Twenty four years ago, it was a typical Tuesday morning in my insurance office. The TV was on in the kitchen area. I had just gotten my third or fourth cup of coffee and was headed back to my office when FOX News reported an airplane had just hit the North Tower of the
World Trade Center in New York. I stopped in my tracks and I immediately thought it was a terrorist attack. I saw the pictures of the North Tower burning. I knew those poor people on the upper floors were doomed to be burned to death. I was listening to the prattle of the broadcasters coming up with all kinds to stupid theories about what could of gone wrong... blah, blah, blah.
Then, 17 minutes later, the South tower got hit. The whole office stood
quietly, watching. Shortly thereafter, reports of Flight 93 crashing into a Pennsylvania field and another plane hitting the Pentagon came in. Everyone one in the office did just what they had to do, all of our minds were preoccupied and furious at the same time. We were watching history unfold, we were part of it and we all knew it.
Of course, the talking heads of the new media were chirping and wondering where President Bush was. He was, of course, on Air
Force One, in the command center, exactly where he was supposed to be. At about 3 o'clock, I had to go to the funeral home on business when I heard the roar of jet engines. All planes had been grounded so I looked up and there was Air Force One surrounded by four F-16s. It was comforting. Of course, I didn't call the news media and tell them because they are irresponsible on their best day. This was one of my greatest memories.
By afternoon, there we
American flags everywhere. If you didn't have one you were out of luck, the stores were sold out. There were people riding around in pickup trucks and cars waving flags. A great wave of patriotism had swept the county in a matter of hours. It must have been what it was like on December 7th, 1941.
On social media there are videos and pictures of our poor fellow citizens jumping to their death from the World Trade Center Towers. All those horrible
scenes were not shown on television to protect our sensibilities. I think this is completely wrong. The citizens of this country need to get their heads out of the sand, or wherever they are, and understand what we are facing. The war is still just starting. It's not over. Take a moment and remember those American citizens who died on that day, their families, and the first responders who are still suffering.
Not an ISRA member?Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois - CLICK HERE.
The Headline Gives Law-Abiding Sportsmen A Bad Name
I am always scanning the news for happenings in Illinois and around the country. I have donated to organizations which work on wildlife habitat for well over 50 years so poaching really infuriates me. Another thing
that infuriates me is misleading headlines that give the uneducated public the wrong impression. In this example I got a two for one.
Here is the headline: "Wildfire Officials Investigate the Killing of a Fawn Deer by an arrow at the Billings Rod and Gun Club Archery Range." It sounds like those rotten sportsmen killed a deer out of season and without a license, doesn't it? If you go on to read the story here is what you will find out. The
Billings Club staff found a deer which had been shot in the hindquarters with an arrow. They called Montana Fish, Game and Parks to investigate. Montana Fish and Game estimated the deer had been shot a week before it was found. That deer could have travelled a long way before it died. Since it was two weeks before deer season it was probably shot by a poacher. There is no indication the deer was shot on the Billings Rod and Gun Club Property, but the headline indicts
the club members by innuendo. Grrr!
Not an ISRA member?Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois - CLICK
HERE.
The Colors Of Fall
The foliage on some of the trees is starting to show color. The combination of warm days and cool nights, along with less and less sun light, all work together to produce brilliant fall colors. A dry summer also increases fall color, but that varies wildly depending on where you live. Illinois is a long state,
so the time which fall colors appear can be a month or more depending on where in the State of Illinois you live.
In the summer, the leaves of trees are green because the high production of chlorophyll over-comes the underlying colors in leaves. As sunlight lessens and cool nights prevail, the underlying reds, yellows, oranges and purples begin to appear. Fall rains also bring out color in trees. My favorites are sugar maples and red
maples.
The roadsides also offer an array of fall colors because of golden rod, asters, sunflowers and other plants. If you are driving, take time to enjoy natures celebration along the roadsides. Fall does not last long, so enjoy it while you can.
Litigation Update
ALERT - Deputy Attorney General Headed To Chicago To Support ISRA Lawsuit
The battle over Illinois’ so-called “assault weapons ban” has taken a major turn. The Justice Department’s top civil rights official, Assistant Attorney
General Harmeet Dhillon, is stepping directly into the fight – and will personally argue against the ban before the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago this month.
Court records confirm that the panel has granted Dhillon five minutes of argument time, ceded to her by opponents of the law. Leftovers from the Biden Administration are putting their full weight behind keeping this unconstitutional ban in place.
All of our
litigation is proceeding. We are preparing for our oral arguments in Harrel et al v Rauol et al on September 22, 2025. I want to thank all of those who are supporting our efforts.
