Frequently Asked Questions


Frequently Asked Questions About TRC

What is the Tucson Rifle Club?

Tucson Rifle Club was first organized in 1896 and chartered by the National Rifle Association in 1919. As such, TRC is one of the oldest continuously operating shooting clubs in the State of Arizona. The Three Points Public Shooting Range is located 25 miles West of Tucson and is operated by the Tucson Rifle Club through lease agreement with the Arizona Game & Fish Department for the safe use of firearms and the promotion of the shooting sports.

Prior to the Three Points move, Tucson Rifle Club operated until 1967 on a tract of land that is now the site of Pima College West.  The former site of TRC was deeded to Pima County in exchange for cash and the lease agreement for the land upon which the Three Points Public Shooting Range now sits.

Three Points Range would not have come about except for the hard work ... of then TRC President, Milt Hood.

Three Points Public Shooting Range was officially dedicated on April 12, 1969. The first facilities constructed included 5 ranges: Smallbore, High Power, Black Powder, Sight-in, and Silhouette.  The Three Points Range would not have come about except for the hard work and perseverance of then TRC President, Milt Hood.  Hood's leadership in holding TRC together when we lost our range site at Pima College West and his efforts in getting financial, material, and labor for construction of The Three Points Public Shooting Range was instrumental to the establishment of today's facility.

In 1969, nominated by none other than Ben Avery himself, Milt Hood received the NRA's National Service Award in recognition of his work in building the Three Points Public Shooting Range.

Tucson Rifle Club has been a significant influence in the shooting sports.

  • TRC held the first State High Power Rifle Silhouette Championships.
  • TRC held the first National High Power Rifle Silhouette Championships.
  • TRC established the rules for Pistol Silhouette and held the very first Pistol Silhouette match—ever.
  • TRC held the first National Championships for Pistol Silhouette.

State, National, and International Silhouette Championships are still held at TRC.

TRC is a Civilian Marksmanship Program affiliate which qualifies members to purchase rifles, ammunition, and spare parts from the CMP. Index

How do I get to the Three Points Public Shooting Range?
Drive West from Tucson on Ajo Way (Hwy 86). A mile past Robles Junction, you'll see Mile Post 148. The entrance to the range is just past Mile Post 148 on the right. Please obey the posted speed limits and be sure to sign in at the Range Office. Index

What range facilities are available, who can use them, and what is the cost?
TRC has several ranges available for public use on a first come, first serve basis. The daily range fee for non-members is $6.00. All shooters must pay the range fee—even if sharing a gun. Spectators need not pay the range fee, but must obey all range rules. All TRC visitors (shooters and spectators alike) must sign in with the Rangemaster. New shooters will receive a safety briefing.

Junior shooters are welcome. However, those shooters under 14 years of age are to be under the direct and close supervision of a responsible adult. The adult supervisor of a junior (or trainee) shooter must to be in close proximity (one step away) from the junior (or the unskilled adult) shooter when the new shooter is on the firing line or handling firearms. An adult must supervise all shooters under 18 years old, regardless of the supervised shooter's experience level.

For participants classified as Junior Shooters participating in organized activities, e.g., 4-H, BSA, AG&F Hunter Safety, the above fee my be reduced or waived at the discretion of the Rangemaster. Index

What equipment do I need?
You'll need to provide your own rifle or handgun and ammunition. Chamber flags (open bolt indicators) are required on all ranges. Bring your firearm, unloaded, in an appropriate case. Use this case to move your firearm from your car to the firing line. Do not handle, i.e., uncase, load, dryfire, adjust scope, etc., your firearm during range ceasefires.

Ear and eye protection are required of all shooters and spectators at the firing lines at all times (except during cease fires). Target frames and stands can be checked out. There is a damage charge for shooting the target frames ($1.00 per hole). Foam ear plugs, paper targets, and chamber flags (OBI's) are available for sale at the Range Office. Index

Are there restrictions on what I can shoot?
There are limitations to the guns and ammo you can use on certain ranges. Due to the dry conditions and extreme fire hazard, tracer ammunition is prohibited on all ranges. Steel silhouette targets are restricted to calibers larger than .22 and non-armor piercing bullets. Automatic weapons (class 3) are generally restricted to organized matches. .50 cal BMG shooters must be TRC/FCSA qualified and are restricted to the 1000 yard range. When in doubt, check with the Rangemaster as to allowable firearms and ammunition for the particular range you plan on using. Index

Can I use my own targets?
Depends. All targets and target stands not provided by TRC must be approved in advance by the Rangemaster. Do not expect to be allowed to shoot at glass bottles, old computers, or posters of elected officials. Index

Are there times when the ranges are closed or unavailable?
Hours of operation are Monday through Sunday, 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Extended range hours are offered during the summer months of June, July, August, September on weekends. TRC is closed on the holidays of Christmas and Thanksgiving. At times, some ranges may be unavailable due to scheduled matches and events. It is best to check the TRC Calendar or call the Range Office before driving out, especially if you desire to use a particular range. Index

What memberships are available?
Yearly membership for an individual is $40. A family membership is $50. A family membership allows you, your spouse, and minor dependent children (<18) to use the facilities.

