Druin99 Posted May 7, 2013 at 04:21 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 04:21 PM I live in the Dekalb County area and have been completely discouraged by the "reasonable" availability. Perhaps it's just an issue with Illinois over other states I've been/lived. One of the things I've noticed is the extreme costs for joining most out door ranges or the lack of availablity for "real" training. Most places prohibit defesive drills or close shooting styles of training. The "best" option for my wife and I in the area is a local outdoor range which is a minimum of 25feet. For "new" shooters such as our selves, or those perhaps wanting to focus on a distance which is a bit more realistic or tailored to self defense shooting, the costs seem to be overly outrageous (in our area at least.) One of the ranges is roughly $800 in total fees your first year and another $350 each year afterwards, for a place that is basically a dirt field with a mound of dirt for a barrier. Is this just an issue with IL or perhaps the area in which I'm currently located? I've meet a few people who have private land to shoot on and haven't had much to say but "yeah it sucks" when discussing ranges with them in the area or state. I've gone back to my home town in Peoria now and then and found that only 1 range (indoor) really exists there anymore. Are we unlucky or has the vilifying of gun owners really killed the public/private ranges that badly in IL?
TyGuy Posted May 7, 2013 at 04:42 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 04:42 PM Not to mention many sportsmans clubs are good ol' boys clubs that will happily take your $$$ and time and then drop you from membership without any notice. I'm in DeKalb county too. Maybe we need a new club eh?
ming Posted May 7, 2013 at 04:45 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 04:45 PM Not to mention many sportsmans clubs are good ol' boys clubs that will happily take your $$$ and time and then drop you from membership without any notice. I'm in DeKalb county too. Maybe we need a new club eh? Did that happen to you? It's really lousy if it did. Can you supply any details?
RonOglesby - Now in Texas Posted May 7, 2013 at 04:46 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 04:46 PM State regs, local zoning and basic unfriendly environment for firearms has killed the ranges in Illinois. Colorado... my dad and I drove 15 minutes out side of glenwood springs and were in a FREE state run range. All you needed was like a hinting license or something that cost us like 8 bucks at the local store. Shoot for free all year!Had a shotgun range, rifle, pistol, etc. Texas, went to a range (not state run) and almost fell over when the guy told me a pistol bay (outdoor) for 2 hours was 5 bucks... 5 BUCKS!!! rifle range was $8. Illinois is not good for shooters.
Patriots & Tyrants Posted May 7, 2013 at 05:00 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 05:00 PM Southern Wisconsin has some reasonable outdoor ranges. A Co-Worker belongs to one in the Kenosha area though they have some really strange rules. I have been meaning to check one out I read about in Walworth County too. My best advise might be to find someone who has some farmland with a giant dirt pile who finds six packs an acceptable form of payment.
Bud Posted May 7, 2013 at 05:13 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 05:13 PM Buffalo range is $30 for all day.Our pistol range is5, 10 and 15 yards.we do require two seconds between shots and there isn't drawing from a holster. Rifle range is 100 meters and auxiliary range is rifle and shotguns slugs at 50 yards.One of the problems we have us that because it is a public range, we gave a very wide spectrum of firearm experience using the ranges do we have to be somewhat restrictive when open to the public.Tuesday-Thursday we rent all the ranges put for private parties. When that happens we change the auxiliary range to a tactical range and put up barricades,cover and concealment and also permit multi-gun and advancing on the targets while engaging. That is turning out to be pretty popular. We limit shot on the trap line to six or greater
bmyers Posted May 7, 2013 at 05:16 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 05:16 PM Closest range to me you have to buy the ammo there ($17 for 50 rounds of 9mm) and they supply the targets. Range distance is 10 yards and 25 yards. Only can load five rounds in magazine and no practice drawing and shooting. I belong to two other gun clubs, one about 15 minutes away and it is $100 year, but you can only shot at 15 yards, but it is indoors and open 24/7. The other gun range is an outdoor range and you can shoot as close as you want, practice drawing, setup your own IDPA stage, but it has some strange hours Saturday 2PM to 6PM and Sunday 8AM to Noon, and two evenings during the week. They are getting ready to raise the cost of this one, which if I remember right is $40, but it is going to an initial fee to join (hearing $50) and raising it to $75 or $100 a year. Not cheap at all to shot around these parts.
