I need to join a club, Southern NH

[Broc]

What's wrong with Pelham? I was thinking of applying for membership there.

Good luck. Try applying though a current member.

6 or 7 years ago I put my name on their "waiting list" more than once (once every 6 months or so). Never heard anything. I covered the need for longer range with Reading and gave up on Pelham. And I was having the same issue at Reading until a member helped me.

 

[wmccurdy53]

I CANNOT recommend either Nashua or Pelham although Pelham does have pistol pits, Nashua does not.
Pelham does not post their range rules on-line, you have to spend time and money to become a member to find out how ridiculous some of them are.

As places to shoot, they are both fine.

 

[Howland]

I'm a senior member at Nashua Fish and Game Association in Merrimack (NFGA) and have been there for about 10 years. It used to be a great place but has really gone downhill the past 4-5 years. It just isn’t a safe or pleasant place to visit anymore. Bear in mind I’ve never been in trouble or had any issues, this is just my take after watching interactions with other people there.

The range truly feels like it is in New York or New Jersey – NOT New Hampshire. The combination of weird RSOs and excessive rules creates a nervous and jumpy atmosphere. Frankly I’m surprised that there haven’t been any accidents due to this.

They have several ranges but each range requires a separate written test and shooting qualification; typically scheduled once per month during the summer. There are a total of 5 separate qualifications (Fowler, Procter, Action Range, Leveridge 200/300 and Leveridge 500/600yds. Each shooting qual. requires 10 out of 10 shots in the black of a standard NRA target for the specified distance. Not hard, but not exactly fun in front of a group of 30-40 people watching. If you pull a shot, you fail and must re-attend another qualification.

There are several members who volunteered to be Range Safety Officers and let the responsibility go to their heads. They drive by the ranges every day, check out the brass buckets and “patrol” for range violations. There is one particular retired Air Force Colonel with too much free time that takes this to a comical level.

It has nice grounds but it truly feels like the people running the club, really do not want people shooting there. The amount of rules is absolutely ridiculous and extend way beyond what is reasonable or practical. They have rules about where you are permitted to use a cell phone, where you can drink water, requirements to show NFA documents and so on. There are also cameras EVERYWHERE and people actually watch the footage for rule violations.

Here are some examples of how the rules are written. Keep in mind the rule book is 39 pages and reads like a legal disclaimer in fine print.

4.17.2 Anyone in possession of fully automatic firearms or other devices regulated under the National Firearms Act such as suppressors, short barreled rifles or short barreled shotguns must have in their possession, a BATF form(s) 1,2,3,4 or 5 and any other BATF supplied documentation demonstrating registration and ownership. The paperwork must be presented upon request to any club official including an RSO or CRSO. Inability or refusal to produce the paperwork will result in the individuals immediately being asked to leave club property.

4.23.3 The use of recognizable person’s image in either cartoon or realistic form shall not be used.

4.25 Profanity: Profanity at the range is in very poor taste and is discouraged.

4.32.3 If a carry firearm shooter wants to reload and re-holster the carry gun, they should use either of the “safety areas” in the vicinity of the Fowler / Federal Ranges or on Veterans Range. Reloading and re-holstering anywhere else on the club is not permitted.

11.6.7 The only rifles that may be used are those conforming to CMP Service Rifle, NRA High Power Match, or “F” class. Any other rifle may be used after obtaining the approval of a Leveridge Range Committee member.

11.6.10 Escorted guests are not allowed to fire from the 500 or 600 yard line unless it is a scheduled/organized event.

I’m on a waitlist for another range and will let my membership at NFGA lapse once my slot is up. It’s good for sighting in hunting rifles though.

Haven't been to Pelham in years but it seemed like a nice place. We used to shoot trap there on Tuesday evenings after work but stopped going after I was almost shot by a new shooter. Not the clubs fault but would prefer to stick to smaller/quieter ranges after that.

