Frequently Asked Questions
GALLY HILL SHOOTING CLUB
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you have a question about membership or activities at Gally Hill, please take a moment to look through the following "Frequently Asked Questions" before contacting the Club.
Q: Do you allow people to come along to have a go at shooting?
Q: Can I do pistol shooting at Gally Hill?
Q: Do you provide coaching for beginners?
Q: Do you have minimum standards?
Q: Does anyone fail to meet your standards?
Q: Can I shoot a shotgun at Gally Hill?
Q: How much does your membership cost?
Q: I am retired do I have to pay full membership fee?
Q: How old do I have to be to join Gally Hill?
Q: Do you offer junior memberships (14-17)?
Q: Do you offer a family membership?
Q: Do you provide special rates for students?
Q: Can a member bring a guest to shoot?
Q: What days and times do you open?
Q: Does the FET check include those who want air only membership?
Q: Do you require a lot of information for membership?
Q: How do I get a Firearms Certificate?
Q: Do I have to have my own firearms?
Q: When do you conduct your coaching?
Q: Do you coach on other days?
Q: How long does coaching take?
Q: Do you hire out your premises?
Q: If I accompany my child will I be allowed to try out shooting?
Q: I want to go hunting or do vermin control can I join Gally Hill?
Q: Can I shoot my full bore rifle at Gally Hill?
Q: Do you have parking facilities?
Q: Are there any job opportunities at Gally Hill?
Q: What type of equipment do you have for loan to members?
Q: How long is your waiting list?
Q: I have seen the photographs on your website, what is the access like to your club?
Q: I would like to do Archery, what do I need to do?
Q: Can I join to do crossbow shooting?
Q: Can I use airsoft or BB guns on your ranges?
Q: Do you allow people to come along to have a go at shooting?
A: No, we are not allowed to have casual shooters. The National Rifle Association (NRA) hold open days each year where those interested in shooting can experience a whole range and variety of shooting disciplines. This is an organised event which requires pre-booking. The NRA website can be accessed here. Some companies run corporate shooting experiences and you may find more details online. The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) and the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA), are also good sources of information.
Q: Can I do pistol shooting at Gally Hill?
A: We welcome applications from those who wish to shoot air disciplines (air pistol and rifle) and those who currently hold a Firearms Certificate and own muzzle loading pistols or long barrel pistols or revolvers. We do not provide coaching for muzzle loaders nor do we provide muzzle loading firearms, long barrel pistols or revolvers for use by Club members. Muzzle loading is governed by the Muzzle Loaders Association of Great Britain (MLAGB); their website can be accessed here if you require more information about muzzle loading.
Q: Do you provide coaching for beginners?
A: All potential members, regardless of their experience, must undergo an induction programme overseen by our coaching team. This includes range safety, range management and training in the relevant disciplines. Firearms Certificate holders will serve a minimum of 3 months as probationary members all others will serve a minimum period of 6 months. These periods are subject to extension at our discretion.
Q: Do you have minimum standards?
A: All new members must achieve a standard set by our coaching team who record each stage of development. Our team will help you achieve the requisite standards.
Q: Does anyone fail to meet your standards?
A: The standards set are achievable for all ages and abilities and our coaching team are very experienced in helping people reach their goal. Safety is paramount but very occasionally individuals do fail to meet our standards.
Q: Can I shoot a shotgun at Gally Hill?
A: No, we are not able to facilitate shotgun shooting. If you are interested in shotgun shooting disciplines you may wish to visit the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA), the National governing body for clay target shooting in England or the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC).
Q: Can I do Field Targets?
A: We do not have facilities for competitive Field Target shooting (FT). We do have provision for the use of air rifles and pistols on our 25m indoor and outdoor ranges and a FT knockdown practice area for non FAC rated air rifles (targets up to 25m). We also have a small field target range which can only be used for a short period once a week (details are shown in our clubhouse for members). We welcome air shooters and provide air only membership and coaching.
