1. Orientation lecture starts at 12pm

2. Welcome to the Gold Coast Pistol Club You are now a member of one of Australia’s most active Pistol Clubs. Our club is an incorporated private company, limited by guarantee and has a governing constitution and by laws. As a new member you should become familiar with it’s constitution and Range Standing Orders, which are available at the main office. The Club has been active on the Gold Coast since 1963. Many of our members have represented not only the club, but the State and country in all various disciplines. The club has also hosted State & National competitions and the Masters Games.

3. 1.Our Club is operated by a committee of management. The committee consists of 14 members, with annual General Meetings and elections. The President is the Police approved representative and spokesperson for the club, whose responsibilities are wide and varied. 2.Other committee positions are also important, and without their commitment, the club would not be as you see today. 3.The club has various disciplines (Styles of Shooting) and a discipline captain is appointed to support these areas. You will get to meet these people and they will be the ones who will be a mentor to you as you grow into your chosen style of shooting.

4. RANGE USE It’s important to remember that GCPC is registered as a PISTOL RANGE Question: What does that mean? Answer: Pistol velocities are completely different to Rifle velocities. We are governed by strict rules laid down by Army range rules & regulations, which are then supported by Police licensing Regulations. To Explain, the power of a rifle, as opposed to a handgun is completely different. A rifle round can defeat our baffles & range constructions. A bullet fired from a rifle can then escape our range perimeters and potentially damage, or inflict harm on our neighbors or the general public near to this range.

5. RANGE USE Question:What am I allowed to shoot? Answer:a) What I legally can own. b) What I can shoot that meets the range power factor / velocity requirements. c) What is safe to shoot. What is meant by “Legally” Own? - What the Law allows & therefore licenses you to own. Illegal firearms are NOT ALLOWED to be brought onto or fired on our Range. What is meant by “Range Power factor”? – This and every range operating in Australia is governed to a specified power / velocity ceiling, to exceed this ceiling is to break the law and penalties can be severe to the shooter and the club. What is meant by “Safe to shoot”? – A firearm in good order and condition.

6. RANGE USE Question:What does that mean to you the Member? Answer:Each member MUST ensure they DO NOT FIRE any caliber other than those permitted, or allowed to be fired on our range & at a velocity permitted on our Range. Calibers currently in use are: 1).38 /.3572).355 or 9mm 3).32 NB: NO JACKETED ammunition Western action matches use a wide variety of rifles in large calibers – these may also include 45/70. Whilst this is a big caliber it is down loaded to a range acceptable velocity. Rifle cartridges used in Western action are referred to as pistol caliber cartridges. IF IN DOUBT - ASK the range manager or Club Official BEFORE using any firearm– You could be fined / billed for repairs, or charged by Police, or all of the above.

7. The Range: Kate Harper: Is the Range Manager & Club Administrator, responsible for day to day running. Kate is the most central point should you need to ask a question about the club, licensing, and anything else you may have a concern about. After you become fully licensed and complete your training you will have complete access to the ranges on: Mon – Fri9am to 5pm Sat9am to 5pm Sun10am to 5pm Do not mistreat the ranges, use the correct targets and ensure you clean up after yourselves.

8. The Range: 1.It’s important that any defects found on the range be reported ASAP. This ensures that all ranges are working correctly and safely. 2.Each range is used by a discipline and as such, you will see the ranges set up differently. The Discipline Captains monitor the range and ensure that each setup is safe. 3.The ranges are numbered 1 (top) through to 9 (air). The range used for most of your training is R8. Other ranges are used for your introduction to the various disciplines and you will be informed of the ranges in use on those particular training days. 4.It is essential you arrive early for training to assist in the setup and preparation of the range. This ensures maximum training time and minimum delay for all the other people attending training.

