Answer First:
You can legally shoot fully automatic weapons in Las Vegas at licensed indoor facilities like the Las Vegas Shooting Center. We offer a massive armory of machine guns, including the legendary AK-47, the tactical M4, and the iconic MP5 submachine gun. Every full-auto experience is strictly supervised by a dedicated Range Safety Officer to ensure a safe, thrilling, and unforgettable adrenaline rush just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.
Key Takeaways:
Las Vegas is built on delivering experiences you simply cannot find anywhere else in the world. While riding a rollercoaster over the Strip or driving a supercar on a track are fantastic ways to spend an afternoon, nothing quite matches the visceral, chest-thumping adrenaline rush of pulling the trigger on a fully automatic machine gun.
For the vast majority of civilians, shooting a machine gun is an incredibly rare opportunity. Due to strict federal regulations like the National Firearms Act (NFA) and various international laws, owning or even renting a fully automatic weapon in most states or countries is either highly restricted or completely illegal. Las Vegas operates as a unique oasis where these heavy-duty firearms are accessible to the public in a safe, controlled, and heavily regulated environment.
The physical sensation of shooting full-auto is unique. It is not just about the loud report of the gunshot; it is the mechanical vibration traveling through your arms, the smell of gunpowder in the air, the shower of brass casings hitting the floor, and the sheer speed of the mechanics cycling right in front of your eyes. It is a sensory overload in the best possible way. Whether you are celebrating a bachelor party, looking for an unforgettable corporate team-building event, or just wanting to check a massive item off your bucket list, stepping onto the firing line with a machine gun is guaranteed to be the highlight of your trip.
Stepping into the vault at Las Vegas Shooting Center is like walking into the armory of your favorite action movie or video game. The sheer variety of firearms can be overwhelming for a first-timer. To help you build the perfect shooting package, here is a deep dive into three of the most popular fully automatic weapons we offer.
If you have ever watched an action movie from the 1980s or 90s, you have seen the MP5. This German-engineered 9mm submachine gun is famously used by SWAT teams and special forces units around the globe, including the British SAS and the US Navy SEALs.
The M4 is the standard-issue rifle for the United States Armed Forces and represents the pinnacle of modern tactical engineering. Chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, this is a true assault rifle rather than a submachine gun.
Designed in the Soviet Union in 1947, the Avtomat Kalashnikova (AK-47) is arguably the most famous and widely produced firearm in human history. Chambered in the heavy 7.62x39mm cartridge, this rifle is known for its rugged reliability and raw, brute force.
The idea of holding a weapon that fires up to 15 bullets per second can be intimidating, especially if you have never held a firearm before. The most common question we get from tourists is, “Can I handle this?” The answer is an absolute yes.
At Las Vegas Shooting Center, safety is not just a priority; it is the foundational rule of our entire operation. You are never handed a loaded machine gun and left to figure it out on your own. Every single shooter is paired directly with a certified Range Safety Officer (RSO).
Before you ever step onto the firing line, your RSO will conduct a thorough safety briefing. They will teach you the fundamentals of marksmanship, including how to safely handle the weapon, where to place your hands, how to properly align your sights, and how to adopt an aggressive, forward-leaning stance to absorb the recoil.
Once you are on the line, the RSO remains right beside you—often with a hand hovering just behind your shoulder to provide physical stability if the recoil pushes you back. They handle all the loading, chambering, and clearing of the firearms. Your only job is to focus on the target, follow their clear commands, and enjoy the rush of pulling the trigger. This intense, one-on-one supervision ensures that even absolute beginners can safely experience the thrill of fully automatic fire.
Shooting heavy artillery requires a facility engineered to handle massive ballistic forces. You might wonder how it is possible to fire an AK-47 safely indoors, just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.
The shooting bays at LVSC are constructed with impenetrable concrete walls, acoustic dampening materials, and heavy-duty AR500 steel bullet traps designed to safely decelerate and capture high-velocity rifle rounds. Furthermore, firing a machine gun generates a significant amount of smoke and gas. Our facility features a state-of-the-art, climate-controlled HVAC system equipped with hospital-grade HEPA filters. This system continuously cycles fresh air past the shooter and pulls the smoke downrange, ensuring that you breathe clean air in a comfortable, 72-degree environment, completely shielded from the 110-degree desert heat outside.
One of the most surprising things about shooting a fully automatic weapon is how quickly the experience goes. A standard 30-round magazine emptied in one continuous trigger pull will be gone in under three seconds. To get the most out of your package, our RSOs will teach you how to fire in short, controlled bursts.
Burst firing—pulling the trigger for just a fraction of a second to release three or four rounds—allows you to reset your aim, manage the recoil better, and significantly extend your time on the gun.
To truly maximize your experience, we highly recommend booking a multi-gun package. Firing a machine gun is incredible, but combining that speed with the earth-shaking, single-shot precision of the Barrett .50 Caliber sniper rifle or the heavy impact of a Desert Eagle creates a well-rounded, unforgettable afternoon.
Do I need a special permit to shoot a machine gun in Nevada?
No special permits, licenses, or background checks are required to rent and shoot our firearms at the range. You simply need to bring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID (like a U.S. driver’s License) or a physical Passport for international guests.
How fast does a fully automatic weapon shoot?
The speed, known as the cyclic rate, depends on the specific firearm. For example, an AK-47 fires roughly 600 rounds per minute, while an MP5 can fire up to 800 rounds per minute. This means if you hold the trigger down, you are firing between 10 and 14 bullets every single second.
Can I take a video of myself shooting?
Absolutely! In fact, we highly encourage it. Shooting a machine gun is a highly visual experience. Your friends or family are welcome to stand safely behind the firing line to take photos and videos. If you ask your Range Safety Officer, they can even advise you on the best angles to capture the muzzle flash in slow motion.
What is the minimum age to shoot fully automatic weapons?
The safety of our guests is our top priority. The minimum age to shoot at Las Vegas Shooting Center is generally 12 years old, but the ability to shoot fully automatic weapons or high-caliber rifles depends entirely on the physical size, strength, and maturity of the minor. Final approval is always at the strict discretion of the Range Safety Officer on duty. All minors must be accompanied by a legal parent or guardian.
Ready to go full-auto? Book your machine gun package today and experience the ultimate Las Vegas adrenaline rush. Don’t forget to take advantage of our free shuttle service.
