Newcastle Pistol Club was formed in 1964 and has been at the same Waratah West site ever since. The range sits in an old sandstone quarry that supplied the rock for the Newcastle Harbour break walls. The club is volunteer-run, not-for-profit, affiliated with Pistol Australia, and has facilities to train to Olympic standard.
Saturday competitions run on a rotating four-week program covering ISSF (Standard, Centrefire, 25 m, 50 m and Rapid Fire), Service and WA events, black powder, metallic silhouette, IPSC and Action Match, single action, air pistol and centrefire lever rifle. On Wednesdays there is air pistol competition (first Wednesday, 5:30pm), rimfire target rifle (first Wednesday) and rimfire hunting rifle (third Wednesday).
The range is open Saturday 9:00am–5:00pm, 2nd and 4th Sunday 10:00am–4:00pm, and Tuesday and Wednesday 12:00pm–5:00pm. The air pistol range is available during opening hours. The club also hosts open events, including its ISSF Open and silhouette opens.
P650 try-pistol-shooting days run about once a month. The $100 fee covers a club .22 pistol, 50 rounds and tuition; booking and pre-payment are essential, and allow at least three hours. Juniors aged 12–18 can join with parental consent and a parent or guardian who is a member. The club is also approved to run the Firearms Safety Awareness Course for longarm licences. Use the enquiry button on this page to ask about the next try day.
More: shooting clubs in NSW, ISSF pistol, IPSC, Pistol Australia. Nearby on Find Shooting Clubs: SSAA Newcastle Branch (about 31 km), Cessnock Pistol Club (about 34 km), Tuggerah Lakes Memorial Pistol Club (about 60 km).
For membership enquiries and training information, please contact the club.
Got questions about shooting clubs, safety, or getting started? We’ve answered the most common queries to help you find the right club and feel confident getting involved.
Most NSW clubs require you to complete a club application form, provide proof of identity, and either hold or be applying for a firearms licence. Some clubs also require safety briefings or probationary periods. Check each club’s listing or contact them directly for their specific joining process.
Read moreIn NSW, popular shooting disciplines include target rifle, pistol, clay target (shotgun), benchrest, IPSC, and field/hunting-based competitions. Many clubs are affiliated with organisations like SSAA, IPSC, PA, or TRA, and offer multiple disciplines for members to explore.
Read moreYes, many clubs in NSW offer try shooting days or supervised introductory sessions where you can handle and fire a firearm under the direct supervision of a licensed club member. These are perfect for beginners and are conducted under strict safety rules.
Read moreYes — NSW has dozens of active shooting clubs, ranging from large metropolitan ranges in Sydney to regional clubs across the Hunter, Illawarra, Riverina, and Central West. Use our directory to find clubs by location, discipline, and licence requirements.
Read moreTo get a firearms licence in NSW, you must complete an approved firearms safety course, have a genuine reason (such as sport/target shooting), and apply through the NSW Police Firearms Registry. You’ll need to be over 18, pass a background check, and wait through a mandatory 28-day cooling-off period. Many shooting clubs can help guide you through the process.
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