New Member from Illinois

Hello to all,

There is a lot to absorb here and I thank you for letting me do so.

Cheers,

Tony

Hi Tony, Welcome! Where are you in Illinois? There are active bullseye programs down south at Highland, up north in Waterman and Bonfield and out west at Milan. I believe also in the middle at Leroy, but I've never been to one of their matches.

There is an winter league around the Chicago area. You are up north you want to Join Arlington Heights Rifle and Pistol Club. It is the best club in the league, don't listen to what anyone else says. If you are south of the city, there are 2 clubs that shoot out of Midlothian.

Regards,
Steve Turner

Thanks Steve,

I am in a western suburb of Chicago, the Arlington Heights Rifle and Pistol Club may be the one that works for me.  As time allows I'll try to check that out.

Thanks again,
Tony

There's also Elgin Rifle Club in Elgin. I've shot there for the state championship a couple times.

The best match is in Highland, IL

Tri County Pistol does the NRA sanctioned bullseye winter league Steve's referring to. I joined the league this season myself. On a different team than Steve

Well, thanks so much for the tips.

I currently do not compete, but just enjoy shooting and challenging myself to always do better.  If I can work out the time, I do want to get involved.  Honestly it's a little intimidating, but I'm social enough to have a good time any way.

I have heard of the Elgin Rifle club before and all good things.

Thanks again and Happy New Year everyone,

Tony

Elgin Rifle is member only. But it happens most of the members also shoot the bullseye league. I think they start the new member process in February, which I'll be going through.

No pressure / no need to be intimidated by competing. It's where you want to get, so just Do it! There's a wide gradient of skill levels. We would love to have you, and meeting the guys will be the quickest way to get up to speed on Bullseye and get connected to local events.

Steve can help ya get sorted!

ALSO CHECK OUT THE ILLINOIS STATE RIFLE ASSOCIATION. THEY HAVE AN OUTDOOR LEAGUE FROM APRIL TO OCTOBER AND HOST THE ILLINOIS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP. THEY ARE JUST SOUTH OF CHICAGO AROUND KANKAKEE. JP
https://www.isra.org/

The Le Roy Illinois range is no longer operational. The club has moved to the American Heritage Range near Waynesville Illinois. They had no Bullseye matches in 2019, but plans are to start up again in 2020. Prior to the new range, all matches were short course, 25 yards, fixed non turning targets. But the new range will have 50 and 25 yards, or at least they hope. Dick Miller, the match director will make an announcement about a month before the first match.

Welcome to the forum and the sport.  The best advice for a someone interested in competing would be to attend a match and get a feel for how things work. There are quite a few leagues and tournaments within easy driving distance of you so you'll have no trouble getting up to speed.  There will be plenty of us there to help you along so feel free to ask questions. 

Good luck.
John

Thanks to all for all the input, it is much appreciated.

Tony