Springs Rod and Gun Club

Springs Rod & Gun Club traces its roots back to around 1930, when local shooters competed in small bore rifle matches across the region. The modern club formed in the early 1950s and has operated continuously since, establishing itself as a cornerstone of Crawford County's shooting community.

Today, the club operates on 5 acres in Cambridge Springs with a clubhouse, training center, and multiple shooting ranges. The organization is built on a non-profit model focused on promoting sportsmanship, safety education, and conservation awareness.

The club maintains three distinct ranges:

All ranges operate 8am-8pm daily (or sundown, whichever comes first). Members and their guests have access upon signing in with a valid membership card.

Air Rifle Training - Five-week program, typically January start - Meets once weekly, 6:00-7:30pm - Ages 8-18 - NRA-recommended equipment with fully trained NRA instructors - Curriculum covers rifle anatomy, safety, shooting techniques, sight picture, and marksmanship - Modest fee includes junior club membership and required insurance - Parent/guardian supervision required at all sessions

Archery Training - Five-week program, typically January-February start - Meets once weekly, 6:30-8:00pm - Ages 8-18 - Seasoned archery instructors with practical experience - Training includes bow anatomy, safety, shooting techniques, range estimation, and marksmanship - Modest fee includes junior membership and insurance - Parent/guardian supervision required

NRA Membership Discounts Through the Club: - New/renewal members: $30/year, $85/3-year, $100/5-year, $1,000 lifetime - Savings of $10-$500 depending on plan selected - Club receives commission, helping fund operations - Contact Pete Mathews (814-398-4368) for enrollment

Gun Bash Annual Event - Major fundraiser drawing community participation - 2025 winners included CZ Shadow 2 (9MM), Sig Sauer M400 Tread AR, Kimber Custom II 1911, Henry 360 Buckhammer, Tikka T3X 6.5 Creedmoor, Springfield Hellcat Pro, Sig Sauer P365, CZ-457 Varmint, Winchester XPR 350 Legend, Kel-Tec KSG 12-gauge, and Mathews compound bow

General Meetings - Second Wednesday each month, 7:00pm at clubhouse - Active membership drive underway - Program leaders needed - Members encouraged to attend and provide input

The club enforces clear safety protocols:

• •Valid membership card required for range use
• •Proper targets only (no glass, cans, or plastic)
• •15-yard minimum distance from targets at pistol range
• •Full auto fire and Tannerite-type products prohibited except by prior club approval
• •No .50 BMG except by arrangement
• •Ear and eye protection mandatory
• •Firearms benched with actions open when anyone is downrange
• •No alcoholic beverages or drugs on ranges
• •Membership can be revoked for safety violations

"Safety is everyone's responsibility. If you see an unsafe act: be polite, but say something. The life you save may be your own."

In 2006, the club completed a Training Center shell, with interior buildout completed over subsequent years by Emil Samec, Pete Mathews, Marvin Morton, and Dave Dunkle. The facility includes partitions, drywall, lighting, electrical, and plumbing work—most done by volunteers. A second phase (Indoor Multipurpose Range) remains in planning stages pending funding.

The club's bylaws emphasize promoting understanding of conservation issues and working with state and federal agencies on fish and game law enforcement. The organization has historically hosted hunter and trapper education classes and maintains a fishing pond (currently undergoing improvements due to changing fishery regulations).