The Crows Nest Pistol Club, located just a few kilometres north of the township of Crows Nest in Toowoomba Regional, is a welcoming sports club nestled on the side of a hill with breathtaking views of a scenic valley. Originally established in 1984 as the Rosalie Pistol Club, the club later relocated to its present site in 1987.
This friendly club is dedicated to promoting the safe usage of pistols and offers hands-on instruction and competitions for individuals of all skill levels. New members and guests are encouraged to visit the club and participate in the regular shoots. For those without their own firearms, the club provides the option to hire . 22 pistols and a .
22 rifle for a small fee.
Pistol shooting is an exhilarating and challenging sport that offers an ongoing inner battle to improve technique, timing, and concentration. The Crows Nest Pistol Club has something to offer everyone, with a wide range of shooting styles available and continuous improvements being made to the grounds, ranges, and facilities. The friendly members of the club are always ready to welcome new members, providing time and advice to ensure a positive experience.
To stay updated with the club's activities on a weekly basis, individuals can check out their Facebook page. The Crows Nest Pistol Club is open from 8 AM until around lunchtime every Saturday, except Christmas and New Year week (exact details available on the Match Calendar).
The sport of target shooting at the Crows Nest Pistol Club is not only enjoyable and safe but also suitable for individuals of all ages and most abilities. The club's members range from the legal minimum age of 11 years old to individuals in their 80s. Club membership includes coaching on Saturday mornings, starting with the fundamentals of safe gun handling. New members are required to complete at least three shoots before applying for full membership.
During this time, participants have the opportunity to engage in various disciplines, including practise sessions with . 22lr and 9 mm pistols. The club encourages new members to try as many disciplines as possible, and coaching assistance is readily available.
It is important to note that obtaining a licence is not mandatory for individuals to join or remain a member of the Crows Nest Pistol Club. However, all members are required to adhere to the regulations regarding club membership and the paperwork requirements of the Weapons Licencing Branch. If a member does not possess a licence, they must always be supervised by a licenced member of the club while on the firing range.
Before joining the club, individuals who are unlicensed must obtain a “Statement of Eligibility” from Queensland Weapons Licencing. This can be done by completing and submitting form QP515 at the local police station. The Statement is valid for three months from the date of issue. On the other hand, if an individual already holds a firearms licence other than a category H (such as Category A & B), they do not need to obtain the Statement of Eligibility.
To become a full member of the Crows Nest Pistol Club, individuals must participate in three shoots at the club within three months and complete a membership application. The application form, along with the details of the three shoots, must be submitted to the Club Secretary or President. Additionally, applicants must provide a Statement of Eligibility (Form 36), two character reference letters from individuals who have known them for more than two years and are not related to them, and a declaration to the club stating that they are currently a member of another approved shooting club (if applicable).
The Crows Nest Pistol Club prides itself on its vibrant community and its commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for individuals to engage in the sport of pistol shooting.