Club Rules and Regulations
The following rules have been implemented by the committee of the Auckland Pistol Club Inc. Any dispensation from these rules must be submitted to a full committee meeting for their consideration.
STANDARD SAFETY RULES & RANGE CONDUCT
- Immediately on entering the range, every member and visitor shall sign the attendance book.
- Every person entering the range, whether member or visitor, places themselves under the direct control of the duty Range Officer, committee member or their assistants and must at all times comply with such person’s lawful directions and instructions.
- No person shall refuse to obey the lawful instructions of the duty Range Officer or any other official acting in the proper function of the affairs of their office.
- No person shall enter or leave the range with a loaded firearm.
- No firearm shall be loaded until the shooter is on the firing line and the command "LOAD" has been given by the duty Range Officer. When not at the firing line, pistols will be unloaded at all times. Revolvers will have the cylinders open, semi-autos, the slide locked back. Special conditions apply to holster qualified members while involved in action match shooting.
FIRING POINT RULES
- It is incumbent upon shooters to make themselves familiar with the variety of firing point commands used in the various section matches. Booklets are available from the NZPA as detailed in the BULLSHOOTER (bi-monthly NZPA magazine).
- No person on the firing line shall touch a pistol while any other person is forward of the firing line.
- The duty Range Officer shall personally check shooters guns are cleared before ordering personnel forward of the firing line.
- The safety of competitors, range staff and spectators requires continual attention by all concerned. Correct firearm handling procedures must be adhered to at all times. Caution must be exercised while moving on or about the range complex. Self discipline and a responsible attitude is necessary on the part of competitors, range staff and spectators. Where such self control is lacking, it is the responsibility of the duty Range Officer to enforce such conditions, competitors are also duty bound to assist in such enforcement.
- The firing point will be kept clear at all times except for competitors actually firing and such range staff as may be necessary. Any person, competitor or otherwise, who interferes with or annoys any competitor in any way will be warned to desist, and failure to comply will result in that person being ordered off the range.
- It is the duty of all shooters to clean up their firing points (bays) at the completion of their shoot. The range should also be swept, empty brass removed and in general left in a clean and tidy condition.
A.P.C. MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
- Club name tags, I.D, must be worn at all times. NO ID - NO SHOOTING.
- No alcohol or drugs are to be consumed prior to, or during shooting. Any person consuming alcohol, or under the effect of alcohol while shooting will immediately be expelled from the range, and the matter followed up with regards to further disciplinary action if deemed appropriate.
- Holstered guns MAY NOT BE WORN outside the Auckland Pistol Club complex area. Guns may not be removed from holsters, boxes or gun bags in the clubrooms or terrace area.
- Defined areas (SAFETY ZONES) are set aside where members may clean or repair guns, or show to another person.
- Holstered guns must be worn correctly with the gun belt through the trouser belt loops, or similar method of stabilising such equipment.
- STRICTLY NO SHOOTING IS PERMITTED OUTSIDE THE PRESCRIBED RANGE HOURS.
- Wilful damage to any club equipment, structure or asset caused by irresponsible shooting or any other means will not be tolerated. Such actions will result in immediate suspension and a full committee hearing to determine the future membership status of such offenders.
- Visitors, other than "B" endorsement holders, are restricted to using .22 calibre pistol, unless otherwise authorised by the Club Captain, Training Officer or APC committee member. All shooting undertaken by visitors must be directly supervised eg; a "B" endorsed member standing within arms length of the pistol.
- Children under the age of 12 years may not shoot any handgun other than an air pistol.
- Children/Youngsters aged 12 to 16 years are restricted to the use of a .22 calibre pistol. All shooting must be under the direct control and individual supervision of a qualified Range Officer or club instructor.
- Junior club members aged 16 years and over may only shoot over .22 calibre if they have attended and passed appropriate training programmes organised and conducted by the clubs training officer. Members must receive written confirmation from the Training Officer that they are deemed safe and adequately skilled to shoot a calibre other than .22.
- All members must be able to understand and respond to all range commands. People with hearing disabilities or language barriers must be able to show that they will be able to safely participate in pistol competitions, prior to applying to committee for probationary membership.
A.P.C RANGE PROCEDURES
- A Range Officer must be on duty, responsible for all shooting and general behaviour. If no Range Officer is on duty - NO SHOOTING is permitted.
- The name of the duty Range Officer must be displayed on the range blackboard. It is this person’s responsibility to organise and supervise all shooting and general behaviour on the range.
