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Shoot a machine gun at The Gun Store, Las Vegas

Published by Tammy Burns, Writer

Country: United States

The Experience

There are a few activities that automatically spring to mind when you think of Las Vegas: gambling, nightclubbing, getting married by Elvis, screaming yourself silly at the Stratosphere, and… shooting guns?

Yes, one of Vegas’ most popular tourist attractions is a shooting range called The Gun Store, located just a short drive off the strip, on Tropicana Avenue. The Gun Store has been featured in episodes of CSI and Pawn Stars, and has been reviewed on the Travel Channel, the History Channel, the BBC, and CNN. Shooting ranges aren’t that uncommon throughout North America, however, what makes this one so interesting is the sheer variety of guns on offer. When you arrive at The Gun Store, the first thing to catch your eye is the wall of guns and ammunition. Everything from small handguns to large rifles and scary-looking machine guns are on display and available for you to use.

At the desk, you select your package, with options ranging from the "Coalition (Iraq Paq) Package" (M249 SAW machine gun, M16 rifle, and M9 pistol) to the "Ladies’ Package" (hand gun and AR-15 or Beretta Cx4 semiautomatic, with the option of choosing your gun in pink), to the "Zombie Package" (UZI submachine gun, HK33 assault rifle, 1911 pistol, and shotgun). There’s even a "Kids Package," with semi-automatic .22 rifles for those who want to give their children a chance to play with real guns.

It’s a quick sign-in process (a bit frighteningly quick, considering the circumstances), and then you are handed your ammunition, targets, and ear and eye protection before being whisked into the shooting range. Only a handful of shooters are allowed into the range at a time, and each one is assigned their own shooting stall and staff member to load their guns and guide them through aiming and firing the guns.

Despite the protective ear wear, inside the range, the sound is deafening with the rat-a-tat-tat of gunfire echoing off the walls. Empty shells litter the ground, and the air smells burnt and smoky.

A staff member loads your gun, hangs your target, and helps you aim the first shot. After you’ve got the hang of it, the staff member will let you continue on your own, although he or she is never far away. There is a loaded holster on the hip of every employee, and they are quick to step in if you make the slightest move that makes it look like you are uncomfortable, unprepared, or unpredictable.

For some, the experience is exhilarating. For others (like me), the power is terrifying. As we emerged from our time in the range, the crowd was abuzz with some people laughing at the exhilaration of it, others sighing (or in my case, crying) with relief that it was over.

No matter whether the thought of shooting a machine gun thrills you or terrifies you, it is an experience oddly appropriate for a city like Las Vegas, where anything goes and nothing is out-of-the-ordinary.

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When to Go to Gun Store Las Vegas

There is really no bad time to go to Las Vegas, but the best time of year to visit depends on what you're looking for. If you want good weather, March to May and late September to early November are best for comfortably warm temperatures. However, those are also the times when hotel rates are at their priciest.

If you're after cheap prices, December to February are the low season (unless of course, you want to travel during New Year's or Christmas: an extremely busy and potentially pricey time), but since Las Vegas can be quite cold in the winter months, don't expect to be lying poolside. On the opposite end of the spectrum, June to early September also offer cheaper prices, but sweltering temperatures.

The Gun Store is open year-round.

Odds n' Ends

Packages at The Gun Store range from $50 to upwards of $400, depending on which package you choose. If you're after one of the packages featuring large machine guns or that allow you to shoot a wide variety of guns, be prepared to pay a lot.

The Gun Store doesn't have any clothing requirements; however, it's a good idea to wear closed-toe shoes (due to empty shells falling from the guns). All shooters are required to wear ear and eye protection, which is provided by the store.

Be sure to listen to all instructions given by staff members and never, ever point your gun in any direction other than down range—even when it's empty. You are allowed to pose for photos with a gun after shooting. However, a staff member will ensure the gun is empty before permitting you to do so. Staff are very serious about monitoring how you hold your gun and conduct yourself, and you don't want to risk the fallout if they feel you are a danger to yourself or anyone else.

No matter what time of year you visit, remember that Las Vegas is in the desert, which means that even the hottest of days can drop to chilly temperatures at night. Even in the summer months, pack a sweater for cold evenings.

Places to Eat

Battista's Hole in the Wall
An Italian restaurant dating back to the Rat Pack days that serves delicious, homemade food. The very-affordable all-inclusive menu includes soup or salad, garlic bread, pasta side, cappuccino, and all-you-can-drink wine.
Mon Ami Gabi
French bistro located in the Paris hotel, with an excellent weekend brunch menu. Score a spot on the veranda if you can - it offers a perfect view of the Bellagio fountains across the street.
Stack
A trendy, visually stunning bistro and bar located in the Mirage hotel. The Hot Rocks sirloin appetizer is guaranteed to please meat lovers (and anyone who just thinks its fun to watch your beef sizzle atop a rock).

Recommended Places to Stay

Caesars Palace
Possibly the most famous hotel in Vegas (and of course, the site of one of the most popular Vegas movies in recent years - The Hangover).

More Experiences Nearby

Be Dazzled with Whimsy at Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas
Translated "circus of the sun", it's only natural that Cirque du Soleil would find such popularity in the city that never sleeps. Just as you'll find a little something of everything in Sin City, you'll also find something of everything at a Vegas Cirque du Soleil show. Part circus and part performance art, in any given show you'll find a mixture of fairytale animals, outrageous acrobatics, dancing and musical performance. All this fused together in one mind-boggling show that captivates Vegas visitors. Similarly to the many themed hotels in Las Vegas, from European to Egyptian, so you'll find similar allure ...4 miles away.

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