E-1 - Aurora Sportsmen's Club

E-1 Aurora Sportsmen's Club has been operating since 1949 and covers serious ground in Chicagoland. They're not a single-discipline range—they run pistol, rifle, shotgun, and archery programs across multiple facilities totaling thousands of acres.

Action Shooting dominates the calendar. USPSA matches run monthly (8 events in 2024) with scenarios that move you through multiple stages. Steel Challenge happens 8 times a year in an "outlaw" format where you shoot plates in any order—tests actual skill over memorization. Cowboy Action matches (Kishwaukee Valley Regulators, SASS-affiliated) happen monthly with 5-6 stages designed like Old West scenarios using period-correct firearms.

Precision disciplines include benchrest, F-Class (smallbore and mid-range), bullseye pistol, and muzzleloading matches. NRL22 rimfire precision rifle events run regularly.

Shotgun sports cover trap, skeet, and sporting clays across dedicated ranges.

Archery and artillery rounds out their program—not just handgun and rifle.

They host guest instructors (Urban Ops, Sheepdog Response) for dedicated courses. Supervised handgun practice sessions run with NRA-certified instructors available for basic and advanced instruction. CCW renewal classes available through Eric Callis. Youth programs exist but details are limited in their site navigation.

Main location: 7858 Preserve Rd, Waterman, IL 60556 Range area: 7641 Rueff Rd, Waterman, IL 60556 Phone: (815) 264-9000

Multiple bays across different yardages: 50 ft, 25 yd, 50 yd, 100 yd, 200 yd, 600 yd ranges. Dedicated skeet, trap, and sporting clays areas. Archery range on-site.

Matches open to members and non-members. Walk-ins welcome for most events. Cowboy action: $15 adults, $10 ages 14-16, free for kids 13 and under (with .22 pistol/rifle or .410 shotgun). Handgun practice: $10. Spectators free at most events.

"Everyone tries their best to dress the part and respect the traditions of the Old West. Some folks would call it good sportsmanship. We call it 'The Spirit of the Game.'" — Club philosophy on cowboy action matches

Registration typically opens one month prior via PractiScore. Safety briefs mandatory; no-shows forfeit spots. Most events run 7 am–4 pm or similar.