September 8, 2023
Executive Director Pearson is taking a well-deserved break this week, so some of us at the ISRA are filling in with this week’s message. (He still sent a bunch of tidbits for us to include, so make sure you check them out)
Active shooters are stopped by armed citizens over 41% of the time: That is the finding of John Lott Jr., a researcher who analyzed FBI data and found that they had been underreporting instances where armed citizens stopped active shooters. Click here to see an interview of John by Colion Noir where they discuss his findings on FBI crime data.
Did you travel this summer in Illinois with your firearm?
Labor day weekend is traditionally the end of summer travel season. Thanks to the work of the ISRA legislative team, firearm owners can still stay in Illinois Hotels without the fear of removal from the hotel. Earlier this year, proposed legislation would’ve allowed the removal of travelers from hotels who were legally travelling with firearms. The ISRA team worked to remove the bad language from the proposed legislation, protecting your 2nd Amendment rights.
No Rules from ISP yet.
While the ISRA continues to fight the constitutionally questionable Illinois “assault weapon” ban in Federal Court, the Illinois State Police are under a mandate to develop rules, procedures and forms relative to this law by October 1. As is Illinois tradition, it looks like there will be an attempt to push through these rules with little to no input or oversight. Rest assured, the ISRA will be watching closely and reporting to our members as soon as these rules are shown publicly.
In Chicago, an Armed Homeowner shot & stopped an invader
According to CBS News the 26-year-old homeowner, who had both a FOID and CCL, shot the invader twice in the chest sending them to the hospital before they could harm the homeowner or his family.
Nearly 750,000 FOID Card Holders in Cook County
That same CBS News Article revealed that Illinois is closing in on 2.4 Million FOID Card Holders with nearly 750,000 of those in Cook County. While there are some who want to write off Chicago or play Cook County as some kind of boogeyman, nearly 1/3 of Illinois firearms owners are up there. This is despite the fact that there is no way to legally purchase a firearm in Chicago. The ISRA fights for the rights of all firearms owners, including those that are in areas of the state that are hostile to their 2nd Amendment rights.
The Illinois State Rifle Association is offering a special sale on Life and other upgraded memberships. Please check your mail and take advantage of this offer. As always, you call the office and we can upgrade your membership on the phone.
It’s not too late to register for the Illinois F Class State
Championship Match this weekend, on September 9 and 10
There are still openings and I encourage you to sign-up soon. We have a terrific prize table with sponsors like Vortex, SEB, Hornady, Kelby, Shilen, Forster and more. Forster will also be hosting a luncheon on Sunday. If you have a junior shooter, bring him or her and I will make sure they all earn a trophy. Also, note the change to an all-600 yd format. Contact Mike Symmers for information or to register at symmers@comcast.net
September 7, 1776
The US Submarine Turtle attacks Admiral Howe’s Flagship Eagle. This is the first instance of submarine warfare and eventually leads to effective naval mine warfare, showing that success can often come from initial failure.
September 7, 1940
The Blitz begins as London is bombed for the first of 57 consecutive nights. Hitler chooses to give up on invading England and instead terrorizes the public with constant air bombardment. The first night of this campaign of terror sees 337 tons of bombs dropped on London, killing 448 civilians.
September 9, 1776
The Second Continental Congress adopted a new name for what had been called the “United Colonies.” The moniker United States of America has remained since then as a symbol of freedom and independence.
September 9, 1942
Japan bombs the US mainland. A Japanese Yokosuka E14Y Glen floatplane, launched from a Japanese submarine, dropped two incendiary bombs with the intention of starting a forest fire in the mountains outside of Brookings, Oregon.
September 11, 1814
The US Navy scores a victory at Lake Champlain. The last great naval victory of the War of 1812 happened at an unlikely place—the placid waters of Lake Champlain, in upstate New York—and at an unlikely moment, as the U.S. war effort, in its final stages, was faltering on all fronts. This battle featured both the Saratoga and Ticonderoga ships.
September 11, 2001
The United States is attacked by terrorist forces. An organized hijacking of several airliners led to the loss of thousands of lives, the destruction of the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center, damage to the Pentagon, and confusion amongst US citizens as nonstop media coverage led to speculation and rumors spreading. Arguably the first instance of watching an act of war unfold in real-time across the US and the world, archived news footage can be found everywhere still to this day. The resulting 9/11 commission report, homeland security measures, and over two decades of the war on terror forever changed our country.
At the Range
All classes and events are open to the public & all range members unless otherwise noted.
October 5, 6, 7 and 8
Massad Ayoob will be back teaching.
A Must-Have Class!
For every person concerned about self-defense,
concealed carry license holders, and concealed carry instructors.
Please click here for details on how to sign up.
Don’t wait to sign up. it’ll fill up fast!
Hotels near the ISRA Range
The ISRA Range offers great classes and leagues for shooting enthusiasts!
Interested in joining a league? Just show up 15 – 30 minutes early.
Range memberships are available.
A day at the ISRA Range is always a great day!
Upcoming 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.
September 8 – 10 Indy 1500 Gun & Blade Show, Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, IN
September 16 – 17 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee County Fairgrounds, Kankakee
September 17 McHenry County Gun Show, McHenry County Fairgrounds, Woodstock
September 23 National Civil War and Collector Arms Show, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton
September 23 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe
Sept. 30 – Oct. 1 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Assoc. Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin
October 8 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles
October 22 McHenry County Gun Show, McHenry County Fairgrounds, Woodstock
October 28 – 29 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton
November 4 – 5 Decatur Gun & Knife Show, Decatur Conference Center, Decatur
November 4 – 5 ECA Hunting & Trade Shows, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, Belleville
November 4 – 5 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee County Fairgrounds, Kankakee
November 12 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles
November 19 McHenry County Gun Show, McHenry County Fairgrounds, Woodstock
November 25 – 26 Central IL Gun Collectors Association, Sangamon Co. Fairgrounds, New Berlin
November 25 – 26 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton
November 26 – Lake County Gun & Sportsman Show, Antioch VFW, Antioch
December 2 – 3 Will County Gun Show, Will County Fairgrounds, Peotone
December 2 – 3 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe