CGC News Update

Dear Friend of CGC,

Since our last communication we are happy to announce that we have finally settled into Kwun Tong. The Main and IPSC Range is ready for action and we've had some very good reviews so far. The phones haven't stopped ringing with everyone calling to say what a great time they had and how much they enjoyed themselves.

It is surely a great compliment when someone chooses to join our Club and even more so when they tell us we are the premier sport-shooting club in Asia and can't think of anywhere it would have been better.

We would like to say a huge thank you to our many loyal supporters and as a token of our appreciation we have especially arranged some great Spring Offers for everyone.

This month we will be launching a joint promotion with Wing Hang Bank to offer you Interest Free Credit on the Joining Fee and thereafter, any gun purchased from the Club over $5000.00. For our distinguished Black Card Holders there is a great 'Glock' offer in store for you. If you would like to know more, call us on 2915 0088 between 11:00 and 21:30, seven days a week. Please note that all membership applications must be made in person at the Club and your details will be handed to the Hong Kong Police for final approval. The Club reserves the right to decline an application if the applicant does not meet the strict guidelines and requirements of The Hong Kong Police for sport shooting purposes.

Our Glock Offer has indeed caused a stir in Hong Kong. And an article by Peter Michael in The South China Morning Post, Monday February 10th headed " Gun Club offers a free pistol to new members" states "The giveaway has resulted in warnings about the need for tight firearms controls." This sweeping comment has raised unnecessary alarm as it reflects an ignorant and subjective view of the laws and restrictions on the use and ownership of handguns in the HKSAR.

CGC wishes to confirm The Club promotes sport shooting in a safe and controlled environment and should in no way be associated with street crime in the United States and Britain. The Club takes a responsible stance in how it promotes sport shooting to society by continually informing the Public that handling and use of any gun is subject to stringent rules and regulations prescribed by The Hong Kong Police before and after becoming a gun club member (as stated in our advertisement in Next magazine but deleted by the editors of The South China Morning Post).

The objective of the Club is to provide training and supervision in the safe handling of various types of firearms and ammunition for sport shooting purposes, and to actively promote social interaction between members, in a harmonious and cordial atmosphere. The Club will provide recognition of and extend greater privileges to members solely on the basis of their safe gun handling skills, qualifications and training, but never with regard to their wealth, income or status within the community.

Persons wishing to apply for a licence for possession of firearms (i.e personal gun licence) must be a member of a licenced gun club; have taken a basic training course in the safe handling of firearms set by the HK Police; must join in competition shooting for a period of time; and undergo a lengthy written, oral and practical examination run by the police. A licence for possession of firearms does not confer rights to take or store a gun at home, nor is it readily available. All guns remain in the custody of The Club. Once a personal licence is approved, continuing obligations and restrictions are placed on the individual, and any infractions serious repercussions.

Since 1997 gun control standards have heightened considerably, and the delayed opening of The Club is testament to the tight measures put forward by The Hong Kong Government and Police, before granting us all the necessary licences to operate as a gun club. We fully support and commend the HK Government and Police in their efforts to maintain and control public safety. In any event, we do not encourage anything other than sport shooting activities and gun control is our paramount concern. Our advertisement is attractive as is the sport, which many recognize to be a healthy exercise.

Best regards,

CHINA GUN CLUB