Metacon Gun Club

Metacon Gun Club has been operating since May 21, 1959, on Nod Road in the Weatogue section of Simsbury, CT. This is a member-owned facility—meaning shooters run it, not investors. That matters. The club maintains both indoor and outdoor ranges on the property, plus archery targets for member use.

Metacon hosts several distinct competitive formats:

Metacon holds monthly Class III matches year-round—indoors during winter, outdoors in summer, typically on the third Sunday at 10:00 AM. These matches accommodate pistol caliber submachine guns, semi-auto pistol caliber rifles, and at the annual outdoor Assault/Battle rifle match, both full-auto and semi-auto rifle caliber firearms. Courses of fire follow practical IPSC competition rules and NFA submachine gun competition guidelines. Shooters use IPSC paper targets, steel targets, and participate in bowling pin and falling plate matches.

• •All shooters wanting to fire full auto must complete Metacon's Class III checkout first. Semi-auto rifle shooters don't need the full-auto checkout, as Range Officers and Safety Officers shadow each shooter through the course of fire.

These run November through April on the last Sunday of each month at 9:30 AM on the indoor range. Man-on-man format, pre-registration required through PractiScore. Limited to 20 shooters plus staff. Match fee is $5.00, all returned to Metacon. Shooters must bring their own .22 pistol, revolver, or .22 rifle—straight wall cartridges only for pistol caliber guns. No tube-fed rifles unless they have a loading gate.

Competes in the Metropolitan Revolver League of Hartford, a 12-team league running September through April. Home matches are Wednesday evenings at Metacon. The team shoots relaxed NRA Bullseye Pistol Gallery Course—50-foot B-2 slow fire (10 shots in 10 minutes), then two B-3 timed/rapid fire targets. Requires a .22 pistol or revolver, safety glasses, hearing protection, and 30 rounds of standard velocity .22 ammo.

• •Summer League runs June through August on Tuesday evenings—informal, welcoming to beginners and advanced shooters alike, members and non-members. Two courses: first starts at 5:30 PM, second around 6:30 PM. Season fee is $10.

Monthly IDPA competitions available to members (after completing the required safety check).

Joining requires: - U.S. citizenship - No felony convictions or disqualifying offenses that would prevent CT Pistol Permit eligibility - Attendance at a monthly membership meeting (3rd Tuesday, 7:30 PM) - $25 application fee (cash or check) - Placement on the waitlist if space isn't immediately available - Participation in one of Metacon's public events while waiting - Completion of the Certified Range Officer (CRO) program before range access - Valid CT Pistol Permit, background check results, or eligibility certificate - Probationary membership (180 days) with limited privileges before full membership approval

• •All new members must complete the CRO program, which includes classroom instruction, a written open-book exam, and an indoor range shooting test for safe gun handling and skills assessment. Classes are scheduled Saturday, Sunday, or occasional Friday evenings. All current members must complete an online refresher course every 5 years.

Several Metacon members are certified instructors teaching all disciplines—handguns, rifles, shotguns. They offer training to the community, not just club members. Many provide CT Pistol Permit classes and multi-discipline certifications. Only instructors holding current certifications and liability insurance are authorized to teach at Metacon.

All instructors are independent of Metacon and run their own training businesses.

The facility is owned by club members and intended for member use and invited guests. It opens to the public for specific events only—matches are listed as open to the public. Certain agencies also access the facility as approved by club members and the Board of Governors.

All activities follow strict range rules prioritizing maximum safety. Members and guests must conduct themselves in a sportsman-like, civil, and legal manner. Range Officers and Safety Officers supervise all matches.

Membership Secretary: Robert Padelli Email: [email protected]

Class III Director: Michael D'Angelo

Falling Plates Director: Bob DiMarchi