Joining a Home Office approved shooting club is a vital first step for those interested in target shooting or planning to apply for a Firearms Certificate (FAC) in the UK. Clubs provide a safe, structured environment for training, competition, and meeting like-minded individuals, all while ensuring legal compliance and best practices. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about joining, from your first visit to full membership.
Why Join an Approved Club?
Home Office approved clubs are monitored to ensure they maintain safety standards, provide adequate instruction, and support legal firearm ownership. Membership in such a club is often a prerequisite for FAC applications, especially for target shooters.
Being part of a club provides:
- Access to ranges with appropriate safety infrastructure
- Supervised shooting and formal instruction
- Eligibility to apply for an FAC under target shooting justifications
- A record of participation, which supports your FAC application
- A supportive community of experienced shooters
What to Expect on Your First Visit
Most clubs allow prospective members to visit prior to joining. These visits typically include:
- A guided tour of the club and its facilities
- A review of the disciplines offered (prone, benchrest, gallery rifle, etc.)
- An introduction to safety rules and range commands
- Opportunities to observe live shooting and speak with members
Some clubs offer trial shooting sessions under supervision, where you can handle firearms (typically air rifles or smallbore rifles) with an instructor.
The Probationary Period
All Home Office approved clubs must impose a probationary period—usually between 3 to 6 months. This is a structured timeframe for you to:
- Receive formal instruction on firearm safety and range procedures
- Demonstrate safe handling and responsible behaviour
- Attend regularly and become familiar with the club environment
During this time, you’ll typically:
- Be restricted to using club-owned firearms
- Be supervised while shooting
- Complete safety assessments or training modules
At the end of the probation, the club committee will assess whether you are suitable for full membership.
What Are Club Rules and Why Do They Matter?
Each club will have its own set of regulations in addition to statutory safety standards. These often include:
- Mandatory attendance rates
- Code of conduct while on the range
- Restrictions on calibres or firearm types
- Specific hours for shooting activities
Breaching club rules, especially related to safety, can result in warnings or removal.
Types of Shooting Offered
Clubs vary in their offerings. Some specialise in:
- Prone or benchrest rifle shooting – ideal for precision work
- Gallery rifle – using rifles in pistol calibres at short ranges
- Smallbore and fullbore disciplines – from .22 to centrefire calibres
- Air rifle and air pistol – popular for both indoor ranges and beginners
- Shotgun clay disciplines – available in mixed-discipline clubs or nearby clay grounds
Understanding the club's focus helps you align your goals and select appropriate firearms in the future.
How Clubs Support FAC Applications
Clubs play an essential role in supporting FAC applications by:
- Providing letters of support or confirmation of regular attendance
- Acting as referees
- Helping identify appropriate calibres and disciplines to apply for
Demonstrating consistent attendance and safe conduct builds your case for being a responsible firearm owner.
Final Tips for Prospective Members
- Visit multiple clubs if possible before deciding
- Ask about guest days, probationary training structure, and available disciplines
- Be punctual, polite, and open to learning
- Prioritise safety and discipline from day one
Joining a club isn’t just a formality—it’s the foundation of your shooting journey. A good club will educate, challenge, and support you as you grow in the sport.