Thursday Bulletin – April 3, 2025
Executive Director's Message Richard Pearson |
Statement by the ISRA on the U.S. Department of Justice's Investigation into Delayed Gun Permits: The Illinois State Rifle Association is happy to assist the U.S. Department of Justice with their federal investigations into state and local municipalities for violating the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. In Los Angeles County, California, law-abiding citizens are facing 18-month delays for their concealed-carry licenses – and as the DOJ is arguing – this is a violation of 2nd Amendment rights. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a stern warning to any state that “infringes” on our 2A rights, writing, ‘This Department of Justice will not stand idly by while States and localities infringe on the Second Amendment rights of ordinary, law-abiding Americans. The Second Amendment is not a second-class right, and under my watch, the Department will actively enforce the Second Amendment just like it actively enforces other fundamental constitutional rights.’ We welcome Attorney General Pam Bondi and her Justice Department here in Illinois. And as always – we’re happy to help. The link to the original article can be
found here: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-03-27/trump-doj-los-angeles-sheriffs-department-gun-rights Lieutenant Colonel David Grossman at IGOLD, May 14, 2025 Lt. Col. Dave Grossman is an internationally recognized scholar, author, soldier, and speaker who is one of the world’s foremost experts in the
field of human aggression and the roots of violence and violent crime. A West Point psychology professor, Professor of Military Science, and an Army Ranger, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman is also the author or co-author of five non-fiction and four fiction books and has co-authored a New York Times best-selling book with Glenn Beck. His books sell world-wide, translated into numerous
languages, and have been on required reading lists for the FBI academy, the US Marine Corps Commandant’s Required Reading List and other academies and colleges. He has presented papers before the national conventions of the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and to over 100
different colleges and universities world wide, and has trained educators and law enforcement professionals, at the federal, state and regional level, in all 50 states and over a dozen foreign nations. Lt. Col. Grossman was also called to the White House to serve on President Trump’s Round Table on Violent Video Games, was an expert witness in numerous cases and has also testified before Congress on three occasions...and this is just a small portion of his impressive, extensive
resume. Needless to say, Lt. Col. Grossman's depth of knowledge is not only vast, but extremely relevant to the ongoing fight for our Second Amendment rights. His timely presentations are not to be missed! Make sure you save the date to hear him speak at this year's IGOLD on May 14, 2025 – you'll be glad you did! Hopefully, everyone has received their IGOLD mailing. Due to a printing error, the zip code for Chatsworth, IL, was left off. Please add it...60921. Legislative Update The “Safe Storage” bill may be heard today, Thursday, April 3. There are many gun bills in the House, but none are moving at this time. As always, we will keep you informed
of any updates You can follow along by clicking the ISRA Legislation Page. Litigation Update We are going to file a motion to the U.S. 7th Circuit soon to set a briefing date. No other updates to announce. As always, we
will keep you informed when information is forthcoming. Coming April 12, 2025 – ISRA Pistol 201 Introducing ISRA Pistol 201 Course coming April 12, 2025 This course will cover pistol parts and operation, different handgun ammunition, gun safety, pistol shooting fundamentals, and pistol shooting activities. To sign up today, CLICK HERE. Free Digital Addition of “Midwest Outdoors Magazine” for ISRA Members Beginning in May, for all current members who receive our email, a
digital copy of “Midwest Outdoors Magazine” will be available to you for FREE! You will receive an email from them at the beginning of each month with a link to the online magazine. If you were to purchase this, it would be $9.95 per year, but this is just another of the benefits of being an ISRA member. You can always opt out if you care to do so. Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) TV Ad Asks Americans: Pledge To Defend Second Amendment In its ongoing fight to protect the right to keep and bear arms, the Second Amendment Foundation is launching a new national television ad calling on Americans to pledge to defend the Second Amendment from gun grabbing groups and individuals who are trying to thwart President Donald Trump’s efforts to unravel
Joe Biden’s attempt to erase their rights. In its 60-second message, which will air multiple times on 19 different cable networks beginning next week, SAF warns of continuing attacks on Second Amendment rights. The Foundation tells the nation how gun-hating radical groups are doubling down in their attacks. The new SAF advertisement will air on the following networks: Fox News, Fox Business, CNN, MSNBC, HLN, the Weather Channel, CNBC, Bloomberg, BBC America, One America News, the History Channel, TBN, American Heroes Channel, the Outdoor Channel, World Fishing, Game Show, RFD, Direct TV and DISH TV. The advertisement asks viewers to call
> 800-699-0992 and press #1 < to make their pledge to defend the Second Amendment. “Every American who joins this fight,” SAF Founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb said, “helps us in our effort to win firearms freedom, one lawsuit at a time.” Please make the call today to support and defend our Second Amendment rights. More Polish Citizens Are Carrying Firearms For Self-Defense Previously, the NRA reported that the teaching of firearm safety and handling to students was recently mandated in Poland.
