Joining ASC questions

[TRJ]

Do I need to fill out the application and mail it somewhere prior to going to orientation?

 

Is orientation in the barn office up the road?

 

Do I need to let someone know I intend to attend orientation? How/who to contact?

 

What kind of gun(s) do I need to "qualify" with? Is my carry gun ok? What is the qual like? Shoot at a target to demonstrate accuracy, or are you just demonstrating safe handling? If I want to practice both carbine and pistol will I need both with me?

 

So many questions, is there an faq somewhere?

[Rieger]

Contact Tony Jaras. He is in charge of membership services at the club. 815/264-9000 ext. 44 or membership@aurorasc.org. Hope this helps. I have been a member there for several years and enjoy it quite a bit. Nothing quite like it in this area of Illinois.

[Aegis]

Indeed, its a great range!

 

When I did my orientation a few years ago it was basic safe handling and operation, they just wanna make sure you aren't gonna send lead over the top of the berm (there are houses behind the berm), or into yourself or someone standing next to you.

 

However it is worth noting, if you want to qualify with your carry gun, it has to be out of a holster, ASC doesn't allow holster drawing unless you have done one of their classes and been certified, same with the 200 and 600 yard ranges, those are closed to members unless you get certified. Again, because of the homes behind the berms.

 

Welcome to the club!

[TRJ]

Indeed, its a great range!

 

When I did my orientation a few years ago it was basic safe handling and operation, they just wanna make sure you aren't gonna send lead over the top of the berm (there are houses behind the berm), or into yourself or someone standing next to you.

 

However it is worth noting, if you want to qualify with your carry gun, it has to be out of a holster, ASC doesn't allow holster drawing unless you have done one of their classes and been certified, same with the 200 and 600 yard ranges, those are closed to members unless you get certified. Again, because of the homes behind the berms.

 

Welcome to the club!

"One of their classes"? I've been to three classes at ASC, all with holster work, moving and shooting etc. taught by Fortress Defense and Metro Training Group. Does this count or is the class taught by an ASC rep?

[DD123]

Once you contact membership, they'll have you fill out of form that you'll have to send in with I believe is $25 that gets applied towards your dues.

 

After getting that squared away, you'll want to go to an Orientation/Tour so that you can get acquainted with the property, and also the rules and stuff. They usually do the holster draw certification while you're there for the orientation. That will allow you do draw from the holster. I highly recommend bringing your wife with so that you can both get your ID cards and get the certification.

 

Once that orientation is over, you'll pay your initiation and first years' dues. Then they'll give you the ID card with keys to access the ranges.

 

I'll warn you though.............you're going to end up with a much larger firearm collection than you already have LOL.

 

When I first joined, all I really cared about was shooting pistols and rifles. Next thing you know I own an Over/Under shotgun, and a recurve bow to use at the archery range lol.

 

There aren't very many rules, and most of them are common sense. Everything is done on the honor system which is really nice, and you won't have an RSO up your butt the whole time.

 

The very first time I went out after joining, I drew from my holster and proceeded to do a mag dump into the target. I half expected that an angry RSO was going to come up behind me and curse me out. To my surprise, all I heard were birds chirping lol.

 

The rule of thumb is that as long as what you're doing is done safely, and all of your rounds are hitting the target, you're good to go.

 

PM me if you have any questions. I'm more than happy to help.

[DD123]

Missed a couple of your questions.

 

The main office is the barn.

 

The range qualification mainly just checks to make sure that you can handle a gun safely. They don't really care to see if you're a bullseye shooter or not. Just that you're not going to be lasering people on the range with you, and that you're safely handling the weapon.

 

You can use any gun for the qualification. When I went some dude had a 7mm rifle with him lol.

[zzhawk]

Hi TRJ,

 

You can bring your application to the orientation, no need to send it in ahead of time. Most people just fill out their application at the beginning of the orientation class. Orientation will consist of a tour of the club, a "class" explaining the club, rules, and procedures, an interview with a board member, and your range safety check. Pay your dues, and you will get your badge and key that day.

