Plinkers FAQs

Q. What’s a Firearm Owners ID (FOID) card?
A. The State of Illinois requires that every resident possessing or purchasing a firearm or ammunition have a FOID card. These cost $5 and are renewable every 5 years. The State Police takes about 3-4 weeks to process applications. This is a prerequisite to going on a Plinkers outing, but I will gladly provide you with an application, take and print your mugshot for the application and cover the fee if you’d like.

Q. Do I need a firearm to participate?
A. No. At least one rifle will be provided for free (mine), and we will rent other guns as needed at the range. If you’d like to purchase a firearm, I’d be glad to answer questions and offer my recommendations.

Q. What does it cost?
A. This will depend on many factors and could include range fees, gun rental, ammo, targets and ear/eye protection. Count on $10-20 on the low end (shooting my .22) to $30-50 (renting a gun and buying ammo at the range). Bring a few bucks for food. As much as I can, I’ll try to keep things cheap.

Q. What about eye and ear protection?
A. I have a couple loaners people can use. You can rent them at the range, too, for a few bucks. Basic shooting glasses (if you don’t wear impact resistant glasses already) and ear muffs or plugs can be had for less than $20. I’d encourage you to buy your own. Or win some through a Plinkers quiz!

Q. Do I need to have any experience?
A. No. Some ranges do their own introduction and safety briefing for new shooters, but I will also provide brochures on gun handling and safety and walk you through the safe handling and operation of the firearms we will be using. These outings are an opportunity to gain experience.

Q. What should I bring to a Plinkers outing?
A. Cash (see What Does It Cost?), your valid FOID card, your Driver’s License/ID and any protective gear you may wish to bring. I’d also recommend a baseball cap. It’s not necessary, but hot brass does fly sometimes and a cap helps keep them off your head and face.

Q. What firearms will we be using?
A. I have a Ruger 10/22 which you are free to use. It’s a semi-auto .22LR rifle. Beyond that, we will likely be renting firearms, and the selection will vary by range. Many only rent handguns, though they’ll allow you to use handguns or rifles chambered for so-called pistol calibers (9mm, .38 Special, .45ACP, etc.). You’ll typically find mostly semi-auto handguns (9mm, .380 and .45ACP) with a smaller selection of revolvers (.38 Special, .357 Magnum). You may also find some unusual pieces like the .454 Casull revolver or Desert Eagle .50AE we ran into at Bell’s Guns. You’re free to try these, but the ammo is generally quite expensive and the recoil and report will be…memorable.

Q. Is Plinkers sponsored by, or affiliated with, New Life Community Church?
A. No. Although the current pool of Plinkers is made up mostly of New Lifers, it is not a church-sponsored group/activity. That said, I do want to keep it edifying. Those looking to gamble or speak ill of their wives will end up walking home…from Elgin…even if they drove.

Q. Is Nate a gun nut? What’s his motivation?
A. I do not read Soldier of Fortune or flout the (ill-conceived) gun laws of Chicago. I generally don’t hunt (my prey has been limited to snakes and one skunk) but am not opposed to it. I enjoy shooting as a pastime, a sport, and want to share it with others. But I also believe that it’s a skill every responsible citizen should possess. Feel free to ask me questions.

Q. What will a typical outing look like?
A. We’ll meet and carpool out to a suburban range. When we get there, we’ll pay our range fees, rent guns and safety equipment as needed, and buy ammo for the rentals. Then we’ll go over proper handling of my rifle and any guns we rent and hit the range for 1-1½ hours, shooting paper targets. When we’re done, we’ll peruse the shop a bit then grab a meal together. After that, we’ll get everybody home. Depending on drive time, figure about 3½-4 hours.

Q. Are there any risks involved?
A. Yes. Shooting is loud and can damage your hearing unless you wear plugs and/or muffs. Shooting can also be a hazard to the eyes. The ranges are designed to eliminate ricochets, but there are hot shell casings and fragments which could be ejected by the firearm, either through normal operation or the rare mishap. Glasses protect the eyes. Wraparound glasses are even better. Additionally, lead dust, gunpowder and the solvents used to clean firearms are all toxic. Repeated exposure in a confined space could cause health problems, but indoor ranges are required to have good ventilation and our outings will not be frequent enough to cause you any problems. Just be sure to wash your hands afterwards, before you eat or use the restroom. Lastly, guns are obviously lethal weapons and should be respected. By obeying gun safety rules and keeping an eye on those around you, you can eliminate nearly all the risk. I’ve been shooting for 26 years and have yet to see an accident.