If you are a member you may bring a guest, i.e., non-member, to the range to shoot. However, that person must pay the daily range fee required of all non-members. Index

I only come out to sight in my hunting rifle twice a year, what benefit is there to yearly membership over daily rates?
Adult members may run for office, elect Club Officers, reserve/use specialized range facilities for organized shoots, and attend our monthly TRC Board meetings! Finally, since TRC runs the range, any changes, improvements, or monies spent are decided upon by members. Non-members have little say in range development and policies. Index

When and where are TRC Board meetings held?
Every third Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. the meetings are held at the Tucson Mid-Town Police Department Substation (Patrick Hardesty Building, 1100 S. Alvernon Way, Tucson AZ 85713).

The substation is located at 22nd St and Alvernon on the Northwest corner of the intersection. The meeting will be in the public meeting room at the station next to the main entrance (to the right as you walk in).

The first Sunday in December is reserved for the annual TRC general membership meeting and Officer elections and is held at the range. You can read Board meeting minutes online. Index

I'm sold, how do I apply for membership?
The Rangemaster will be happy to take your money at the TRC Range Office or you can fill out our Online Membership Form and send it with a check for your first year's dues to the address listed on the form. TRC memberships are also sold in Tucson at Diamondback Policy Supply. Index

What types of competitive shooting events are offered at TRC?
Cowboy Shooting (SASS), National Match High Power, Silhouette, 1000 Yard Bench Rest, 3-Gun, Black Powder—just about everything except Trap & Skeet. Check out our Calendar of Events and view some event photos on our Pictures pages. Index

I'm interested in competitive shooting, how do I find a match?
Perhaps the best place to start is with the Calendar of Events. Note when a competitive event is scheduled, then contact the Match Director. Some Match Directors are not available via e-mail or publicly listed phone, in that case you will need to show up at the match to meet with them. Best to call the Range Office in case there's been an unlisted match schedule change.

Match Directors are responsible for the handling of the event and are the primary contact point for all questions concerning their respective matches. He (or she) will be happy to explain what is required for you to participate in the match. Don't expect to necessarily show up and participate in the event that day. Match Directors may wish to assess your skill level and training or may not accept participants without member sponsorship or club affiliation. Index

What else is available besides a place to shoot?
Lots of stuff:—Camping—RV Hookups—Targets—Snacks and soft drinks—Drinking water—Restrooms—Electricity to ranges—Shade—Benches. Index

How can I schedule a match?
Just about all you the information you need to provide us to schedule a match can be found by downloading our Range Reservation Request Form (pdf version). Our calendar web page also has information on available ranges, times, and procedures for reservation.

From the TRC Bylaws:

6) Any person or group wishing to schedule an event that will restrict access to a particular range facility or facilities will use the following procedure:

a) At least 30 days prior, submit a written request for approval of the event and desired date to the range officer providing complete information about the proposed event (i.e., sponsor, person or persons in charge, facilities to be used, description and schedule of activities, course of fire, etc.). The Rangemaster and Safety Officer shall review the request and forward the request to the President with their recommendation for either approval or rejection.

b) Upon approval, the Rangemaster and President shall be given notification of confirmation of the event and date, and stating the assumption of complete responsibility for the safety and conduct of those attending the event. Address written correspondence to: Rangemaster, Tucson Rifle Club, Inc., Three Points Public Shooting Range, HC 2 Box 7128, Tucson, AZ 85735-9729.

c) As an expedient, the person or group may present the request to the Executive Committee at the monthly Board meeting.

d) Reimburse TRC immediately following the event at the following rates:

1) $5.00 per entry for those events in which an entry fee is charged.

2) No charge per entry in AG&F Hunter Safety and Junior events.

e) Reimburse TRC for damage to TRC equipment at a rate commensurate with the damage as determined by the Rangemaster.

f) Supply all labor and materials necessary to the event including set up and dismantaling. The range in use shall be returned to its original condition after the event and to the satisfaction of the Rangemaster.

Non-regularly scheduled matches, i.e., a one time event or special match, are scheduled on a first come, first served basis.

If someone intends to hold a match. It must follow some established shooting discipline e.g., NRA, SASS, NBRSA, IHMSA, IPDA, IPSC, etc. If the match type is unknown, then a course of fire or match description must be submitted to the TRC Safety Officer for approval.

