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Crystal Lake Location
560 Beechcraft Lane, Crystal Lake, Illinois, 60012
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(815) 477-2020
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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. Special events, classes, leagues or maintenance may result in early range closures. These events are posted in the “Upcoming Events” box on our home page with the times of range closures noted. If you are traveling a long distance to visit, it’s best to call us at (815) 477-2020 to ensure the range you plan to use is available.
How many shooting lanes are there?
There is a 12-position, 75-foot (25 yd.) Pistol Range and a 12-position, 150-foot (50 yd.) Rifle Range.
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 North Shore Sports, Crystal Lake Rental selection.
A FOID is not required for out-of-state residents, however an out-of-state resident cannot sponsor an Illinois resident who does not possess a valid FOID.
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?
The pistol range will handle any pistol caliber with a muzzle velocity up to 2500 fps and the rifle range will handle any caliber up to, but not including, .50 BMG. We do not allow muzzleloaders on the range.
What ammunition may be used?
The pistol range will handle any pistol caliber with a muzzle velocity up to 2500 fps and the rifle range will handle any caliber up to, but not including .50 BMG.
Most factory and/or reloaded ammunition is authorized for use on the ranges. However, there are several brands of factory ammunition that are disallowed, please see a North Shore Sports, Crystal Lake staff member for a comprehensive list. The range is capable of handling the following calibers, all available in the Pro Shop:
Pistol Calibers:
Including but not limited to: 22 LR, .380 APC, 9mm, .38 Special, .40 S&W, .357 Sig, .45 ACP, .45 GAP, .357 Mag, .44 Mag, and .500 S&W
Rifle Calibers:
Including but not limited to: .22 LR, .223 Rem/5.56mm, .308 Win, 30-06, .300 Win Mag, 7.62x39mm, .338 Lapua.
Shotgun Ammunition:
Shotgun slug or buckshot (#4 buckshot or larger) only
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)
What safety features do you have?
The backstop is a rubber berm trap capable of stopping a .50 cal rifle bullet at point blank range. The rubber berm also reduces the chances of ricochet and minimizes lead dust. The walls are precast concrete and the ceiling is concrete plank. 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.
Members can reserve lanes on the hour, for only one hour. We recommend that Members with lane reservations arrive 10 minutes before their reservations.
Who is not allowed to shoot at North Shore Crystal Lake?
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 North Shore Sports, Crystal Lake personnel), anyone judged to be irresponsible (at the sole discretion of On North Shore Sports, Crystal Lake) 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. Children under the age of 12 must complete the North Shore Sports, Crystal Lake Tot Shots safety class -OR- must show proof that they have successfully completed a DNR Hunter Safety Class in order to be allowed on the range. Minors as defined in this section, regardless of whether they possess a FOID card, may not shoot any of the firearms in the North Shore Sports, Crystal Lake Rental selection.
Do you offer beginner and safety classes?
Several classes for Women, Men, Children and Couples are offered focusing on safety, gun handling and care, and self defense. Please refer to the Classes section for detailed information on the types of instruction offered.
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.
How much does an FFL Transfer Cost?
FFL Transfer-ins are $40.00 per firearm and FFL Transfer-outs are $45.00 per firearm plus the cost of shipping.
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.
What do I need to do for an FFL Transfer-out?
Simply bring in the firearm you wish to have transferred, a valid FOID card (for Illinois residents) and the information of the FFL to whom we are transferring the firearm. Please note that in order to transfer a long gun you must be 18 years or older, and to transfer a handgun you must be 21 years or older.
How will I know when my Transfer-in firearm arrives?
North Shore Sports, Crystal Lake asks that all customers, upon the receipt of your firearm, allow 24-hours for FFL Transfer processing once the firearm has arrived at our store. We will call you and let you know when to come start the paperwork. Calling upon delivery confirmation from the transferring delivery service, to check the status of your firearm, will NOT expedite the process.
Do I still have to do paperwork and wait the deferment period if I’m transferring in a firearm?
Yes, FFL Transfers are considered a Firearm Transaction, and require a 72-hour wait period before a firearm can be transferred to a recipient. We will call you when your firearm is ready for pick-up.
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 North Shore Sports, Crystal Lake 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 $10 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.