I joined Nashua F&G specifically for the Action Pistol and Long Range. They did explain range rules written test and shooting test. Also work detail requirements.

I decided to fulfill my work detail when the Action Pistol RO needed a work party and said shooting qualifications would be held afterwards. Did the work detail requirements then some, then the RO said "Maybe next time" for the qualifications. I had just given up a 14-3/4 hour shift at double OT at union rates. $1,014.80, not that anyone is counting.

Long Range qualifications are held very conveniently for those who are not independently wealthy or retired on late mornings on a weekday.

Three years of dues, shot at the range one time and that at one of the pistol pits, maybe 15 yards. I let my membership go and never looked back.

 

[HARRYM]

Good luck. Try applying though a current member.

6 or 7 years ago I put my name on their "waiting list" more than once (once every 6 months or so). Never heard anything. I covered the need for longer range with Reading and gave up on Pelham. And I was having the same issue at Reading until a member helped me.

Pelham has no wait list that I'm aware of.

 

[Broc]

Pelham has no wait list that I'm aware of.

Maybe they did back then. I dont know. It was a while back.

 

[HARRYM]

Maybe they did back then. I dont know. It was a while back.

I'll let the BOD view your avatar, you'll be in like flint...

 

[HARRYM]

See this is what I want to get away from. Rules. I understand that there are nit whits that are just completely unsafe but "no profanity?" What is this a day care with guns?

The clubs don't run like the local sandpit range. Rules have been enacted for good reasons over the years. Profanity bans are there as many have their kids, or spouses with them and we don't want going to the club like attending a Patriots game in the seventies.

 

[dcac01]

Nashua is super close to home, would be really super convenient, but all those rules. This one actually concerns me the most. I can only assume someone made a cartoon of someone in a position of power and this was the result. Seems kind of petty. Not to mention how it conflicts with 1A. Yes I know a private organization doesn't have to follow the BoR, but to dismiss 1A when your entire organization exists because of 2A, seems a bit short sighted.
Still the club looks pretty nice, definitely would want to read that rule book before laying down any money.

I'm ok as long as silhouette targets are allowed - I've even seen places that banned those. Real people target restrictions seem pretty common. I don't think it's just about people in power, all kinds of other liability reasons. Guy blasts target of his soon-to-be ex-wife, then later on does some harm to her, lawsuits come out that you should have reported something, etc.

 

[HARRYM]

That's pretty sad though. If you're too ignorant to not watch your mouth in front of people without the club telling you to.

I'm sure like most cases it's only a few that let a few fly.

 

[Tarsook]

“4.17.2 Anyone in possession of fully automatic firearms or other devices regulated under the National Firearms Act such as suppressors, short barreled rifles or short barreled shotguns must have in their possession, a BATF form(s) 1,2,3,4 or 5 and any other BATF supplied documentation demonstrating registration and ownership. The paperwork must be presented upon request to any club official including an RSO or CRSO. Inability or refusal to produce the paperwork will result in the individuals immediately being asked to leave club property.”


hahahahah.

 

[agabriel]

I'm a senior member at Nashua Fish and Game Association in Merrimack (NFGA) and have been there for about 10 years. It used to be a great place but has really gone downhill the past 4-5 years. It just isn’t a safe or pleasant place to visit anymore. Bear in mind I’ve never been in trouble or had any issues, this is just my take after watching interactions with other people there.

The range truly feels like it is in New York or New Jersey – NOT New Hampshire. The combination of weird RSOs and excessive rules creates a nervous and jumpy atmosphere. Frankly I’m surprised that there haven’t been any accidents due to this.

They have several ranges but each range requires a separate written test and shooting qualification; typically scheduled once per month during the summer. There are a total of 5 separate qualifications (Fowler, Procter, Action Range, Leveridge 200/300 and Leveridge 500/600yds. Each shooting qual. requires 10 out of 10 shots in the black of a standard NRA target for the specified distance. Not hard, but not exactly fun in front of a group of 30-40 people watching. If you pull a shot, you fail and must re-attend another qualification.