Regular, continuing matches may also be scheduled, e.g., SASS, National Match High Power, through the above Bylaw procedure. TRC reserves the right to cancel these matches if the reserved facilities are needed for other purposes, e.g., a National or State Championship event. See below for details on costs. Index

How do I promote my match on the TRC web site?
Brief announcements and corrections for the TRC web site should be e-mailed to the TRC Webmaster.

The TRC web site is better for fast dissemination of very brief announcements. If you'd like to promote a regularly scheduled match or a large State or National event in a more extensive fashion on the TRC web site, contact the TRC Webmaster to discuss what can be done.

Always phone the TRC Range Office and let the Rangemaster know of any changes to scheduled matches. Remember, people you don't know about may be driving a long way for your match. Index

Can I have my match results posted on the TRC website?

Talk to the TRC Webmaster. If you have a monthly shoot, a web page or website section can be developed to promote your match. Entry forms and a results page can also be developed. Here's an example of how the Garand match folks report their match results. If you have a nonrecurring match that you like to post the results of, send them to the TRC webmaster via email. Match reports in MS Word or Excel can usually be converted to html for posting on TRC's blog page.

The range facility I use is in need of improvement/repair, what can be done?

It depends on what improvements/repairs are desired. See the Rangemaster first to discuss the situation. Simple repair items, e.g., broken targets, can often be replaced from stock.

If modification to a range is desired, then you'll need to bring this request to the attention of the TRC Board (monthly Board meetings are a good time for this). Depending on the improvements desired, there may even be Club funding available.

All modifications to range facilities must be approved in writing by the Board before the start of any work. Permission for any individual or club to modify range facilities will be granted only after careful study by the Board and discussion with other range users to determine impact. If the Board approves of your proposed modifications, but is unable to fund your desired improvements, you may consider funding and performing the desired range modifications yourself with the following proviso:

The Three Points Public Shooting Range is owned by the Arizona Game & Fish Department. All facilities are public property and will remain available for public use (with the sole exception of the DPS range). Groups funding range improvements may in some instances be granted priority scheduling of that range, however, no range facilities will be reserved for the exclusive use of any individual or group, regardless of that individual's or group's funding of any range modifications or improvements. All improvements become the property of the Arizona Game & Fish Department. Future decisions as to use and modification of any improved range facilities will continue to be at the sole discretion of theTRC Board. Index

If I'm going to pay for improvement/repair, why can't I have more control over the range facility?

Because the Three Points Public Shooting Range is leased, not owned, the Tucson Rifle Club has no authority under our lease agreement to assign special concessions to any group or individual.

Specifically, under the terms of our lease agreement with the Arizona Game & Fish Department:

  • The Club shall not assign or sublet this agreement or any concession or right hereunder without first having obtained the prior consent of the Commission. Any assignment and/or sublease and/or concession shall be subject to the terms and conditions requested by the Commission to protect the Commission's interest. (Paragraph 15)

  • The Club agrees that all improvements placed upon the premises shall thereupon become the property of the Department and that upon the expiration of the term of this agreement or any extension thereof, the Club will surrender to the Commission the premises together with all permanent structures, facilities, and improvements thereon erected by the Club. (Paragraph 14b)

  • The Club agrees to keep the premises and structures and improvements thereon free and clear from any and all liens of laborers, mechanics, or materialmen and all liens of a similar character arising out of or growing out of the construction, repair, or alteration and maintenance of such improvements. (Paragraph 11)

  • ... the public shall have equal and reasonable access to the shooting range without discrimination ... (Paragraph 4a) Index

I'm an instructor, can I reserve facilities for my class?
Yes, use the same procedure as for scheduling a match. See "How can I schedule a match?" Index

What's the cost to reserve TRC range facilities?
The person or group scheduling the event will be expected to collect participant fees (similar to the TRC daily range fees collected by the Rangemaster for non-members) and submit those fees plus a match report to the Rangemaster at the conclusion of the event. These fees are collected for every match participant—even if that participant is a member of TRC and normally would not pay a daily range fee for using non-reserved ranges. If the range being used is reserved, then all participants pay a daily TRC match fee (currently $5) as set by the Board (see TRC Bylaws) for exclusive use of reserved ranges.

There are fees for additional range resources such as RV hookup ($15 per day), camping ($6 per day—non-hookup). All persons camping, excluding current TRC members, will be charged an additional daily range fee for use of public ranges, i.e., camping fees do not include shooting fees. Shooting is permitted by campers only during normal hours of operation (typically, Monday through Sunday, 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.).

For participants classified as Junior Shooters, e.g., 4-H, BSA, AG&F Hunter Safety, the above fees my be reduced or waived at the discretion of the Rangemaster. Index