[2bigfeet]

On my way up to Vermont from Conn. Saturday morning I decided to check out the S&W Shooting Sports Center in Springfield Mass. It is just five minutes from I-91. Very nice and well run place. There were all kinds of things happening. Some kind of NRA event, another competition of some sorts, and what got me the most... were Moms lined up with their kids to shoot like they were going to a public skating rink for a few hours. While wandering around looking for the mens room I passed a few large classrooms which were full. Not sure what the classes were for though. I had other things on my mind.

I ended up renting an M&P-9 and a 1911. I must say I was impressed with both. I shoot an XD9 5" which I like, but I must say the M&P got under my skin... in a good way. It just feels better in my hand and for some reason seems to shoot much softer than my XD. I think I'll be getting the plastic out.. soon. The 1911 I shot was the two tone PD (I believe) with the laser on the grip. Actually shot better w/o the laser. Both were nice guns and not a hiccup for the fifty rounds I put through each. Not exactly an endurance test but these were in fact well used rentals. They had a sample to rent of just about every option from their line, even a few from the Performance Center. Of course I was doing all this while my wife was reading a book out in the car. Bless her soul... she is the best.

I'm glad I made the detour. If you live in the area and have never been there, stop in. Its well worth the effort. I also bought a few things from the store. Something about that place makes you want to spent money... be careful.

http://shootingsports.smith-wesson.com/index.php

[distra]

S&W has a nice facility. I was up there last summer and rented a few Performance center pistols. Nice shooters, but a little pricey. The people are great up there and there are lots of toys to droul over :D If I only could have just one of each...:D

[MrTwigg]

I was out there with my wife a few weeks ago. She just got her LTC-A. We were there to sample a few handguns for her. My wife has shot everything I have (Except for the S&W.500. :eek: ) and proclaimed everything as ; "Too big, too small. too heave, too much recoil...", get the picture ?

So I let her have free rein, she could shoot as many or as few as she wanted as much or as little as she wanted. I was gonna keep my big yap shut and just carry stuff and stay outta her way.

Long story short, she had a great time. The staff was fantastic, nobody was patronizing to her, they simply offered advice. After trying two revolvers and a semi-auto, they suggested she should at least try a 1911PD - a with lazergrips. She put a half a box of ammo through it before she called me over for my opinion.

I told her if it fit her hand and she was comfortable with the recoil it would be OK with me. :)

We walked out of there with her new 1911PD, without the lazer.(Her decision.) after she shot up the rest of the box of ammo. :D