In the past 2 years, there has been a steady increase in the number of carry permits being applied for and issued there. This trend has taken hold in several other countries, such as Finland and Argentina, as well. Although we, as Second Amendment advocates, see these trends as positive, too many still deem the right of citizens to defend themselves with firearms as “troubling.” Read the full story from the NRA-ILA by clicking HERE. Register For “Bullseye 101” at Aurora Sportsmen's Club - April 5 The Aurora Sportsmen's Club is once again offering "Bullseye 101"--an introduction to Bullseye Pistol Shooting. This is a free, one day overview of bullseye and will be held on Saturday, April 5, at ASC. The session is open to ASC Members and invited guests. Shooters of all ages (10 year olds and up) and all skill levels are welcome to attend. Lunch is on your own, but we will organize a group pizza order. The classroom session in the morning will cover safety, scoring, equipment, and a seminar on improving your shooting skills. The afternoon session will provide an opportunity to shoot a National Match Course (or two) comprising the slow fire, timed fire and rapid fire stages found in any formal Bullseye match. Bullseye is a natural progression from shooting ASC
Club Pistol and knowledge of the process and protocols will open up new opportunities for shooting precision pistol. Pre-registration is required. You can find more information on the Bullseye 101 session HERE and REGISTER HERE . Bulletproof - Safety Conference With Lt. Col. Dave Grossman An exciting event is coming to southern Illinois! We are happy to inform you about the Bulletproof House of Worship Safety
Conference being held in Mt. Vernon, IL on April 24-26th. This seminar will host guest speakers with real-life experience of dealing with active shooters in places of worship and on the streets; Over 145 years of law enforcement and well over 1000 safety conferences for houses of worship in more than 40 states across the country. This is a great opportunity to hear
Lt. Col. Dave Grossman speak prior to IGOLD being held on May 14th in Springfield, IL, where he will be the keynote speaker. Click on the photo/flyer below to learn more and/or register for this exciting and unique event! Register NOW for ISRA Academy CCL Renewals Do not miss out on the ISRA Academy featuring CCL renewals each month. Upcoming dates are: 4/27/2025 (Sunday) 9:00pm – 12:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE 5/11/2025 (Sunday)
1:00pm – 4:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE 5/25/2025 (Sunday) 9:00pm – 12:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE New IGOLD Merchandise in the ISRA Online Store Come visit the ISRA Online Store to view our new line of IGOLD merchandise. We have new items added every week and, if you have
something particular you would like to see available, let us know! We would love to hear your ideas and appreciate your input! Email them to us at: member@isra.org Visit the ISRA Online Store HERE Education & Training @ ISRA Range, Bonfield, IL. ISRA Range Tour 4/26/2025
(Saturday) 10:00am – 11:30am & 1:00pm – 2:30pm / All Ranges & Clubhouse – No registration required. CCL Renewal & Qualification 4/27/2025 (Sunday) 9:00pm – 12:00pm / Range 11 &
Clubhouse – Register HERE 5/11/2025 (Sunday) 1:00pm – 4:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE 5/25/2025 (Sunday) 9:00pm – 12:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE ISRA Pistol 201 Course 4/12/2025 (Saturday) 8:00am – 5:00pm / Range 8 – Register
HERE 7/23/2025 (Saturday) 8:00am – 5:00pm / Range 8 – Register HERE NRA Basic Shotgun Course 4/5/2025 (Saturday) 8:30am – 6:00pm / Range 6 & Clubhouse – Register HERE NRA Range Safety Officer Class 5/3/2025 (Saturday) 8:30am – 6:00pm / Range 1 & Clubhouse – Register HERE Pistol Optics Principles with Brian Hill
of “The Complete Combatant” – 4/12/2025 (Saturday) 9:00am – 6:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE 4/13/2025 (Sunday) 9:00am – 6:00pm /
Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE *** Please contact academy@isra.org for any training or class questions and check the ISRA Range Calendar HERE for links to dates, times, descriptions of ISRA activities and events. Important Announcement - IGOLD The 2025 IGOLD date has been moved to
