The easiest way to find out if you like something is to try it for yourself

 

We cater for members of the public who would like to try target pistol shooting for themselves

Anyone aged 11 years or over is permitted by law to use a Category H pistol, at an approved range, under the direct control and supervision of a licensed person. (Persons under the age of 18 years will require a parent or legal guardian to accompany them to the range, and to provide written consent for the under-18 to participate in target pistol shooting)

For your Try Pistol Shooting experience, we have a fully licensed Firearms Instructor to assist you

 

How Do I Arrange It?

 

There are three categories of Come and Try pistol shooting experiences at Ipswich pistol club, which one would you like to do?

      1.       You are interested in joining a club to start pistol shooting for a sport and you would like to come and have a go before you join. Email secretary@ipswichpistolclub.com for more information and to organise a time to come to the range.

      2.       You are keen to have a shoot, but have no intention of joining the club, but want to shoot a variety of different pistols. Email scott@ipswichsportingfirearms.com.au to enquire about a suitable day and time. (Generally, the third Saturday of the month is the best time, other days and times (including some weekdays) may be available subject to agreement)

      3.       You would like to organise a corporate function, a one on one training session with an instructor or go out to the range for a shoot with some friends with an instructor. Email scott@ipswichsportingfirearms.com.au to enquire about a suitable day and time.

 

Once you have confirmed an appointment, download the Queensland Police Form 33 Declaration at the bottom of this page, complete sections 1, 2, 4 and 6, and bring it with you at the designated time. You will also need to bring photographic ID (A Qld Driver's Licence, or a student ID card with photo and DOB is generally acceptable. A parent or legal guardian accompanying a minor (under 18) will also need photographic ID)

 

Download the Waiver and Release, complete it and bring it with you also. Minors will require a parent or guardian to complete this form on their behalf. (Whilst target pistol shooting is an extremely safe and strictly regulated sport, most will understand that in this day and age such Liability Disclaimers are a necessary part of any "adventure" type activity). 

 

 

At the Pistol Range

 

Turn up at the Ipswich Pistol Club range on the allotted day and time, with your paperwork. See HERE for the range location. We will meet you and finalise your paperwork, and will then provide some brief information about our club, the types of matches we compete in, and what your introduction to target pistol shooting will entail

We will also provide a safety briefing, covering range rules, what we will do, and what we expect you to do - Remember, safety is our prime concern so compliance with all safety instructions and rules is mandatory

You will then be given instruction with the firearm you will be using during your introduction, and remember, you can ask questions at any time! We will demonstrate loading, sighting, firing and unloading procedures, and also what to do in the event you encounter any problem - we will be right with you at all times, providing direct supervision, so assistance is always available

You will start with small calibre .22 rimfire pistols, and once proficient, you will be offered an opportunity to try larger calibre firearms

We can also answer any questions you may have about pistol club membership, obtaining a licence, and the many different types of competitions you can participate in, including static target matches, practical pistol and action matches, even up to Olympic class contests, if you decide to join our club

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: How much does it cost?

A: Please contact the relevant email address above for the current pricing for a Come and Try shooting session. Preferred payment is via direct deposit with funds cleared prior to the event, or Visa or MasterCard over the phone prior to the event, although cash on the day will of course be accepted, and we also have EFTPOS facilities for Visa and MasterCard debit/credit available at the range as well. We do not accept cheques. Tax Invoices with banking details will be provided on request. 

 

Q: Do I need any safety equipment?

A: Yes - we will provide eye and hearing protection for you to use during your visit - use of eye and hearing protection during live firing is mandatory for all participants and spectators

 

Q: Are there dress requirements?: Do I need any special clothing?

A: We do have dress requirements - you must wear closed in shoes (no thongs, sandals or bare feet) and no loose shirts or tops, and no singlets - Spent cartridge casings are hot when ejected from a firearm and can cause problems if you get one down your shirt or between your toes. As a guide, crew-neck T-Shirts are preferred. Also we require that you not wear camouflage fatigues

 

Q: I have a physical disability, can I still try it?

A: We will make every effort to accommodate persons with disabilities - Please consult our Instructor who will be able to assist you

 

Q: I don't have a Firearms Licence - Can I still try it?

A: Yes - the Queensland Weapons Act 1990 provides that unlicensed persons can use a pistol at an approved range, under the direct supervision and control of a suitably licensed person, after filling out a Qld Police Form 33 Declaration, and completing the Range Use Register at the club

 

Q: Do I need any special physical attributes?

A: No, target pistol shooting is not physically demanding, you only need to be enthusiastic, be able to listen to and obey instructions, and be willing to have fun

 

Q: What sort of firearms will I be able to try?

A: The event includes instruction with .22cal semiautomatic target pistols, and then a range of larger calibre centrefire firearms, including semi-autos and revolvers

 

Q: How do you supervise Minors?

A: Queensland legislation requires that any person supervising minors must have a Government-issued Blue Card. Our licensed Firearms Instructors have Blue Cards which deem them fit and proper persons to work with and supervise young people

 

Q: What sort of people join a target pistol shooting club?

A: We have people from many different walks of life, including health care workers, self employed businessmen, tradesmen, factory workers, engineers, ADF personnel, students, and many more - the thing we all have in common is a love of challenging ourselves in a sport which requires concentration, dedication, a methodical approach to training, and the discipline required to accept the responsibility that goes with the privilege of owning a firearm

 

Q: How long will it take to get my own firearm if I join the club?

A: Under Queensland Law, it will take typically nine to ten months of club membership, training and participation before you will be eligible to purchase your own firearm

 

Q: Is pistol shooting safe?

A: Target pistol shooting is an extremely safe and tightly regulated sport, and is strictly controlled by law and by our club's own Range Standing Orders, to ensure the safety of the public, and of participants. Statistically, you will be far safer at our range than you will be on the drive to and from the range

 

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to email our Licensed Firearms Instructor at scott@ipswichsportingfirearms.com.au