UPDATE: SAF Files Motion For Summary Judgement In Challenge To Caretaker Gun Ban
BELLEVUE, Wash. — Sept. 8, 2025 — Attorneys representing the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) have filed a motion for summery judgement (MSJ) in its lawsuit challenging Illinois law that bans firearms in homes licensed to provide foster or day
care.
The Foster Home and Day Care Home Rules and statutes in Illinois ban adults licensed to foster parent or provide day care in their own homes from keeping functional firearms for self-defense, even if they are otherwise allowed to possess them.
“Being a caretaker does not come at the expense of your fundamental rights,” said SAF Director of Legal Operations Bill Sack. “The constitutional analysis is no different here than for any other type of gun
control. The burden is on the state to prove a historical tradition of similar regulation at the time of the Founding, and that tradition simply does not exist.”
SAF is joined in the case, Miller v. Mueller (formerly Miller v. Smith) by the Illinois State Rifle Association, Illinois Carry and two private citizens, Darin and Jennifer Miller.
“This case was originally filed in 2022 and it’s time for a resolution,” said
SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “The BruenSupreme Court ruling shoots down the state’s arguments, but they continue to spend taxpayer dollars fighting a case they know they’ll lose. It’s past time to end this case once and for all.”
To follow this and other ISRA court cases, please check our website: isra.org
In other litigation news.....
In Illinois public transportation is a prohibited place for concealed carry licensees.
In Israel, two terrorists attacked people at a bus stop, most likely expecting people to be unarmed. Two years ago they would have been right. Since the October attack in 2023, things have changed. Israel changed their policy
issuing carry permits far and wide. The terrorists were met with a hail of gunfire by civilians and one-off duty soldier. They were DRT (Dead Right There). I bet they won't do that again. Six people were killed and many more injured in the cowardly sneak attack.
Prohibited places become a hunting ground for criminals. That is what the Schoenthal v. Raoul case is all about. We are petitioning the Supreme Court to hear this
case.
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.
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!
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.
“Guns N Grub” Event At The ISRA Range – Volunteers Needed!
Come join us for a one-of-a-kind event at the ISRA Range in Bonfield, IL. on September 13, starting at 9am! Firearm training, great food, and a vibrant shopping experience combine to create an unforgettable day filled with excitement, learning, and cameraderie.
To learn more about the Guns N Grub event and to register, go HERE.
We also need volunteers
to help during the day from 7am to 5:30pm.Coffee, donuts and lunch are provided.If you would like to to volunteer to help out during this terrific event or If you have any questions, please call the ISRA office at 815-635-3198 or email us at: member@isra.org
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!
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
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
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
September 11, 2001 – The Twin Towers in
New York City and the Pentagon are hit by hijacked airplanes in a coordinated attack. The attack by al-Qaeda against the United States, resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths. A fourth plane crashed in a rural Pennsylvania field during a passenger revolt against the terrorists aboard. These events led to major changes in U.S. domestic and foreign policy, including the initiation of the “War on Terror”, and was a truly sobering, yet unifying event for the American
people.
September 13, 1862 – A Union soldier finds Robert E. Lee's battle plan for Antietam wrapped around three cigars. The soldier dutifully turned in his finding to General George B. McClellen. McClellen was a notorious procrastinator. It took him 18 hours to get his first troops on the move. By that time, he had lost the advantage. Had McClellen acted swiftly, it might have shortened the Civil War by a couple
of years.
September 14, 1901– President William McKinley dies of gunshot wounds.He had been shot eight day earlier at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. President McKinley was the last President of the United States who served in the American Civil War. The death of President McKinley brought about the presidency of the progressive Republican by the name of
Theodore Roosevelt.
September 15, 1951– The United States Marines, under the command of United Nations Supreme Commander Douglas MacArthur, land at Inchon, Korea.This brilliant tactical move recaptured Seoul, the South Korean capital, and caused the capture of 125,000 North Korean Army troops.
September 16, 1620– The Mayflower leaves from
Plymouth, England, bound for Virginia.Aboard were 102 passengers and 26 crewmen. The Mayflower missed Virginia, landing off the coast of Massachusetts. They landed at Plymouth Rock. I have visited Plymouth Rock and Cape Cod. The passengers knew it was Plymouth Rock because there is a sign there that says “Plymouth Rock”. I saw it with my own eyes.
September
16, 1940– The United States institutes the draft.All men between ages 21 and 36 were eligible. In 1942, those ages were changed from 18 to 37. The draft did a lot of things for the United States. For one, it taught a great percentage of young American males discipline, organization, and the ability to think. I believe that we should re-institute the draft because it will do the same thing today as it
did originally.
September 17, 1787– The Constitution of the United States of America is signed by 39 delegates present at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention.There was a test debate. I'm not sure about the delegates, but you have to say that they came up with a really great document.
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.
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 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
