All about Sharon Gun Club

Facility and Amenities:

The club boasts a well-maintained property spanning approximately 70 acres. Its amenities include:

• Clubhouse: A bright, newly built clubhouse with a lounge area and lunch service. It features an outdoor deck overlooking the natural foliage, providing a comfortable space for members to relax and socialize.
• Classrooms: Dedicated classroom spaces are available, often rented by instructors for courses such as the Possession and Acquisition License (PAL).
• Online Store: Members can register for competitions, book target machines, purchase merchandise, and even order lunch for their visit.

Ranges:

The Sharon Gun Club features 10 outdoor ranges, designed to accommodate various shooting sports and offer different levels of challenge. Some ranges are covered for protection from the elements. The ranges include:

• 10-Meter Pistol Range: With 10 shooting bays.
• 50-Meter Action Shooting Range.
• 50-Meter Range: With 15 shooting bays, often used for action-shooting competitions.
• 100-Yard Rifle Range: With 15 shooting bays.
• 200 Meter and 300 Meter Rifle Range: One of the longest ranges in Ontario, catering to precision rifle shooting.
• 100-Meter Silhouette Range: Designed for novices, specifically for .22LR rifles with berms at 40, 60, 80, and 100 meters.
• 120-Meter Black Badge Practical Shooting Range.
• Sand Pit Range: Used for Cowboy Action and various handgun disciplines.
• Wobble Trap Range: Offering 1-5 shooting positions and 25 targets.
• 25-Meter Bullseye Pistol Range: An Olympic practice range.

The ranges are equipped with various target setups, including moving targets and obstacles, to enhance skill development. The club is authorized for firearms up to .500 AE and 12-gauge shotguns. They also permit the use of .223 and .308 Winchester rifles with their supplied frangible ammunition on specific ranges, though target distances may be limited for these calibers.

Services and Activities:

Sharon Gun Club supports a wide array of shooting sports and activities, including:

• Competitive Shooting: The club is a proud host of regional and national competitions and has members who are national-level champions. Disciplines supported include IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation), IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association), ICORE, F-Class, Trap Shooting, and ISSF (International Shooting Sport Federation) Bullseye.
• Skill Advancement Classes: The club offers various classes for skill development.
• Safety and Orientation Courses: New members are required to attend and successfully complete a CSSA-approved introductory safety course.
• Practice and Training: Members can utilize the diverse ranges for general practice, zeroing hunting rifles, and preparing for competitions.
• Community Engagement: The club fosters a welcoming community, with opportunities for members to gather, such as breakfast available in the clubhouse on Saturday mornings. They also engage with the broader community by inviting groups like Scout troops to experience shooting sports.
• Law Enforcement Support: The facility is regularly made available to law enforcement organizations for training and practice.

Membership:

Sharon Gun Club operates as a private, member-owned club, meaning access is restricted to registered members. Becoming a member involves a specific process:

1. Possession and Acquisition License (PAL): Applicants must first possess a valid firearms PAL.
2. Share Requirement: As the club is member-owned, prospective members must secure the use of a "share" in the real estate holding company. This can be done by purchasing a share from an existing shareholder or by renting one. The club itself does not sell or rent shares, but notices of shares for sale or rent are often posted on the Clubhouse bulletin board. Share transfers and rentals are subject to approval by the Sharon Gun Club.
3. Application and Interview: After securing a share, applicants must submit a membership application in person during specified office hours and meet with two SGC Directors for an interview and reference check.
4. Membership Fee: An annual membership fee is required, prorated if joining mid-year. Firearms insurance is also a requirement.
5. Probationary Period: All new members undergo a 12-month probationary period. This includes completing the club's safety course and a minimum of five observed probationary shoots with both rifle/shotgun and handgun, demonstrating proficiency in safe firearm handling to Range Safety Examiners.
6. Guest Privileges: Guest privileges are earned 12 months after the successful completion of the probationary period. While the club is private, members are generally allowed to bring guests, though repeat guests are encouraged to consider membership.

The Sharon Gun Club aims to provide a safe, professional, and exclusive shooting experience for its diverse membership, attracting both seasoned shooting enthusiasts and those new to the sport.