May 14, 2025. This is due to a change in the legislative calendar. I am looking forward to seeing you there. The Illinois State Rifle Association is the home of marksmanship in Illinois Tidbits April 3, 1860 – The “Pony Express” mail is inaugurated. Mail was carried by horseback in a sprint relay from St. Joseph, Missouri, westbound to Sacramento, California, in only 10 days, starting on April 13. Each rider would take a 70 – 100 mile stretch, changing horses 4 to 7 times along the way. Over all, the approximately total miles for the cross-country journey was 1800 miles and only the most steadfast young riders
could handle the strain. One of those riders was none other than William “Buffalo Bill” Cody. The fastest mail to be delivered in this manner was the news of Abraham Lincoln's election as President which took 8 days. The development of the telegraph and the completion of the first transcontinental telegraph line in October of 1861 would sound the eventual death knell for the Pony Express. April 4, 1841 – The very first detective story is published. The story, “Murders in the Rue Morgue” by Edgar Allen Poe, was published in the Graham's Lady's and Gentleman's Magazine. April 4, 1949 – The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) pact is
signed. The original signers were Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, and Portugal. The premise of the treaty is that attack on one country would constitute an attack on all countries. It was designed to be a shield against aggression. April 5, 1792 – President George Washington
exercised the first presidential veto. The bill introduced would have given more seats to the northern states than the southern states. Packing the legislature or the courts is not a new idea. Fortunately, George Washington was a man of integrity. April 6, 1917 – United States officially enters World War I. The
declaration of war had already passed in the Senate two days earlier and, on April 6, passed the House of Representatives. The United States was particularly unprepared and had to build an army from 200,000 to what would eventually be 4 million men. On June 26, 1917, the first 14,000 infantry troops landed in France and began training for combat. April 7,
1805 – Lewis and Clark resume their exploration westward after wintering along the Missouri River. They departed from Fort Mandan, near present-day Washburn (north of Bismark), North Dakota, to continue their trip westward with their goal to reach the Pacific Ocean. The weather was harsh, but they were well stocked for provisions and they had previously ordered a sturdy fortress to be built. While they had been wintering, Clark worked on his
journals, taking notes and making maps of their route. They also met with local Native Americans who provided them with valuable information on what lied ahead in their quest to find the Pacific Coast. April 9, 1974 – Hank Aaron breaks Babe Ruth's all-time home run record by hitting his 715th home run. 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. April 5 – April 6, 2025 Chillicothe Sportsmen's Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sprotsmen's Club House, Chillicothe, IL. April 13, 2025 Kane County Sportsman's Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St.
Charles, IL. April 26, 2025 National Civil War, Military, and Collector Arms Show, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, IL. May 17 – May 18, 2025 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman's Show, Kankakee Co. Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL. June 6 –
June 8, 2025 Pecatonica Gun Show, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica, IL. 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. Oct 12, 2025 Kane County Sportsman's Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL. Oct 25 – Oct 26, 2025 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL. Nov 1, 2025
Bloomington Gun & Knife Show, Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL. Nov 9, 2025 Kane County Sportsman's Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, 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. Dec 14, 2025 Kane County Sportsman's Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL. ISRA Grassroots
Monthly Meetings
Come and meet fellow activists and learn the latest on protecting our Second Amendment Rights! Northwest Suburban - 3rd Tues – Village Pizza and Pub Elgin - 2496 N Randall Rd, Elgin, IL 60123 ; 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! |
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