The purpose of Practical Rifle is both competition and skills development. This is an opportunity to get your rifle "off the bench" and challenge your marksmanship skills while developing new skills most shooters can't practice on a range. Competitors will face new scenarios each month.

Attendees typically use modern, magazine-fed, semi-automatic rifles such as AR-15s, AK variants, Springfield M1As, etc. Bolt-action rifles are not allowed since most stages require magazine changes. Shooters should plan on firing about 150 rounds.
Up to 4 magazines may be utilized on a single stage, and your favorite mag retention system is encouraged. We do not impose limitations on firearms or ammunition; all calibers and legal equipment is welcome. Optics are shooter’s choice—iron sights, red-dots, and magnified optics are all welcome—but keep in mind that we use targets as small as 4 MOA placed as far as 200 yards. Practical Rifle is a great opportunity to gain experience with all your gear!
Typical Equipment/Gear Needed:

When are the matches?
For 2026 our match dates are January 17, February 21, March 21, April 18, May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15, September 19, October 17, November 21, and December 19.
We will send out notices if our schedule changes or if we add additional matches.
What is the timeline for a typical match?
Stage building begins at 8:00am and we ask shooters to be present for stage building. Safety brief begins after stage build concludes, and shooting begins immediately following. In winter months (November through February) we normally start 1 hour later. Details/Timelines will be given as you sign up for each match.
You must be present for the Safety Brief to shoot that day. No exceptions.
Scores are posted online after cleanup is finished. All shooting takes place on the East side ranges. East side ranges can be accessed on the road between the 100 and 200 yard ranges.
How do I register for the match?
Register for matches at: https://practiscore.com/clubs/aurora_sportsman_club
Attention ASC Members: You must be a member of ASC Club on Practiscore for the member discount to be reflected in the pricing at registration. It is free to become a member. Apply at https://practiscore.com/clubs/aurora_sportsman_club/membership/join
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Contact our match director at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ASC has a long tradition of hosting free Hunter Education classes for new hunters on behalf of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Space is limited and advanced registration is required by email message to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We are offering the traditional, in person two-day class for adults and youth at our club in Waterman on August 3 and August 10, 2025. Successful completion requires attendance on both days. Students under 10 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Registration begins around mid-day and classes end by 6:00pm. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We also offer the Field Day session, required for students under 18 years of age who choose to take the Hunter Education class on-line. In order to attend this program, students must have completed the online classes and bring with them a printed copy of the voucher that is dated within 1 year of the class date. The Field Day class will begin with on-site registration at 8:00 am and will conclude at around 5:00pm. It will be held on June 22, 2025 in our Waterman range building. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Follow the link for more information, dates and contacts for Illinois Hunter Safety classes on the IDNR web page.
Basic Safety class dates will be posted here when they are scheduled. These classes cover the basic rules for safe firearms use. You will also learn how to safely load and unload various popular firearms; the differences and similarities between rifles, handguns and shotguns as well as some of the history involved. The class will conclude on the range with an option to try out several firearms, all under the supervision of certified instructors.
These classes are offered at no charge. No FOID is required. Participants should dress according to the weather; however, please do not wear sandals. The use of eye and ear protection is mandatory. Younger students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A signed liability waiver form will be required for all participants.
Many ASC departments offer training and education opportunities. Information can be found in the department sections of our web page and on the club events calendar.
For additional information about training opportunities at ASC, please contact the ASC Education Department. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
