Frequently Asked Questions
"What is your club’s purpose?"
The Club's purpose is to promote the art and science of accurate shooting, accurate rifles and rifle marksmanship. Among the founding purposes of the Club is to "encourage, promote and sponsor, organized and supervised shooting matches". Organized and supervised shooting events are characterized by having a predefined course of fire, definitions of the firearms to be used, targets of some standard dimensions, and compiling of numerical scores.
"The club seems heavily oriented to NRA/CMP Highpower Rifle Competition. Why is that?"
Our club was founded by competitive shooters for the propose of honing their personal Marksmanship skills and encouraging excellence in themselves and their fellow members through friendly competition. Over the years our club has produced and been home to a number of nationally-ranked competitors.
Our emphasis has always been on NRA Highpower Rifle competition, however we do have a growing Long Range Tactical group. There are currently no scheduled activities in other areas, although some club members actively practice these sports. Activities may be added in the future if sufficient interest arises.
"What facilities do you have?"
The club owns about 220 acres slightly north of Red Wing, Minnesota, just off Hwy 61. Our club has a 20 point KD (Known Distance) rifle range suitable for High Power Rifle matches and practice with mounded firing lines at 200, 300, 500 and 600 yards. We also have a separate 100 yard general purpose range with shooting benches, and a dedicated Pistol range.
Access to our facility is available only for members, their guests or during scheduled matches. We have no public shooting hours.
"Are exploding targets allowed?"
No. Exploding targets are not allowed anywhere on NSRC property.
"Could I use my vintage military rifle for match shooting?"
Yes, the popularity of vintage military rifle events using the M-1 Garand, 1903 Springfield, 1917 Enfield, and various Mauser designs is growing. While there are no vintage matches scheduled at North Star, there are several events around the upper Midwest during the summer months, as well as events at the US National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio.
“Are memberships available?”
North Star Rifle Club is currently at or near it’s maximum membership limit. New applications for membership will be reviewed by the BOD with preference for new members going toward active NRA/CMP competitors.
"What does the club look for in a member?"
"How can I apply for membership?"
New members are only accepted during our spring membership meeting.
To be considered for membership an applicant must:
Applications for membership are accepted by the Board of Directors for review. Preference will be given to classified and current competitors. Approved candidates will be referred to the general membership for a vote of acceptance at our spring meeting.
Accepted new members are considered "Associate Members" during their first year and are not eligible to vote during business meetings. "Associate Members" are accepted into full membership at the end of their first year by a vote of the membership.
“What constitutes proof of marksmanship activity?”
An NRA classification card, an NRA temporary score record book , a match results bulletin or the endorsement of a known competitive shooter are all proof of marksmanship activity.
“How do I find a sponsor?”
Sponsors can be found by introducing yourself to members during club events like range clean up days, sponsored match weekends and scheduled work days.
"What are the benefits and responsibilities of membership?"
Among the benefits are the use of the range and the ability to learn and share marksmanship skills with other club members. The responsibilities include strict observance of firearms safety, conformance to the club's rules and purpose, and the contribution of a day of service to the club.
"What is considered a day of service to the club?"
It is our membership who operate and maintain our range, all members are required, either with service or additional payment, to contribute.
There are three primary areas of service:
"What are the procedures for range use?"
Members are allowed to use the range facility 7 days a week all year with winter use depending on snow and road conditions. Members are required to sign in and out, lock gates behind them and clean up after themselves. If other members are present, the newly-arriving member should determine how their plans will integrate with those in progress. There is no provision for range "reservation", and scheduled events such as matches or workdays always take precedence over other use.
For safety reasons, no one is allowed forward of the firing line while firearms and ammunition are being handled. Firearms must be unloaded and cased or have an NRA-approved empty chamber indicator in place.
"Can the range be used for camping?"
Yes. We have a dedicated camping area. Outdoor privies are available, however there is no water or electricity. Campers must be very watchful of children and pets when the range is in use.
"Can my spouse be a member?"
Yes. For an additional $1.00 per year, you can have a "spousal membership", which provides access to the range without your presence. This type of membership has no voice or vote at meetings and no other privileges or responsibilities. A full membership can obtained using the procedures described above.
The Club's purpose is to promote the art and science of accurate shooting, accurate rifles and rifle marksmanship. Among the founding purposes of the Club is to "encourage, promote and sponsor, organized and supervised shooting matches". Organized and supervised shooting events are characterized by having a predefined course of fire, definitions of the firearms to be used, targets of some standard dimensions, and compiling of numerical scores.
"The club seems heavily oriented to NRA/CMP Highpower Rifle Competition. Why is that?"
