The Bellingen Rifle Club participates in the “Try Shooting” program. You don’t need a firearms license or a rifle, but you will need to meet the requirements of the NSW Firearms Registry (called a “P650 Permit”).
Firstly, download a copy of the p650 Application from the NSW Firearms Registry. As long as you can complete the checklist in Part B, you should be eligible for a permit. When you’ve done this, contact the Bellingen Rifle Club using the form on the home page, to arrange a day for you to go shooting.
On the day, you’ll meet at the Dairyville Range and undergo instruction on range safety. You will need photo ID, and closed-in shoes (no thongs). The Range Safety Officer will supervise you one-on-one while you are shooting. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian will also need to be present. We have a number of club rifles for you to use.
Range fees are $15 for the day ($10 for juniors), and ammunition is available for purchase.
How to get your firearms license
The SSAA NSW website is a good place to start. Firstly you’ll need to complete a Safe Shooting Course. The Club runs a number of these courses each year – contact us for details. Before undertaking the course you’ll need to meet the requirements of the P650 (as above), and you should watch the SSAA Safe Shooting video. The cost of the course is $80, which covers your range fees for the day and a box of ammunition.
On completion of the Safe Shooting Course you’ll receive a certificate, which you’ll need to scan and submit with your Application for a Firearms License through your Service NSW account. The Club can assist you with the application process.
Note that in order to be eligible for a firearms license you will need to establish a “genuine reason” for holding the license. Membership of the SSAA and attendance at regular organised shoots is regarded as a genuine reason.
Applications for Junior permits for those aged between 12 and 18 are done the old-fashioned way on actual paper. See the NSW Police Website for details.
Bellingen Rifle Club 