
It’s another busy morning at the range. Members are lining up, the sign-in sheet is half full already, and someone just asked if they’re double-booked again this weekend. Meanwhile, you’re flipping through old spreadsheets trying to figure out who still owes dues.
This is exactly why so many clubs are switching to digital tools. Over 75% of sports organizations already use management software, and the shooting range market is projected to grow to $4.09 billion by 2034. Clubs that stick to pen-and-paper systems? They’re falling behind fast.
The upside: gun club management software can replace the chaos with clarity. Within weeks, you’ll have automated renewals, smooth scheduling, and a professional experience members actually notice.
Here’s what you’ll find in this guide:
- What gun club software really does (and why it’s a game-changer)
- The 10 best platforms right now (with Join It leading the pack)
- Red flags and common complaints from real users
- A simple framework to help you choose the right fit
Let’s get started.
What Is Gun Club Management Software (and Why Clubs Need It)
Think of gun club management software as your digital assistant that never calls in sick.
It handles all the tedious stuff eating up your volunteer hours:
- Membership tracking (who's current, who needs to renew)
- Range scheduling (no more double bookings or phone tag)
- Payment processing (automated billing and renewals)
- Waiver management (digital signatures and compliance tracking)
- Communication (newsletters, alerts, event invites)
The broader picture? The membership management software market is exploding. Projected to grow from $7.63 billion in 2024 to $12.87 billion by 2029.
Translation: This isn't just a nice-to-have anymore. It's how modern clubs stay competitive and keep members happy.
Must-Have Features in Gun Club Software
Not all gun club software is created equal. Some platforms will make your life easier. Others will make you want to throw your computer out the window.
Here's what separates the winners from the wannabes:
Membership & Dues Tracking
Your software should handle member profiles, family memberships, renewal reminders, and payment history without breaking a sweat. Look for systems that support multiple membership tiers and automated billing.
No exceptions.
Range Scheduling & POS
Double-booked shooting lanes are a nightmare. Quality software provides real-time scheduling with conflict prevention, plus integrated point-of-sale for gear, ammo, and training fees.
Waiver Management & Compliance Tools
Digital waiver capture isn't just convenient—it's often required by insurance. Your platform should store signed waivers securely and generate compliance reports when needed.
Mobile Apps & Cloud Access
70% of clubs have adopted cloud solutions and 60% use mobile tools. Your volunteers and members shouldn't be chained to a desktop computer.
Period.
Reporting & Analytics
You can't improve what you don't measure. Great software shows member retention rates, revenue trends, and attendance patterns at a glance.
See how other gun clubs are thriving
Key Challenges Gun Clubs Face
Before jumping into software reviews, let's address the elephant in the room: Why haven't more clubs made the switch already?
Cost & Complexity
Many vendors have confusing pricing models or sky-high setup costs. One Reddit discussion highlighted clubs worrying about software costing "about 10% of annual income".
Not sustainable.
Volunteer Fatigue & Training
Clubs rely on volunteers who often "get burned out" learning new systems. The last thing you need is software that requires a computer science degree to operate.
Connectivity Issues
Rural clubs face unique challenges. As one Reddit user noted, "mobile 4G is near unusable" at many ranges, making cloud-based systems less appealing.
Data Security & Privacy Concerns
40% of clubs worry about secure handling of member data. Older members especially may distrust online data collection, preferring traditional paper methods.
Pro tip: Check out how specialized hobby and lifestyle clubs are using modern platforms to streamline their operations.
What Real Users Say (Reddit, Forums, Reviews)
Let's get real about what club managers are actually experiencing:
Reddit Reality Check
Users on r/ukguns expressed skepticism about new software, citing concerns about cost and connectivity. One 400-member club noted that older shooters "don't want their personal data or phone numbers collated" online.
Review Platform Complaints
Common complaints from Capterra and G2 include:
- "Dated and clunky" interfaces
- Steep learning curves for volunteers
- Hidden costs and unexpected fees
- Limited customer support
- Technical bugs during peak usage
Forum Discussions
While specialized forums like ShotgunWorld have threads praising tools like SquadSpot, many clubs still struggle with "disjointed tools and knowledge silos" where different systems don't talk to each other.
Comparison Table – Quick Look at the Top 10
Looking for detailed pricing? Check out Join It's transparent pricing structure to see how modern platforms are making costs predictable.
