New Membership
Requirements to Join PSC as a New Member
Click PSC Membership Application.pdf fill it out and print it. Do this for each person seeking membership (1 per person) or pick one up one of these applications at the Club if you happen to catch one of us there. Please read the first two pages, they contain important information on how to complete the form and process your application. Then complete it and bring it with you to the next combined Executive Board Interview / Safety Orientation Session, held the first Saturday of the month, at 9:00 am, at the PSC Clubhouse. (Check Calendar to confirm date/time.)
During the interview process, you will meet a representative of the Executive Board and be asked to introduce yourself, explain your interests in the Club, and describe your previous shooting and firearm training / handling experience. You will also present your completed application, along with training and background check documents for verification. (No copies of the training or background will be made or retained.) Bring cash or a check for the Membership, Orientation fees, and optionally, Indoor Range Fees.
When you are complete the interview process and paperwork, you will proceed directly to the orientation to familiarize you with Club facilities and ranges, and if desired to Indoor Range Qualification. Upon successful completion of this mandatory orientation, you will be given a membership card and combo for the gate and Clubhouse locks, and you may begin using the Club.
Individuals seeking new Club membership will need to submit evidence of successfully completing a formal firearms training program. This can be in the form of certificates issued at or following the course, or other training documentation. “Firearm training program” means any National Rifle Association handgun, rifle or shotgun safety training course; any handgun, rifle or shotgun safety training course available to the general public, utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association or the State of NH, or another state’s department of public safety, state police department, or similar certifying body, or completion of small arms training, and ongoing qualification, while serving with the armed forces of the United States. All courses must include a “Live Fire” component, utilizing conventional firearms. (No laser, pellet or BB guns) Any person seeking approval for a firearm safety training course offered other than those certified by the National Rifle Association shall submit a detailed description of the course content along with their application. (Brochure, class outline, print out of web page, or other description of the course you took)
One necessary aspect of the required Firearms Training is that you as a student, participate in safe, hands-on, handling and shooting of firearms at a civilian style range, with other shooters and instructors nearby. This will best prepare you for shooting at our ranges.
Classes we CANNOT accept:
To ensure that new Club members meet the criteria of being a “proper person” able to own / possess firearms in the State of New Hampshire and therefore on our Club property, we require all new members to complete a background check. To meet this requirement all new members must show a proof of a background check. The background check that is done when you purchase a new firearm is NOT acceptable for PSC membership.
There are many ways to do this among the simplest to obtain are the “NH Pistol & Revolver License” issued by their local town or the State Police, or an equivalent for out of State applicants (License to Carry – LTC).
Other ways to demonstrate proof of a background check cover Individuals licensed or certified in other ways; LEO, retired LEO, State certified Security Guard, Armored Car Guard, Private Investigator, who may use their official identification to meet this requirement.
We are not going to get into the business of “doing background checks”, it is expensive, takes time, has record keeping implications, and in short, there is no added value for us to do that. Thankfully there is a very simple, inexpensive process used by other clubs that lets us vet your status quickly and simply. We simply ask to see your proof of background check, most simply, a “NH Pistol & Revolver License” which documents your background check. Peterborough Sportsman’s Club will NOT make or retain any copies of this documentation, the Club official processing the membership application will only check a box denoting: ”Documentation presented deemed to be valid” on the individual membership application. DO NOT SEND or INCLUDE COPIES OF your license or other documentation.
We realize that some individuals will only shoot shotguns and rifles and have no interest in concealed carry of a loaded handgun, regardless of this intent, the NH Pistol & Revolver License is one of the simplest ways that an applicant can obtain a background check and be considered a “proper person” to own and possess firearms.
Although NH has changed the law on concealed carry, and does NOT REQUIRE a license as of 2/2017, it still remains the lowest cost, simplest way for an applicant to document a completed background check.
