I grew up in Springfield but have not lived there since leaving for the Navy in 1987; for the last 12 years
I've called southeast Georgia home (I am now a retired Submariner) and rarely miss it. I flew up there last
week to bury a nephew (a Marine) and stopped by the S&W Shooting Sports Center to check it out. I had
called to inquire about a tour, was transferred to Bob Draper's desk but got nothing but his voicemail; that
was it. S&W had always been there while growing up (just like the Springfield Armory, NBA Hall of Fame,
and Indian Motocycles Factory...) but was never interested until now. My brother, however, is an avid
collecter of guns of all kinds.
While I would like to join you all who eventually attend, I doubt that I will be joining you. It is VERY easy
to locate the factory, though. Travelling down I291 you drive right by it. Springfield itself has really gone to
SH*T since I lived there, though, so be careful when driving through any vicinity of downtown. Good luck!