9. Range Entry As you are now a member of the Club, you will have completed the mandatory courses and be a form 33 Shooter. Before stepping onto the range you are required to do the following; 1.Sign into the Range Register. 2.If a new shooter - ensure you sign the F33 registry and display your F33 badge. (White sticker at first, then Orange when competent) 3.Bring all relevant identification / Licenses at all times. 4.Ensure all your gear is safe and secure at all times. 5.If you are attending coaching – collect your ammo then go to your range and assist the coaches. 6.Clean firearms and tidy range after the match. 7.Attendance to any “Match of the Day” is dependant upon who is available to assist, please check with the coaches.

10. Coaching 1.The Club owns a number of Firearms which are used by you during the period between your joining and the time you purchase your own Firearm. These pistols are maintained in good order & condition for your use. 2.The club also has limited eye and ear protection for your use. The Club supplies these items only as an interim measure. It is up to you to purchase these items for your own use as soon as possible and these are available at the Club Pro Shop at very reasonable prices. 3.Please wear your protective glasses and earmuffs at all times whilst shooting is in progress on the range. 4.To shoot on the ranges it is essential that you dress appropriately by wearing suitable enclosed footwear and a top that is not too loose (ejected cases can go down the front of the shirt and burn) 5.Note: Emergency Telephones are installed on Ranges 1,7.

11. Coaching 1.The coaches are there to help you understand how the ranges, courses of fire and safety intertwine. 2.Please help the coaches by listening and watching. 3.The coaches will explain to you about how the Range Officer works and about the Range procedures / commands. This is an important part of your learning process. 4.Your membership documents will include an attendance card. This is used to record your learning steps and assist the coaches in progressing you into matches, not just coaching. It is important to realize that we don’t want to hold you back from joining the other keen active members who shoot in open competition every week.

12. Safety / Security Your Coaching progress hinges upon how well you remember the safety aspects of the sport. Each discipline has it’s own varying degrees of safety measures and you will be taught these at every opportunity. By listening to your coach and thinking about each step you will learn faster. We don’t wish to make this a task, it is merely a necessity for growth. Security on the range means ensuring your gear / Firearms are safe from tampering or handling by persons other than those with permission or yourself. When you finally purchase your own pistol you then have a legal requirement to ensure safe keeping at all times, at home / during travel & on the range.

13. Security General Security: It is important that you understand you are privileged to hold a firearms license. Subsequently, certain things should be remembered; 1.Be careful what you say and to whom! 2.Knowledge of what you own should be kept to the few not the many, as there are many persons out there who will want what you have. So guard the information about where you store them and how. 3.The Club areas should be considered privileged information also - knowledge of how and where the club stores items and alarms etc, are for our knowledge only!

14. General Information It will take a minimum of 6 months before you can legally own a Pistol, so between now and then we are here to assist you in every way possible. Your initial coaching is designed to prepare you for the type of shooting you find most exhilarating. You need to challenge yourselves at every step of the way, so get out there and try each discipline. Our committee members and coaches will help you with any questions you may have and give you opportunities to try an assortment of firearms during this period. From this you will discover that one (or more) will be just right for you, leaving you confident that your choice is the right one.

15. Basic Gun Handling Calibers of firearms: Air pistol.177cal Semi auto.22cal or 9mm or 38 Super Revolver.38calor 357 magnum or 32 cal Each one has different features, & you will be taught how to safely handle and maintain all of them. Your Coach will explain the general safety features and actions of each. Other training areas are:1) Holster qualification 2) Ammunition Manufacture

16. GUN SAFETY POINTS: 1.Always point in a safe direction 2.Treat as loaded at all times 3.Keep your finger off the trigger (unless firing) 4.Check firearm operation each time before use 5.Report faults immediately 6.Listen & Obey the Range Officer commands

17. Question time? 1.Do you have a question about a particular item - mentioned or not? 2.Do you wish particular assistance with any matter? 3.Do you have a particular need?

18. From here? 1.You need to turn up for Saturday coaching early (08:30) and ready to go……. 2.Challenge yourselves…….. 3.Try the Club Pro Shop - Purchase your basic equipment…… 4.Remember Safety…….. 5.Check out the weekly program in advance so you know what’s on each weekend……. 6.Most of all………… HAVE FUN