moparman71 Posted May 7, 2013 at 05:24 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 05:24 PM I'm fortunate I guess, my sportsmans club is $50/yr. 100m rifle 25m pistol, and trap. Membership closed in Feburary.
dorvinion Posted May 7, 2013 at 05:29 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 05:29 PM As I understand it, you can go shooting darn near anywhere on national forest land (with a few basic rules, and using good sense in your choice of location). That's probably one reason you find low range fees and club membership out west. Improved facilities there have to compete with "free" Here we've got limited public space and limited private space due to our population density and land prices being so much higher. Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
skinnyb82 Posted May 7, 2013 at 05:32 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 05:32 PM If you live near Galesburg we have two outdoor ranges. One is near Abingdon in Knox County and if youre an ISRA and NRA member, dues are $35 ($5 discount per association), they hold centerfire and rimfire matches, pistol matches, etc. Its got a rifle, pistol, and trap/skeet range. Theres another in New Windsor, about 15 miles from me, Mercer County. There's an NRA instructor who regularly holds Basic Pistol there for $100. Never been there but I do know of at least one member here who shoots there. Sent from my SCH-R530U using Tapatalk 2
vess1 Posted May 7, 2013 at 05:53 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 05:53 PM Come out by me. You can sign up at our local one. No restrictions on membership. Never even heard of such a thing except on here. Too much population over that way I guess. Long covered concrete pad with tables. 25, 50, 75 100 and 200 m available whenever you want until 10 pm. Usually all to yourself. Not much going on normally. $40......per YEAR. If I lived further east, Id find a friend with private property, move, or I simply wouldnt shoot. No way Id pay hundreds of dollars a year to use a range a few times a month at most. Sent from my Motorola Electrify using Tapatalk 2
Livewire18 Posted May 7, 2013 at 06:04 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 06:04 PM Buffalo range is $30 for all day. $30 now. What the hey!!!. It used to be $25, and young kids got in free. Now they want $90 for me to take my 2 four year olds. WOW! That is why i go to Willow Slough Indiana. It is a farther drive, but it is FREE.
BobPistol Posted May 7, 2013 at 06:07 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 06:07 PM Texas, went to a range (not state run) and almost fell over when the guy told me a pistol bay (outdoor) for 2 hours was 5 bucks... 5 BUCKS!!! rifle range was $8. Man, I really want to move to Texas now
TyGuy Posted May 7, 2013 at 06:11 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 06:11 PM Yes it happened. I joined the waiting list. Waited a year. Was picked up as an associate member. Paid my dues. Did 16 hours of work for the club. At the end of the year I stopped receiving the newsletter. Several weeks and about 20 phone calls later NO ONE could tell me why. I never got a membership renewal, nothing. I was very careful to follow all of the club's rules, so I still have no idea what happened. It's a very non-growth club. So screw em. They don't want new members, especially ones that live in the same town, are veterans, and are active in training new shooters? Fine, they can die the slow death of attrition. But I'm not bitter.
TyGuy Posted May 7, 2013 at 06:14 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 06:14 PM As I understand it, you can go shooting darn near anywhere on national forest land (with a few basic rules, and using good sense in your choice of location). ... would the Midewin Tallgrass Prairie count? http://www.fs.usda.gov/midewin
mjw45 Posted May 7, 2013 at 06:19 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 06:19 PM It's not just the prices, it's the rules.Everything from only their ammo, only FMJ (no HP?), no holsters, no fast double taps, no this no that.How are people supposed to practice for CCW or even check their gun/ammo combo if they can't use HP or holsters?Or holsters only for LEO. The more I look around the more I like the indoor range I've been taking students to in Posen, Shooters Supply.No fast shooting is the only real rule and that seems to be no uncontrolled mag dumps that end up in the ceiling.Shotguns allowed along with pistol caliber carbines.Now only if they were closer. I live/teach in Manteno and there are no ranges closer then 30 miles and then only north of here.Head south along I-57 and there is nothing public until Champaign that I have found.Willow slough is fine for personal use, but to long of a range for beginning shooters and no guarantee of getting range time, no using it after work on the weekdays either.
