Esquimalt Gun Club
By Tem Greenhalgh, Esquimalt Gun Club
The Esquimalt Sport Shooting Club (ESSC) exists to provide recreational shooting opportunities to its members by utilizing exclusive access to military ranges and facilities. This was based on a model used by other Canadian Forces base clubs, such as CFB Edmonton, to allow recreational access to military ranges.
A relatively junior club, founded in 2019 just in time to be immediately shut down for the COVID 19 pandemic. A revival followed in 2021 and has been in operation since. 2023 has seen its busiest year yet and work is underway to allow former serving (veterans), police (both federal and municipal) as well as Coast Guard members into the club.
Range days are typically held on weekends at either Heals range in Victoria or Nanaimo range.
Currently, membership is only available to serving members of both the Reserve or Regular force. The annual fee is $11 and can be obtained at either Naden Athletic Centre or Military Families Resource Centre Colwood. At present, only Non-Restricted firearms are allowed for use on range days.
Questions can be directed to: info.esquimaltsportshootingclub@gmail.com
Looking forward to seeing you all on the range!