the German Army. This is the largest offensive run by an American in World War I.
September 27, 1779 – John Adams is appointed to negotiate the peace terms with the British. The Continental Congress would later revoke Adams’ sole authority and appoint Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Jay and Henry Laurens as the additional negotiators.
September 28, 1781 – The Battle of Yorktown begins. General George Washington, commanding over 17,000 French and American troops, begins the siege of Yorktown. General Charles Cornwallis and his contingent of 9000 British troops were trapped. The French Navy had arrived to block the British retreat by sea. Washington began a three week, 24 hour-a-day bombardment of the British position. The British were about to pay for all the war crimes they committed against the American Patriots during the Revolutionary War.
September 28, 1941 – Ted Williams becomes the last major league baseball player to average over 400. Ted Williams’ career spanned 19 years. He had over 500 home runs. Some wonder why his number of homeruns was not higher. It is because he was a Marine fighter pilot, serving three years in World War II and two years in the Korean War.
September 29, 1982 – The first three of seven Chicago area residents dies from ingesting poison-laced Tylenol. The Tylenol had been poisoned with cyanide. The first victim was a seventh grader, Marianne Kellerman. The perpetrator demanded $1 million to stop the killing, but the lack of evidence prevented a conviction. I remember when this happened and many were very afraid of over-the-counter medicines.
This murder was the reason tamper-proof packaging for medicine packaging came about. If you are one of those with arthritic or palsy, paralyzed hands, you know what a challenge they can be. The same is true for your prescription pill containers. Sometimes, the only way to get them open is to have some kid do it for you!
September 30, 1935 – President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated Boulder Dam, which would later become known as Hoover Dam. It was the largest dam in the world at that time.
October 1, 1903 – The Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Boston Americans 7 to 3 in the first World Series game. It was right fielder Jimmy Sebring who hit the first home run.
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 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