 

As explained by DD, the range safety check is just to make sure that you can handle a firearm safely. Do your holster draw certification at your range safety check, you can then open carry and draw from holster at the club.

 

You have probably seen the website, but here is more information: http://www.aurorasc.org/membership

 

There is an orientation tomorrow @ 10:00 am and Jan 24 at 2:00 pm.

 

Most of all, enjoy the club You are able to do quite a bit at ASC!

[Mustang31]

same with the 200 and 600 yard ranges, those are closed to members unless you get certified.!

 

Members can shoot out to 200 yards, but anything past you have to be certified.

 

Guests can also shoot out to 200 yards.

[DD123]

same with the 200 and 600 yard ranges, those are closed to members unless you get certified.!

 

Members can shoot out to 200 yards, but anything past you have to be certified.

 

Guests can also shoot out to 200 yards.

 

+1

 

Only thing guests can't do is shoot at the 600 unless the line is moved up to 200 yards or less. Members can shoot the 600 after a quick certification. The cert is fairly easy for that. You might be asked what kind of rifle, round, what your come ups are for that range, and what each click of your scope does. Then you fire a few rounds while they watch/spot. Took me all of 10 minutes, if that.

[Mitch]

I'm thinking about joining ASC too. How busy are the 50 ft and 25 yard bays on a typical weekend?

[DD123]

I'm thinking about joining ASC too. How busy are the 50 ft and 25 yard bays on a typical weekend?

It really all depends on time, and events. Mornings are typically more busy than afternoons. But weekends also have events that are going on so some ranges are closed, but they do have ranges that are strictly for member use.

 

They list everything on the calendar located on the website so you can usually plan your weekend ahead of time. I avoid the days where there are multiple events going on.

 

There has been talk over the last couple of years regarding the opening of the back side of the berms for events, or training. This way the other side is only for member or member and guest shooting only.

[TRJ]

I dragged my wife with me to orientation today. She decided she wanted her own keys too, so she did her safety check right after me and now we're both members. I'm going to have to get a holster endorsement, but other than that I'm all set. Thanks for the help everyone, see you on the range.

[BIGDEESUL]

What are the hours, and rules on low light shooting? Does it close before dark?

 

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

 

[DD123]

I dragged my wife with me to orientation today. She decided she wanted her own keys too, so she did her safety check right after me and now we're both members. I'm going to have to get a holster endorsement, but other than that I'm all set. Thanks for the help everyone, see you on the range.

Congrats and welcome to the club! I was out there today as well but was on the sporting clays course. If you have any questions about anything let me know.

[DD123]

What are the hours, and rules on low light shooting? Does it close before dark? Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Monday through Saturday opening time is either 8 or 9am I think, and you have to stop shooting 30 minutes after legal sunset. On Sunday opening time is the same but you have to stop shooting at legal sunset.

 

It's not really the law, it's more about being respectful of the neighbors which I can understand.

 

There are low light events every now and again, but they're usually through a third party training company.

 

There are times where I wish that the shooting times were later when it's dark out, but I've been there where the sun was long gone and you can't see your hand in front of your face because it's so dark. There really aren't any streetlights, or anything for that matter.

[danbrew]

I was a member for less than a year - and then decided to not renew for two reasons.

 

The board decided that they would only permit one outside firm to perform Illinois CCW training at the club. Surprise, it was the company that the club president (then, don't know if still current?) owned. That was a little disappointing. I wasn't planning on hosting classes there because of the distance, but it totally rubbed me the wrong way that the only guy that could use the club range for his private business was a connected guy. I would have overlooked it if he hadn't then turned around and blocked the use of one of the ranges from club use for most weekends for his private class. Weekends are the only time I have to shoot.

 

Figured my money would be more appreciated elsewhere.