There are several members who volunteered to be Range Safety Officers and let the responsibility go to their heads. They drive by the ranges every day, check out the brass buckets and “patrol” for range violations. There is one particular retired Air Force Colonel with too much free time that takes this to a comical level.

It has nice grounds but it truly feels like the people running the club, really do not want people shooting there. The amount of rules is absolutely ridiculous and extend way beyond what is reasonable or practical. They have rules about where you are permitted to use a cell phone, where you can drink water, requirements to show NFA documents and so on. There are also cameras EVERYWHERE and people actually watch the footage for rule violations.

Here are some examples of how the rules are written. Keep in mind the rule book is 39 pages and reads like a legal disclaimer in fine print.

4.17.2 Anyone in possession of fully automatic firearms or other devices regulated under the National Firearms Act such as suppressors, short barreled rifles or short barreled shotguns must have in their possession, a BATF form(s) 1,2,3,4 or 5 and any other BATF supplied documentation demonstrating registration and ownership. The paperwork must be presented upon request to any club official including an RSO or CRSO. Inability or refusal to produce the paperwork will result in the individuals immediately being asked to leave club property.

4.23.3 The use of recognizable person’s image in either cartoon or realistic form shall not be used.

4.25 Profanity: Profanity at the range is in very poor taste and is discouraged.

4.32.3 If a carry firearm shooter wants to reload and re-holster the carry gun, they should use either of the “safety areas” in the vicinity of the Fowler / Federal Ranges or on Veterans Range. Reloading and re-holstering anywhere else on the club is not permitted.

11.6.7 The only rifles that may be used are those conforming to CMP Service Rifle, NRA High Power Match, or “F” class. Any other rifle may be used after obtaining the approval of a Leveridge Range Committee member.

11.6.10 Escorted guests are not allowed to fire from the 500 or 600 yard line unless it is a scheduled/organized event.

I’m on a waitlist for another range and will let my membership at NFGA lapse once my slot is up. It’s good for sighting in hunting rifles though.

Haven't been to Pelham in years but it seemed like a nice place. We used to shoot trap there on Tuesday evenings after work but stopped going after I was almost shot by a new shooter. Not the clubs fault but would prefer to stick to smaller/quieter ranges after that.

FYI - Pelham has many of the same types of rules. Also, they will violate you for taking pictures on the range (or at least they would have a few years ago).

I also think being able to draw from a speed holster for action shooting would be really nice. I would like to get back into action, but it only seems interesting if you can start from a holster.

 

[paul73]

Mostly just jumpy/nervous new members that are confused by all of the rules and procedures.

i was a member of some racing clubs and it is pretty much same in there - a lot of, mostly, retired folks who`s got not that much to do anymore do create their own little regulation zones and become little tzars of their domains - it is all understandable but gets too much too quick.
so when you can, it is easier to get into different clubs, where you do pay more, but, it is run as a commercial enterprise - and you do get what you pay for.
or go with clubs with much less level of overall snobbism - like my best fun for autocross was not with a porsche or bmw clubs, but both NH and MA miata clubs. much different crowd and much. much more fun.
But, as of a seeing a bunch of absolutely idiotic rules and procedures - gosh, it sounds so, so familiar... and every single one is, of course, made only out of the absolutely bestest intentions.

 

[42!]

i was a member of some racing clubs and it is pretty much same in there - a lot of, mostly, retired folks who`s got not that much to do anymore do create their own little regulation zones and become little tzars of their domains - it is all understandable but gets too much too quick.
so when you can, it is easier to get into different clubs, where you do pay more, but, it is run as a commercial enterprise - and you do get what you pay for.
or go with clubs with much less level of overall snobbism - like my best fun for autocross was not with a porsche or bmw clubs, but both NH and MA miata clubs. much different crowd and much. much more fun.
But, as of a seeing a bunch of absolutely idiotic rules and procedures - gosh, it sounds so, so familiar... and every single one is, of course, made only out of the absolutely bestest intentions.

