Thursday Bulletin – January 1st, 2025
Executive Director's Message Richard Pearson |
Happy New Year
from the ISRA family to you and yours! We are on the cusp of 2025 and 2026. More importantly we are entering the year of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America. I am proud to be living in this time, proud of the
United States of America and proud to be a citizen of the good old USA. There are those who don't feel that way. To them I say get out and don't come back. Nothing is stopping you from leaving. You can fly out, drive out, walk out, swim out, take a train or boat out. You have lots of choices. In the 250th year of our precious republic I expect some victories but I also expect some vicious attacks. I certainly believe will have some victories at
the United States Supreme Court level. We have to realize what we are up against. There are people who hate private gun ownership and the Second Amendment are committed and heavily invested. It is estimated that George and Alex Soros have spent 32 billion dollars on gun control efforts. I am sure that Micheal Bloomberg has also invested billions. He has funded bogus studies to support gun control, funds a group to write gun control legislation and paid for organizers to prop up
local gun control groups. Then of course we have the Giffords and Brady campaigns which are also well funded. We have a lot of work ahead. In our 250th year we are still fighting for the freedoms for which so many have sacrificed, from the Revolutionary War to this day. Let's all enjoy celebrating our 250th year but remember the fight goes on. It will never stop. We so appreciate your continued support throughout the year.
With your support, we will continue to be on the forefront of defending Second Amendment rights in Illinois. Thank you for taking the time to become a member, renew/upgrade your membership, sponsor someone else to join or for making a contribution to the ISRA. We couldn't do it without YOU! Join the ISRA
Today! Donate HERE today! Every eligible person in your home should have a FOID card. We often receive calls about a husband who has passed away and left his wife with a gun collection. The problem is the wife does not have a FOID card. Don’t let this happen in your
household. Spouses should have a FOID card. Be sure that anyone whom you might want to handle your firearms has a FOID card. Introducing - The “ISRA Paladin” Sustaining Membership I am pleased to announce that the ISRA is introducing our new sustaining membership. The membership is called the “ISRA Paladin.” When you become an ISRA Paladin, you join the front line in defending the
Second Amendment in Illinois. Your commitment helps power the ISRA’s training, education, and legal efforts that protect the rights of every law-abiding gun owner in our state. What is a PALADIN—and why should you become one? In the time of King Charlemagne, the Paladins were his most trusted and honorable knights—sworn to act with courage, defend the innocent, and protect what was just. Their loyalty and
leadership made them legends. Today’s ISRA Paladins carry that same spirit. They stand firm for freedom, safeguard the innocent, and defend our rights against those who would take them away. You can be a Paladin member and an Annual, Life, Endowment, Benefactor, or Patron member concurrently. Every bit helps. Your invitation to this membership should be arriving in the USPS mail starting this week. The
letter will explain the further details of the ISRA Paladin membership. If you would like to become a ISRA Paladin member, please call the office at 815-635-3198. Thank you for your continuing support of the mission of the ISRA! ATTENTION - Deer Hunters– Last Call !! We would like to publish pictures of your deer in the Illinois Shooter. Please send us a photo with your name, the county in which you bagged the deer, and what type of firearm you
used. Please email your pictures and info to member@isra.org . Litigation Update ISRA AS PLAINTIFF We have been waiting and waiting on a ruling on Harrel v. Raoul from the Seventh Circuit
which we hope to get soon. ISRA SUPPORTING Schoenthal v Raoul (7th Cir.) – The right of a licensed CCL holder to carry on public transportation is now being discussed in a conference of the Justices, which will decide if the Supreme Court will hear the case. The DOJ
is in support of CCL holders to carry on public transportation. The Second Amendment Foundation, the Connecticut Citizens Defense League and several individual plaintiffs have filed an appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) in case of Grant v Rovella, the Connecticut "assault weapons ban." That is one more nudge toward getting SCOTUS to decide on so-called assault weapons bans. Thanks to
all those who have and will continue to support the ISRA in our efforts to protect the Second Amendment in Illinois. This fight is far from over. We need extra support right now, so please... donate HERE. If you would like to mail a check to the ISRA Legal Assistance Committee (donations to the ISRA LAC are tax deductible), please send to: ISRA Legal Assistance Committee PO Box 494 Chatsworth, IL 60921 Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois - click HERE. Legislative Update The General Assembly will reconvene for the Spring 2026 session on January 13th. The Senate will be return on 1/13 and the House on 1/20. The deadline for drafting requests is 1/16 and the introduction of House and Senate bills is 2/6. The Governor’s Budget Address will take place on 2/18.
IGOLD will take place on 4/15. You can find the House calendar here and Senate calendar here to view all the legislative session deadlines.
You can follow along by clicking the ISRA Legislation Page.
