Private/Public ranges requiring NRA Membership

[NuShootr]

First off, this isn't a political commentary about the NRA. It really has nothing necessarily to do with them, so it would be great if this thread does not devolve into a discussion about that.

First, are ranges that offer both memberships and are also available to non-members considered private or public? I know that there are certain ranges that are only private clubs, but where does the other category fit in? Is it based on ownership? Like if it is owned by the township, it is considered public, but if it owned by a private entity, it's considered private?
The other thing is, how does the NRA factor into range membership or category? There are a few ranges locally, both public where there are membership opportunities, but aren't necessary to shoot there, and private clubs that require NRA Membership to become a member there. Then there are other ranges where that is not a requirement to become a member at all. Is this the personal preference of the owners? Or is the NRA involved in certifying range locations somehow?

It's just weird to me that a private club of any kind would require membership in an organization that is basically for political action, as a stipulation of membership at their facility. Any thoughts? Am I looking at it all wrong? Is there something in there I don't know about being as new as I am.

Thanks for any information and please, leave the NRA political arguments out of this thread.

 

[Blue Jays]

Some ranges in some states do require current Firearms Owner I.D. for unaccompanied shooting.
This is ostensibly to prevent a non-gunowner arriving, renting a gun solo, and shooting themselves.

It naturally does not halt them from the myriad other ways to suicide, yet does offer another roadblock.
Perhaps requiring NRA / GOA or similar membership just increases likelihood it is genuine hobbyist?

Just kind of spitballing and guessing why that might be a component to obtain membership.
It would be interesting to learn guest policy for these same ranges for legal adults 21+ y.o.

 

[JJFitch]

There is no "one size fits all" for planning, organizing and setting up a shooting range!
Some may require "open" to the public or limited to sponsorship or closed to members only.
Some may be open to the public at certain times. The membership rules are based on how they are organized ie. 501C-. In general if there is a connection to a government entity like a "county parks and recreation" there will be an "open" policy! The same county could have a LEO only range!

As far as the NRA requirement, this is always an option that comes with certain benefits. Some means of organization may not allow this requirement. A range or club may receive some NRA benefits even if there is no mandatory requirement.

Clubs and or ranges should have Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, Standing Rules and a Policies and Procedures. These should be open to public review and answer questions about range use, public use and NRA affiliation!

Smiles,

 

[aaronu]

Gun clubs can choose to be NRA affiliated. In these clubs a minimum of three club officers must be NRA members. These clubs can participate in NRA tournaments, etc.

I am a former NRA member with no intention of joining in the future. My local club requires NRA membership and therefore I have not sought membership in the 23 years I have lived here. Given there is typically an 18-24 month membership backlog I don't think they suffer from the loss.

 

[NuShootr]

Thank you all for the insightful responses! Much appreciated.

 

[marvin02]

It was explained to me that ranges where 100% of the membership are NRA members get better insurance rates through an NRA program and can apply for grants for range improvements.

That was what I was told when I joined my local range.

 

[Rockrivr1]

I belong to two local "private" gun ranges in my area. One requires either a membership to GOAL or the NRA and the other doesn't require any membership in a pro gun organization. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to it other then the BOD in the club requiring it wants to support an organization that supports gun owners. Personally I've stopped supporting the NRA until they get their ship in order and they boot Wayne out. I think he's a detriment to the NRA and it's members. I whole heartedly support GOAL though so this is not a burden for me.

 

[CapnMac]

All of this is going to be largely local.

Broad-brush (very broad) a "private" range is one that requires membership (or being guest of a member). A "public" range is (generally) open to all.

This should not be confused with the business terms where "public" refers to "funded by government" and "private" means "not Public."

Requiring membership in gun-rights organizations is often a way to ensure members are committed to RKBA. Some groups, back in the day, got breaks on group insurance via that required membership.

Now, all of the above is subject to local ordinances, rules, regulations, and the like.

 

[bummer7]

First off, this isn't a political commentary about the NRA. It really has nothing necessarily to do with them, so it would be great if this thread does not devolve into a discussion about that.

It's just weird to me that a private club of any kind would require membership in an organization that is basically for political action, as a stipulation of membership at their facility. Any thoughts? Am I looking at it all wrong? Is there something in there I don't know about being as new as I am.

One private club I belong to requires NRA membership to be a member. I suspect this requirement was established when this club was incorporated in 1913. Back then, I think the NRA's main focus was probably marksmanship and competition and not lobbying or legislation.

 

[George P]

It was explained to me that ranges where 100% of the membership are NRA members get better insurance rates through an NRA program and can apply for grants for range improvements.

That was what I was told when I joined my local range.

That was my understanding as well

 

[JJFitch]

One private club I belong to requires NRA membership to be a member. I suspect this requirement was established when this club was incorporated in 1913. Back then, I think the NRA's main focus was probably marksmanship and competition and not lobbying or legislation.

(Not trying to hi-jack the thread but if it wasn't for Lee Harvey Oswald and NRA pollical action we wouldn't have this forum or personal firearms!)

 

[Sistema1927]

The gun club that I belong to requires NRA membership for insurance purposes.

 

[Jim Watson]

My home club now requires a CCW for membership. It is the only way we can be assured of a background check, since there is no other state license. We haven't had to reject or expel but a couple of bad actors over the years.

The local commercial range requires a questionnaire pretty much like a 4473 even for lane rental.

 

[jmorris]

I don’t think I have been to any range that required NRA membership. Lots of them required or offered substantial discounts if one was a member of that specific range “club”. Also with many of the shooting sports, membership is required to be eligible to compete, further a sanctioned match using their rules you couldn’t refuse a shooter because they are not a member of the range, local club or NRA for that matter, as they have to be open to all eligible members.

 

[bummer7]

(Not trying to hi-jack the thread but if it wasn't for Lee Harvey Oswald and NRA pollical action we wouldn't have this forum or personal firearms!)

JJFitch, can you clarify your reply. I'm not sure what you are referring to in your comment.
Thanks,

 

[GEM]

No, let’s not as it is off topic.

 

[maxxhavoc]

It was explained to me that ranges where 100% of the membership are NRA members get better insurance rates through an NRA program and can apply for grants for range improvements.

That was what I was told when I joined my local range.

Our range is trying to go 100% NRA as well, and your reasons are exactly the ones stated. In short, it saves the range thousands of dollars a year, and makes quite a bit of money available for range improvements. Which may (or may not) lead to reduced membership rates.

People forget that the NRA is not all about political action. It may seem like it sometimes, but they put a lot of money into youth programs, and keep some ranges around here open. Even with the mismanagement, I see the NRA doing more for the shooting community than any other gun organization. Maybe not for gun rights, but National Matches, Range safety and design, Insurance programs, and new shooter orientation.

 

[random_guy]

Range I used to shoot at when I lived in KC was 100% NRA for the other programs listed above. They also started a Friends of the NRA banquet to raise money and also to get more money back to help out the club. I'm on a list out here in CO to join a new club, I think they are 100% NRA as well, i'm 1 year into a 2 year waiting list to get onboard, just glad my neighbor is a member so I get to go from time to time.

 

[Ks5shooter]

It was explained to me that ranges where 100% of the membership are NRA members get better insurance rates through an NRA program and can apply for grants for range improvements.

That was what I was told when I joined my local range.

This^^^^^^^^^^