- All pistols must be "cleared" in the safety zones situated on each range prior to and after all shooting.
- The Range Officer is in complete charge of the range. Failure to comply with his/her lawful instructions will result in immediate suspension.
- Members (shooters) are responsible for firearms in their charge. Any accident means that one or more safety rules were violated. That is why the club demands that you accept full responsibility for your actions. It’s your gun, you’re shooting it, and you have full control of the "disaster factors". If you cannot accept responsibility, this is not the sport for you.
- Only NZPA holster qualified members are permitted to draw and holster a loaded handgun.
- Members who are not NZPA holster certified may only wear a holstered handgun while under a training programme directly supervised by the Auckland Pistol Club’s Training Officer, qualified Holster Instructor or other authorised persons, or with the special consent of the Training Officer.
- Target placement must be carefully considered in order that all shoot through, stray or deflecting projectiles strike harmlessly into the berm.
- Reckless disregard for yourself or others will result in immediate suspension by the duty Range Officer or acting committee member.
- It is the responsibility of any member who witnesses wilful damage or safety violations, to act on the matter immediately and then report the same to a committee member forthwith.
- The Auckland Pistol Club committee acts within the Constitution of the club and as such reserves the right to terminate or suspend membership.
- All safety violations will be dealt with immediately, as appropriate, on the range. The matter will then be referred to a full committee meeting for their consideration and ruling.
- In the event that a member or visitor accumulates three safety violations, that person will be required to appear before a full committee meeting wherein their membership status may be reviewed
GENERAL
- Prospective members are only allowed to visit the club 3 times before required to make a decision on joining. B endorsed visitors from another club may visit more than 3 times however must pay the club range fee each time.
- Members, visitors, range staff and spectators must all wear adequate ear, eye and foot protection while on any Auckland Pistol Club range.
- You are not entitled to purchase or carry a handgun until you have been granted a "B" endorsement.
- Probationary membership and membership are two quite distinct classes. A probationary member does not become a member of the Auckland Pistol Club until his/her "B" endorsement has been approved by committee. Please note that this is not an automatic procedure.
- Prior to the committee recommending a "B" endorsement you must have attended an induction course, the basic training programme and passed the NZPA club safety test. These courses are an introduction to pistol shooting which looks at all aspects of the sport. You must also have participated in no less than twelve recorded shoots during your first six months of membership.
- On completion of the six months probationary membership, providing you have meet the attendance and training criteria, you may approach the club secretary requesting that an application for "B" endorsement be lodged. This is not an automatic committee procedure.
- Once you have been granted a "B" endorsement you must abide by the Firearms Act which requires you to attend and shoot no less than twelve times within any twelve month interval. Failure to do so may result in your license being revoked by the police.
- Members may only apply for their Holster Qualification once they have had their "B" endorsement approved by the committee. Suitability for this course is granted by the Auckland Pistol Club’s Training Officer. It is pre-requisite for members to have shot Tyro action matches before applying.
- Excessive loads may not be used; they are a direct breach of the noise control regulations imposed on our club by the local council. Jacketed ammunition may not be used when shooting steel targets of any sort.
- Only "B" category firearms (ie. pistols) may be fired on the Brookby range. Rifles and shotguns are not permitted.
- When using the kitchen facilities, please clean up afterwards.
- All members have a responsibility to ensure that our facilities and equipment are maintained in top condition. Please be prepared and willing to attend Working Bees.
- All members must notify the Secretary of the club in writing any change of address.
- In the event that you require first aid of a minor nature, there is a first aid box located in the clubrooms, under the sign in counter. There is an urgent medical centre on the Great South Road, Takanini, just south of the motorway south bound off ramp.
- In the event of a serious emergency, other than a gunshot wound, dial 111. Our address is Fitzpatrick Road, Brookby, which is located off Alfriston Road. If an ambulance is dispatched, have someone meet the ambulance at the corner of Fitzpatrick Road, to show them the precise location of the club. Do not move the patient.
- In the event of gunshot wounds, we have been advised that it is imperative that you pad the wound to minimise blood loss and that transport the patient immediately to Middlemore Hospital. Have another person ring the hospital and the police and inform them that you are transporting a shooting victim immediately. Provide the police with the registration number of the car. Middlemore Hospital is reached by taking the Southern Motorway, northbound. Exit at Papatoetoe off ramp and turn right at the lights. Proceed to the end of that road (East Tamaki Road) and turn into Great South Road. Take the first street on your left (Shirley Road) and continue along until you reach a round-a-bout. Turn right. This road will take you to the hospital.