The 10 Best Gun Club Management Software
Join It
Join It stands out because it was built specifically for membership organizations, and it shows. Used by over 1,800 organizations including gun clubs like Tri County Rod & Gun Club, it strikes the perfect balance between powerful features and ease of use.
Key Features:
- Automated membership renewals and payment reminders
- Digital membership cards (Apple/Google Wallet compatible)
- Group and family membership support
- Customizable member database and CRM
- Event management and communication tools
- Mobile-first design that works everywhere
User Sentiment: Highly rated at 4.7/5 on Capterra and 4.8/5 on G2. Users consistently praise its intuitive interface and reliable customer support.
Pricing:
- Starter: $29/month (annual: $26/month)
- Total: $99/month (annual: $89/month)
- Extra: $199/month (annual: $179/month)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Free Trial: 30 days, no credit card required
Why it works for gun clubs: Join It handles the unique needs of membership organizations without the bloat of generic business software. The platform grew out of understanding what clubs actually need: simple member management, reliable payments, and tools that volunteers can actually use.
Start your free trial or see full pricing details.
Start your free trial or see full pricing details.
Rapid Gun Systems
Purpose-built for gun stores and shooting ranges, Rapid Gun Systems offers deep integration with firearms-specific workflows including ATF compliance, range lane management, and inventory tracking.
Key Features:
- Lane assignment and wait-list management
- Time tracking on shooting lanes
- Automated membership billing with discount tiers
- Rental inventory management
- Integrated waiver management
- ATF compliance tools
User Sentiment: Strong 4.5/5 rating with 26 reviews. Users appreciate the firearms-specific features but note the learning curve for non-technical staff.
Pricing: Custom quotes based on POS stations and modules needed
Free Trial: Demo available upon request
Cumulus Retail (Celerant)
A hybrid POS system designed for independent retailers, including firearm dealers. The "Always On" feature works offline, making it suitable for clubs with connectivity issues.
Key Features:
- Offline-capable POS system
- E-commerce integration
- Vendor catalog integrations
- Automated marketing triggers
- Scalable module system
User Sentiment: 4.4/5 rating from 24 reviews. Users like the supplier integrations but report the workflow requires too many clicks.
Pricing:
- POS: $125/month
- eCommerce: $250/month
- All-In-One: $350/month
Free Trial: Available (duration not specified)
OneStep-JV (Business Control Systems)
An on-premise solution popular with sporting goods retailers and gun stores. Strong on ATF compliance and federal form automation.
Key Features:
- ATF-compliant firearm tracking
- Automated federal/state form generation
- Multi-location support
- CRM and customer tracking
- E-commerce integration
User Sentiment: 3.5/5 overall rating. Users appreciate firearms-specific workflows but note the dated interface.
Pricing: Custom quotes only
Free Trial: Demo available
MemberPlanet
A solid choice for smaller gun clubs that need basic membership management without breaking the bank. The free tier makes it attractive for clubs testing the waters.
Key Features:
- Member database and communication tools
- Event RSVPs and management
- Donation processing
- Branded mobile app
- Custom payment forms
User Sentiment: Strong 4.7/5 rating from 263 reviews. Users praise the streamlined processes and customer service.
Pricing:
- Basic: Free
- Essentials: $50/month + 2% platform fee
- Pro: $100/month + 1% platform fee
- Premium: $175/month + 1% platform fee
Free Trial: Free plan available
ClubExpress
A veteran in the club management space, ClubExpress originated in the gun club community. It offers comprehensive features but with a steeper learning curve.
Key Features:
- Customizable member sign-up flows
- Interest groups and committees
- Automated email reminders
- Member self-service portal
- Event and donation management
- Mobile app included
User Sentiment: 4.2/5 rating from 515 reviews. Users value the comprehensive feature set but note complexity concerns.
Pricing: Per-member monthly pricing:
- 1-200 members: $0.42/member/month (minimum $24/month)
- 201-300 members: $0.38/member/month
- Pricing decreases with larger membership
Free Trial: 60 days
MemberTies
A desktop-based solution that appeals to clubs preferring local data storage. Good for organizations wanting to avoid cloud dependency.
Key Features:
- Desktop-based membership database
- Multiple addresses per member
- Customizable membership types
- Integrated email capabilities
- Activity tracking and reporting
- Optional cloud hosting available
User Sentiment: 4.5/5 rating from 26 reviews. A sportsmen's association reviewer called it "powerful and flexible with outstanding support."
