Key Highlights
- Phoenix Rifle Club offers two distinct routes onto the range: a pay-as-you-go visitor pass, and annual membership.
- The visitor pass (£30 for up to 3 hours, maximum 3 visits) is only available to those who already hold a valid UK Firearms Certificate and insurance.
- Membership (£250/year adult, £100/year family or junior) is the route for anyone without a certificate who wants to learn the sport from scratch.
- Membership includes use of club-owned rifles, induction training, and sponsorship toward your own Firearms Certificate.
- Your choice really comes down to one question: do you already hold a certificate, or are you starting from zero?
Introduction
“Should I just pay to visit, or should I join?” is one of the most common questions we get from people looking into shooting at Phoenix Rifle Club. The honest answer depends less on preference and more on where you currently stand: whether you already hold a UK Firearms Certificate, or you’re starting from nothing. This guide walks through both routes so you know exactly which applies to you before you get in touch.
The Pay-as-You-Go Option: Visitor Days
Our visitor pass is designed for people who already hold a valid UK Firearms Certificate and proof of insurance, and simply want access to our 200m indoor tunnel range on an occasional basis. It costs £30 for up to 3 hours, with a maximum of 3 visits before you’d need to consider membership for continued access.
This route suits shooters who are already licensed elsewhere, visiting the area, or wanting to try our range before considering a move or a second club. It doesn’t require induction training, a club interview, or an ongoing commitment. All you need is your certificate, your insurance, and a booking.
The Membership Option: Building Toward Your Own FAC
If you don’t yet hold a Firearms Certificate, membership is the actual route into the sport rather than a taster session. New members are interviewed by the Club Secretary, complete induction training, and begin shooting under supervision using club-owned rifles. That’s everything from .22LR through to our full-bore range.
Membership is priced at £250 per year for adults and £100 per year for family or junior members, paid by bank transfer. Renewals fall on 1 June each year. Alongside regular range access, membership includes the pathway toward your own Firearms Certificate, with club sponsorship once you’ve reached the required competency. For full detail on what’s involved, see our membership page and our New Member FAQs.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Question | FAC Visitor (Pay-as-you-go) | Membership |
|---|---|---|
| Do you already hold a UK FAC? | Yes, required | Not required to join |
| Cost | £30 per session (up to 3 hours) | £250/year adult, £100/year family or junior |
| Visit limit | Maximum 3 visits | Regular access on club operating days |
| Induction required | No | Yes |
| Route to your own FAC | Not applicable — you already hold one | Yes, with club sponsorship |
| Use of club rifles | No — bring your own, listed on your FAC | Yes, while you build competency |
Who Pay-as-You-Go Suits Best
The visitor route suits existing certificate holders who want flexible, occasional access without an annual commitment. That might mean shooters visiting South Wales, members of other clubs wanting to try our tunnel range, or anyone deciding whether Phoenix Rifle Club is the right second home range before committing further.
Who Membership Suits Best
Membership suits anyone completely new to the sport, or anyone who wants regular, ongoing access rather than a capped number of visits. It’s also the only route toward holding your own Firearms Certificate through this club, since that process runs through club sponsorship rather than a one-off visit.
Conclusion
The choice between pay-as-you-go and membership at Phoenix Rifle Club usually isn’t really a choice at all — it’s determined by whether you already hold a Firearms Certificate. If you do, our visitor pass is a low-commitment way to try the range. If you don’t, membership is the genuine route into the sport, complete with induction, club equipment, and a pathway to your own certificate. For a full cost breakdown of both routes, see our pricing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay for a single visit without holding a Firearms Certificate?
No. Our visitor pass requires a valid UK Firearms Certificate and proof of insurance. Without one, the route into the club is via probationary membership.
How long does it take to get my own FAC through membership?
Applying for your Firearms Certificate can begin as little as 3 months after joining, and club sponsorship is expected within a year of membership, once the required competency has been demonstrated.
Can I switch from visitor access to membership later?
Yes, though visitor fees already paid are not deducted from membership or application fees.
Is membership open all year round?
Membership applications for 2026 are currently open. See our membership page for the current status before applying.
Does membership include equipment?
Yes. Members can use club-owned rifles across a range of calibres, from .22LR through to our full-bore range, while they build competency and work toward their own certificate.