NEW MEMBERS PROBATIONARY PERIOD
(The 6 months before applying for a "B" endorsement)
The following is an outline of the stages a probationary member goes through during the first 6 months at the club. The stages are in particular order, members should complete each stage in order to prevent any delays further on down the track.
- Interested person shoots at club with a committee member.
- Interested person applies for probationary membership.
- Probationary membership application including two I.D photos, proof of a current New Zealand firearms license, club fees and FM1 form goes to monthly committee meeting for approval.
- Probationary membership is approved or denied.
- Approved candidate receives probationary membership / I.D badge.
- Probationary member should read and thoroughly understand the club / range rules and regulations www.pistolclub.org.nz
- The probationary member should attend the next possible INTRODUCTION/INDUCTION COURSE.
- The probationary member commences the Auckland Pistol Club’s structured training program.
The following criteria must be met before an application for a "B" endorsement is submitted to the committee.
- The applicant is a current financial probationary member.
- The probationary member has attended an induction course.
- The probationary member has completed the basic training programme.
- The probationary member has completed no less than 12 recorded shoots.
- The probationary member must have a current New Zealand Firearms license.
- The probationary member has served a minimum of six months in his/her probationary period.
- Sat and passed the NZPA Safety test
- Sat and passed the NZPA Club Range Officers test
- Obtain an application form for "B" endorsement from the local police arms office.
- Probationary member completes this form and sends it to the club secretary.
The application for "B" endorsement goes before the club committee.
The application for "B" endorsement is approved or declined, then forwarded to the NZPA.
Approved probationary members become full members of the Auckland Pistol Club.
The member receives application form back from the NZPA with their endorsement.
The member may now make formal application to the Police for "B" endorsement.
The Police handle the application and deal directly with the member.
To maintain your "B" endorsement, members must ;
- Be a current financial member of a recognised pistol club
- Must shoot no less than twelve "carded shoots" a year.
- Abide by the police requirements and club rules and regulations.
Failure to comply with these conditions may result in your "B" endorsement being revoked and could require all handguns on your license to be surrendered
Range Standing Orders
May 2008
Range Standing Orders are written to ensure all Club Members and Users are aware of the conditions that apply to these ranges.
SAFETYMUST be your prime consideration when using the Auckland Pistol Club’s Ranges
All persons not involved in the match being shot are to remain at least 1-metre behind the shooting line or starting position (except for training or instruction purposes) and must remain quiet so as not to interfere with the giving of instructions by any Range Officer (RO).
1: Introduction
- This document has been raised pursuant to the requirements of Range Approval as vested in the Commissioner of Police and delegated by him to appointed Range Inspecting Officers of Pistol NZ.
- These orders are applicable to ALL PERSONS who enter the property administered by the Auckland Pistol Club. These orders are to be promulgated to all Auckland Pistol Club members and all other user organizations. A copy of these Range Standing orders must be displayed on the Club Notice Board.
- Every person who enters the Auckland Pistol Club complex is to sign the register upon arrival. Visitors are to be directed to where copies of these Range Standing Orders are available to be read.
2: General
The Auckland Pistol Club Inc is responsible for the control and maintenance of the Auckland Pistol Club Ranges. All users of the range are to read these Orders
3: Range Safety.
- Safety on the range is the responsibility of ALL range users.
- The range officer is responsible for ensuring that the range is safe prior to use.
- That the bullet catchers are in good repair.
- That the targets to be used are approved for use on the range.
- Ammunition restrictions are adhered to.
- That there is no conflicting/other activity in the area.
- That all range users wear hearing and eye protection.
- That ALL range restrictions listed herein are adhered to.
4: Location
The range complex is located at NZMS 260 Sheet R11. Fitzpatrick Road, Brookby
Grid reference: 2687160 East, 6464960 North.
The complex comprises of Four standard outdoor No Danger Area ranges and a 10-metre Indoor No Danger Area Air gun Range.
- Range 1. 50 Metre, Outdoor, No Danger Area Range.
- Range 2. 25 Metre, Outdoor, No Danger Area Range.
- Range 2a. 9 Metre, Outdoor, No Danger Area Range.
- Range 2b. 10 Metre, Indoor, No Danger Area Range.
- Range 3. 25 Metre, Outdoor, No Danger Area Range.
5: Restrictions.
The Ranges are restricted to the following.