Our club was founded by competitive shooters for the propose of honing their personal Marksmanship skills and encouraging excellence in themselves and their fellow members through friendly competition. Over the years our club has produced and been home to a number of nationally-ranked competitors.
Our emphasis has always been on NRA Highpower Rifle competition, however we do have a growing Long Range Tactical group. There are currently no scheduled activities in other areas, although some club members actively practice these sports. Activities may be added in the future if sufficient interest arises.
"What facilities do you have?"
The club owns about 220 acres slightly north of Red Wing, Minnesota, just off Hwy 61. Our club has a 20 point KD (Known Distance) rifle range suitable for High Power Rifle matches and practice with mounded firing lines at 200, 300, 500 and 600 yards. We also have a separate 100 yard general purpose range with shooting benches, and a dedicated Pistol range.
Access to our facility is available only for members, their guests or during scheduled matches. We have no public shooting hours.
"Are exploding targets allowed?"
No. Exploding targets are not allowed anywhere on NSRC property.
"Could I use my vintage military rifle for match shooting?"
Yes, the popularity of vintage military rifle events using the M-1 Garand, 1903 Springfield, 1917 Enfield, and various Mauser designs is growing. While there are no vintage matches scheduled at North Star, there are several events around the upper Midwest during the summer months, as well as events at the US National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio.
“Are memberships available?”
North Star Rifle Club is currently at or near it’s maximum membership limit. New applications for membership will be reviewed by the BOD with preference for new members going toward active NRA/CMP competitors.
"What does the club look for in a member?"
- The applicant has interests consistent with club's stated purposes. North Star Rifle Club is primarily interested in rifle accuracy and marksmanship skills. Since North Star places significant emphasis on organized Highpower rifle competition, it is important that applicants share this interest.
- The applicant is likely to make a positive contribution to the club.
- Assurance to existing members that new members are safe, informed, and responsible shooters. We strive to be good neighbors, good citizens and responsible firearms owners.
"How can I apply for membership?"
New members are only accepted during our spring membership meeting.
To be considered for membership an applicant must:
- Request an application. [email protected]
- Have a current member in good standing sponsor them.
- Have a current MN Permit to Carry, Permit to Purchase or similar proof of a recent background check.
- Submit a completely filled out application for Board approval.
Applications for membership are accepted by the Board of Directors for review. Preference will be given to classified and current competitors. Approved candidates will be referred to the general membership for a vote of acceptance at our spring meeting.
Accepted new members are considered "Associate Members" during their first year and are not eligible to vote during business meetings. "Associate Members" are accepted into full membership at the end of their first year by a vote of the membership.
“What constitutes proof of marksmanship activity?”
An NRA classification card, an NRA temporary score record book , a match results bulletin or the endorsement of a known competitive shooter are all proof of marksmanship activity.
“How do I find a sponsor?”
Sponsors can be found by introducing yourself to members during club events like range clean up days, sponsored match weekends and scheduled work days.
"What are the benefits and responsibilities of membership?"
Among the benefits are the use of the range and the ability to learn and share marksmanship skills with other club members. The responsibilities include strict observance of firearms safety, conformance to the club's rules and purpose, and the contribution of a day of service to the club.
"What is considered a day of service to the club?"
It is our membership who operate and maintain our range, all members are required, either with service or additional payment, to contribute.
There are three primary areas of service:
- Providing support for matches, performing various match management duties and administrative work.
- Range maintenance, including lawn mowing, equipment maintenance, fence repair, painting, and brush cutting.
- Participation in the scheduled range maintenance days, one scheduled in spring, another in the fall.
"What are the procedures for range use?"
Members are allowed to use the range facility 7 days a week all year with winter use depending on snow and road conditions. Members are required to sign in and out, lock gates behind them and clean up after themselves. If other members are present, the newly-arriving member should determine how their plans will integrate with those in progress. There is no provision for range "reservation", and scheduled events such as matches or workdays always take precedence over other use.
For safety reasons, no one is allowed forward of the firing line while firearms and ammunition are being handled. Firearms must be unloaded and cased or have an NRA-approved empty chamber indicator in place.
"Can the range be used for camping?"
Yes. We have a dedicated camping area. Outdoor privies are available, however there is no water or electricity. Campers must be very watchful of children and pets when the range is in use.
"Can my spouse be a member?"
Yes. For an additional $1.00 per year, you can have a "spousal membership", which provides access to the range without your presence. This type of membership has no voice or vote at meetings and no other privileges or responsibilities. A full membership can obtained using the procedures described above.