How to Join the Beaudesert Target Pistol Club

We’re always keen to welcome new shooters – whether you’re just curious about the sport or already a licensed handgun owner. Here’s how to get started, step by step.

Step 1: Come for a Visit or Attend a Come & Try Session

👉 New Shooters (No Cat H Firearms Licence Yet)

Your best starting point is one of our Come & Try Sessions.
These sessions are designed especially for beginners and include:

• A safe, supervised introduction to pistol shooting

• The opportunity to handle and fire club pistols under guidance from qualified Range Officers

• Information about firearms safety, licensing, and how to join the club

! Important – Supervision Requirement !

Under Queensland law, unlicensed shooters must always be under the immediate supervision of a licensed Category H shooter whenever handling or firing a handgun.

This means:

• A licensed club member or Range Officer will be with you at all times while you shoot.

• Supervision must be direct and continuous — the supervising member must be close enough to take control of the firearm immediately if required.

• This requirement continues until you receive your own Category H licence.

In short: You may only shoot under direct supervision until you are licensed.

 

👉 Current Licence Holders (Already Have a Category H Licence)

If you already hold a Category H licence, you don’t need to attend a Come & Try Session.
You’re welcome to visit the club during one of our regular match days instead – please contact us beforehand so we can arrange for a club member to meet and host you during your visit.

You may visit up to three times before joining.

Step 2: Decide How You’ll Join

Queensland Police require anyone joining a pistol club to be an eligible member.
That means you either already hold a Queensland firearms licence, or you must first obtain a Statement of Eligibility (Form QP515) from Weapons Licensing.

Choose the path that applies to you 👇

Path A – You already hold a Queensland Weapons Licence

If you already have a Category A/B licence:
You’re automatically an “eligible member.” You can apply to join the club right away.

If you want to go on to obtain a Category H (concealable) licence, you’ll need to:

1. Remain a financial club member for at least 6 months

2. Complete 3 participation shoots on separate days during that time

3. Complete an approved Firearms Safety Course (Category H)

4. Obtain a QP518A Club Declaration from us (valid 28 days)

5. Lodge your Concealable Firearms Licence application with Queensland Police

If you already have a Category H licence:
Simply contact us to arrange an appointment to visit the club during our regular range times. After visiting, if you decide we are the right fit you can complete a membership application. You won’t need to repeat the licence process.

Path B – You don’t have any licence yet

1. Complete Form QP515 – Statement of Eligibility to Join an Approved Pistol Shooting Club

   • Available online from the Weapons Licensing Branch (WLB) or at your local police station

2. Lodge the form at the police station and wait for approval (usually a few weeks)

   • Once approved, you’ll receive Form 36 – Statement of Eligibility Approval

3. Submit your club membership application with your Form 36 and pay the fees

4. Maintain membership for 6 months and complete 3 participation shoots

5. Complete an approved Firearms Safety Course (Category H)

6. Obtain your QP518A Club Declaration and apply for your Category H licence with QPS

Step 3: Club Membership Application Requirements

When applying to join, you will need to provide:

• A completed club application form (apply online here)

• Two character references

• A declaration of any other club memberships

• Membership/joining fees

We’ll guide you through booking your safety course and recording your participation shoots.

Step 4: Forms and Resources

You can find the official Queensland Police forms here:

• Form QP515 – Statement of Eligibility

• Form QP518A – Approved Club Declaration