All about Gold Coast Pistol Club

Facility: The club operates as a comprehensive shooting facility, often described as a "one-stop shop" for various shooting needs. Key components of its facility include:

• Ranges: GCPC boasts a total of nine ranges. Eight of these are outdoor ranges, comprising three 50-meter ranges and five 25-meter ranges. There is also a dedicated indoor air pistol range. This variety allows for shooting across nearly all pistol disciplines and calibers, from air pistols to centrefire firearms, at distances ranging from 10 to 50 meters.
• Dealership: The club holds a license to operate as a dealership, facilitating the buying, selling, and transfer of firearms.
• Retail Outlet: A shop is available on-site, offering firearm accessories to both members and the general public.
• Training Grounds: Beyond recreational and competitive shooting, GCPC serves as a vital training facility for various professional services. This includes the Queensland Police Service, Australian Federal Police, Customs/Border Control, and security personnel from local theme parks like SeaWorld and Dreamworld, as well as Airforce Cadets.

Ranges: The outdoor ranges at Gold Coast Pistol Club generally operate for licensed shooters seven days a week, with specific hours: 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday, and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday. However, it's important to note that the ranges are closed on certain public holidays, including Good Friday, Christmas Day, and ANZAC Day. Additionally, scheduled closures occur for official competitions. The flexible range options accommodate a wide range of shooting activities and skill levels.

Services: GCPC offers a broad spectrum of services to its members and the wider shooting community:

• Membership: The club provides different membership options, including adult, family, and junior (for individuals aged 11-18). Membership comes with substantial benefits:
  • Free coaching sessions (general shooting on Saturday mornings, air pistol on Wednesday evenings).
  • Complimentary use of club-owned firearms.
  • Free targets.
  • Swipe card access to the ranges.
  • No range fees for members.
  • New members receive a starter pack including ear muffs, safety glasses, an ID lanyard, and a match participation record book.
• Firearms Safety Courses: As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), GCPC delivers nationally recognized firearms safety courses (e.g., NAT11029 Course in Firearms and Weapons Safety) for various categories of firearms (A, B, C, D, H, M), which are a prerequisite for obtaining a firearms license in Queensland and are recognized across Australia. They also offer the NSW Hunting R Licence test.
• Coaching and Training: Beyond formal safety courses, continuous coaching and training are available to members, helping them improve their skills in various disciplines.
• "Come and Try" Sessions: For non-members interested in experiencing shooting before committing to membership, the club offers one-time "come and try" sessions. These sessions typically involve shooting a set number of rounds with .22 and 9mm handguns under supervision, with a portion of the fee potentially contributing towards membership if one decides to join. Bookings are essential for these sessions.
• Competitions: The club regularly hosts a diverse calendar of competitions for various pistol shooting disciplines, welcoming both members and visiting licensed shooters to participate. Visiting shooters typically incur a small range fee for participation in matches or general range use.
• Firearm Sales and Transfers: Through its on-site dealership, members and the public can facilitate firearm purchases, sales, and transfers.

More: The Gold Coast Pistol Club prides itself on fostering a friendly, safe, and inclusive environment for target shooting. It caters to a wide age demographic, from juniors starting at 11 years old to seasoned shooters over 80. The club encourages responsible firearm ownership and provides a structured environment for learning and enjoying the sport, whether for recreational practice, skill development, or competitive participation. They prioritize safety with expert range officers overseeing all shooting activities.