The Hartford Gun Club, established in 1884 as America’s oldest shooting facility, has long been a cornerstone of competitive shooting and firearms education. Nestled in East Granby, Connecticut, this private club offers a blend of historical prestige and modern amenities, catering to both seasoned marksmen and beginners.
This club offers several different disciplines for the shooting enthusiast. If you are a first time shooter, the club can match you up with certified instructors who provide shooting instructions on the fundamentals up to more advanced skills. For the more experienced person, and offer league shooting, host registered trap and skeet competitions, and other special events such as steel plate shooting.
Competition Types at Hartford Gun Club
The club hosts a diverse range of shooting disciplines:
1. Trap & Skeet Shooting: Traditional clay target sports with monthly sanctioned tournaments officiated by professional referees.
2. Sporting Clays & FITASC: Dynamic courses featuring 30 target-launching machines across four parcours and three 30-foot towers, simulating real-world hunting scenarios.
3. Steel Plate Shooting: Speed and accuracy competitions using metallic targets, often featured in special events.
4. Pistol & Rifle Leagues: Structured competitions for indoor/outdoor ranges, including 200-yard rifle challenges.
Hartford Gun Club Calendar
The club’s 2025 calendar highlights key events for members and guests:
- April 28: Simsbury Police Department qualifications (Action Pits closed until 4 PM).
- April 29: Evening league shooting sessions (4:00–7:00 PM).
- Monthly Tournaments: Sporting Clays and FITASC competitions, often held on weekends with professional refereeing.
- Special Events: Veterans’ appreciation days and youth training workshops.
April 2025
MAY 2025
| Date | Events | Time | Note |
| May 3 | F Class/.22 Bench Rest – Rifle Range – 8:30AM -11:00AM | @ 8:30 am – 11:00 am | |
| May 3 | Trap & Skeet Closing at 3:30PM today for Trap Shoot Set-Up | @ 3:30 pm | |
| May 4 | TRAP SHOOT – TRAP & SKEET CLOSED ALL DAY FOR THIS EVENT | all-day | |
| May 5 | Simsbury PD – 2 Action Pits 8a-4p | @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm | Simsbury PD qualifications – Both Action Pits closed until 4pm. |
| May 5 | Hartford Rifle Club – range & classroom CLOSED | @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | |
| May 6 | .22 NOL – 4:00P – 7:00P – RIFLE RANGE | @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | |
| May 12 | Simsbury PD – 2 Action Pits 8a-4p | @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm | Simsbury PD qualifications – Both Action Pits closed until 4pm. |
| May 12 | WH PD – Rifle Range Closed – 9:00AM – 1:00PM | @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm | |
| May 12 | Hartford Rifle Club – range & classroom CLOSED | @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | |
| May 13 | .22 NOL – 4:00P – 7:00P – RIFLE RANGE | @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | |
| May 16 | Action Pits & Pistol Range Closed @ 3:30PM for Lead V Steel Set-Up | @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm | |
| May 17 | F Class/.22 Bench Rest – Rifle Range – 8:30AM -11:00AM | @ 8:30 am – 11:00 am | |
| May 17 | Lead v Steel Action Pits & Outdoor Pistol Closed until 2:00pm | @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm | |
| May 18 | LifeSafe Training – Pistol Permit Class (indoor range open, classroom closed) | @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm | 33 State Pistol Permit Class |
| May 18 | Action Pistol – 1 Acton Pit 9:00AM – 1:00PM | @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm | |
| May 19 | LST – Classroom 8:00AM – 5:00PM | @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm | |
| May 19 | Simsbury PD – 2 Action Pits 8a-4p | @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm | Simsbury PD qualifications – Both Action Pits closed until 4pm. |
| May 19 | Hartford Rifle Club – range & classroom CLOSED | @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | |
| May 20 | LST – Classroom 8:00AM – 5:00PM | @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm | |
| May 20 | .22 NOL – 4:00P – 7:00P – RIFLE RANGE | @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | |
| May 25 | EDC – 1 Action Pit – 9:00AM – 1:00PM | @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm | |
| May 26 | Memorial Day – Sporting Open – Clubhouse, Trap & Skeet Open 10:00AM – 2:00PM | @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm | |
| May 26 | Hartford Rifle Club – range & classroom CLOSED | @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | |
