Tim the student
Member
Well, I just got back from a trip to Massachusetts. My wife is out there working for the summer, as is her brother. When I was out there, us boys decided to take a trip to Springfield, and go to the awe inspiring Springfield Armory, which is now (part at least) a community college. I have to say, I enjoyed that campus much more than any other campus I have been on. 
The museum there was really quite nice and is free to boot, but the upstairs is now off limits. Apparently it was open to the public at one time, but no more. (We talked to the park ranger at the desk, and he seemed pretty unhappy with that decision, and said even they had a hard time getting up there. Additionally, he said it was from the new administration – which I believe he meant the Parks Service, not Obama. I’m sure they would love to hear your opinions on this - www.nps.gov/spar/contacts.htm) He also said it held about 90% of the collection, which makes it pretty sad to me. I bet they have some real treasures up there.
They had everything from Vulcan cannons, to M2’s to muskets, to M1’s, BAR’s, M1 carbines, 1903’s, and M16’s. SN 1 was there, as well as SN 81 (the first M1 off the line) as well as 2 mil, 3 mil, and 6,084,445 (the last M1 off the line).
Sorry about the lack of pictures, I grossly underestimated how much space was left on my memory card. But here are a few for you guys.
The Smith and Wesson Center is only about 10-15 minutes away, as are the other museums in Springfield (and the Seusse sculptures, which are pretty cool, IMO). If you guys ever happen to be in the area, it would be well worth your time to go.
The museum there was really quite nice and is free to boot, but the upstairs is now off limits. Apparently it was open to the public at one time, but no more. (We talked to the park ranger at the desk, and he seemed pretty unhappy with that decision, and said even they had a hard time getting up there. Additionally, he said it was from the new administration – which I believe he meant the Parks Service, not Obama. I’m sure they would love to hear your opinions on this - www.nps.gov/spar/contacts.htm) He also said it held about 90% of the collection, which makes it pretty sad to me. I bet they have some real treasures up there.
They had everything from Vulcan cannons, to M2’s to muskets, to M1’s, BAR’s, M1 carbines, 1903’s, and M16’s. SN 1 was there, as well as SN 81 (the first M1 off the line) as well as 2 mil, 3 mil, and 6,084,445 (the last M1 off the line).
Sorry about the lack of pictures, I grossly underestimated how much space was left on my memory card. But here are a few for you guys.
The Smith and Wesson Center is only about 10-15 minutes away, as are the other museums in Springfield (and the Seusse sculptures, which are pretty cool, IMO). If you guys ever happen to be in the area, it would be well worth your time to go.
