All about Bendigo Pistol Club

Facilities and Ranges:

The club prides itself on providing meticulously maintained ranges and facilities designed to cater to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned competitors. While specific details on the number and types of individual ranges are not readily available, the club supports various pistol shooting disciplines, indicating a versatile setup to accommodate different shooting styles.

Services:

The Bendigo Pistol Club offers a comprehensive range of services aimed at fostering a safe, skillful, and social shooting environment:

• Diverse Shooting Styles: The club supports a wide array of pistol disciplines, including ISSF Pistol (such as Free Pistol, Centre Fire Pistol, Standard Pistol, Rapid Fire Pistol), Black Powder, ICORE, IPSC, Practical Shooting, Service Pistol, Service Pistol 25, and Single Action. This ensures there's something to suit every preference.
• Training and Instruction: Experienced instructors provide comprehensive training programs tailored to nurture beginners and challenge experienced shooters. For those considering joining, the club offers supervised "try out" sessions, where prospective members can experience pistol shooting under guidance. This typically requires completing a "Notification of Receiving Instruction" (NORI) form and providing two forms of identification.
• Membership Pathway: Becoming a member involves a structured process. Prospective members are generally required to attend the club on at least five occasions (by appointment) to familiarize themselves with the club and its activities before submitting a membership application. Monthly club meetings, usually held on the first Saturday of each month, are where membership applications are formally processed.
• Club Firearms: The club often has several handguns of different types and calibers available for members to use during training or to try out various disciplines.
• Events and Competitions: The club hosts a dynamic calendar of events, including competitive shoots (such as "Open Shoots" attracting participants from across Victoria and interstate) and social gatherings, fostering both precision and camaraderie.
• Community and Support: The Bendigo Pistol Club emphasizes a friendly and inclusive environment. Dedicated members are available to offer guidance, support, and advice to new members. The club adheres to the Victorian Government Fair Play Code of Conduct, promoting fairness, respect, and inclusivity.
• Accessibility: The club aims to be accessible, with some information indicating support for wheelchair accessibility and visual impairment.

Membership Information:

Membership is open to individuals aged 12 and above, provided they meet club and police requirements. While specific fees can vary, general categories of membership typically include:

• Full Member
• Junior Member (under 18)
• Veteran Member (65+ years)
• Partner Member
• Associate Member (for those with full membership at another pistol club or other firearm licenses)
• Social Member (no shooting license)
• Life Member

New members often pay a joining fee in addition to annual fees. For unlicensed individuals, there are limitations on the number of instruction sessions (typically up to thirteen) they can undertake before being expected to join a club and apply for a provisional handgun license.

The club aims to create a welcoming atmosphere where passion for shooting meets precision, and members can develop their skills in a safe and supportive community.