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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.

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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:

  • Rifle - typically a modern, magazine-fed semi-automatic rifle/carbine in caliber of 9mm or greater, such as an AR-15, AK variant, M1A, etc.
  • Ammunition - about 150 rounds of non-penetrator ammunition (steel or tungsten core or green tip penetrators).  However, you should bring enough rounds for your skill level.
  • Chamber Flag - have a chamber flag which is easily, quickly and positively removed from/inserted into the chamber of your rifle. PIECES OF ROPE/TWINE WILL NO LONGER BE PERMITTED.
  • Magazines - typically there is a stage with a magazine change. Most shooters bring a minimum of four (4) magazines.
  • Clothing - we shoot regardless of weather. Plan accordingly.
  • Food - food is not provided. Plan accordingly.
  • Water - hydration is not provided. Plan accordingly.

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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.          

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Hunter Safety Education Classes

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.

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Basic Firearm Safety

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.

 
Many events and activities are open to the public. Check the Upcoming Events listing and the Club Calendar for more information. The Aurora Sportsmen's Club (ASC) offers a variety of supervised access options for groups and individuals who are not club members. Scroll down for some descriptions and send inquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
 
The ASC Special Programs Department offers many group activities, fundraising events and training opportunities for nonmembers accompanied by our Range Safety Officers and Certified Instructors. In 2018 we will again be scheduling: Handgun Practice Sessions, Shotgun Basics Classes, Holster Draw Clinics, and Sporting Clays Clinics.  We will also be adding rifle sight-in days in August and September.
 
Private Groups: Rifle, Pistol and Shotgun Shooting Events
 
The Special Programs team can set up a fun outdoor experience for your:
  • corporate outingBirthday Celebration
  • team building event
  • bachelor party
  • group instruction
  • birthday party
  • fundraising event
  • family get together
 
 
To inquire about packages and availability, send a message to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
 
 
 
Package Deals 
 
Our "Shotty Blast" and "Clays Commander" private event packages can include: firearms for use, ammunition, safety equipment, professional instruction, on-field coaching and clay targets on one of our shotgun fields.
 
The "Weekend Warrior" private event package can include the use of modern handguns and/or rifles, professional instruction, ammunition, on field coaching, targets and safety equipment on an outdoor shooting range reserved for your group.
 
Groups are usually from five to twenty five participants, depending on the type of activity. Customization is possible; ask us and we'll give you some options.
 
Sporting Clays Course 
Nonmember groups of five or more shooters can request self-service access or instructor-accompanied shooting by appointment. ASC has a challenging 100-target walking course with a variety of presentations in native prairie and wild pheasant habitat. Send a message to SpecialPrograms This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  for pricing and availability.
 
More Information: ASC does not offer range rentals or open shooting access to the general public or unsupervised range time for individuals who are not members of the club. 
 
 
Facilities: The Aurora Sportsmen’s Club is a gated, private, 2500-member shooting club organized as an Illinois Not-for-Profit 501(c)(7) Corporation dedicated to Shooting Sports, Conservation and Education. It is the oldest and largest private shooting sports club in Northern Illinois. Facilities include: outdoor rifle/pistol ranges from 50 foot to 600 yard distances; Shotgun Sports trap fields, skeet fields, 5-stand and sporting clays course and archery ranges. Many classes and events are open to the general public.
 
 
All nonmember groups using ASC ranges must agree to certain terms and conditions which are provided in advance. ASC reserves the right to deny range use to any nonmember or group without explanation or cause.