The person you spoke to likely had no clue what he/she was talking about. I bought my first two handguns without belonging to a club. All you need to say is that you intend to use the gun for target shooting and name the club you will *likely* join. Of course, you can always change your mind later and join a different club.Hands down, need to be part of a club or a collector. this came from the cfc today when i called, they said they wouldnt approve my transfers till i had a membership number