Shooting Club

Security of our members must remain a priority for us and each member has to play his or her part because what affects one of us indubitably affects all of us.

What is Defensive Pistol Shooting?

Defensive Pistol Shooting as a sport is quite simply the use of practical equipment including full charge service ammunition to solve simulated “real world” self-defense scenarios. Shooters competing in IDPA events are required to use practical handguns and holsters that are truly suitable for self-defense use. No “competition only” equipment is permitted in IDPA matches since the main goal is to test the skill and ability of an individual, not his equipment or gamesmanship.

Why do you need an F.U.E.C.?

A Firearms Users Employee Certificate (FUEC) allows the holder to use the firearms associated with the Firearms Users License (FUL) against which the application for the FUEC was made. For instance, the member of the IDPA who holds an FUEC against the association's FUL is legally entitled to carry and use any of the firearms that are listed on that FUL.

Legally, the person who handles possesses or uses a firearm for which he does not have an FUL or an FUEC is committing an offence and the person who aids and abets such an individual in such an act is also liable. As the society becomes more and more litigation conscious the Association has to move to secure itself against unnecessary litigation.

On the other side of the coin having an FUEC implies that one is accustomed to and trained in and is supposedly aware of the safety, security and legal aspects of using firearms. This augurs well in favor of an application for an FUL by such an individual.

The transition from being the holder of an FUEC to the holder of an FUL is easier than that of a non-FUEC holder applying for an FUL for the first time. In fact, the Commissioner of Police has been asking prospective applicants for FULs to show membership in gun clubs, the intention being that the individual must first show competence in the use of firearms before an FUL is issued. Such competence can only legitimately be obtained by someone who possesses an FUEC unless, of course, one has been trained outside of Trinidad and Tobago.

In a nutshell, it is to your advantage both from a legal standpoint and to facilitate your eventual application for a license of your own, to hold an FUEC. Non-FUEC holders will not be allowed to access the association's firearms.

Wear Your ID

As members of an organization that deals with firearms and ammunition on a regular basis we must be acutely aware that the environment under which we operate is changing rapidly and that the need to secure ourselves against uninvited and unwarranted situations becomes even more important.

No longer can we cannot afford to operate as we have done in the past on the basis of open trust and honesty. There was a time when life was easier and we could have afforded to be flexible in some regards. Unfortunately, those times have gone and what was once an accommodation has become the norm and in fact, has begun to work against us insofar that non-members are accessing your range with impunity.

Security of our members must remain a priority for us and each member has to play his or her part because what affects one of us indubitably affects all of us. We must constantly be checking our surroundings and be prepared to challenge or support the officers of the association who are authorized to do so on our behalf. Wear your I.D. while on the range.

IDPA Trinidad Range Rules

All firearms must be unloaded immediately upon entering the Pistol range. Firearms will be unloaded and rendered safe in the designated area provided for this function.
Firearms will be presented to the Range Master (or the designated range Assistant) with the action open.
Do not load Firearm until told to do so on the Firing Line or upon leaving the Range. You may reload prior to leaving the Range, using the designated area provided.
No dry firing is permitted in areas other than the Firing Line.
No unauthorized personnel are allowed in the bunker area.
No unauthorized personnel will be allowed on the Firing Line during times of controlled shooting.
No unsafe acts or non-compliance of Range rules will be tolerated, and persons in violation of these rules will be asked to leave the Range.
The Range master will be in charge of Range Activities. All questions during controlled shooting should be directed to the Range master( or the designated range Assistant).
The only Safe Area on the Range during courses of fire will be those declared SAFE by the range master.
If during the course of firing you experience a Firearm malfunction and you are unable to clear the weapon, keep the weapon pointed downrange and raise your free hand. You will then be assisted by a Range Officer.
Do not bend over, turn around or step off the Firing Line until the Range Officer announces it is safe.
No smoking, eating or drinking is permitted on the Firing Line.
You are the best and ultimate judge of your own abilities. Do not do anything you feel cannot be handled SAFELY.
SAFETY DEPENDS ON YOU!! PAY ATTENTION!! KEEP YOU MIND ON WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND STAY SAFE.

Firing Point Rules

All Firearms must be discharged at the firing point, under direct supervision of a Range Officer.
All shooters are required to wear eye and ear protection, and must be properly attired on the firing pointy.
No alcoholic beverages will be allowed on the firing point.
If during firing you experience a malfunction and cannot clear it, keep the weapon pointed downrange and raise your hand, a Range Officer will come to your assistance.

Any unsafe acts and/or non compliance of these rules will not be tolerated. Any person violating these rules may be required to leave the range.