About Lakeland Rifle & Pistol Club, Inc.
The Lakeland Rifle and Pistol Club (LRPC) is a privately owned gun club, with membership open to the public. Men, Women, and Children can enjoy this private, safe shooting facility 365 days a year. The Club supports individual marksmanship, competitive shooting, safety, education, training, social events, and family values through youth events.
Our facility is located near the Polk Parkway / US 98 intersection making it easy for members to enjoy. Located on 28 acres, the facility includes a training range, 25, 50, and 100 yard rifle and handgun ranges, trap, skeet, and 5 stand fields.
Since 1968, the Lakeland Rifle and Pistol Club has been sponsoring the premiere gun show in Lakeland, Florida called “The Central Florida Gun Show.” This gun show has become one of the largest in the southeast, with up to 300 tables and approximately 150 exhibitors. The gun show is held three times a year: January, May, and September.
The Central Florida Gun Show started at the Lake Mirror Center with only 100 tables. The show quickly grew to over 250 tables and we had to move to the airport off Massachusetts Avenue. Despite having no air conditioning at these gun shows, our members remained loyal and dedicated, volunteering their time to put on the best gun show in the area. With the completion of The Lakeland Center, The Central Florida Gun Show was moved there and it quickly grew to the size it is today.
In order to better accommodate our exhibitors and guests, it was decided to move our show to the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus on the south side of the Lakeland Linder Int’l. Airport. Here, we are provided room to expand up to 1,000+ tables, if needed. This move took place beginning with our January 2019 show and was well received by all. And, yes, there is air conditioning!
We utilize the finest firearms vendors in the business and many shows have long waiting lists of vendors wanting to participate. We are a top-notch gun show in that we keep our shows authentic – just guns and related items. As is our tradition, it is still run by volunteers from the club who are willing to put in sweat equity for our organization. We hope that you and anyone with an interest in firearms (and related items) will visit our impressive show. Once again, January, May, and September at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus.
Our club (LRPC) was founded in 1968. It is located on 28 Acres in South-East Lakeland. Florida. We are an NRA-affiliated club and have 100, 50 and 25 Yard Rifle and Handgun ranges, a Handgun Training Range (7 yards) as well as Trap, Skeet, 5 Stand and sporting clay fields. Our membership is open to all, subject to background checks, both Men and Women.
The Club exists for the encouragement of Organized Shooting Sports, the Education and Training of the Community in the Principles of Safe Firearms Handling, and the Pursuit of Excellence in Marksmanship. Members of the Lakeland Rifle and Pistol Club (LRPC) enjoy many opportunities to participate in a variety of Club activities and shooting events.
Our range is self policing, and every club member is a range safety officer. Therefore, all successful membership applicants must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of range rules. Membership applicant requirements include attendance at a board meeting, demonstration of safe weapon handling skills, participation in club events, and successful completion of a range tour and safety test. A successful applicant will then be voted on by the board and then by the general members. Attendance is required at the general members meeting vote. Refer to club calendar for listing of club meetings, matches, and events.
Finances
The club provides range and services through a combination of dues, fees, gun shows, and member volunteers. By volunteering to work at the gun shows, or on work parties, a club member may reduce his annual club dues 100%.
Volunteers
Member volunteers are always needed. There are over 1000 available opportunities per year to help out your club and reduce expenses.
Work Parties
Periodic work parties are held for specific tasks. Volunteers are always needed. These work parties take precedence over other range functions and at times require closing the entire range for safety of workers.
Gate Access
A member badge and a number will be given to each new member. The gate access number or badge number is not to be given to anyone.
Wearing of member badge is required when at the range. The only exception is meetings.
Red Locks
Red combination locks are used to access the clubhouse, shotgun facilities, target houses, and backup front gate lock. New members will be provided combinations when they receive their member badge.
The use of club facilities for profit requires Board approval.
Supplies
Targets and shooting supplies are available for sale during business hours.
You can buy LRPC branded apparel at http://lrpc2020.itemorder.com
The four rules of gun safety are:
- All guns are always loaded…even if they are not, treat them as loaded.
- Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
- Identify your target, and what is behind it…..never shoot at anything that you have not positively identified.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
RANGE TOUR
- Refer to provided copy of Range Safety Rules. This is your personal copy!
- Each range has specific rules for authorized firearms, ammunition, and targets.
- Range tour includes front gate, utilities, all ranges, clubhouse, barn, and trap/skeet machines
IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS REGARDING USING OR LOADING TRAP/SKEET MACHINES, GET ASSISTANCE TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY. THESE MACHINES ARE DANGEROUS!
TRAP
- Both houses are singles. Do not attempt to alter settings!
- Unlock doors, slide roof to rear and lower the front cover.
- Always stand to the side or behind the machine, never in front!
- Check the machine to insure adequate number of birds are evenly loaded.
If machine needs loading:
- Make sure machine has been turned off and the plug has been removed from outlet.
- The aluminum throwing arm should be visible to indicate it is not cocked!
- Load machine evenly to the top level.
- Remove the coiled up release button cord, plug in the machine and turn it on.
- When finished, coil up the release button cord and place it in the trap house.
- DO NOT STAND IN FRONT OF THE MACHINE FOR THE NEXT STEP!
- Turn the machine off – When you do this, it should throw a clay bird!
- Do not use up all birds and leave machine empty. Refill appropriately.
- Remove the plug from outlet and lock up.
SKEET
- Unlock highhouse and lowhouse doors and open the sliding doors. If machine discharges with closed sliding door, shrapnel will occur!
- Check the machine to insure adequate number of birds are evenly loaded.
If machines need loading:
- Stay clear of machine and discharge zone.
- Turn machine power OFF. Machine should discharge bird and not reload.
- Push release button to discharge machine if still cocked.
- Load machine evenly to the top level.
- Turn machine power on when ready to shoot.
- Release button cord is located in low house. Outlet is located at position 8.
- When finished, replace release button cord in low house, turn machines off and push the local release buttons if no clay bird was thrown.
- Close sliding doors, pick up your empty hulls, and lock up.