NorthShore Sports Club — Local services in Libertyville

2 years long overdue review

My Uncle asked me if I wanted to go to a range for the first time to show me the basics and so I can see whether I was into shooting, as well.

I walked in with him not knowing what to expect. But, soon came to the realization that this was just like walking into a Walmart, in that it’s just like any other store, except with firearms and the people are actually very friendly, passionate and knowledgeable! Lol

We walked in like it was nothing. My Uncle checked us in, we got a booth and we started loading up. He showed me a few tips and tricks that he had picked up from a gun safety and pistol training course that he highly recommended to take before making our first purchase.

The staff was very friendly and down-to-earth, nonchalant for lack of a better term. The place was spotless and there were a mix of different people old and young from all sorts backgrounds with one goal... To protect themselves and their love ones.

I told my wife about my experience that night.. She finally agreed to go with me yesterday. We walked in and she was a little hesitant but we started looking and she finally decided to handle her first firearm and from there it was easy!

A man named Erin came up to us and asked us if we had any questions and I was a little hesitant at first. But, we figured.. “Hey he knows more than we do and more than we can ever look up on the Internet.”

The next 45 minutes was the most educational and informative experience I’ve had in months maybe even years. He was very knowledgeable extremely passionate and made sure to address both my wife and I.

Like anyone just starting out, I’m sure there were questions that we may have forgot to ask. But, for my wife I remembered and asked specifically what Erin thought about safeties on a firearm.

Since she was adamant about having one on the weapon of her choice. He very calmly and concisely explained that while it was her choice and preference on what her gun should include, the ultimate safety was the person he was speaking to and subtly yet comedically pointed at her and myself.

Not once did he make my wife or me feel small like we were dumb or why were we even coming in if we didn’t know anything. It was always a three way conversation when it needed to be and and educational one from start to finish.

No rushing no pushing one way or another he recommended what he thought would be the best options for us based on the information we gave him and purposes for the firearms even though my wife wanted something slightly smaller than a full steel frame and large size she understood so much more and why he showed us his recommendations.

By the end of the night we were there for two hours window-shopping. She said she wasn’t ready to shoot anything just yet and Erin made sure we knew that that was OK and that when we were ready to come on in and he’ll get us setup with whatever we’d like.

She fought me a little on signing up and wasting money on classes and gun rentals, before. But, after this experience she can’t wait to sign up!

😌Amazing experience! I don’t know about everyone else’s experience has been. But, based on...

Edit: 4/11 Matt Seibert, the General Manager, defended his establishment but unfortunately, offered no apology. It’s important to note that we have used the same ammunition for our AK-47 multiple times at Northshore without any issues. However, during our recent visit, an employee interrupted our paid time to express concerns about our steel case ammo.

For those reading this, it’s worth mentioning that you can rent machine guns, and even a 50 BMG, to use at your leisure at their range. Yet, my AK-47 was a significant concern for them. The employee, who was arguing with me, seemed to overlook the fact that we were on paid time.

When our plans were disrupted, I asked if he could offer us extra time or any consideration for a complimentary return visit. Unfortunately, he refused. It’s disappointing to see how the pursuit of profit has affected this place. The rude employee never showed me any evidence of damage done to the range by using my steel ammo, that we used multiple times in our past. He was arrogant and rude.

The yelling, the poor attitude, and the extremely obnoxious behavior of their employees left a negative impression. While the manager may have justifications to protect his business, the overall experience was extremely unpleasant and left a bad taste in our mouths I have been here many times; however, this time was different. I have always used the same ammo for my AK-47 every time I have visited this place. However, this time, after a few fired rounds down range this guy came and said, sorry, you can't use this ammo. I inquired why? He stated, this ammo is "steel core" and we don't allow that. I told him that we have used this many times here; he said, that doesn't matter you can't use it here. This was in a bid for us to buy their over priced ammo instead. Sharks. Was rude and condescending. Another employee came yelling as we were packing up at the top of his lungs that we can't take our emptied safe weapons back to feet to the bag. This place used to be good; however, rude employees and bad management will has left an extremely bad taste in my mouth. Will make sure to highlight this; everywhere on social media to make sure people take their business...

We won't be back! Our impressions…

THE PROS: Appeared very nice from the outside as well as the lobby area. Was greeted by a Ferrari, which I thought was kind of cool, but maybe a little much... nonetheless, I'm a car guy, so I enjoyed looking at it. Friendly greeting by "some" of the desk people – What appeared to be managers with the desk people didn’t really seem to care less about new people coming in. Seemed clean in the lobby area with a pretty decent display and selection of hand guns for rent.

THE CONS: VERY EXPENSIVE in my opinion ($30/hr. range time, $40 for two people on 1 lane; $20/$30/$40 hr. for handgun rentals - and YOU MUST BUY their ammo, which is WAY over priced). The ranges are among the worst I've been to in terms of cleanliness and convenience. No tables in the range area to put your bags or targets or whatever; the floor was literally covered with shell casings that you're expected to clean, I guess (sorry, but if I'm going to spend $30/$40hr for a lane, last thing I want to do is spend half the time cleaning up shells, mine and everyone else's). What's worse, my group and I did not see any range security or range officer, or anyone to ensure people were following range rules and safety regulations.

CONCLUSION: I, nor the group I was with, will be returning. Very disappointing...

ONE MORE THING: I forgot my silhouette targets there by mistake. When I got home I called the club who said they would put them away for me. I couldn't return for about a week and when I did and asked for my targets, half (about 30 targets) of them were gone. When I asked what happened to them, no one knew; but instead, who appeared to be a manager there mumbled they were here for so long – as if I should’ve expected it. FINE!!! I'll own that one... I didn't think a week was that long, but I should've expected that could happen. Either way, I nor the group I was with, will be returning. Very...