SSAA Newcastle Branch
SSAA Newcastle Branch, East Seaham NSW: benchrest, field rifle, silhouette, military, muzzleloading and pistol at the J & W Bruce Rifle Range.
About SSAA Newcastle Branch
SSAA Newcastle Branch runs the J & W Bruce Rifle Range at East Seaham, north of Raymond Terrace via Italia Road and East Seaham Road. It is a branch of SSAA NSW and the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia.
Benches 1–25 have targets at 50m, 100 yards and 200 yards, and field rifle frames 1–12 run from 25m to 200 yards. An extension has benches set aside for rifles with muzzle brakes. The range takes A, B and H class firearms; smokeless-powder rifles are limited to jacketed projectiles of 8mm or less, and military ball/FMJ ammunition isn't allowed.
Shoot days
Competitions run most weekends on the branch calendar. Saturdays are centrefire days: Military, Field Rifle, Benchrest Group and Score, Big Game, Sporter, Black Powder muzzleloading and 25m pistol. Sundays are rimfire only: Silhouette, International Rimfire Benchrest (IRB), Benchrest, Field Rifle, Fly 200, PRS and 25m pistol. Outside matches, the range is open for general use on scheduled weekends: Saturdays until 5pm, and Sundays until 2pm or earlier for .22LR standard or subsonic rimfire only (air rifles welcome).
Joining
The branch runs Firearms Safety Training Courses, and unlicensed shooters can shoot on a P650 under one-to-one Range Officer supervision (no club firearms). A Collectors Club meets on the first Saturday of the month at 1pm, except January and December. Range fees are cheaper for SSAA members, and annual range passes are available. Use the enquiry button on this page.
More shooting clubs in New South Wales, other SSAA NSW branches, benchrest, field rifle and target rifle shooting.
Nearby on Find Shooting Clubs: Cessnock Pistol Club (about 45 km), Camel Hill Gun Club Inc. (about 118 km).
Shooting Diciplines
Shoot and practice days
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Club information
For membership enquiries and training information, please contact the club.
Affiliations
Frequently asked questions
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.
What are the rules for joining a NSW shooting club?
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 moreWhat types of shooting disciplines are popular in NSW?
In 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 moreCan I try shooting in NSW without a licence?
Yes, 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 moreAre there shooting clubs in Sydney and regional NSW?
Yes — 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 moreHow do I get a firearms licence in NSW?
To 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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