Pricing:
- Standard: $125 one-time + $75/year renewal
- Professional: $299 one-time + $75/year renewal
- Database hosting: $27/month
Free Trial: Unlimited with 20-member limit
MemberLeap
Best suited for data-driven organizations that want detailed analytics and reporting. Offers robust features but can feel overwhelming for smaller clubs.
Key Features:
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- Multi-chapter management
- QuickBooks integration
- Event management with Zoom integration
- Committee and volunteer management
- Custom workflows
User Sentiment: High 4.8/5 rating from 101 reviews. Users praise the all-in-one capabilities but mention occasional customization needs.
Pricing: Based on active records (1-200):
- Copper: $80/month
- Bronze: $130/month
- Silver: $180/month
- Gold: $230/month
- Platinum: $280/month
Free Trial: 30 days
WildApricot
A popular all-in-one platform that works well for clubs heavy on events and communication. The 60-day trial gives plenty of time to test functionality.
Key Features:
- Integrated website builder
- Event registration and ticketing
- Automated invoices and payments
- Member directory
- Email marketing tools
- API integrations
User Sentiment: 4.4/5 rating from ~115 reviews. Users appreciate the user-friendly interface but report limited customization at higher contact tiers.
Pricing: Contact-based pricing:
- 100 contacts: $63/month
- 250 contacts: $78/month
- 500 contacts: $147/month
- Higher tiers available
Free Trial: 60 days, no credit card required
EZFacility
A comprehensive facility management system with specific modules for shooting ranges. Best for larger operations or clubs with multiple revenue streams.
Key Features:
- Facility scheduling and management
- POS integration
- Staff and payroll tracking
- League management
- Automated billing
- 99.99% uptime on AWS
User Sentiment: Generally rated around 4.5/5. Users value comprehensive features but note that customization requires assistance.
Pricing: Not publicly disclosed; estimates suggest entry-level plans around $99-150/month
Free Trial: Demo available
How to Choose the Right Gun Club Software
Choosing software doesn't have to feel like defusing a bomb. Here's a simple framework:
Define Your Must-Haves
Start with the non-negotiables. Do you need ATF compliance? Mobile access for volunteers? Integration with existing payment systems?
Write down your top 5 requirements before looking at any software.
Consider Budget & Trial Periods
Factor in setup costs, monthly fees, and transaction charges. Always test the full workflow during trial periods—don't just click around the dashboard.
Test Support Responsiveness
Send a real question to customer support before signing up. How quickly do they respond? How helpful is their answer?
You'll be dealing with these people for years.
Plan for Long-Term Scalability
Choose software that can grow with your club. It's easier to pay slightly more upfront than to migrate all your data in two years.
FAQs
What is gun club management software and why do clubs need it?
Gun club management software automates membership tracking, billing, scheduling, and compliance tasks. Clubs need it to save volunteer time, reduce errors, and provide better member experiences.
What features should I look for in shooting range management software?
Essential features include member databases, automated billing, range scheduling, waiver management, mobile access, and basic reporting capabilities.
Can I use generic membership software for a gun club?
Yes, many clubs successfully use general membership platforms. However, specialized software may offer better features for firearms compliance and range-specific workflows.
Is there free or open-source gun club software?
Some platforms like MemberPlanet offer free tiers, and MemberTies has an unlimited trial. However, most robust solutions require paid subscriptions.
How do I choose the best software for my gun club?
Start with your specific needs, test multiple platforms during trial periods, and prioritize ease of use for volunteers over feature abundance.
What does range scheduling and membership tracking software include?
These systems typically include member profiles, automated renewals, lane/facility booking, payment processing, communication tools, and basic reporting.
Final Thoughts
Here's the bottom line: The right gun club management software isn't just about organizing data—it's about giving your volunteers their weekends back and creating experiences that keep members coming back.
The clubs thriving in 2024 aren't necessarily the ones with the biggest budgets or fanciest facilities. They're the ones that make membership feel effortless, from sign-up to renewal and everything in between.
Ready to see the difference? Try Join It free for 30 days and discover why gun clubs across the country are making the switch from spreadsheets to streamlined operations.
Your future self (and your volunteers) will thank you.
Sources
- Market Research Future. Shooting Range Market Report
- The Business Research Company. Membership Management Software Global Market Report
- Global Growth Insights. Sports Club Management Software Market Report
- Reddit. r/ukguns - Introducing Range Mate Discussion
- SquadSpot. Top 5 Challenges of Shooting Range Management
- SoftwareAdvice: Review and Ratings
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