Leyden Rifle Club

Leyden Rifle Club has been operating continuously since May 1935, when 25 founding members gathered to organize what would become one of Massachusetts' most active shooting clubs. Today, LRC remains affiliated with the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), holding true to its original mission: encouraging safe firearm handling, proper care of firearms, and improved marksmanship among community shooters.

The club operates year-round (weather permitting) with both indoor and outdoor ranges:

The club also maintains a 300-yard range (work-in-progress as of 2017) for extended-distance shooting.

Throughout the summer, LRC regularly conducts high power rifle matches using military service rifles in accordance with CMP standards at the 200-yard range. The club provides M1 Garand rifles for new shooters who don't have their own, and sells .30-'06 ammunition at reasonable prices during match days only. Empty cartridge cases and rifle clips become club property after matches.

These Sunday morning matches welcome both competitive shooters and "fun shoot" participants. First-timers and inexperienced high power shooters can expect coaching from attending members.

• •Only current LRC members may discharge firearms on club property. Annual membership dues are $35/year (as of 2025).

• •Location: Leyden, Massachusetts (Western Massachusetts, adjacent to Vermont border)
• •Distance: Approximately 45 minutes from Springfield, MA
• •Operating Schedule: Year-round, weather permitting
• •Affiliated: NRA, CMP

Members receive email newsletters and event schedules, and must carry current membership cards.

"The object of this organization shall be the encouragement of organized rifle and pistol shooting among citizens of the United States residents in the community with a view toward a better knowledge on the part of such citizens of the safe handling and proper care of firearms as well as improved marksmanship."

LRC actively supports firearm safety, shooting marksmanship, self-discipline, and fellowship among members. The club has historically hosted youth organizations including Boy Scouts of America for marksmanship merit badge training and continues to welcome junior shooters under 21.

LRC's roots trace to both the NRA and the Director of Civilian Marksmanship (DCM), which became the CMP in 1996. The club affiliated with the DCM in 1982, making members eligible to purchase .30-'06 cartridges for high power matches.

During World War II, club members and the Women's Auxiliary served as aircraft spotters on a hill northwest of the indoor range, using a heated Model T coupe body with a spotting cupola. After the war, LRC leased its 200-yard range to the Town of Greenfield's National Guard for rifle practice and training (1946-1974).

2025 marks the club's 90th anniversary.

LRC emphasizes member involvement. The club regularly conducts work parties for range maintenance and facility improvements, including a pavilion rebuild in summer 2013 and shooting structure rebuild at the 200-yard range in 2019. Current officers sacrifice significant time to keep operations running, and the club actively recruits members to step up and help ensure its future.

Website launched 2013 with 1,000+ visitors in the first year; currently averages 1,000+ visitors annually.