The club has a Firearms Safety Awareness Officer who can conduct training and run the required Firearms Safety Awareness Tests which are required for a NSW Firearms License.

As with all forms of target shooting, safety rules are strictly enforced.

Firearms Licensing Requirements

The New South Wales Firearms Act 1996 sets out a comprehensive table detailing the "Genuine reasons for having a license". Included are the following:

Sport/target shooting
Recreational hunting/vermin control
Primary production
Vertebrate pest animal control
Business or employment
Occupational requirements relating to rural purposes
Animal welfare
Firearms collection

Under the conditions laid down in the table, a licence applicant whose genuine reason is sport or target shooting must be a current member of an approved target shooting club. Anyone seeking approval for recreational hunting or vermin control (separate licence category), must be a member of an approved hunting club, or provide proof that they have the permission of an owner or occupier of land (or the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Department of Land and Water Conservation, the Forestry Commission or other authority prescribed in the Regulations).

A 28 day waiting period applies to the issuing of all licenses/permits.

Members of target shooting clubs are required to participate a minimum of four times per year. Hunting club members must participate at least twice per year. Collectors must attend at least one meeting every 12 months.

Relevant Firearms Licence Categories

Our members are encouraged to apply for a licence in both Category 'A' and Category 'B' in order to permit participation in all target sports conducted by the club.

Under the Regulations and also under our Standard Shooting Rules for Australian Rifle Clubs, participation is permitted for holders of a licence in the following categories:

Category A

Air rifles
Rim fire rifles (other than self loading)
[also covers Shotguns (other than pump action or self loading)]
[also covers Shotgun / rim fire rifle combinations]

Category B

Muzzle loading firearms (other than pistols)
Centre fire rifles (other than self loading)
[also covers Shotgun / centre fire rifle combinations]

Using and Acquiring a Rifle

Once you have obtained your licence, you are able to use the Club rifles or the rifles of other licence holders of the same category of approval as yourself. When you decide that you wish to become more competitively serious about the target sport that you have chosen, you might decide that it is time to purchase your own rifle through an Approved Firearms Dealer.

When shopping around to find a rifle that suits your budget, also seek the advice of experienced Club members who can guide you as to the most appropriate rifle for your needs. Storage of your new firearm must also be addressed at this point, and you may have to also purchase an 'approved' storage container or make arrangements for storage in an approved container such as the gun safe at your club. See section 5 below for further details.

Once you have decided on a rifle, the next step is to apply to the Firearms Registry for a "Permit to Acquire". Forms are available from the Registry. Once again a 'cooling off' period applies following lodgement of the application, but once you have received approval, you are able to complete the transaction. If you are intending to purchase a rifle from an existing Club member, the NSWRA is an Approved Firearms Dealer and can also assist you in following the correct process.

Storage Requirements

The Firearms Act requires that a person who possesses a firearm shall take all reasonable precautions to ensure - "its safe keeping, and that it is not stolen or lost and that it does not come into the possession of a person who is not authorised to possess the firearm."

Under the Act, category A and B firearms must be stored in a locked receptacle of a type approved by the Commissioner. If the receptacle weighs less than 150kg when empty it must be fixed in position in order to prevent its easy removal. All ammunition must be stored in a separate locked container approved by the Commissioner.

The Commissioner recommends that the bolt or firing mechanism be removed or be fitted with a restraining device such as a trigger lock (it is a requirement of our SSRs that bolts must be REMOVED AT ALL TIMES except when on the firing mound and about to fire). When travelling, firearms must be carried in a locked container secured to the vehicle (locking in a car boot has been deemed adequate).

Police will carry out an inspection of your storage facilities and this could be at any time, so it is imperative you remain diligent with correct storage and security.

Juniors

A 'Minor's firearm training permit' may be applied for by an applicant who is at least 12 years of age and demonstrate that they have the written permission of a parent or guardian. They must have also received safety instruction and obtained a Firearms Safety Awareness Certificate. A 'Minor's firearm training permit' authorises the holder to use a firearm of a specific category when receiving safety training under the supervision of a licensee who holds a permit for a similar category. Minor's permits expire three months after the holder's 18th birthday, at which time they must apply for a full firearms licence.