IGOLD - Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day Come to the BoS Center in Springfield, Illinois for Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day on April 15, 2026. The most important day of the year for gun owners in Illinois, IGOLD is when gun owners gather in
Springfield to speak with one voice and send a message to the legislature. Dave McDermott, the well known self-defense attorney, will be one of the speakers at IGOLD. You don't want to miss his address. Please mark your calendars to reserve this date. You can find the latest information at the ISRA's IGOLD
Page. “Money can only buy happiness if you spend it on freedom. Join the ISRA today.” ~ Richard Pearson ISRA Colt Anaconda 44 Magnum Raffle – Tickets Now Available Buy your tickets early for the ISRA Colt Anaconda 44 Magnum Raffle! Drawing will be held on February 17, 2026. Entries must be postmarked by February 9, 2025. TICKET
PRICES:
• 1 for $10
• 3 for $25
• 7 for $50
• 15 for $100 You need not be present to win. Dues and donations to the ISRA are NOT tax deductible. Winner of the Colt Anaconda must comply with all federal, state and local laws. Winner has 90 days to claim prize. Scan the QR code in the ad or Click HERE for more info. Questions? Call the ISRA office at: 815-635-3198. We appreciate your continuing support! Every ticket you buy helps keep Illinois gun owners strong, trained, and protected. We’ve stood for your rights since 1903 — and we’re not slowing down. Thank you for standing with
us! ISRA Memorial Brick Fundraiser – Honor Your Mentors We all have people in our lives who have influenced our lives in a positive manner, we do not want them forgotten. My father is a perfect example, he taught me how to shoot, hunt, and many other life lessons.
He was a WWII veteran with two purple hearts, I did not want him to be forgotten. To remember people like my father and those in your life that have made a positive impact over the years the ISRA has established a Memorial Brick Project. The memorial bricks are laid out around the flagpole at the ISRA Range in Bonfield, IL, which is located near Kankakee, IL. Please look over the attached flier and consider buying a brick for someone who has made a difference in your
life. For more info or to order your commemorative brick today, CLICK
HERE. ISRA Gen-5 Glock 30 Raffle - Tickets Now Available Right now, you can enter to win a pre-owned Gen 5 Glock 30® with six magazines. This pistol is gently used—fired less than 500 rounds—and calibered in .45 ACP.
It’s a solid, dependable choice for any Illinois gun owner. This raffle helps fund the ISRA’s work: training, safety programs, and defending the rights of law-abiding firearm owners across Illinois. Your support makes that possible. TICKET PRICES:
• 1 for $10
• 3 for $25
• 7 for $50
• 15 for $100 Drawing Date: February 3, 2026
Mailed entries must be postmarked by January 26,
2026.
You do not need to be present to win.
(All state and federal laws apply. Prize must be claimed within 90 days.) To get your tickets, CLICK HERE. Or call the ISRA office at 815-635-3198 and we’ll help you over the phone. Every ticket
you buy helps keep Illinois gun owners strong, trained, and protected. We’ve stood for your rights since 1903 — and we’re not slowing down. Thank you for standing with us. 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. “I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list. The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson Education & Training @ ISRA Range, Bonfield, IL.
January 8 (Thursday) ISRA Precision Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm January 11 (Sunday) NRA Basic Rifle Shooting
Course – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 8:30am – 5:00pm January 15 (Thursday) ISRA Precision Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm January 17 (Saturday) NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) – Clubhouse – 8:30am – 2:30pm January 18 (Sunday) NRA Basic Rifle Instructor – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 8:30am – 6:00pm January
22 (Thursday) ISRA Precision Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm January 29 (Thursday) ISRA Precision Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm January 31 (Saturday) Armed Women of America – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 12:00pm *** 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.
ISRA Members: View the Fall 2025 Shooter HERE. The Illinois State Rifle Association is the home of marksmanship in Illinois Tidbits January 1 – Happy New Year
everyone!!! January 1 45 BC – The new Julian calendar takes effect. The old Roman calendar had been used since 700 BC. It was badly out of date. It was based on the lunar cycle that meant that days were short every year. Politicians shockingly use these discrepancies to extend their terms, interfere with elections and cause other kinds of mischief. Many of their descendants moved to Chicago. The
new Julian Calendar gets its name from Julius Caesar who ordered the old calendar to be replaced. January 2, 1776 – The continental Congress publishes the Tory Act, which describes how the colonies should handle Americans who remained loyal to the British and King George. Congress vowed that “whatever retaliation may be necessary, although it may prove a disagreeable task.” The result of the Tory
Act, was to drive those were loyal to the king out of the United colonies and to places like Canada or other places in the British empire. Maybe we should revisit that. January 3, 1777 – The battle of Princeton was another George Washington victory, following on the heels of his defeat of the Hessian troops at Trenton. British General Cornwallis was smarting over the American victory.