 

Having said that, everybody that I met out there was real nice and it is a nice facility. Never met the club president, just didn't like how it looked/smelled. No idea if that kind of nonsense is still taking place.

[DD123]

I was a member for less than a year - and then decided to not renew for two reasons.

 

The board decided that they would only permit one outside firm to perform Illinois CCW training at the club. Surprise, it was the company that the club president (then, don't know if still current?) owned. That was a little disappointing. I wasn't planning on hosting classes there because of the distance, but it totally rubbed me the wrong way that the only guy that could use the club range for his private business was a connected guy. I would have overlooked it if he hadn't then turned around and blocked the use of one of the ranges from club use for most weekends for his private class. Weekends are the only time I have to shoot.

 

Figured my money would be more appreciated elsewhere.

 

Having said that, everybody that I met out there was real nice and it is a nice facility. Never met the club president, just didn't like how it looked/smelled. No idea if that kind of nonsense is still taking place.

There are a bunch of different training companies that host classes there. I'm not sure which of them do CCW training because I already have mine so never really paid attention to that, just the other types of courses offered.

 

Actually a few members here have hosted courses out there. Forget their names but considered taking some of them this year if I see them offered.

 

There also has been talk of opening the backside of berms for training outfits so that the other side is open to members only. Not sure how far along those plans are, but that'll be nice when that happens.

 

I don't personally get into the politics of the club because I'm just there to shoot and help out where I can. Before joining I did a whole bunch of research on all clubs within roughly the same driving distance since that's about as far as I'm willing to drive and could find nothing comparable.

 

The board can do whatever they want because it's a private club. As long as they don't screw with my ability to get out there and shoot it's a meh for me. I'll remain a member as long as everything stays the way it has. Eventually membership will move towards a St Charles Sportsman's or Northbrook Gun Club type of closed membership. I'm looking forward to that day, which isn't too far away.

 

ETA: felt that a disclaimer was necessary. I'm not a board member, nor do I at this point want to become one. That's unpaid responsibility that I don't want or need at this point in my life.

[TRJ]

 

I was a member for less than a year - and then decided to not renew for two reasons.

 

The board decided that they would only permit one outside firm to perform Illinois CCW training at the club. Surprise, it was the company that the club president (then, don't know if still current?) owned. That was a little disappointing. I wasn't planning on hosting classes there because of the distance, but it totally rubbed me the wrong way that the only guy that could use the club range for his private business was a connected guy. I would have overlooked it if he hadn't then turned around and blocked the use of one of the ranges from club use for most weekends for his private class. Weekends are the only time I have to shoot.

 

Figured my money would be more appreciated elsewhere.

 

Having said that, everybody that I met out there was real nice and it is a nice facility. Never met the club president, just didn't like how it looked/smelled. No idea if that kind of nonsense is still taking place.

 

There are a bunch of different training companies that host classes there. I'm not sure which of them do CCW training because I already have mine so never really paid attention to that, just the other types of courses offered.

 

Actually a few members here have hosted courses out there. Forget their names but considered taking some of them this year if I see them offered.

 

There also has been talk of opening the backside of berms for training outfits so that the other side is open to members only. Not sure how far along those plans are, but that'll be nice when that happens.

 

I don't personally get into the politics of the club because I'm just there to shoot and help out where I can. Before joining I did a whole bunch of research on all clubs within roughly the same driving distance since that's about as far as I'm willing to drive and could find nothing comparable.

 

The board can do whatever they want because it's a private club. As long as they don't screw with my ability to get out there and shoot it's a meh for me. I'll remain a member as long as everything stays the way it has. Eventually membership will move towards a St Charles Sportsman's or Northbrook Gun Club type of closed membership. I'm looking forward to that day, which isn't too far away.

 

quoting DD to add to his comments...

