Our History
The Dubbo Pistol Club was one of the earliest Clubs to be established in Country New South Wales.It began in late 1957 ,early 1958, on a private property a few klms to the north of town, by a few determined members who wanted some where to enjoy their favoured sport. It started out as a 50 metre range in a heavily timbered pine scrub. The first target frames were two lengths of fencing wire strung between two pine trees and targets being attached by cloth pegs.
This remained until 1959 when the Club transferred to the south of town to an old army base. It remained there until 1960 when the Government decided that they had a better use for the land and they established what is now the Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
After looking over various sites it was decided on a block of Crown Land where the Club is now situated. The first Club house was under a pine tree with an old power cable reel as a table. It was decided that the first range to be built was 50 metres. As is usual with country folk, heavy machinery was loaned from various sectors just for the cost of the diesel.
The first matches shot were centre fire and free pistol. The 25 metre range was the next to be formed and rapid fire and sport pistol were added.
The current Club House was built in the early eighties. This was done by some grants , but mostly by members. During the building of the mounds there was, apparently, some bets and challenges about certain vehicles being able to climb over the mound and come back over them.According to some older members the vehicle did succeed.
Unfortunately, at one time there was a small fire in the kitchen area of the club house. Once again it was soon repaired,the benefits of having tradesmen as members. Over the years their have been a number of Committee persons holding the various positions. It must be said that the club has always had a very ammicable and friendly atmosphere. During its time there has been four Life Memberships given out. The club has also produced many A Grade Shooters with more then one member representing Australia.
The Club has several ranges: 30 bay 50 metre range, 3 bay 25 metre rapid fire range, 20 bay 25 metre range and a 12 bay indoor air range. All the outdoor ranges are operated by air compressor and each range has a covered firing line.
The 50 Metre Range also allows 18 bays for WA 1500 Matches and 6 bays for all Service Matches.
The Club has around one hundred members on average each year and caters for ISSF and Black Powder matches.
The Club has ample ground for visiting shooters to camp and there are limited power outlets for campers, usually claimed by the first few caravans to arrive.
Members from other clubs are welcome to use the ground when they are passing through Dubbo and need a break for a couple of days.