Q: How much does your membership cost?
A: Every new applicant is required to pay a non-refundable £25 application fee. At the start of coaching a further amount equivalent to 6 months membership is due. This amount is dependent on the type of membership required and the age of the applicant. On completion of the probationary period an additional amount for full membership is due on a pro rata basis. The maximum payable overall for a full adult live fire member is £135 (£25 application fee and £110 annual membership).
Q: Are there any other costs?
A: Adults are required to pay a £2 range fee during coaching and thereafter on each visit once they have completed coaching. Juniors are exempt from paying range fees. All members must pay for their consumables (ammunition/targets) and any refreshments.
Q: I am retired do I have to pay full membership fee?
A: Members of 65 and over pay a reduced Senior annual membership rate of £55 for all disciplines. Senior applicants are still required to pay our one off non-refundable application fee of £25.
Q: How old do I have to be to join Gally Hill?
A: The minimum age requirement is 14 years of age.
Q: Do you offer junior memberships (14-15-16-17)?
A: Yes, but only for air coaching. Juniors (14-17) are only eligible for live fire training if they have joined as air members and have completed their 6 month probationary period. They may then apply in writing to our Committee requesting live fire training. Each application will be dealt with on a case by case basis. Annual membership is £33 for all disciplines. Juniors are also required to pay the £25 application fee. Unfortunately we are unable accept any applications from juniors younger than 14 years old.
Q: Do you offer a family membership?
A: No. Although 2 adults living in the same address in an adult and partner relationship can join as joint members. Both are required to pay the administration fee of £25 but annual membership is reduced to £132 per couple.
Q: Do you provide special rates for students?
A: We have a reduced student membership fee but this is only for young persons aged between 18 and 21 years of age who are still in full time further education. The application fee remains £25 but annual student membership is £38.50 for all disciplines.
Q: Can a member bring a guest to shoot?
A: Only those holding a current full membership of Gally Hill can bring a guest to one of our Committee designated (and Police approved) open days details of which are published in our Clubhouse.
Q: What days and times do you open?
A: Opening days and times are available to members and are on display in our Clubhouse.
Q: What is an FET check?
A: FET stands for (Police) Firearms Enquiry Team. We are required by our licensing authority (Surrey Police) to provide details of any person who seeks probationary or full membership. We must have their approval before any membership application can proceed. No person will be allowed access to firearms, ammunition or coaching until this has been completed.
Q: Does the FET check include those who want air only membership?
A: Yes. The FET is a police requirement regardless of which disciplines a prospective member wishes to undertake.
Q: Do you require a lot of information for membership?
A: Shooting is governed by Legislation and Home Office guidance as we are a Home Office approved Club. The information we seek is necessary for the Club to decide whether we consider you to be suitable for membership and also for the Licensing Authority (Surrey Police) to conduct their own enquiries. We will ask you to complete a preliminary questionnaire and an application form.
Q: Do you require references?
A: Yes, this is part of our application process. Referees must have known the applicant for at least 2 years, they may not be family members and two referees are required for each applicant. References must be handwritten and we provide the necessary forms at the application stage. If you are a member of another shooting club one of your references must be from the Club Secretary (or other Club official) of your existing club. We reserve the right to contact referees to seek clarification or additional information. In exceptional circumstances we may require additional referees.
Q: How do I get a Firearms Certificate?
A: Please refer to the Firearms Licensing section on your local police website and our "Firearms Ownership" pages.
Q: Do I have to have my own firearms?
A: You do not need to have your own firearms as members have access to equipment free of charge. Payment is required for ammunition, targets and any competitions although the fee for competitions generally includes target costs.
Q: When do you conduct your coaching?
A: All coaching - live fire and air - takes place on a Monday evening only.
Q: Do you coach on other days?
A: No. Our coaching teams are all volunteers and give up their time freely. The coaching is set to maximise the numbers we can coach at any one time and without restricting the shooting of our members. We are unable to provide coaching on other days or times at present.