 

I've taken classes from pdpsc (Metro, Dan) and Glock21 (Fortress, Frank) at ASC, but I see that there's one training company that's predominantly scheduled on the club calendar almost every weekend. I assume they pay rent, and so long as they do, who cares? I've watched the place grow since before I joined by attending classes. The outhouses are nice now, they've started erecting shelters over ranges, they've installed rfid locks for access...it looks very responsibly run.

 

They're in the last 600 available memberships now. I don't have any clue about how many people quit vs sign up every year...but there were easily 20+ new memberships added yesterday. If every orientation is that successful they could add 480 new members this year and the membership could go back to waitlist and sponsored inside 2017. Just something to keep in mind if you're putting off joining.

[trob09]

I'm a relatively new member of ASC, joining last year after moving to IL.

As has been mentioned, it's one of the few ranges in a decent driving distance that offers the features it does - most importantly for me - a 600 yd range. the club appears to be well run. I tend to go in the middle of the week as that is easiest for me (for now) and there are typically few people there. Several times, I was the only one around - no staff or RSO on the range for the 3-ish hours I was there. The only frustrations for me are:

1. the distance. I live in the northern Burbs and it's a bit of a hike.

2. the holster-draw certification was not available when I did my orientation and I have not been able to make it happen. I am not claiming to be an expert by any means, but I am a multiple-class graduate of Gunsite and Thunder Ranch as well as a bunch of other classes from celebrity operators like LAV. I have not found it possible to get the holster draw cert taken care of outside of the official clinics, which hasn't been possible with my work schedule. ASC does accept outside training in the place of the official clinic, but not from Gunsite/TR (which seems unreal to me...) which leaves me 'uncertified' for one of the main reasons I joined.

 

I'm hoping issue 2 is a short-term thing and can get resolved reasonably soon.

[TRJ]

I'm a relatively new member of ASC, joining last year after moving to IL.

As has been mentioned, it's one of the few ranges in a decent driving distance that offers the features it does - most importantly for me - a 600 yd range. the club appears to be well run. I tend to go in the middle of the week as that is easiest for me (for now) and there are typically few people there. Several times, I was the only one around - no staff or RSO on the range for the 3-ish hours I was there. The only frustrations for me are:

1. the distance. I live in the northern Burbs and it's a bit of a hike.

2. the holster-draw certification was not available when I did my orientation and I have not been able to make it happen. I am not claiming to be an expert by any means, but I am a multiple-class graduate of Gunsite and Thunder Ranch as well as a bunch of other classes from celebrity operators like LAV. I have not found it possible to get the holster draw cert taken care of outside of the official clinics, which hasn't been possible with my work schedule. ASC does accept outside training in the place of the official clinic, but not from Gunsite/TR (which seems unreal to me...) which leaves me 'uncertified' for one of the main reasons I joined.

 

I'm hoping issue 2 is a short-term thing and can get resolved reasonably soon.

 

Check your pm in a bit, message incoming

[Chiburbian]

 

2. the holster-draw certification was not available when I did my orientation and I have not been able to make it happen. I am not claiming to be an expert by any means, but I am a multiple-class graduate of Gunsite and Thunder Ranch as well as a bunch of other classes from celebrity operators like LAV. I have not found it possible to get the holster draw cert taken care of outside of the official clinics, which hasn't been possible with my work schedule. ASC does accept outside training in the place of the official clinic, but not from Gunsite/TR (which seems unreal to me...) which leaves me 'uncertified' for one of the main reasons I joined.

 

I'm hoping issue 2 is a short-term thing and can get resolved reasonably soon.

 

 

I have been a member there since just before they moved to the new location. When they first instituted the holster draw certification it was satisfied by proof of defensive pistol class certification unless I am mistaken. I was a graduate of MAG40 with Mas Ayoob so that was enough. Plus I had my TAN card at the time and could show that as well.

 

I am trying to decide wither or not to renew myself actually. Only made it to the range one time last year. It's a lot of money to pay not to shoot, but that is on me not the club. I stayed a member mainly because I like where the club is heading and my desire to build be a part of a legacy, but there is a possibility that I will be moving out of state in the next couple years and if I go I am just wasting my money if I don't use it.

