Rhode Island John Brown Gun Club
The Rhode Island John Brown Gun Club operates as a community resource for firearms training and education in Rhode Island. Their focus is on demystifying the state's complex permitting process and connecting shooters with qualified instructors and ranges. They provide detailed guidance on: Blue card...
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The Rhode Island John Brown Gun Club operates as a community resource for firearms training and education in Rhode Island. Their focus is on demystifying the state's complex permitting process and connecting shooters with qualified instructors and ranges.
They provide detailed guidance on:
- •Blue card certification - Rhode Island's mandatory firearms safety training for handgun purchases
- •Municipal carry permits - The "shall issue" concealed carry permits from your city of residence
- •Attorney General permits - The harder-to-obtain open carry permits
- •Federal and state purchasing requirements - Age limits, waiting periods, background checks, and transfer processes
- •NFA regulations - What's federally legal vs. banned under Rhode Island law
One of their club members is a notary and can help with the 3 notarized reference letters required for municipal permit applications.
Based on their direct experience, they recommend:
| Location | Type | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tiverton Rod and Gun Club | Range | $180/year membership, 24/7 indoor pistol range, outdoor rifle range |
| Midstate Gun Company | Range + Shop | Wide rental selection, good for blue card testing |
| Rhode Island Guns and Ammo | Gun Shop | Reasonable transfer fees, quiet atmosphere |
- •Preferred Instructor: Pierre Salomon - A Black veteran who specializes in teaching non-white people, non-men, and queer shooters.
Beyond permitting details, the club is transparent about their beliefs. They acknowledge that gun violence is a real crisis but argue that effective solutions focus on root causes—socioeconomic factors driven by capitalism—rather than restricting the rights of lawful gun owners or marginalized communities seeking self-defense.
They emphasize: "We are not lawyers and none of this information should be considered legal advice. Always check your local and state laws."
The club is open to community members who want to help with their mutual aid projects and firearms education efforts. They also coordinate with other Rhode Island organizations working on harm reduction and community support.