Range options around suburban Chicago

[Comrade Mike]

I know this is probably like asking for a snowball in hell but hey maybe there's something.

I live outside of Chicago pretty close to the cook DuPage boarder. I'm a big rifle shooter but my rifle range situation sucks quite frankly.

Basically I have two options; The DNR range in Kingsbury Indiana which is any where from a ninety minute two two and a half hour drive depending on traffic, which is 4 a person. Traffic has been a mess lately causing me to miss my last 3 of 4 range days because of stop dead traffic. Or Buffalo shooting park which is about an hour drive but is 30 bucks a person.

So it's either save on range fees and have a 4-6 hour round trip or save on time and eat it on range fees.

Do you guys know of anything more in my area that's not going to beat me over the head on range fees? Really all I need is a hundred yard range.

I hate this state.

 

[8emem]

I am in DuPage county and cheap, nearby options don't exist. There is another Indiana DNR range called Willow Slough. It's 88 miles from my home, a small facility with 3-4 positions each for shotgun, 50 yd and 100 yd. About a dozen positions for 25 yd pistol. It has been very crowded the past couple of years so unless you get there at about 7:30 (opens at 8:00) you will be waiting for 1-2 hours. Also, bringing pistols to this range from Illinois is not allowed.

There is a club in Plainfield that has rifle ranges (can't remember the name or the dues amount) but there is a two-year waiting list and you have to know a member to be sponsored. Some of the employees at MegaSports are members. There is also a club in Sycamore that has rifle ranges but the hours to shoot are restricted and last time I checked, a waiting list of over 100 people. You can get information on these clubs on-line with a little searching.

I joined Aurora Sportsmans Club in Waterman (44 miles) several years ago and the dues are rather large (see the website for facility information, application process to join, work hour requirements and dues), but I figure it's either that or sell the rifles (I have more than a few).

 

[TyGuy]

GAT Guns in Dundee has pistol and rifle ranges.

 

[jim243]

Might be a bit closer, the Illinois State Rifle Association has ranges you can use. Their longest rifle is 300 yards. Google ISRA to get the exact location. Not close, but closer than IN.

Jim

 

[cat_IT_guy]

I belong to a range about 30mins North East of Peoria. I realize this is still a 2hr (each way) drive from all but the Southernmost burbs of Chicago. Dues are $75/year (+$25 first year I believe). Large-ish range, 200yard rifle, multiple pistol bays ranging from 10 to 50 yards, archery, and some clay throwers (bring your own clays). No mandatory work day requirement. Close and convenient for you? Nope (you're pretty much committing to a day trip). But I've never had to wait and for the price its hard to beat.

http://midwestgca.com/

 

[NapalmMan67]

Sycamore Sportsmens Club in Sycamore and Aurora Sportmens Club in Waterman.

Sycamore has loooong wait time for membership application to be reviewed/accepted, but they offer open shooting on the weekends (Sat & Sun) 12:00-5:00pm. 100 yd maximum range. $10.00 range fee for non members.


Aurora is a membership only club, they do have events open to the public on occassion but no open shooting times for non members. They have 100/200 and 600 yard ranges. Kind of pricey at $450.00 a year for membership though.


.

 

[Comrade Mike]

Thanks for the help everyone, I really like the sound of the Gun Collectors Association!.

 

[cat_IT_guy]

I've been very happy with MGCA. Been a member there for.... wow going on 10 years I think. If you have any other questions about it I'll try to answer them.