Livewire18 Posted May 7, 2013 at 06:29 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 06:29 PM This is actually the #1 reason I want to sell my house. I told my wife my only requirement for our new house is that I MUST be able to shoot in my back yard/pasture.
Bud Posted May 7, 2013 at 06:39 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 06:39 PM Buffalo range is $30 for all day. $30 now. What the hey!!!. It used to be $25, and young kids got in free. Now they want $90 for me to take my 2 four year olds. WOW! That is why i go to Willow Slough Indiana. It is a farther drive, but it is FREE. Let's see, maybe the $100.000 in legal fees fighting the IL Department of Natural Resources and the Attorney General or maybe because the "pit' was closed by Court Order which cut the customers by 70% or maybe the lack of ammo which cut cut the remaining customers down another 50% or maybe even the rreally bad weather this Spring which has reduced our daily customer average to about 10 people. And we only charge shooters, not bystanders unless you're planning on having your four year old kids to shoot. If you don't know what you are talking about, why not ask some questions first before putting out false information?
Livewire18 Posted May 7, 2013 at 06:52 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 06:52 PM Buffalo range is $30 for all day. $30 now. What the hey!!!. It used to be $25, and young kids got in free. Now they want $90 for me to take my 2 four year olds. WOW! That is why i go to Willow Slough Indiana. It is a farther drive, but it is FREE. Let's see, maybe the $100.000 in legal fees fighting the IL Department of Natural Resources and the Attorney General or maybe because the "pit' was closed by Court Order which cut the customers by 70% or maybe the lack of ammo which cut cut the remaining customers down another 50% or maybe even the rreally bad weather this Spring which has reduced our daily customer average to about 10 people. And we only charge shooters, not bystanders unless you're planning on having your four year old kids to shoot. If you don't know what you are talking about, why not ask some questions first before putting out false information? I am fully aware of what I am talking about. I "used" to go there a lot. But, yes, my daughters do shoot. But since they only shoot about 50-60 rounds of a 22LR, I don't think it warrants $30/child. I understand that there are the legal fees and other stuff and I feel sorry for you for that, but I was simply stating the price is too high for me and I would rather drive somewhere else for free. Also, do you still only allow single round hand load from magazines, or has that been removed? So please, do not attempt to insult someone you do not know. I will keep my replies respectful as long as I am treated the same. I did not call the EPA, so please do not take your hardships out on me.
flw Posted May 7, 2013 at 06:54 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 06:54 PM There are many people responding that are not giving the name or location of the ranges. If you want to help someone out, they will need to know the town the range is in and the name of it. I belong to TriCounty Outdoor range, Last year the fee was $125 per year. They have 100 and 200 yard rifle ranges, 9 pistol or combo pistol/rifle ranges as well as a skeet area. It just west of Polo, Il. We are having a free open house this coming weekend May 11 and 12 from 9 am to 4 pm. Open to the public and you get to shoot for free. The only downside is the weather (outdoors) and you need to bring your own targets but there are some pistol plates on a few of the ranges. BTW- My kids can come with my as often as they like for no extra. I can even bring a few friends a couple times per year for free.
