Joining a club in Metrowest (Westwood Gun Club, Fin Fur and Feather, or Concord R&G)

[Leviathan]

Hello,

I'm am looking at clubs convenient to the Metrowest area. Is anyone a member of Westwood Gun Club, Fin Fur And Feather of Wellesley and Natick , or Concord Rod & Gun? I would love to check out any of these clubs.

Please let me know if you can show me around or provide any advice on membership.

Thanks a lot

 

[Boris]

You may call the clubs, there are usually officers that can show you around and answer your questions.

You need to figure out first what you need in a club, like: long rifle range, social life, how far it takes to get there ... after that decision will come by itself. Each club has its own good points and shortcomings (not in a bad sense, but in facility, location etc.)

 

[MisterHappy]

There are other clubs in the area, that may suit your needs (For Example: Southborough Rod & GUn Club www.srgclub.com)

Boris makes the most important point, though - each club is different. Some are shooting clubs with a social component, others are social clubs with shooting.

Of the shooting clubs, some are more focused than others: CLub A is Rifle, B is pistol and C is Trap, for example.

If you are more detailed about your primary interest, you'll get more clarity in the answers.

 

[richc]

I'm a member at Westwood Gun club and would be glad to show you around. I live a minute's drive from there so it's really easy.

PM me if you're interested.

Best,

Rich

 

[richc]

Here's a high level comparison of Westwood GC vs Fin, Fur and Feather:

WGC:

100 yard rifle all the time
Trap shooting on a scheduled basis
Outdoor pistol range all the time
250 yard shooting on a scheduled basis
A shooters club for sure


Fin, Fur and Feather

Big into Skeet and trap
Indoor pistol range
Very limited rifle shooting at short distances. Limits on calibers too.


If you're a big skeet/trap guy look at Fin, Fur and Feather. If you're a rifle guy WGC. In regards to pistol, on the coldest days of winter I wish WGC had an indoor range, but personally I prefer shooting pistol outdoors in anything but the coldest days.

 

[rep308]

Fin Fur,

forget about rifles larger than .22
Great indoor pistol range with ventilation just redone
Active Pistol Team
Trap, skeet and 5 stand every Sat & Sun 12-3
very active junior trap team
Pheasant hunting program
No work requirement

No BS or heavy politics

 

[M1911]

I'm a member of the Wayland Rod & Gun Club. Info here: http://www.waylandgc.org

 

[Leviathan]

Thanks for all the replies. All of them are very helpful. Right now, all I have is a handgun, and I am eager to practice with it. I don't have a rifle, but it doesn't mean that I won't in the near future. I'm more interested in shooting. Trap, fishing, and hunting are not terribly high on my priority list. And indoor pistol range is nice, but not having one would not be a deal breaker. Are any of these places cool with drawing from the holster on the firing line? Or doing mag dumps? I'm not trying to be a range hooligan, as I will abide by any rules, but I want to know how much leash each club will give.

 

[M1911]

Thanks for all the replies. All of them are very helpful. Right now, all I have is a handgun, and I am eager to practice with it. I don't have a rifle, but it doesn't mean that I won't in the near future. I'm more interested in shooting. Trap, fishing, and hunting are not terribly high on my priority list. And indoor pistol range is nice, but not having one would not be a deal breaker. Are any of these places cool with drawing from the holster on the firing line? Or doing mag dumps? I'm not trying to be a range hooligan, as I will abide by any rules, but I want to know how much leash each club will give.

First, if you haven't already had training in drawing from a holster, I suggest that you get some before you do it. Drawing from a holster is a good way to shoot yourself if you don't know what you're doing.

The Wayland Rod & Gun Club rule book is posted on our web site.

Defensive shooting is not allowed on our indoor range, due to its geometry. But you can do so on our outdoor range. Note that our outdoor range is not plowed in the winter. We do have very close neighbors, so we do ask that our members using the outdoor range use a little discretion. Most importantly, though, every shot you fire must be aimed and must impact within the prescribed area of the backstop.

 

[Leviathan]

First, if you haven't already had training in drawing from a holster, I suggest that you get some before you do it. Drawing from a holster is a good way to shoot yourself if you don't know what you're doing.

The Wayland Rod & Gun Club rule book is posted on our web site.

Defensive shooting is not allowed on our indoor range, due to its geometry. But you can do so on our outdoor range. Note that our outdoor range is not plowed in the winter. We do have very close neighbors, so we do ask that our members using the outdoor range use a little discretion. Most importantly, though, every shot you fire must be aimed and must impact within the prescribed area of the backstop.

Thanks for that, definitely good advice. I think I will probably start a thread some other time about a good defensive handgun class to take.

 

[rep308]

Thanks for all the replies. All of them are very helpful. Right now, all I have is a handgun, and I am eager to practice with it. I don't have a rifle, but it doesn't mean that I won't in the near future. I'm more interested in shooting. Trap, fishing, and hunting are not terribly high on my priority list. And indoor pistol range is nice, but not having one would not be a deal breaker. Are any of these places cool with drawing from the holster on the firing line? Or doing mag dumps? I'm not trying to be a range hooligan, as I will abide by any rules, but I want to know how much leash each club will give.

The only time you can draw from the holster at fin fur is during the monthly pin shoot. You need to maintain a safe rate of fire and mag dumps will not be allowed. The indoor range limits some handgun calibers (no .44 mag, check it first) and all targets must be at the 50 ft line. You can move forward if you are there alone, it is not crowded. There is an outdoor pistol range as well. I think it is the best indoor pistol range, but I am biased.

 

[Bob]

If time permits, stop by Hopkinton (www.hsasports.com) Wednesday late afternoon 530pmish for the USPSA practice in the Pistol Bays. Will be happy to show you the rifle range, trap and skeet (day and night), and the 24/7 indoor pistol range range. Plus we are WiFi equipped to help you stay in touch. Do take Mr Happy's and Boris's advice and check out your preferences.