How do I become a member?
Read The Membership Process. There's one path for current H class licence holders and one for people without a licence. When you're ready, email the New Member Coordinator.
Can I tour the facilities?
Yes. Orientation Tours run on the second Saturday of each month at 12:30pm from the SSPC ACT Main Club House (no tours in December or January). Email the New Member Coordinator so they know to expect you.
Can NSW residents join?
Yes. See The Membership Process for details.
Do I need a firearms licence to join?
No. You can join without a licence and train towards an H class licence as a member.
What shooting experience do I need?
None. After joining, you'll complete the Safe Handling Course and the rest of the club's training. See The Training Process.
How do I get an H class firearms licence?
The process depends on where you live, and the ACT and NSW processes differ. In both, you first join a pistol club and complete a Safe Handling Course. SSPC ACT members do this at the club.
Check the current requirements with your Firearms Registry:
Still unsure? Email the New Member Coordinator.
How long does it take?
Club training runs for at least six months (see The Training Process). Overall, it can take 12 months or more to hold a full H class licence. Processing times are set by the Firearms Registry.
When can I buy my first pistol?
Not straight away. You can't acquire a pistol until you've completed your initial training, certified by the Chief Instructor or an accredited instructor, and at least six months have passed.
Probationary licences limit the number and type of pistols you may acquire, and those limits differ between the ACT and NSW. Check the current limits with your Firearms Registry before applying, and speak to your Discipline Coordinator about the club's endorsement process.
Does the club have pistols I can use?
Some disciplines have club pistols available. Contact the relevant Discipline Coordinator to arrange this.
Can I use a friend's pistol while on a probationary licence?
Generally, no. ACT firearms law strictly controls who may lend and use a pistol, and SSPC ACT operates under ACT law. Ask an SSPC ACT instructor before handling any firearm that isn't yours, and see ACT Policing – Firearms for the rules.
Can I try pistol shooting before I join?
No. ACT firearms law strictly limits the use of firearms by unlicensed people, so SSPC ACT doesn't offer come-and-try sessions. For more information, email the Secretary.
How safe is pistol shooting?
Safety is the club's first priority. Training, supervision and strict range rules are there to manage the risks of the sport, and everyone on the range must follow them.
How do I pay or renew my membership?
New members: once you're accepted, the Treasurer emails an invoice and payment instructions. The first payment depends on when you join, because membership runs from July to June.
Current members: at the start of each financial year, the Secretary emails renewal invoices and payment instructions.
Current fees are on the SSPC ACT Documents page.
How do I store and transport my pistols?
Each state and territory sets its own rules. See New Member Information for links to the official requirements.
I live outside the ACT. Do ACT transport rules apply to me?
Yes, whenever you're in the ACT. You must follow the firearms laws of every state or territory you're in or travelling through. See New Member Information.
Who can I contact with questions?
See Contact Us to find the right person.