[trob09]

 

 

2. the holster-draw certification was not available when I did my orientation and I have not been able to make it happen. I am not claiming to be an expert by any means, but I am a multiple-class graduate of Gunsite and Thunder Ranch as well as a bunch of other classes from celebrity operators like LAV. I have not found it possible to get the holster draw cert taken care of outside of the official clinics, which hasn't been possible with my work schedule. ASC does accept outside training in the place of the official clinic, but not from Gunsite/TR (which seems unreal to me...) which leaves me 'uncertified' for one of the main reasons I joined.

 

I'm hoping issue 2 is a short-term thing and can get resolved reasonably soon.

 

 

I have been a member there since just before they moved to the new location. When they first instituted the holster draw certification it was satisfied by proof of defensive pistol class certification unless I am mistaken. I was a graduate of MAG40 with Mas Ayoob so that was enough. Plus I had my TAN card at the time and could show that as well.

 

I am trying to decide wither or not to renew myself actually. Only made it to the range one time last year. It's a lot of money to pay not to shoot, but that is on me not the club. I stayed a member mainly because I like where the club is heading and my desire to build be a part of a legacy, but there is a possibility that I will be moving out of state in the next couple years and if I go I am just wasting my money if I don't use it.

 

They have a couple of specific organizations that qualify as acceptable training to get the holster draw credentials for ASC - LFI is on the list. Unfortunately for me, the list does not include Gunsite, Thunder Ranch or a number of other training organizations that teach the very same draw technique as is taught at the holster-draw clinic at ASC. I did have some back and forth with a couple of leaders of ASC, but in the end it was determined that I needed to attend a clinic to get the endorsement. I am not opposed to demonstrating my capability, I just have always had a conflict at the time any of the previous holster-draw clinics were held. The clinics don't show up on the club calendar, so it takes several steps to find out when they are. I do see they've listed new clinic dates in the newsletter that arrived today.

 

I just find it difficult to understand how the organization that _invented_ the presentation technique approved by ASC doesn't qualify as acceptable training.

 

In some ways I understand. it's not my behind on the line if someone shoots themselves or another at the range. I've seen some questionable behavior on a variety of ranges and giving a blanket sign-off on someone to draw and shoot can have liability implications. for now, I remain "unqualified" to draw at ASC. If I am unable to resolve that, I will likely let my membership lapse as the combination of $$ and distance plus restrictions at the range would make the juice not worth the squeeze for me.

[RacerDave6]

Attending skill drills can get you the endorsement too.

[trob09]

yes, I understand that. they have had the same work/time conflict as the holster-draw clinics.

[TRJ]

Attending skill drills can get you the endorsement too.

What about Fortress Defense classes hosted at ASC? Frank is a member at ASC, a darn fine trainer, a senior instructor for DTI (John Farnham's school). I understand it's possible that there was an oversight...that being managed by a collection of volunteers it might not be on the front of everyone's mind to keep lists of approved instructors/schools/techniques up to date. I can see the logic in only approving training the "staff" has vetted, but in the case of Fortress that hurdle has been cleared already. The nice lady who teaches the official holster draw clinic has taken classes with Frank, and posted high praise on the club forum about the experience. This isn't intended to throw shade, so please don't read it that way, but maybe there needs to be a review of options to streamline the certification process. Perhaps RO could be able to do this at anytime when members can catch them on the range? Perhaps there are other trusted persons who would be willing and able to schedule private appointments to run through the SOP. Either of those options add a huge measure of convenience for members with tight schedules.

[Mustang31]

yes, I understand that. they have had the same work/time conflict as the holster-draw clinics.

 

4 years ago, all it took me was a simple email to the president and he told me to meet him out at the range at an agreed upon time. We meet, I demonstrated a draw from holster, and he signed off right there. Took a whole 2 minuets.

