About ERGC
We Conduct & Promote Safe Firearms Use
We’re proud to practice and encourage recreational shooting to maintain the rights bestowed to us by the Constitution’s Second Amendment.
Our Mission
The ERGC and ERML exist so that members can maintain their rights bestowed by the Second Amendment of the Constitution, but the two organizations fulfill this purpose in different ways with separate missions:
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The goal of the ERGC, a 501(c)7 corporation, is to establish and maintain range facilities to conduct and promote safe shooting activities and to maintain our rights as accorded us by the Second Amendment of the Constitution.
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The goals of the ERML, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, are three-fold:
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To promote community interest and welfare by educating the citizenry in the safe handling, storage and proper use of firearms through scheduled events;
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To provide a range, to be known as the ERML Sportsmen’s Foundation Range, wherein citizenry will be able to develop firearm and archery shooting skills through scheduled programs for recreation, for competition and for developing firearm proficiency as required to secure State of Florida Conceal Carry Permits and Hunting Licenses;
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To promote education opportunities within the community via scholarship program emphasizing the U.S. Constitution, Second Amendment’s right to own, carry, and use firearms for personal safety, recreation and competition activities.
The Escambia River Gun Club (ERGC) was originally established as the Escambia River Muzzle Loaders (ERML) in 1978. The ERML Sportsmen’s Foundation, Inc. (referred to as the “Foundation”), is an IRS designated 501(c)3 non-profit organization established as the educational branch of the Escambia River Gun Club. Why a second corporation? Because the opportunities provided by a 501(c)3 greatly expand what ERGC can accomplish as a 501(c)7 (social organization).
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It all began with a few local patriots who wanted a place where safe shooting activities could be conducted by themselves and others. After many months of work, the facility was opened. Our founders, subsequent leaders, and members all worked hard to make improvements and expansions through the years.
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The founders set the precedent for what our organization has become today by establishing a culture of growth, expansion, and development – not only for the property, but also for the members themselves and the group as a whole.
Our Past
Our Future
Our primary goal for the future is to continue to grow membership so that we can continue to expand and improve the property in addition to maintaining the current assets. These expansions carry a higher price tag than you might think, because with more ranges and more range activities comes the need to hire additional Range Safety Officers (RSOs) to ensure the safety of everyone.
Nobody knows for sure what the future holds, but one thing we have always been certain of is that our members are the glue that hold the shooting club together. Our members have always had ample opportunities to use their skills and trades, not just on scheduled workdays, but also in behind-the-scenes committees that help plan events and future needs.