skinnyb82 Posted May 7, 2013 at 06:58 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 06:58 PM I'm a member of the Galesburg Rifle Club (LLC). The range in New Windsor goes by the name of Trivoli something. I know "oldude" shoots there. Sent from my SCH-R530U using Tapatalk 2
dorvinion Posted May 7, 2013 at 07:02 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 07:02 PM As I understand it, you can go shooting darn near anywhere on national forest land (with a few basic rules, and using good sense in your choice of location). ... would the Midewin Tallgrass Prairie count? http://www.fs.usda.gov/midewin They do allow hunting, but don't say anything about recreational shooting. My guess is recreational shooting is not allowed. Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Bud Posted May 7, 2013 at 07:15 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 07:15 PM $30 now. What the hey!!!. It used to be $25, and young kids got in free. Now they want $90 for me to take my 2 four year olds. WOW! That is why i go to Willow Slough Indiana. It is a farther drive, but it is FREE. Let's see, you haven't been there this year so you took your three old daughters shooting at a public range and paid $75.00 for the three of you? Really? And you expect Buffalo Range to pay for the insurance for you and your four years olds to shoot for what, free? Indoor ranges around Chicago charge $25.00 for two hours on a pistol range only. We charge $30 for all day and have two rifle ranges, a pistol range and a trap range. And who said anything about the EPA? Recreational shooting is allowed in National Forests: Recreational shooting on National Forest land
RockerXX Posted May 7, 2013 at 07:26 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 07:26 PM I'm so glad I have private property to shoot on, and my near future new house will only be purchased if I have the ability to shoot there as well... I really, really tried hard to bring myself to go shoot at an indoor range this winter, but just can't stomach the rules and fees... I especially don't like the no rapid fire, no draw, no holster, I understand why it's policy but, there is no way I can feasibly practice even the basics of a realistic self defense scenario with those restrictions in place at a range...
BobPistol Posted May 7, 2013 at 07:45 PM Posted May 7, 2013 at 07:45 PM There are many people responding that are not giving the name or location of the ranges. If you want to help someone out, they will need to know the town the range is in and the name of it. I belong to TriCounty Outdoor range, Last year the fee was $125 per year. They have 100 and 200 yard rifle ranges, 9 pistol or combo pistol/rifle ranges as well as a skeet area. It just west of Polo, Il. We are having a free open house this coming weekend May 11 and 12 from 9 am to 4 pm. Open to the public and you get to shoot for free. Sounds like a great place to check out. Only one issue, do they permit shooting steel cased ammo with a Glock? (the rules on their website are not clear on this)
Craigcelia Posted May 8, 2013 at 04:05 PM Posted May 8, 2013 at 04:05 PM ISRA is hosting/sponsoring a free range day to newcomers....check it out.. https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwLU34KL5IMCTTNHY0tuVE05a1U/edit
RonOglesby - Now in Texas Posted May 8, 2013 at 04:39 PM Posted May 8, 2013 at 04:39 PM cant wait to be on my land in texas... w/ a suppressor
Aegis Posted May 9, 2013 at 01:18 PM Posted May 9, 2013 at 01:18 PM Buffalo range is $30 for all day. $30 now. What the hey!!!. It used to be $25, and young kids got in free. Now they want $90 for me to take my 2 four year olds. WOW! That is why i go to Willow Slough Indiana. It is a farther drive, but it is FREE. Get a family pass. make it much cheaper for you if you do take your daughter shooting, and trust me it pays for itself quick. Bud i for one am glad you guys are still around, cause you are the closest place that i can shoot my AR without buying frangible ammo, as im allergic to my AR blowing up in my face, Woo for you guys. Even if no-one there would sign off on my CMP range sheet. Speaking of the pit.....WHEN.
Patriots & Tyrants Posted May 9, 2013 at 01:21 PM Posted May 9, 2013 at 01:21 PM cant wait to be on my land in texas... w/ a suppressor Another reason I can't wait to be a WI Resident, I want a can in the worst way. Then I can shoot all day long and my neighbors won't even know it...
Aegis Posted May 9, 2013 at 01:34 PM Posted May 9, 2013 at 01:34 PM cant wait to be on my land in texas... w/ a suppressor Another reason I can't wait to be a WI Resident, I want a can in the worst way. Then I can shoot all day long and my neighbors won't even know it... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t_pcWPdSDs Are you a Fram man? Maybe STP?
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