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Make it your sport
If you have tried pistol shooting and want to keep going, membership gives you somewhere to practise, learn and compete throughout the year. Some members are here for a quiet morning on the range; others compete every week and work towards state or national selection. How seriously you take the sport is entirely up to you.
Membership
Levels to suit how you shoot
"H" Licence — Full membership
For Category H licence holders. Full access to all five ranges, club competitions, and the sanctioned matches we host each year.
"A/B" Licence — Target shooting
For A/B licence holders who need target shooting as a genuine reason. We are an approved target shooting club, and monthly competitions support your participation requirements.
"G" Licence — Collector
Collector club membership. Our collectors group meets on the last Sunday of each month, with featured items every meeting — historic through to modern.
No commitment
Try first. Decide later.
You do not need a firearms licence to have your first experience of pistol shooting.
If you haven’t tried the sport yet, start with an introductory session. We supply the equipment and supervise you on the range. If you decide afterwards that you want to continue, we can take you through the membership, training and licensing process.
There is no need to commit to any of that before you know whether you enjoy the sport.
Licensing
Obtaining your pistol licence
Firearms licensing in NSW is overseen by the NSW Police Firearms Registry. The process to obtain a full Category H (handgun) licence takes at least 12 months and involves three broad steps.
Join a pistol club
The use of pistols in NSW is highly regulated, with licences generally issued for two reasons: employment or target shooting. We can't help with employment licences — but anyone who wants to hold a Category H licence for target shooting must be a member of a registered target pistol club. CLDPC is one such club.
Probationary licence
After joining, you undergo safety training and become eligible to apply for a Category H licence. If successful you enter a 12-month probationary period: you can participate in pistol shooting events, with limits on owning and possessing Category H firearms. The government sets mandatory participation requirements — at least 3 shooting activities in your first six months, and a further 3 in your second six months.
Category H licence
After completing probation, including all participation requirements, you can apply to the NSW Police Firearms Registry for a full Category H licence. From then on you must remain a member of a licensed pistol club and take part in at least 6 competitive shooting matches each year for which a score is kept.
Not licensed yet and not sure you want to be? Start with an introductory session — no licence needed, and nothing committed.
Getting started
Where to begin
Three ways in, depending on where you are starting from.
Never tried it
Start with an introductory air pistol session. No licence or equipment required.
Ready to join
Contact the Secretary about the next safe handling training day and the membership process.
Already licensed
Get in touch and tell us what you shoot. We'll help you find the right membership and get you onto the range.