NH is a “shall issue” State where all proper persons shall be issued such a license upon completing the form, background check and paying a small fee ($10 in 2024) for 5 years. The local town officials are responsible for performing the background check and do all the work necessary. The process is guaranteed by Law to take no more than 14 days, requires only a simple 1 page for resident’s Form DSSP-85 (https://www.nhsp.dos.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt461/files/inline-documents/sonh/dssp85.pdf) and cannot by law include any other forms, fingerprinting or photos. For more information about processing of your license see the Gun Owners of NH website http://gonh.org/ looking for their link for Gun Laws FAQ, on the left side of the screen.
Make sure you read the front and BACK of the State Police application form, the back or second page, contains several important items including the reasons you may request a permit, and the correct expiration date of your License. (check yours when you do get it)
The Club & Safety Orientation includes a facilities orientation and instructions in Range Rules and General Safety Regulations. Completion of this orientation seminar is mandatory for all new members prior to issuance of a membership card. This orientation is normally done on the Saturday immediately following your eBoard introduction/interview, or both may be scheduled as required.
The Orientation includes:
If you would like to shoot at our Indoor Range, there is an extended process with a separate safety orientation and Indoor Range Qualification. This can be completed on the same day as your overall Club Safety Orientation or at any future time.
We currently have the Indoor Range open for all standard calibers of handguns using conventional ammunition. (no magnums, no wadcutters) as well as .22 rimfire Rifles.
A Member may qualify for use of this range attending orientation and demonstrating the necessary knowledge and skills to operate the range systems (heating, lighting, ventilation) and by conducting a live fire exercise that included hitting a standard 50 foot target with five (5) consecutive shots that are witnessed by the Safety Committee Chairperson or his/her designee. Upon successful demonstration of the operating & shooting proficiency, and payment of the Indoor Range Fee, the member will be given the Indoor Range Card with the separate combo.
Family members may also qualify for Indoor Range use. The same qualification method will be used. Once qualified, the family member may purchase their own Indoor Range Card with combo.
Indoor Range Fees – See Dues/Fees for annual fee. This covers things like heat, lights and materials used for the Indoor Range. The locks change on January 1, and the new year’s combo is needed starting then. This annual payment covers the individual for unlimited use of the Indoor Range, which is open 24×365 (except for scheduled events).
Can I pay online? – We frequently get questions about why don’t you use an online payment service like PayPal or Credit Cards? First the owners / operators of many online payment systems don’t like guns. And by association Gun Clubs. Several have specific clauses in their “rules” precluding use of their systems for materials or groups that support gun ownership / use. Second, there are fees associated with these services, at the low volume we do, this would account for 3% to 7% of the money processed through the service, a burden we don’t think is right for dues money. Therefore, we accept cash and checks.
What if I can’t make the Combined Interview / Safety Orientation? – We all understand that everyone has to schedule around busy lives. If you really can’t make the meeting contact the Club Secretary at peterboroughsc@gmail.com for alternatives.
Why do I have to get a Pistol & Revolver License, I just want to shoot my rifle? – Although we realize that some individuals will only shoot shotguns and rifles and have no interest in concealed carry of a loaded handgun, regardless of this intent, the NH Pistol & Revolver License is the simplest way that PSC can ascertain that new civilian applicants have completed a background check and are considered “proper persons” to own and possess firearms. If you have a current background check for other reasons, let us know, and we will review it with you to determine if it meets the requirements.
What if I have taken other training that PSC does not list? – It’s great that you have done that, we would be glad to consider any formal training you have previously completed. Please help us understand what that class was by bringing us course descriptions, class certificates, etc. We will try to work with you while ensuring new members are safe members.
I’ve signed up for a class, but I have not completed training yet, can I still join? – Yes, you can attend the interview and orientation session, but you will not be issued the combos and membership cards, until you complete your training, we will hold your combo and cards and catch up with you as soon as you complete your class.
What if I have a job that requires a background check, do I still need to get a “NH Pistol & Revolver License”? – No, Law Enforcement Officers, Air Marshals, Security Guards, Armored Car Guards, Private Investigators, Hunter Ed Instructors, Camp Firearm Counselors and others are allowed to use their “Official IDs” to meet the requirement. (note the regular background check for Teachers & Educational system workers is NOT adequate, as there are many exceptions that allow employment there, but would preclude firearm ownership, however if you are part of an Armed School Worker program let us know, that is completely acceptable).