I have no problem paying for want I want. If there was someplace nearby like the CMP Marksmanship Center I'd pay whatever they wanted. Unfortunately that option does not exist. So it's a matter of which club to join, not if to join.

 

[FalArAk]

I'm a senior member at Nashua Fish and Game Association in Merrimack (NFGA) and have been there for about 10 years. It used to be a great place but has really gone downhill the past 4-5 years. It just isn’t a safe or pleasant place to visit anymore. Bear in mind I’ve never been in trouble or had any issues, this is just my take after watching interactions with other people there.

The range truly feels like it is in New York or New Jersey – NOT New Hampshire. The combination of weird RSOs and excessive rules creates a nervous and jumpy atmosphere. Frankly I’m surprised that there haven’t been any accidents due to this.

They have several ranges but each range requires a separate written test and shooting qualification; typically scheduled once per month during the summer. There are a total of 5 separate qualifications (Fowler, Procter, Action Range, Leveridge 200/300 and Leveridge 500/600yds. Each shooting qual. requires 10 out of 10 shots in the black of a standard NRA target for the specified distance. Not hard, but not exactly fun in front of a group of 30-40 people watching. If you pull a shot, you fail and must re-attend another qualification.

There are several members who volunteered to be Range Safety Officers and let the responsibility go to their heads. They drive by the ranges every day, check out the brass buckets and “patrol” for range violations. There is one particular retired Air Force Colonel with too much free time that takes this to a comical level.

It has nice grounds but it truly feels like the people running the club, really do not want people shooting there. The amount of rules is absolutely ridiculous and extend way beyond what is reasonable or practical. They have rules about where you are permitted to use a cell phone, where you can drink water, requirements to show NFA documents and so on. There are also cameras EVERYWHERE and people actually watch the footage for rule violations.

Here are some examples of how the rules are written. Keep in mind the rule book is 39 pages and reads like a legal disclaimer in fine print.

4.17.2 Anyone in possession of fully automatic firearms or other devices regulated under the National Firearms Act such as suppressors, short barreled rifles or short barreled shotguns must have in their possession, a BATF form(s) 1,2,3,4 or 5 and any other BATF supplied documentation demonstrating registration and ownership. The paperwork must be presented upon request to any club official including an RSO or CRSO. Inability or refusal to produce the paperwork will result in the individuals immediately being asked to leave club property.

4.23.3 The use of recognizable person’s image in either cartoon or realistic form shall not be used.

4.25 Profanity: Profanity at the range is in very poor taste and is discouraged.

4.32.3 If a carry firearm shooter wants to reload and re-holster the carry gun, they should use either of the “safety areas” in the vicinity of the Fowler / Federal Ranges or on Veterans Range. Reloading and re-holstering anywhere else on the club is not permitted.

11.6.7 The only rifles that may be used are those conforming to CMP Service Rifle, NRA High Power Match, or “F” class. Any other rifle may be used after obtaining the approval of a Leveridge Range Committee member.

11.6.10 Escorted guests are not allowed to fire from the 500 or 600 yard line unless it is a scheduled/organized event.

I’m on a waitlist for another range and will let my membership at NFGA lapse once my slot is up. It’s good for sighting in hunting rifles though.

Haven't been to Pelham in years but it seemed like a nice place. We used to shoot trap there on Tuesday evenings after work but stopped going after I was almost shot by a new shooter. Not the clubs fault but would prefer to stick to smaller/quieter ranges after that.

Sounds like a lot of the new members are Massachusetts gun owners that moved to NH for the freedom and joined the club.. Like the once great warrior prophet Alannis Morrisette once said, "Isnt it ironic ?"

 

[Navy Moose]

I got an email from Londonderry last night, I've been on their waiting list for a while now, asking if I'm still interested on being on the list. Hopefully I'll be able to get in for this year.

