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Q: How do I go about joining the club?
A: Firstly, we must bear in mind the ultimate objective of joining the club. This is to partake in the sport of pistol shooting. Not just to own a handgun, but to shoot it in competition and to be an active and valued member of the club. You will be encouraged to come along to the club and participate for a few weeks. If you have shown that you are genuinely interested in the sport of pistol shooting, and appear to be a fit and proper person to own a handgun, then you will be invited to fill in an application to join.
Your application will be considered at the next committee meeting. Shortly afterwards you will be informed of the committee’s decision. If the decision is favourable, you will be invited to join the club. Your probationary period of membership will begin when you have paid the club membership fee, including the NZPA affiliation fee. The committee may decline your application without giving a reason. Membership of the club is a privilege, not a right.
Q: How long is the probationary period?
A: The probationary period is a minimum of six months, during which time you must participate in club events on a minimum of twelve occasions. The club committee may, at its discretion, extend the period of probation. Q: When can I buy my own gun?
A: In order to own a firearm you will need a Firearms Licence issued by the New Zealand Police. The standard Firearms Licence is a Class ‘A’ licence. In order to purchase a handgun for use in pistol shooting you will need a Class ‘B’ Endorsement. In order to apply for a Class ‘B’ Endorsement you must be eighteen years of age or over.
The pistol club must support your application for a Class B Endorsement. The club must consider whether you have shown, during your probationary period, that you are a responsible person, with a genuine interest in the sport of pistol shooting. Put plainly the club is not here to enable you to buy a handgun, it is here for it’s members to partake in the sport of pistol shooting.
If the club endorses your application, it is then in the hands of the New Zealand Police Arms Officer and this can take as long as it takes. The application must nominate three referees who will be interviewed by the Police along with your spouse or parent/guardian, which ever is applicable.
Q: I don’t currently have a Class A Firearms Licence, does that matter?
A: Whilst it is certainly an advantage if you already hold a Class A Licence, you can still proceed without one. The important thing is that you can prove to the New Zealand Police that you are a fit and proper person to hold a Firearms Licence. If you have any criminal convictions, even minor, then you would be advised to contact the local Arms Officer first. If he indicates that you would not be likely to be issued with a Licence then there is no point in pursuing this sport any further.
Q: How can I participate if I don’t have a gun?
A: The club has several guns that can be made available for use on Club Days, these are under the control of the club Armourer. Until you are able to purchase your own gun you may use one of these at the range.
Q: How much does it all cost?
A: As with most sports the cost will vary depending on how much you want to spend. There are some fixed costs however and the following will give you some idea of what costs are involved.
Club Membership fee
Current fees:
Club fee $150.00
NZPA affiliation fee $ 60.00
Total $210.00
Note! Junior fees are half the adult fee and there is no NZPA affiliation fee.
Class B Application fee
This is a one off cost. This is payable to the Police on application for the Class B Endorsement i.e. after the probationary period is completed successfully. $200.00
Ammunition
.22 rimfire ammunition can be purchased from the club. The cost varies with availability, but is around $5.00 for 50 rounds. If you wish to purchase ammunition elsewhere you can pay anything from $6.00 to $18.00 for 50 rounds.
Most monthly competitions can be shot with 50-70 rounds of ammunition.
Note! A firearms licence is required to purchase ammunition.
Centrefire ammunition is more expensive to buy commercially, but most shooters re-load there own, which can bring the cost down to around the same cost as rimfire ammunition.
To start with around $5.00 to $8.00 per attendance.
Competitions
Normal monthly competitions are free to enter. Special competitions open to other clubs usually have an attendance fee of around $25.00 to $30.00
Pistols / Revolvers
Second hand rimfire target pistols can be purchased for as little as $200.00
Full race ‘Action Shooting’ guns can cost as much as $6,000.00
Most shooting can be done with a good second hand pistol valued between $350.00 to $800.00
Accessories required:
Hearing protection is essential. A minimum of Grade 4 earmuffs. Grade 5 is recommended. You may already have a suitable pair. $30.00 to $50.00
Eye Protection required:
Eye protection is essential. If you wear glasses you may wish to enquire about getting the lenses hardened. Otherwise, safety glasses are required.
Required once you purchase a gun:
Some form of lockable case is required to carry equipment to and from the range. You may already have something suitable. $0.00 to $50.00
A gun safe. Minimum 6mm steel cabinet bolted to the floor. $250.00
Optional:
Spotting scope. This is a tripod-mounted telescope, which allows you to check the placement of your shots on the target from the firing position. If you have a pair of binoculars, they can be pressed into service. Up to $450.00 for a commercial spotting scope.
All of this may make pistol shooting sound very expensive. However when compared to other sports such as Golf, Scuba Diving etc. The ongoing cost, once the initial outlay is made, is very reasonable.
Q: What if I have further questions?
A: Feel free to ask members of the club for advice. The club has many experienced members who are very willing to help a newcomer. |
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