- Approved Pistols Only. (No Rifles or Shotguns on any range).
- Range 1. Approved Pistols up to 45LC. Not unlimited.
- All approved Pistol NZ Targets in holders provided,
- Cross range shooting only with approved, movable bullet catchers, targets not to be above 600mm centres.
- Movable Steel targets are to have an approved system to capture all ricochets and splatter.
- Range 2. Approved Pistols up to 45LC. Not unlimited.
- All approved Pistol NZ Targets,
- Targets for cross range shooting to be below 1.2 Metres.
- Targets for cross range shooting to be provided with Bullet Catchers.
- All Steel Targets are to be provided with an approved system to capture all ricochets and splatter.
- Range 2a. Approved Pistols up to 45LC. Not unlimited.
- All approved Pistol NZ Soft Targets Only.
- Down Range shooting only
- All targets to be below 1.2Metres.
- Range 2b. Air Pistols only, Soft Targets in the frames provided.
- Down Range shooting only.
- Lead Projectiles only.
- Range 3. Approved Pistols up to 45LC. Not unlimited.
- All approved Pistol NZ Targets in holders provided,
- Cross Range shooting to the RIGHT ONLY within 10 Metres of the permanent target frames at 25 Metres.
- Targets for cross range shooting to be provided with Movable Bullet Catchers.
- All Steel Targets are to be provided with an approved system to capture all ricochets and splatter.
- Important Note: All range users are to ensure that in the interest of safety targets are placed as close as possible to the backstop/bullet catcher in an effort to reduce the possibility of ricochets.
- No Firearms held against a “C” category licence may be used on these ranges.
- No Firearms that have alterations that render them unsafe or illegal may be used on these ranges.
- Steel targets to be engaged at a minimum distance of 10 Metres. (CAS 7 Metres on approved targets only)
- Only targets approved by the Auckland Pistol Club Committee may be used on these ranges.
6: Priority of Use.
The following is the order of priority for the use of the Auckland Pistol Club range.
No other individual may use the range, unless one of the following.
- Auckland Pistol Club Members.
- Visitors involved in Club sanctioned events
- Visitors accompanied by an Auckland Pistol Club Member.
- Others given permission by the Auckland Pistol Club President / Committee.
Note: The range is not to be allocated for use by non-members or non-affiliated organizations without the express written authority of the President of Vice President of the Auckland Pistol Club.
7: Red Flags and Signs.
The Red Range Flags Must Be Flown on the flagpoles at the following location prior to commencement of any live firing.
- At the side of the walkway outside of range 1.
8: Appointments.
The following persons will be required at any live shoot.
- A suitably qualified Range Officer.
- Any other Safety Officer as required by the rules of the match being fired.
9: Air Danger Height.
- An air danger height of 200 metres applies to the Auckland Pistol Club complex.
- If an aircraft is observed to approach the club complex whilst live firing is taking place the Duty Range Officer MUST immediately call for a “Cease Fire” until the aircraft has left the area.
10: Safety Rules.
THE FOLLOWING RULES ARE EMPHASISED.
- Not withstanding any other rules/orders, it is the responsibility of ALL shooters and spectators to act in a manner to ensure the safety of ALL users of the range complex.
- The Range Officer shall be responsible for the observance of these Standing Orders and for the reporting of any breach to the Club Committee immediately.
- When the range is in use it shall at all times be under the control of a Range Officer, whose authority is absolute and all persons present shall act under their directions.
- No shooting shall take place without the appointment of a suitably qualified Range Officer.
- All loaded firearms are to be pointed down range at all times. NO EXCEPTIONS!
- No firearms or ammunition to be left unattended.
- No firearms are to be handled without the owners consent.
- No firearms are to be loaded without the Range Officers permission.
- No firearm may be carried loaded unless under the direction of the Range Officer.
- All shooters without the necessary licence for the firearm being used MUST be under the direct control of a suitably qualified person (one on one).
- No firearm is to be removed from the firing line until checked as being clear by the Range Officer.
- EVERYONE on these Ranges are required to wear eye and hearing protection at all times
- Where a Safe Handling Zone has been established, firearms may be cleaned, repaired, checked or handled. NO AMMUNITION, INCLUDING DUMMY ROUNDS, ARE TO HANDLED IN THIS AREA.
- No person under the influence of alcohol or drugs may use or handle a firearm anywhere on the range complex.
- Smoking is not permitted in the loading areas or on the firing lines.
11: Application of Range Instructions.