Q: How long does coaching take?
A: This is dependent on how quickly people adapt and whether they have previous shooting experience. Live fire coaching takes several weeks as there are at least 3 disciplines and a range safety induction process. Members must pass each stage before they move on to the next. The air only coaching is comprehensive but less time consuming and also includes range safety induction.
Q: Do you hire out your premises?
A: No, we are a shooting club run by members for members and do not have any commercial activities.
Q: Do you allow spectators?
A: No, target shooting at Gally Hill is a participant sport. Adults accompanying juniors are able to chaperone if they require but must follow the directions of the Club coaches to ensure safety.
Q: If I accompany my child will I be allowed to try out shooting?
A: No. You have to apply in your own right for membership and go through our coaching and induction programme. We welcome joint applications from adults and juniors and where possible we will coach 'as a pair'.
Q: I want to go hunting or do vermin control can I join Gally Hill?
A: We are a target shooting club and members are expected to attend on a regular basis and engage in target shooting sports. We are not a vehicle for those who wish to obtain a firearms certificate for other purposes. If you are interested in non-target related shooting you may wish to visit the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC).
Q: Can I shoot my full bore rifle at Gally Hill?
A: No. Our range limits do not permit the use of such firearms (e.g. .223, .303 or .308 calibres). Our range limits are posted within the clubhouse for the benefit of members. Rifles that use full bore pistol ammunition (e.g. .38) are permitted on our ranges. Anyone using our ranges must ensure they do not use ammunition that exceeds our range limits.
Q: Do you have parking facilities?
A: Our parking is shared with our neighbours (the Epsom Scouts) and is on a first come first served basis. There are no parking charges or marked bays.
Q: Are there any job opportunities at Gally Hill?
A: No. Our Club is run by an elected volunteer Committee for our members. Members also help the Club at our working weekends and by helping out on a voluntary basis.
Q: What type of equipment do you have for loan to members?
A: Our equipment is sufficient to meet the needs of our members and our coaching teams. You will not need to buy any expensive equipment to start coaching at Gally Hill.
Q: How long is your waiting list?
A: Safety is paramount and we are required to provide coaching to ensure members reach a satisfactory and safe standard. Our coaching team are all volunteers and give up their time freely. We are limited in the numbers we can coach at any one time and by the pace at which new members progress. For air only membership the waiting list is currently 3-4 months and for live fire about 5-6 months from Police approval (based on the numbers currently on our waiting list). Existing Firearm Certificate holders are offered fast-track entry to the club, typically within about 2 months.
Q: I have seen the photographs on your website, what is the access like to your club?
A: Our site is on 3 levels, the first is the car park. Access to the 2nd level (our club house) is by stairs or ramp. Our 3rd or range level is accessed through the club house and is by stairs or stair lift. If you have a disability please contact our Membership Secretary directly to discuss your requirements.
Q: I would like to do Archery, what do I need to do?
A: Please contact our affiliated club (Surrey Archers) through their website.
Q: Can I join to do crossbow shooting?
A: No. Currently we do not have any coaching, equipment or facilities for crossbow shooting.
Q: I am a current Firearms Certificate holder do I still have to go through coaching and a probationary period?
A: All new members who hold a Firearms Certificate will be assessed by our coaching team who will familiarise them with our facilities and range management and safety protocols. If deemed safe they will be allowed to shoot as probationary members but must serve a minimum of 3 months as a probationer. They will not be allowed to perform the role of Range Officer until they become full members and only then if they have attained the age of 18 years.
Q: Can I use airsoft or BB guns on your ranges?
A: No. We have found this type of ammunition to be dangerous underfoot to our members.
Q: Do you have a GDPR Policy?
A: Yes, a copy of our policy document can be found on our Membership page. Please also note that areas of the car park, Club entrance and ranges are under continuous recorded CCTV coverage in accordance with this policy.