All about Carlisle Gun Club

Facilities:

The Carlisle Gun Club is known for its indoor pistol range. While specific details on the number of lanes or distances aren't always explicitly stated for their own dedicated indoor facility, indoor pistol ranges typically cater to close-range handgun shooting.

In addition to their own facilities, members of the Carlisle Gun Club often utilize the outdoor Pistol & Rifle Ranges of the Carlisle Fish & Game Association. These extensive outdoor facilities include:

• Handgun Range: Features covered shooting stations and target backstops at 10 and 25 yards. This range permits handguns, shotguns (slugs or sabots only, no patterning of birdshot/buckshot), and pistol caliber carbines, and .22LR rifles.
• Rifle Range: Offers covered shooting stations and target backstops at 25, 50, 100, 200, and 300 yards. It allows pistols, rifles (excluding .50 BMG), and shotguns (slugs or sabots). Steel targets are provided at 50, 100, 200, and 300 yards. This range also has a new Range Safety Light and Audible System for coordinated downrange movement.

Rules and Restrictions on Ranges (common to many clubs like Carlisle):

• Ammunition: No fully automatic weapons or extreme rapid fire. No .50 BMG, armor-piercing, tracer, or incendiary ammunition. For pistol and rifle ranges, no bottleneck rifle cartridges are allowed on pistol ranges regardless of firearm configuration. On rifle ranges, steel plates/targets may not be shot closer than 50 yards, and only all-lead or frangible bullets must be used.
• Targets: No cans, bottles, or items not manufactured as targets. No exploding targets. Shooters must only use targets on provided target boards or safely in front of an existing backstop, avoiding shooting posts or cross-members. Steel plates on pistol ranges cannot be shot closer than 25 yards. Silhouette (metal) rails should not be shot with any center-fire rifle or handgun.
• Safety: Eye and ear protection are mandatory. Users are at their own risk and assume responsibility for injuries. No intoxicating beverages or controlled substances on the range. Children must be supervised.
• Hours: Ranges are typically open from 8:00 AM until dusk daily for members.

Services:

The Carlisle Gun Club offers various services, particularly focused on safety and marksmanship:

• NRA Training: The club provides NRA-certified training courses, primarily focused on handguns due to the nature of their indoor facilities. These include:
  • Basics of Pistol Shooting (BOPS)
  • Personal Protection In the Home (PPIH)
  • Personal Protection Outside the Home (PPOH) (also known as "concealed carry") These courses emphasize hands-on training, range firing, and practical application, with a strong focus on safety.
• Marksmanship Programs: They encourage marksmanship through participation in shooting events and teams. They are involved in programs like the William Penn Pistol League (WPPL), a local .22LR pistol competition between clubs in south-central Pennsylvania, and support the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), a national organization promoting firearms safety, marksmanship training, and competitions.
• Surplus Rifle Sales: The club is listed as supporting surplus rifle sales through the Civilian Marksmanship Program.
• Guest Policy: Members of the Carlisle Fish & Game Association (which operates the shared outdoor ranges) can bring guests, provided the member has a guest pass and displays their membership badge. Guests must be accompanied by the member.

Membership:

The Carlisle Gun Club is a private, members-only club. While the exact process for the "Carlisle Gun Club" itself might vary slightly from the details available for the "Carlisle Fish & Game Association" (which manages the outdoor ranges), the general principles are similar:

• Application Process: Prospective members are typically sponsored by an existing member or apply directly. They often go through a vetting process that may include a background check.
• Safety Requirements: New members are usually required to demonstrate safe firearm handling and knowledge of range rules.
• Dues and Fees: Annual dues and a potential initiation fee are part of membership.
• Member Responsibility: Members are expected to adhere to all club and range rules, contributing to a safe and clean environment. They must display their membership badge when using facilities.

Overall, the Carlisle Gun Club serves as a community hub for shooting enthusiasts in the Carlisle area, emphasizing safety, skill development, and responsible firearm ownership through its facilities and programs.