im a new member of The Grange (at target sports). here is how the process works for that club (im not sure how it works for other clubs).
i paid for membership on october 22, 2014. the next available seat for my CLSC was on december 20. i completed all three of my probationary shoots the following week. my membership started when i completed my final probationary shoot. i was allowed to bring non-restricted (.22LR rifle) to shoot there until my ATT arrived which took 3 weeks.
Ah I see, I guess if I am buying a pistol first perhaps they will hold off my membership until I receive my ATT in the mail, just so that I dont waste the 3 weeks in between. I am also planning to get a membership with the Grange, Target sports is the closes I live about 15 min away.
Thanks for the info!