| May 27 | .22 NOL – 4:00P – 7:00P – RIFLE RANGE | @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | |
| May 31 | F Class/.22 Bench Rest – Rifle Range – 8:30AM -11:00AM | @ 8:30 am – 11:00 am |
JUNE 2025
| Date | Events | Time | Note |
| Jun 2 | Hartford Rifle Club – range & classroom CLOSED | @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | |
| Jun 3 | .22 NOL – 4:00P – 7:00P – RIFLE RANGE | @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | |
| Jun 8 | Carbine 2 – 1 Action Pit – 9:00AM – 1:00PM | @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm | |
| Jun 9 | Hartford Rifle Club – range & classroom CLOSED | @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | |
| Jun 10 | .22 NOL – 4:00P – 7:00P – RIFLE RANGE | @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | |
| Jun 14 | F Class/.22 Bench Rest – Rifle Range – 8:30AM -11:00AM | @ 8:30 am – 11:00 am | |
| Jun 14 | LifeSafe Training – Pistol Permit Class (indoor range open, classroom closed) | @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm | 33 State Pistol Permit Class |
| Jun 15 | Action Pistol – 1 Acton Pit 9:00AM – 1:00PM | @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm | |
| Jun 16 | Hartford Rifle Club – range & classroom CLOSED | @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | |
| Jun 17 | .22 NOL – 4:00P – 7:00P – RIFLE RANGE | @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | |
| Jun 20 | Action Pits & Pistol Range Closed @ 3:30PM for Lead V Steel Set-Up |
@ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm | |
| Jun 21 | Lead v Steel Action Pits & Outdoor Pistol Closed until 2:00pm | @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm | |
| Jun 23 | Hartford Rifle Club – range & classroom CLOSED | @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | |
| Jun 24 | .22 NOL – 4:00P – 7:00P – RIFLE RANGE | @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | |
| Jun 30 | Hartford Rifle Club – range & classroom CLOSED | @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm |
JULY 2025
| Date | Events | Time | Note |
| Jul 1 | .22 NOL – 4:00P – 7:00P – RIFLE RANGE | @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | |
| Jul 7 | Hartford Rifle Club – range & classroom CLOSED | @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | |
| Jul 8 | .22 NOL – 4:00P – 7:00P – RIFLE RANGE | @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | |
| Jul 13 | LifeSafe Training – Pistol Permit Class (indoor range open, classroom closed) | @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm | 33 State Pistol Permit Class |
| Jul 14 | Hartford Rifle Club – range & classroom CLOSED | @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | |
| Jul 15 | .22 NOL – 4:00P – 7:00P – RIFLE RANGE | @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | |
| Jul 18 | Action Pits & Pistol Range Closed @ 3:30PM for Lead V Steel Set-Up | @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm | |
| Jul 19 | Lead v Steel Action Pits & Outdoor Pistol Closed until 2:00pm | @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm | |
| Jul 20 | Action Pistol – 1 Acton Pit 9:00AM – 1:00PM | @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm | |
| Jul 21 | Hartford Rifle Club – range & classroom CLOSED | @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | |
| Jul 22 | .22 NOL – 4:00P – 7:00P – RIFLE RANGE | @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | |
| Jul 28 | Hartford Rifle Club – range & classroom CLOSED | @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | |
| Jul 29 | .22 NOL – 4:00P – 7:00P – RIFLE RANGE | @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm |
August 2025
| Date | Events | Time | Note |
| Aug 4 | Hartford Rifle Club – range & classroom CLOSED |
@ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | |
| Aug 5 | .22 NOL – 4:00P – 7:00P – RIFLE RANGE |
@ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | |
| Aug 9 | LifeSafe Training – Pistol Permit Class (indoor range open, classroom closed) | @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm | 33 State Pistol Permit Class |
| Aug 11 | Hartford Rifle Club – range & classroom CLOSED | @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | |
| Aug 15 | Action Pits & Pistol Range Closed @ 3:30PM for Lead V Steel Set-Up | @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm | |
| Aug 16 | Lead v Steel Action Pits & Outdoor Pistol Closed until 2:00pm | @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm | |
| Aug 17 | Action Pistol – 1 Acton Pit 9:00AM – 1:00PM | @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm | |
