Pistol Club facing uncertain future
By Erin Perkins
The Grand Forks Rifle and Handgun Club/Boundary Pistol Club may vote to fold if enough members can’t be found.
That’s why the club is holding a special meeting on Tuesday, April 17 at 7 p.m. in the Wildlife Hall, 7820 2nd Avenue, Grand Forks.
According to John Billwiller, acting secretary-treasurer for the club, only five of the 20 local members attended the annual general meeting on March 27, making it impossible to even elect a new executive because they didn’t have quorum.
At the special meeting on Tuesday, the present members hope to have enough people there to elect an executive and to choose the future focus of the club.
Last week Billwiller put a call out to all present and past members of the club’s plight.
The declining numbers is partially due to the aging membership, having lost three active shooters due to advancing age.
The club is really about fellowship and an opportunity to learn from other more experienced gun owners, said Billwiller, who joined for that very reason when he first became the owner of a restricted weapon.
Besides fellowship, the club hosts a regular shoot at the outdoor range on Sundays over the summer.
Although it is not required to belong to a gun club to own a restricted firearm, it sure helps. According to Billwiller, having a membership in a club like the Grand Forks Rifle and Handgun Club/Boundary Pistol Club helps in the application process when applying to move or use restricted weapons.
“Not having a membership seems to usually result in denial of the authorization,” wrote Billwiller in the email.
(Should the club close) restricted weapon owners would lose an opportunity of fellowship with like-minded individuals.
The indoor and outdoor rifle ranges are owned and licensed by the Grand Forks Wildlife Association and are therefore unaffected by the issues facing the Grand Forks Rifle and Handgun Club/Boundary Pistol Club. Only members of the Wildlife Association can use the facilities.
Memberships to the Grand Forks Rifle and Handgun Club/Boundary Pistol Club are available from Billwiller and Heather’s Hobbies at 239 72nd Avenue. Memberships are $15 annually per person.
For a look at what constitutes a restricted or prohibited firearm please visit the RCMP website at http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/rp-eng.htm .
