How do I become a member of SSPC ACT?
The process to become a member is easy. Go to ‘The Membership Process’ page on the SSPC ACT website and read through all the information, which explains what you need to do and paperwork you need to provide.
There is a process for existing ‘H’ Class Firearms Licence holders, and one for those who don’t already have an ‘H’ Class Firearms Licence.
If you wish to become a member of SSPC ACT, please contact the New Member Coordinator.
Can I come out and have a tour of the facilities?
The New Members Coordinator conducts Orientation Tours on the 2nd Saturday of each month beginning at 12.30 pm at the Main SSPC ACT Club House. If you would like to be part of the Orientation Tour then contact the New Member Coordinator advising them of your interest, so they don’t start without you.
Can NSW residents become a member of SSPC ACT?
Yes – go to ‘The Membership Process’ on the SSPC ACT website for further details.
How do I obtain my ‘H’ Class Firearms Licence?
The process for obtaining your ‘H’ Class Firearms Licence depends on which state or territory you reside in. While there are some similarities between the processes for ACT and NSW residents, there are also a number of differences.
Both ACT and NSW residents need to first become a member of an authorised pistol club like SSPC ACT and then undertake a ‘H’ Class Safety Handling Course which is done at SSPC ACT for SSPC ACT members.
Visit your state or territory Firearms Registry to familiarise yourself with the current requirements and application process that is relevant to you.
NSW Police Force – Firearms Registry
If it is still unclear then contact the New Member Coordinator.
How long does it take to obtain my full ‘H’ Class Firearms Licence?
It can take up to 12 months or slightly more to be issued a full ‘H’ Class Firearms Licence. Obtaining your ‘H’ Class Firearms Licence is not a hard process, but it is lengthy.
How long is the training for an ‘H’ Class Firearms Licence?
Go to ‘The Training Process’ page on the SSPC ACT website to understand the process.
When can I purchase my first pistol?
You cannot own a ‘H’ Class Firearm for the first six months and until you have finished your initial training, which must be certified by the Chief Instructor or an Accredited Training Instructor.
Once you have completed the initial training and the first six months has finished you can apply to acquire an ‘H’ Class Firearm, with the following restrictions.
ACT
Either:
- 1 x pistol of not more than 5.6 mm calibre and 1 x air pistol of not more than 4.5 mm calibre; or
- 1 x centre-fire pistol and 1 x air pistol of not more than 4.5 mm calibre.
NSW
During the second six months of the PPL you may acquire no more than two pistols, any one of which is:
- a centrefire pistol; or
- a rimfire pistol with a calibre of no more than .22 inch; or
- an air pistol with a calibre of no more than .177 inch; or
- a black powder pistol.
As a NSW PPL holder, you must not process a centrefire and rimfire pistol at the same time.
Once you have your full ‘H’ Class Firearms Licence these restrictions no longer apply.
Go to ‘Member Area’ for instructions. Also ensure you visit your state or territory Firearms Registry to obtain further information on the specific restrictions and requirements for purchasing a pistol which are relevant to you.
Does the club have pistols I can use until I purchase my own?
Yes. Some Discipline has pistols that you can use. Contact the relevant Discipline Coordinator to discuss and organise.
How do I pay or renew my SSPC ACT Membership?
New Members: Once you have been accepted as a member, the Treasurer will email you an invoice and instructions on how to finalise your membership. The initial amount you will pay depends on what time of the year you join, as membership is from July to June (the financial year).
Current Members: At the beginning of each financial year, the Secretary will email members to inform them their membership payments are due. The email will include an invoice and instructions on how to pay the renewal amount.
Membership Fees for the current Financial Year can be view in the ‘SSPC ACT Documents’ page under Resources.
How do I store and transport my pistols?
NSW and the ACT have very similar pistol storage and transportation requirements. Go to ‘New Member Information’ page located under Resources for the relevant requirements applicable for the state or territory you reside in.
I live outside the ACT; do I have to follow the ACT transportation requirements?
Yes. It doesn’t matter what state or territory you reside in; you must abide by the relevant firearms legislation and regulations for the state or territory that you are travelling through.
Head to the ‘New Member Information’ page located under Resources on the website to find out the requirements.
Is there anyone I can contact to answer my questions or concerns?
Yes. Go to the ‘Contact Us’ page on the SSPC ACT website to find the relevant contact who can answer your questions or address your concerns.
As a new shooter, is there an opportunity to come and try using a pistol before I decide to join the club?
No. ACT Legislation surrounding Non-Licenced people using Firearms without the adequate and required training is very restrictive. Contact the SSPC ACT Secretary for further information.
Can I use my friend’s pistol at the club while I am on my Probationary Pistol Licence?
As SSPC ACT is under ACT Legislation and as an ACT member, one can use a friends pistol only if the owner is present and an Instructor is using the pistol in the course of instructing, otherwise ‘No’.
ACT Firearms Legislation has strict rules and guideline as to who can handle and use a pistol in the ACT. Under the Act section 14, (1) the gun can only be lent if the person being lent to is a licensee, i.e. already holds an H licence and “the licensee is licensed to use a firearm of the same kind as the firearm lent”.
To obtain a better understanding of the rules go to ACT Policing – Firearms.
How safe is pistol shooting?
Very Safe. At SSPC ACT and all other Pistol Clubs around Australia safety is the Number 1 priority. The training you undertake along with supervision and the rule and regulations surrounding shooting sports is recognised as one of the safest individual sport in Australia.
Do I need to already hold a firearms licence to join the club?
No. If you do not already hold a Firearms Licence you can obtain your ‘H’ Class Firearms Licence as a member of SSPC ACT.
SSPC ACT is an accredited and authorised Pistol Club, so to become a member head to ‘The Membership Process’ page on the website.
What shooting experience do I need in order to get my ‘H’ Class Firearms Licence?
None. After you become a member of SSPC ACT and you can do that by go to ‘The Membership Process’ page on the website. After becoming a member you will undertake a Safety Handling Course as part of the requirement under ACT and NSW Legislation to obtain your ‘H’ Class Firearms Licence.
Go to ‘The Training Process’ page on the SSPC ACT website to obtain an understanding of the training requirements.