IDPA at S&W HQ in Springfield, MA

[CTPete]

Does anyone know if they still have an IDPA program at S&W in Springfield??

[OKFC05]

Here's a link to the club from the IDPA site:
IDPA - Club Details - S and W Defensive Pistol League

[scooter123]

IIRC S&W shut down their shooting sports center after a local paper found that some Felons were using the range to practice. In Massachusetts that was a big GIANT bit of bad press and in response S&W closed the range down completely.

[CTPete]

Originally Posted by OKFC05

Here's a link to the club from the IDPA site:
IDPA - Club Details - S and W Defensive Pistol League

Thanks, that's very helpful.

[CTPete]

Originally Posted by scooter123

IIRC S&W shut down their shooting sports center after a local paper found that some Felons were using the range to practice. In Massachusetts that was a big GIANT bit of bad press and in response S&W closed the range down completely.

Not exactly....they continued doing IDPA long after the public range was closed for the offense you mentioned. They also continue to do LEO courses there. However, the public range and store remains closed as you said.

[Squarebutt]

Originally Posted by scooter123

IIRC S&W shut down their shooting sports center after a local paper found that some Felons were using the range to practice. In Massachusetts that was a big GIANT bit of bad press and in response S&W closed the range down completely.

The center is no longer open to the public on a daily basis, and sadly the company store is gone. The ranges are still in use for LEO and military training courses, and there are some IDPA events, including winter nationals, from time to time.
The felons who were involved in a gang shooting were seen on a previously-recorded video renting guns and buying ammo. If I recall, it was the feds that dropped the hammer. I could never understand why the S&W range did not require a MA carry license to rent a gun. Not that I like our firearm licensing laws, but the rest of us have to produce one just to look at a gun in most shops.
Edit: CTPete can type faster than I. He's correct.