All about Thunder Bay Combat Club

Facilities and Ranges:

The Thunder Bay Combat Club operates across multiple ranges managed by the Thunder Bay Fish & Game Association, providing a comprehensive outdoor shooting experience. The association maintains 10 shooting ranges and an archery range spread over 60 acres, with secure gate access for members. A clubhouse with amenities like coffee and a fridge is also available.

The ranges cater to various firearms and disciplines:

• Range 1 (50 Metres): Approved for rimfire rifles and pistols, pistol-caliber carbines up to .44 Magnum, and muzzle-loading rifles. Pistols are restricted to 25 meters. It features a heated building with shooting benches and exterior target lights.
• Range 2 (100 Metres): Approved for centerfire rifles, rimfire rifles, and muzzle-loading rifles. It includes covered outdoor benches, prone positions, and heated indoor benches within the clubhouse.
• Range 3 (80 Metres): Approved for rifles and shotguns shooting slugs only, and pistols at 50 yards or closer. It has a covered shooting bench.
• Ranges 4, 5, 6, 7 (25 Metres - Action Shooting): Designed for pistols and action shooting disciplines like CDP (Combat Defensive Pistol), IPSC, IDPA, and Cowboy Action. These ranges feature covered tables, safety areas, portable tables, and bunkers with gong targets.
• Range 8 (10 Metres): Approved for pistols and rimfire rifles, with both indoor and outdoor target stands in a heated building.
• Range 9 (50 Metres): Approved for handguns, rifles, and shotguns with slugs. It includes a bunker with gong targets and is approved for IPSC, IDPA, CDP, PPC, or Cowboy Action.
• Range 10 (200 Yards): Members must be approved to shoot rifles at 200 yards. This range accommodates rifles, pistols, shotguns shooting slugs, and action shooting disciplines like CDP/IPSC/IDPA/Cowboy Action. Handguns are restricted to 25 meters.
• Archery Range: Designed for all types of bows, including crossbows, accommodating both novice and experienced archers.

The club also notes that it utilizes Arnone Shooting Range (a 20-yard indoor range) and JR's Shooting Range in Nolalu (which has a 25-meter pistol/40-meter rifle range, and 100, 200, and 300-meter rifle ranges, as well as a 50-meter pistol/100-meter rifle range). This indicates flexibility in offering both indoor and extensive outdoor options.

Disciplines:

The Thunder Bay Combat Club supports a diverse range of shooting disciplines, reflecting its "combat" roots and expansion into modern shooting sports. These include:

• Police Pistol Combat (PPC): The club's founding discipline, with a strong history of producing high-achieving competitors.
• IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation): A dynamic sport involving accuracy, power, and speed, with courses that require shooter movement and problem-solving. The club is affiliated with IPSC Ontario.
• IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association): Focuses on practical shooting scenarios with everyday carry firearms.
• CDP (Combat Defensive Pistol): A club-level action shooting discipline.
• Cowboy Action: A themed shooting sport where participants use firearms common in the Old West.
• Long Range shooting: A popular newer addition.
• .22 Long Rifle Precision Tactical Match: Another growing interest for members.

The club also has approvals for many other matches and encourages members to develop new competitions in various disciplines.

Services and Membership:

The Thunder Bay Combat Club is a members-only club, and safety is a paramount concern. The membership process is structured to ensure all members are proficient in safe firearm handling:

• Mandatory Safety Training: To become a full member, individuals must take and pass a Club Level Safety Course provided by the TBCC's CSSA-certified instructors and Range Safety Officers. This course is included in the membership fees. It is supplemental to the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) or Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC).
• Holster Qualification: The club also provides a holster course as several disciplines require the safe use of a holster.
• Supervised Shoots: After completing the safety course, new members must undertake supervised shoots until instructors deem them safe and competent to shoot independently. These can be done during regular club nights (Wednesdays and/or Mondays) or by arrangement.
• Membership Requirements: All members must also hold a valid Canadian Shooting Sports Association (CSSA) membership for insurance purposes. A valid Firearms License (PAL or RPAL) is required for firearms ownership and use.
• Membership Types: Individual and family memberships are available, with varying annual fees. Junior memberships are also offered, allowing individuals between 12 and 18 years old to participate under direct supervision.
• Access: Members receive a key fob for secure gate access to the Thunder Bay Fish & Game Association property and can access the ranges at any time (subject to range rules and schedules).
• Other Services: The club offers "Club Nights" for practice, provides information courses (e.g., Introduction to Reloading, Long Range Ballistics), and fosters a friendly and welcoming environment for all skill levels. They also organize barbecues at club events.

The Thunder Bay Combat Club is dedicated to promoting safe and responsible firearm use, supporting competitive shooting, and building a strong community of shooters in the Thunder Bay area.