All users of the Auckland Pistol Club range are subject to these Standing Orders. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS!
Those permitted to use these facilities will have their use approval revoked if they do not adhere to these Range Standing Orders.
It is the responsibility of all users to be familiar with these Range Standing Orders.
12: Individual Discipline Safety Rules.
Individual Safety Rules for each discipline are to be complied with in conjunction with existing rules for the operation of the ranges of the Auckland Pistol Club.
13: Steel Plate Targets.
Only approved and certified steel plate targets may be used.
All steel plate targets must be approved by the Club Safety Officer prior to use.
All steel plate targets to be provided with a approved system to control ricochets and
splatter.
14: Ammunition Restrictions.
The following ammunition MUST NOT be used on any range administered by the Auckland Pistol Club, and as certified by Pistol NZ:
Tracer Ammunition, Incendiary Ammunition, Armour Piercing Ammunition, Explosive Ammunition, Fragmentation Ammunition.
15: Inability to Contain Shots Within Cone of Fire.
If for any reason any shots fired fall outside the Cone of Fire the following procedure is to occur.
The Range Officer is to:
- Halt all firing and identify the shooter responsible.
- Observe that shooters next shot and if it falls within the Cone of Fire allow that shooter to continue firing.
- If the observed shot does not fall within the Cone of Fire, the shooter is to be provided with a suitable coach with the intention of bringing the spread of the next five shots to within the Cone of Fire.
- Shooters who are unable to achieve the Cone of Fire within the five shots are to be prevented from further firing. Shooters prevented from firing in this way may resume firing following the completion of a club approved training program with the firearm.
16: Emergency Procedures.
In the event of a general emergency all persons within the complex are to assemble in the car park immediately.
Note. All firearms safety procedures are to be completed prior to leaving the ranges for the assembly point.
17: Accident Procedures.
In the event of an accident the following procedure is to occur.
- Cease all firing and make safe all firearms except those involved in an accident (see d).
- Render First Aid – if necessary / possible evacuate the person to medical facilities.
- Seal off the area.
- Make no attempt to remove or strip the firearm.
- Advise the police.
- Advise the club executive.
- Advise the Administration Officer of Pistol N.Z.
It is important that all range users are aware of this section and fully comply with it in the event of an accident involving a firearm.
18: Medical.
First Aid facilities are available in the First Aid Box on the right hand end wall as you
enter the club room through the main door.
For serious injuries ring 111.
19: Fire Precautions.
- All precautions are taken to reduce the possibility of fire in buildings and surrounding grounds.
- No fires are to be lit without prior Committee and local authority approval.
- In the case of fire Dial 111 and ask for Fire Brigade assistance.
20: Range Clearance.
- All users are to ensure that all range rubbish, including targets, ammunition boxes etc are removed from the range complex at the end of the event.
- All reusable targets are placed in the storage area.
- Upon completion of the days shooting the Range Safety Flags are to be lowered and stored.
- Range left in a tidy condition.
- Any damage is to be reported to the Auckland Pistol Club Committee.
21: Hours of Operation.
There are Three Club Days per week.
From Labour Weekend to Easter Inclusive:
Saturday 10 am to 4.30 pm.
Sunday 10 am to 6 pm. Wednesday 3 pm to 6 pm.
For the rest of the year:
Saturday 12 noon to 4.30 pm.
Sunday 12 noon to 4.30 pm.
Wednesday 2 pm to 4.30 pm.
22: Unauthorised Use of Range Complex.
- Any individual or organisation given use of the range complex will have been provided with prior written authority by the Club. Any individual or organisation unable to provide this approval MUST BE ASKED TO VACATE THE PROPERTY IMMEDIATELY.
- Any refusal to leave is to be reported to the Police immediately.
- Any unauthorised use of the range complex is to be reported to the Club Executive immediately.
23: Domestic Animals.
Domestic animals are allowed on the complex with the approval of the Duty Range Officer, and Must remain on a leash at all times.
24: Children.
All children are to be under the direct supervision of an adult at all times.
25: Amendments.
Any amendments made and approved by the Auckland Pistol Club Committee shall once, approved by Pistol NZ, be promulgated on the Club notice board and forwarded to:
- All members of the Auckland Pistol Club.
- District Arms Officer, NZ Police
- Pistol NZ Range Certification File.
26: Distribution List.
- All Club Members.
- Posted on Club Notice Board.
- Pistol NZ.
- District Arms Officer, NZ Police.