 

[TTA89]

A lot of the rules are stupid and they are there for the stupid people. How do you wade these people out of the membership? Look at this, these types of things are sent out all year with people being idiots at the range. Shooting into the air with pistols at clays on the trap range? Yeah...

"Another member, not present, has voluntarily surrendered his membership for multiple infractions that were witnessed on the trap range. The children of the member were given a handgun with which they proceeded to shoot at flying clay pigeons. The member, to avoid embarrassment, chose to surrender his membership."

 

[NHKevin]

I got an email from Londonderry last night, I've been on their waiting list for a while now, asking if I'm still interested on being on the list. Hopefully I'll be able to get in for this year.

Their website shows that they aren't adding any names to their long waiting list. Still true?

 

[Len-2A Training]

A lot of the rules are stupid and they are there for the stupid people. How do you wade these people out of the membership? Look at this, these types of things are sent out all year with people being idiots at the range. Shooting into the air with pistols at clays on the trap range? Yeah...

"Another member, not present, has voluntarily surrendered his membership for multiple infractions that were witnessed on the trap range. The children of the member were given a handgun with which they proceeded to shoot at flying clay pigeons. The member, to avoid embarrassment, chose to surrender his membership."

There is no test for stupid and you can't fix stupid. So you get rid of them when an issue occurs. At 2 MA clubs that I belonged to there were instances of people shooting across the indoor range, thru the screens in one case and into the rear side door (there was baffles to prevent errant shots) . . . all intentional violations.

 

[Len-2A Training]

Their website shows that they aren't adding any names to their long waiting list. Still true?

Yes. The wait list was said to be 500 deep and they only have 1500 members (max'd out) so it will take a number of years with people dropping out before they will open the list back up.

 

[Malodave]

Nashua fish and game in Merrimack is OK... lots of different ranges.

Some irksome rules but w/e for the most part don't be a dink and they don't jack you up

I was the only one at a range there, picking thru the brass bucket. The bucket was up
on the firing line. Two other shooters came to the range and were setting up. They went
down range to place targets. Another member came up and was giving me a raft of shit
because I was at the firing line (no firearms and my head down in a bucket) while someone
was down range.

Malodave

 

[jkelly1229]

I was the only one at a range there, picking thru the brass bucket. The bucket was up
on the firing line. Two other shooters came to the range and were setting up. They went
down range to place targets. Another member came up and was giving me a raft of shit
because I was at the firing line (no firearms and my head down in a bucket) while someone
was down range.

Malodave

I mean I try not to give anyone shit unless they do something really stupid like point a gun at me.

However it's your fault the rule there is no one in front of the red line while people are down range. It's like the first rule of the club. So while I don't agree I have no sympathy

 

[42!]

I mean I try not to give anyone shit unless they do something really stupid like point a gun at me.

However it's your fault the rule there is no one in front of the red line while people are down range. It's like the first rule of the club. So while I don't agree I have no sympathy

This highlights one of my fundamental beliefs.
I may think a club rule is stupid but by joining I'm agreeing to follow the rules, even the ones I don't like. It's a simple contract, nothing more and nothing less. As for calling out another member, that's not my job and as long as it's not putting people in danger, or destroying club property I'm staying out of other people's business.

 

[paul73]

This highlights one of my fundamental beliefs.
I may think a club rule is stupid but by joining I'm agreeing to follow the rules, even the ones I don't like. It's a simple contract, nothing more and nothing less. As for calling out another member, that's not my job and as long as it's not putting people in danger, or destroying club property I'm staying out of other people's business.

i can tell, if i walk down to the target, far, and then suddenly see people appearing at the firing line - it makes me uneasy.

 

[AHM]

However it's your fault the rule there is no one in front of the red line while people are down range.

Our Mass club's pistol range has little enough room
between the front (shooting) tables and the back (prep) tables
that after they painted The Line,
if someone was loading mags at the back table,
you were bumping their butt just trying to sidle from one station to the next.

