That is hilarious, Steve!

-Victor

Dick's is horrible for reasons unrelated to their gun stance. I don't think sporting good lends itself to big box stores. One of the few things where I find myself going to smaller local stores. And that is fine with me.

For clarification, Farm and Fleet would not sell to anyone from another state. Bass Pro would only sell to adjacent states. These actions by these companies restrict interstate commerce in violation of the Commerce Clause in the Constitution. When companies go along with infringement of the citizens rights because it is "easier" to kowtow to the state then we all lose. Letting companies know that there are ramifications to their actions is how change is made. Hit them in the bottom line. Just ask WokeACola.

All the more reason the ATA should pull the grand out of Ill. and move to a more gun friendly state!!!!JMHO.

AMEN!!!

I get it. Less than a ideal situation. But where else are you going to find a three mile long trap line with over 120 trap houses. Plus a huge three mile long paved parking lot. Not to mention a huge camping area. The facility itself is incredible, maybe the location leaves something to be desired. Lynn Creek was wonderful but about half the size of Sparta and parking was a challenge. I hear the Cardinal Center is great, but again, nothing on the scale of Sparta. And I've got to say, the folks in southern Illinois should not be lumped in with those who make up the population of Chicago.

It is what it is and I'm not going to cut my nose off to spite my face.

Can't the ATA go back to Vandalia? I understand the planned airport expansion that caused the move to Sparta never happened

My understanding is there's really nothing left in Vandalia to go back to. City(?) owns the property and they ain't putting in a shooting facility.

I am from Southernmost Illinois. That being said, I am sure some folks look at IL as a non friendly gun state with our FOID card system and all the local restrictions found in the more liberal areas of the state. Thats not Southern Illinois. The FOID card is not even as requiring as what I understand PA and NJ residents must go through to purchase a firearm. Do I like it, Hell no, but I can live with it. It was enacted back in 1968 and thats a long time ago. Things have changed and in part, at least, the FOID system has not kept up. The Gov. just announced that there will be money going to the State Police who oversee the FOID system to up grade their operations. The shooting in Aurora could have been avoided if information was shared and kept up regarding the shooter whose FOID should have been pulled but was not. He could not have purchased the gun he used in the shooting.

WSRC is a sight to behold. 3.5 miles of trap fields.... 3.5 miles. You can drive right up to your banks and park with just a bit of walking to the fields. The background to my opinion is excellent. The place is huge so one should plan on renting a golf cart if you want to get around. The sporting clays course is open to shoot if one needs a bit more adventure.

There is no problem for out of state shooters to be able to buy ammo at the WSRC. That got taken care of years ago. No WSRC (Sparta) is not Vandalia but then Vandalia is not Vandalia any more either. Lets remember, and I dont have the full data on this, but I believe better then 50% of shooters at the Grand are over 55 and remember Vandalia from their younger days. No one likes change.... especially us older folks. But it is what it is.

WSRC is a beautiful venue with more expansion yet available. Yes, for some of the Eastern shooters its a longer trip and for some of the Western shooters a shorter trip. The true Midwest shooters are blessed to have it closer.

If you are a competitive trap shooter you know about the Grand. Come to Sparta (WSRC) and check it out. I am not more then a recreational trap shooter. Sporting Clays is my game but I go over there (a 2 hour each way drive for me) just to watch and peruse the vendors.