Community & veterans
The Club Down the Road
Local shooting clubs and sportsmen’s associations are where the tradition is handed on. Keeping them healthy takes members, volunteers — and a little fundraising savvy.
2A Digital · August 2026 issue ·
Ask longtime shooters where they learned and many will name a club: a rod-and-gun club with an old clubhouse, a county sportsmen’s association, a small range kept up by volunteers. These places teach safety, host youth programs and give newcomers a welcoming first step.
Most clubs run on dues and volunteer hours. Members mow the berms, staff safety officer shifts, repair target frames and organize matches. If you belong to a club, the easiest way to help is to show up for a work day; if you don’t, this is a good season to visit and ask how to join.
Fundraising fills the gaps. Common ideas include fun shoots and charity matches, game dinners, raffles conducted in line with state rules, sponsorship banners from local businesses and youth-program sponsorships. Raffles and gaming in particular are regulated differently in each state, so check before you plan one.
Clubs that want to accept tax-deductible donations sometimes form or partner with a nonprofit. That process has its own legal and tax requirements, and it is worth getting professional advice before you start.
Whatever the size of your club, keep the welcome mat out. New shooters, women and families, veterans looking for community and young people in shooting-sports programs are the future of every range in America.
New shooters, families, veterans and young people are the future of every range in America.
Educational content only — not legal advice. Laws on firearms, carry, transport and self-defense vary by state and change; confirm current rules with a licensed attorney or official state resources. Always follow the universal firearm safety rules and train with a qualified instructor.