Cornwallis dispatched 8000 British troops to overwhelm George Washington’s beleaguered 5000 troops. Washington out smarted Cornwallis, he expected Washington to retreat using the same route he attacked with. Washington knew what Cornwallis was expecting, instead he had his troops build their campfires high, making sure the British could clearly see their camp. Washington then had the wheels of his wagons wrapped in cloth and slipped around the British troops without them hearing
his movements. Washington and his Continental Army ran into a straggling unit of British troops. A battle ensued and the British suffered, 275 killed, and the Patriots suffered 40 killed. British General Howe decided to abandon New Jersey. This was a significant victory. January 3, 1959 – Alaska is admitted to the union as the 49th state. Secretary of State, William H
Seward had convinced Congress to purchase Alaska for roughly 2 cents an acre. Much of the country laughed at Seward but he was right. Alaska alone is about 1/5 the size of the rest of the United States and is full of natural resources. It also provides our most important defensive bases against Russia. January 4, 1847 – Samuel Colt saves his failing company by selling the United States government 1000 of US 44 caliber
revolvers. Colt didn’t do it alone however other inventors like Eli Whitney helped Colt develop a system to mass produce revolvers with interchangeable parts which greatly lowered their cost. January 5, 1914 – Henry Ford doubles the pay for the assembly workers to $5 a day. There was a catch, however, people had to allow their homes to be inspected to
see if you use too much alcohol or kept an untidy house. January 5, 1933 – Construction begins on the Golden Gate Bridge. Although the idea of a bridge had been around since 1869. No one came up with a way to do it that could be afforded. A request was sent out for ideas. Chicago Engineer Joseph Strauss said he could do it and he did. The Golden Gate Bridge was completed on May 27,
1937. More than 200,000 people cross the Golden Gate Bridge on foot or roller stakes on it’s opening day. The name Golden Gate Bridge was the idea of Michael O’Shaughnessy, San Francisco’s Chief Engineer. January 6, 1919 – Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States dies at Sagamore Hill, his residence that overlooked Long Island. Roosevelt was not supposed to be
President. His progressive ideas did not sit well with many of the Republican politicians. Roosevelt was popular. He had been assistant secretary of the Navy, he formed the first volunteer cavalry known as the “Rough Riders” which had contributed significantly to the American victory at San Juan Hill during the Spanish American war. Roosevelt became president at age 43 after the assassination of William McKinley. William McKinley was the last president that served in
the Civil War. Roosevelt brought a whole new perspective to the role of the president and of the United States in the world. Roosevelt was particularly interested in a strong United States military backed up by a strong-armed civilian population. He also wanted project American strength around the world. In 1907 he ordered the Great White Fleet to circumnavigate the globe. The Great White Fleet consisted of 16 battleships painted in a brilliant white
color to showcase the American naval power for the world to see. Atta boy Teddy. That’s all folks !! 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. Jan.
24 – Jan. 25, 2026 Belleview Gun & Knife Show – Belle-Clair Fairgounds, Belleview, IL. Jan. 24 – Jan. 25, 2026 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL. Feb. 7 – Feb. 8, 2026 Bloomington Gun & Knife Show – Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL. Feb. 14 – Feb. 15, 2026 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon
County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL. March 28 – March 29, 2026 Belleview Gun & Knife Show – Belle-Clair Fairgounds, Belleview, IL. March 28 – March 29, 2026 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL. Other Events Jan. 25, 2026 Common
Caliber: Cold Weather Pistol – Range 10 & Clubhouse – 8:00am – 4:00pm Feb. 7, 2025 Highland Pistol & Rifle Club International Pistol Event, Highland, IL. Feb. 14, 2026 Sandy Ford International Pistol Event, Sandy Ford Sportsman Club Indoor Range, 720 S Bloomington St, Streator, IL. Mar. 14, 2026 Sandy Ford International Pistol Event, Sandy Ford
Sportsman Club Indoor Range, 720 S Bloomington St, Streator, Illinois April 11, 2026 Sandy Ford International Pistol Event, Sandy Ford Sportsman Club Indoor Range, 720 S Bloomington St, Streator, IL. Range, 720 S Bloomington St, Streator, IL. ISRA Grassroots Monthly Meetings
Come and meet fellow activists and learn the latest on protecting our Second Amendment Rights! 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 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 - 3rd Tuesday of the month – Golden Corral, 1591 S Randall Rd., Algonquin, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm South Suburban/Cook County - 2nd Thursday of the month – Kenootz Pizza, 4659 147th St., Midlothian, IL; Doors open 6:30pm; Meeting 7pm –
8pm Will County - 3rd Wednesday of the month – Silver Dollar Restaurant, 422 E. Mississippi Ave., Elwood, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm Stand
Strong &
Thank you for being a member! |
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