NRA Probationary Fees, erm... what?

[bradaz11]

i couldnt find them either

[Dougan]

I don't begrudge paying two membership fees for them, or even a seasonable "joining fee" but I cannot believe the NRA can happily sit there and ask for a Grand from me

To be fair Tower the NRA aren't asking 'you' to pay for your fiancee and brother...that's up to you.

[Dougan]

I don't know what everyone's moaning about...

We've got a national organisation who can put on a fast track/intensive course, and currently 100 people prepared to pay a reasonable fee for it...so that's 100 new shooters, and the NRA making some much needed revenue...great!

We've also got good clubs who are prepared to give more affordable courses to new members in a slower club environment; giving their time voluntarily...that's also great!

Where's the problem with having some options that are all good for shooting...?

[Countryman]

I joined the NRA last year. So far it's been a mixed bag.

At my club you will be a probationer for 6 months. I'm just revamping our training regime but it has always been that it will take you most of that time to complete the course 1 evening a week. Say 18 hours of tuition.

At my club I give my time for free. If I was charging for it then you wouldn't see a lot of change plus then costs for ranges, kit and ammo.

So the NRA will give you great tuition, in a condensed timeframe at the best facility in the country for £460? It's your call. I agree if you want to start the kids this way it's going to mount up.

Or you can come to my club do it at our pace and at the end of it once you have done some competitions the Chairman will sign your SSC and we go to Bisley once a quarter. Then you could pay your NRA membership of £72 a year and go book your own range time to suit you.

Cost me about the same to do my PADI diving courses and similar to to my RYA sailing courses.

[Demonic69]

Do you get your FAC quicker if you do the NRA course?

[Countryman]

Do you get your FAC quicker if you do the NRA course?

No but if you have suitable training it is a hurdle towards being approved for your FAC and club membership can be your "Good Reason" for ownership.

(Assuming this was a genuine question)

[Chapuis]

Do you get your FAC quicker if you do the NRA course?

No you have to serve a minimum of three months probationary period under the H.O. rules for clubs unless you qualify for one of the exemptions and the NRA agree to immediate full membership.

My club has a policy which I agree entirely with of 6 months probationary period for everyone with no exceptions.

[Demonic69]

It was genuine Countryman, I just don't see the point of a quick course if it changes nothing. I'd also rather make sure new shooters were well known and serious before giving them my approval. Even only a day a month over 6 months shows willing and can show different sides of a person, show if they paid attention the last time and are actually learning and progressing.
Can you just do the NRA course, wait 2 months then apply for your FAC?

[Countryman]

The reason I asked if you were serious is because in a lot of constabularies having applied for your FAC it takes them months and months to process your application because they are short staffed and ill disposed. Nothing you can do helps under these circumstances.

Some people drive Ferraris others drive Citroen. They both do the same job. Will you get more out of an NRA course that being taught by me in the shires? I'd like to think not. I have every respect for the NRA instructors. Charles the Chief instructor of the NRA is superb and incredibly entertaining to boot.

It's good that they suggested a local club. The key difference is that the NRA have a wage bill and at my club I teach for love of the sport.