How to join a MRCA Member Club

If you have decided that you would like to try target rifle shooting it is recommended that once you have made contact with one of our Member Clubs, that you visit the range to meet the club members and find out more about the sport and the club structure. 

Most clubs have safety training, coaching and equipment available free of charge and the only costs that you may be up for are range fees and ammunition.

Some Clubs conduct 'Open Days' on a regular basis and because they have obtained a special "Commissioner's Permit" from the Firearms Registry, you may be able to try shooting immediately as a once off. Check with your local club.

Otherwise, before you can commence shooting, you must fill in a form to apply for a "Temporary Exemption" as a new club member, which is valid for a period of up to 3 months. These forms are available from the Club Captain or Secretary, who are responsible for witnessing your proof of identity (a driver's licence is adequate). You must also be sure that you understand the questions on the form and complete them fully and honestly. The club will submit the form to the Firearms Registry. Provided that there are no issues with the Police Service checks, approval may be granted within a week. It is important that you are sure that you wish to proceed to the next step of applying for your formal licence, as the Firearms Registry do not usually issue further temporary exemptions.

During the three month period, you are permitted to shoot under the supervision of a licensee in the club who holds a licence for a similar category of firearm. You are also required to undertake and pass a safety training course in order to obtain a Firearms Safety Awareness Certificate. Your club or the NSWRA can assist you in finding out more information about this course.

Applicants for an individual Firearms Licence must also have a "Genuine Reason" for obtaining such a licence. The genuine reason of Sport/Target Shooting must be accompanied by proof of current membership of an approved Target Shooting club. Following acceptance of your formal club membership application and payment of your annual fee, the club will provide a letter to you addressed to the Firearms Registry that confirms your membership details. Send this letter to the Firearms Registry together with your Firearms Safety Awareness Certificate, completed Individual Firearms Licence application form and the processing fee.

Club membership automatically also provides for membership of the New South Wales Rifle Association. Payment of an additional fee entitles you to affiliate to the National Rifle Association (NRAA) and this enables you to compete in State and National teams if selected. Subscription is also available to our national magazine, the 'Australian Target Rifle'. See Membership for further details of the benefits of membership and the range of fees.