[trob09]

 

Attending skill drills can get you the endorsement too.

What about Fortress Defense classes hosted at ASC? Frank is a member at ASC, a darn fine trainer, a senior instructor for DTI (John Farnham's school). I understand it's possible that there was an oversight...that being managed by a collection of volunteers it might not be on the front of everyone's mind to keep lists of approved instructors/schools/techniques up to date. I can see the logic in only approving training the "staff" has vetted, but in the case of Fortress that hurdle has been cleared already. The nice lady who teaches the official holster draw clinic has taken classes with Frank, and posted high praise on the club forum about the experience. This isn't intended to throw shade, so please don't read it that way, but maybe there needs to be a review of options to streamline the certification process. Perhaps RO could be able to do this at anytime when members can catch them on the range? Perhaps there are other trusted persons who would be willing and able to schedule private appointments to run through the SOP. Either of those options add a huge measure of convenience for members with tight schedules.

 

the list - which should have been in the membership packet you received - is:

Front Site Firearms training institute - handgun course that teaches "safe" draw and reholster

IDPA qualification card or IPSC qualification card

Lethal Force Institute - Any handgun shooting skills course that teaches "safe" draw and reholster

Midwest Training group - Any handgun shooting skills course that teaches "safe" draw and reholster

SAFER USA - concealed Carry or any Tactical/Defensive pistol course that teaches "safe" draw and reholster

USPSA - Participation in at least three ASC USPSA Steel Challenge matches or USPSA Qualification card

Aurora Sportsmen's Club holster Draw Clinics

 

quotes around "Safe" are on the list provided by ASC, not a snarky comment from me.

[trob09]

 

4 years ago, all it took me was a simple email to the president and he told me to meet him out at the range at an agreed upon time. We meet, I demonstrated a draw from holster, and he signed off right there. Took a whole 2 minuets.

 

Yep. I started that process as well. got to an agreement on a time/place. I drove the +/- 70 miles to do this, got passed off to another board member and was told I needed to attend a clinic. That was a less-than satisfying outcome for me.

 

Hey, maybe it's only me.

[thobart]

 

 

Attending skill drills can get you the endorsement too.

What about Fortress Defense classes hosted at ASC? Frank is a member at ASC, a darn fine trainer, a senior instructor for DTI (John Farnham's school). I understand it's possible that there was an oversight...that being managed by a collection of volunteers it might not be on the front of everyone's mind to keep lists of approved instructors/schools/techniques up to date. I can see the logic in only approving training the "staff" has vetted, but in the case of Fortress that hurdle has been cleared already. The nice lady who teaches the official holster draw clinic has taken classes with Frank, and posted high praise on the club forum about the experience. This isn't intended to throw shade, so please don't read it that way, but maybe there needs to be a review of options to streamline the certification process. Perhaps RO could be able to do this at anytime when members can catch them on the range? Perhaps there are other trusted persons who would be willing and able to schedule private appointments to run through the SOP. Either of those options add a huge measure of convenience for members with tight schedules.

 

the list - which should have been in the membership packet you received - is:

Front Site Firearms training institute - handgun course that teaches "safe" draw and reholster

IDPA qualification card or IPSC qualification card

Lethal Force Institute - Any handgun shooting skills course that teaches "safe" draw and reholster

Midwest Training group - Any handgun shooting skills course that teaches "safe" draw and reholster

SAFER USA - concealed Carry or any Tactical/Defensive pistol course that teaches "safe" draw and reholster

USPSA - Participation in at least three ASC USPSA Steel Challenge matches or USPSA Qualification card

Aurora Sportsmen's Club holster Draw Clinics

 

quotes around "Safe" are on the list provided by ASC, not a snarky comment from me.

 

Well I am on the list for at least three of them so that solves that problem if I join.

[45Badger]

Just shoot the IDPA qualifier this spring and don't get DQ'd?....