| Aug 18 | Hartford Rifle Club – range & classroom CLOSED | @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | |
| Aug 19 | .22 NOL – 4:00P – 7:00P – RIFLE RANGE | @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | |
| Aug 25 | Hartford Rifle Club – range & classroom CLOSED | @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | |
| Aug 26 | .22 NOL – 4:00P – 7:00P – RIFLE RANGE | @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm |
September 2025
| Date | Events | Time | Note |
| Sep 1 | Hartford Rifle Club – range & classroom CLOSED | @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | |
| Sep 2 | .22 NOL – 4:00P – 7:00P – RIFLE RANGE | @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | |
| Sep 8 | Hartford Rifle Club – range & classroom CLOSED | @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | |
| Sep 9 | .22 NOL – 4:00P – 7:00P – RIFLE RANGE | @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | |
| Sep 14 | LifeSafe Training – Pistol Permit Class (indoor range open, classroom closed) | @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm | 33 State Pistol Permit Class |
| Sep 15 | Hartford Rifle Club – range & classroom CLOSED | @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | |
| Sep 16 | .22 NOL – 4:00P – 7:00P – RIFLE RANGE | @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | |
| Sep 19 | Action Pits & Pistol Range Closed @ 3:30PM for Lead V Steel Set-Up | @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm | |
| Sep 20 | Lead v Steel Action Pits & Outdoor Pistol Closed until 2:00pm | @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm | |
| Sep 21 | Action Pistol – 1 Acton Pit 9:00AM – 1:00PM | @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm | |
| Sep 22 | Hartford Rifle Club – range & classroom CLOSED | @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | |
| Sep 23 | .22 NOL – 4:00P – 7:00P – RIFLE RANGE | @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | |
| Sep 29 | Hartford Rifle Club – range & classroom CLOSED | @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | |
| Sep 30 | .22 NOL – 4:00P – 7:00P – RIFLE RANGE | @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm |
Membership Fees & Veterans Programs
- Annual Membership: $600 (plus tax), with a 20% discount for veterans during their first year.
- Inclusions: Access to all ranges, equipment rentals, and discounted training programs.
- Veterans Support: The club collaborates with local organizations to provide tailored training and competitive opportunities for veterans, aligning with initiatives like those at Nash Community College, which emphasizes veteran education and reintegration.
Club Rules and Safety Protocols
Safety is paramount at Hartford Gun Club, with strict adherence to the following rules:
1. Certification Requirements:
- All participants must complete a safety course covering firearm handling, range etiquette, and legal responsibilities.
- Pistol users require additional certification, including live-fire proficiency tests.
2. Range Regulations:
- Eye and ear protection mandatory.
- Firearms must be unloaded and cased when not in use.
3. Event-Specific Rules:
- Competitions follow guidelines from organizations like the National Rifle Association (NRA) and USA Shooting.
Training for Beginners
The Hartford Gun Club excels in nurturing novice shooters through structured programs:
1. Certified Instructors:
- Personalized coaching from NRA-certified professionals, focusing on fundamentals like stance, sight alignment, and trigger control.
2. Beginner-Friendly Courses:
- First-Time Shooter Packages: Free firearm rentals and introductory sessions.
- Progressive Skill Development: Multi-week courses advancing from basic safety to competition-level techniques.
3. Equipment Support:
- Access to club-owned firearms (e.g., Glock 9mm, AK-47) and safety gear, reducing upfront costs for newcomers.
Tips for Beginners
1. Start with Safety: Complete all mandatory training before handling firearms.
2. Leverage Club Resources: Utilize free rentals and ask instructors for feedback.
3. Observe Competitions: Learn tactics by watching seasoned participants.
4. Join Leagues Gradually: Begin with low-pressure events like weekly trap sessions.
The Hartford Gun Club stands out as a premier destination for shooting enthusiasts, combining historical legacy with cutting-edge facilities. From its veteran-friendly policies to its rigorous safety protocols, the club ensures an inclusive environment for all skill levels. Beginners are encouraged to take advantage of its comprehensive training programs, while competitive shooters will thrive in its diverse event lineup.