It was so bad that you had to carry concealed -
merely so that you could reassure any bumpee
that what they'd just felt on their cheeks
didn't mean that you were glad to see them.


I complained to the CRO, and he assured me that
it was only no standing in front of The Line during a cold range.
(No touching front table contents, of course).
You could still transit over The Line.
So, it's just like a passing zone.

Plus, at our club The Line is yellow - not red.

So we got that going for us.
Which is nice.

 

[jkelly1229]

Our Mass club's pistol range has little enough room
between the front (shooting) tables and the back (prep) tables
that after they painted The Line,
if someone was loading mags at the back table,
you were bumping their butt just trying to slide from one station to the next.

It was so bad that you had to carry concealed -
merely so that you could reassure any bumpee
that what they'd just felt on their cheeks
didn't mean that you were glad to see them.


I complained to the CRO, and he assured me that
it was only no standing in front of The Line during a cold range.
(No touching front table contents, of course).
You could still transit over The Line.
So, it's just like a passing zone.

Plus, at our club The Line is yellow - not red.

So we got that going for us.
Which is nice.

Lol no there's a ton of room behind this line like 8 feet of concrete and another 8 of grass. This really is on him if he was at any of the rifle ranges the pistol lane building is 7 or so feet as well. He just didn't want to follow that rule or whoever brought him didn't tell him

 

[AHM]

Lol no there's a ton of room behind this line like 8 feet of concrete and another 8 of grass. This really is on him if he was at any of the rifle ranges the pistol lane building is 7 or so feet as well. He just didn't want to follow that rule or whoever brought him didn't tell him

And then there's this NFGA rule:

3.2. Proper Way to Redress an Infraction of The Rules

3.2.1. Inevitably, some Members may not be aware of and​

understand each and every Nashua Fish & Game Association Standard​

Club Rule. An infraction should be pointed out in a courteous​

way, and the errant Member should be asked to cease and desist.​

The proper response: immediately to stop doing whatever​

occasioned the correction. Failure to stop immediately may​

result in disciplinary action as set forth below. No Member​

should berate publicly another Member for a Rule infraction.​

Almost all Rule violations are the result of error, not evil​

intent.​

Underscoring mine.

 

[whacko]

I was the only one at a range there, picking thru the brass bucket. The bucket was up
on the firing line. Two other shooters came to the range and were setting up. They went
down range to place targets. Another member came up and was giving me a raft of shit
because I was at the firing line (no firearms and my head down in a bucket) while someone
was down range.

Malodave

We've had complaints in the past by "rule breakers" to the board about "rafts of shit" being given to "rule breakers". There is a distinct difference between:

A. a "raft of shit"
B. "hey......the range rules say you need to be behind that line when folks are downrange so you need to back up".

There are absolutely multitudes of human beings these days navigating through life that cannot tell the difference between A. and B.

 

[jkelly1229]

We've had complaints in the past by "rule breakers" to the board about "rafts of shit" being given to "rule breakers". There is a distinct difference between:

A. a "raft of shit"
B. "hey......the range rules say you need to be behind that line when folks are downrange so you need to back up".

There are absolutely multitudes of human beings these days navigating through life that cannot tell the difference between A. and B.

I mean you know how not to get into that situation... don't break the rules lol.

Who knows what happened between them.

But your correct sometimes people go to far

 

[whacko]

I mean you know how not to get into that situation... don't break the rules lol.

Who knows what happened between them.

But your correct sometimes people go to far

Exactly. Pay attention to the rules and no problem. But if your knowingly breaking a rule.....even if its not an "imminent danger" situation......and someone reminds you of the rule.......suck it up and deal with it. What I'm saying is there is a current influx of total pussies that have their feelings hurt when someone simply reminds them of the rules.

 

[Navy Moose]

I feel like I won the Academy Award. Last night I saw an email from Londonderry asking me to login and create my member profile. I am now waiting for the orientation dates so I can enjoy a great club.