NSSC - Lake Forest
28392 N Ballard Drive, Lake Forest IL, 60045
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(847) 984-2283
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are your hours of operation?
Our usual hours of operation are 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday through Sunday.
How many shooting lanes are there?
There are two, 10-position, 75-foot (25 yd.) ranges, suitable for pistols and rifles.
Do I have to be an experienced shooter to use the range?
Everyone is welcome at our range, from first-time shooters to experts who want to maintain or improve their skills. Illinois residents 18 years of age must possess a valid Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) Card to rent long guns, purchase long gun ammunition and use the rifle range. Illinois residents 21 years of age must possess a valid FOID card to rent handguns, purchase pistol ammunition and use the pistol range. Long gun shooters under 18 years of age and handgun shooters under 21 years of age must be supervised by a parent or legal guardian while on the range.
If you do not have a FOID card, you must shoot under the supervision of an instructor, or someone who has a valid FOID card. If you have never taken a firearms class, we would encourage you to consider one of our beginner or safety classes before using the range.
Do I need a valid FOID to use the range?
Yes, a valid FOID is required for Illinois residents over 18 years of age to rent long guns, purchase long gun ammunition and use the rifle range. Illinois residents over 21 years of age must possess a valid FOID Card to rent handguns, purchase ammunition and use the pistol range. Long gun shooters under 18 years of age and handgun shooters under 21 years of age must be supervised by a parent or legal guardian while on the range. However a minor, regardless of whether they possess a FOID card, may not shoot any of the firearms in the NorthShore Sports Club Rental selection.
A FOID is not required for out-of-state residents.
If you do not have a FOID card, you must shoot under the supervision of an instructor, or someone who has a valid FOID card. If you have never taken a firearms class, we would encourage you to consider one of our beginner or safety classes before using the range.
What guns can I shoot at the range?
Pistols, rifles, and shotguns.
What ammunition may be used?
Pistols are welcome to shoot FMJ and hollow points. Shotguns may only shoot slug ammo. Rifles may only shoot FMJ. Steel cased ammo is allowed.
What ammunition is restricted?
Any ammunition designed for penetrating metal is not permitted. Tracer, incendiary, gas, explosive, armor piercing, steel or bi-metal cored projectiles, military surplus ammunition, and black powder are not permitted on the range.
Some Examples:
5.56mm XM855
M196, M856 Tracer rounds
Steel core (Painted tip rounds, generally silver or green). Shotguns may not use buckshot or birdshot.
What safety features do you have?
The range is constructed using concrete filled CMU walls and finished with AR500 steel that is coated with wood, rubber, and a noise buffering material. The ballistic containment is a trap mechanism that is made of the same AR500 steel. The ceiling is covered with a baffling system that contains ballistics and pushes them towards the containment trap down range. This same baffling system disperses and decreases internal noise that acts to increase comfort levels within the bullet proof stalls. The HVAC system is designed to move 75 cubic feet of air per minute across the shooting lanes, providing for comfortable ventilation meeting OSHA and NIOSH Standards. In short, the range has been designed at great expense with your safety and comfort as top priorities.
How long may I shoot?
Sessions last one hour. Additional time over one hour will result in a higher range fee. However, you may shoot as long as you want provided there is no waiting list.
Elite members may reserve lanes ahead of time and shoot as long as they would like at no extra expense.
Who is not allowed to shoot at NorthShore Sports Club?
Pregnant women (due to possible lead and sound exposure to the unborn child), anyone judged to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs (at the sole discretion of NorthShore Sports Club personnel), anyone judged to be irresponsible (at the sole discretion of On NorthShore Sports Club) and any restricted person who cannot legally possess firearms are not permitted on the range.
Can I bring a minor?
Yes, you may bring a minor provided you are the parent or legal guardian. Minors and persons under 21 years of age may shoot but must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times while on the range. Minors must be at least 10 years or older to shoot with a parent or legal guardian.
Do you offer beginner and safety classes?
We do offer beginner and safety classes. We have "New Shooter" classes held every other weekend. We also offer private instruction for beginners which allows students to get individual attention. Please refer to our "Classes" page which will show you all of our available upcoming classes.
What classes are available for experienced firearms handlers wanting to improve their skills?
We offer one-on-one instruction for those wanting to develop specific skills at an advanced level. We also offer a variety of other intermediate and advanced courses that will fine tune even an experienced shooter’s skills set. Please refer to our "Training" page to see details on specific classes, or our "Classes" page to see our full training schedule.
How much does an FFL Transfer Cost?
All FFL transfers are a flat $75 fee per firearm.
What do I need to do to for an FFL Transfer-in?
To complete an FFL Transfer-in, simply call North Shore Sports, Crystal Lake and ask to speak to someone about an FFL Transfer; an associate will take down your:
Name, phone number, and address;
Name, phone number, e-mail, and fax number of the transferring FFL,
Make and model of the firearm you are having transferred.
When receiving a Transfer-in, from an FFL holder, we MUST receive a signed copy of the transferor’s FFL prior to completing the transfer.
How will I know when my transfer firearm arrives?
When your transfer arrives at our shop, we will have to put it in our books before we are ready for you to come in to begin paperwork. We typically receive a lot of transfers, so we may not to be able to get to your firearm right away. Please do not rush in, we will call you as soon as we are ready for you.
Can I have my out-of-state ammunition purchase delivered to you?
Yes, in the instances where ammunition providers, per their policies, will not ship to a private individual you may use NorthShore Sports Club as a transfer agent for your ammunition.
If you choose this option, please be sure to notify us in advance that you are having ammunition shipped to North Shore Sports, Crystal Lake Range. Also, please ensure that the package is clearly marked with your name and contact information – either on an invoice, packing slip, or shipping label.
The arrival of unmarked ammunition makes it difficult to determine the rightful owner.
A $25 fee will be charged in instances where ammunition is shipped separately from a firearm transfer. Ammunition shipped with a firearm transfer is covered by our regular firearm transfer fee.
