Greetings,

While I was not an SO at the S&W I definitely noticed the changes. 2007 was my first indoor Championship. I was excited to go as I had heard nothing but positive reviews about the match. My wife and I arrived early Thursday and walked around the store and talked match sponsors and many friends. We took the factory tour and the Springfield Armory tour. Friday I shot the match while the wife and friends went to Yankee Candle. After I finished shooting I had a nice lunch on site while talking to other shooters about the stages. Saturday came and we enjoyed the banquet and hanging out with friends. We then returned home on Sunday.

So now fast forward to 2008. I was still excited about shooting the match. Arrived early Thursday and went into the store. This year there were no sponsors in the store. I shot the match on Friday and then had to find a place for lunch as they did not provide one this year. Saturday came and we just decided to return to PA as we weren't interested in hordeovers. I think doing away with the dinner was a bad idea.

After taking a hard look at what I received for my investment I came to the following conclusion. I lost 2 vacation days that I could use in the summer. I paid $170 (with mailing) to shoot a match. That doesn't include the 2 night hotel stay. This year they seemed more interested in giving $5000 to the big name shooters than providing the average Joe with a value for his money. Did I have fun shooting the match, absolutley.

Will I return in 2009, I don't know. It certainly is not a definate yes. I may just drive up and shoot Saturday morning and return home. I have heard others say that S&W would give guns away in previous years. In 2007/2008 that did not happen. The $150 entry fee may be the deciding factor.

Perry