What is the minimum age to participate?

Minimum age is 8 years old; minors must be supervised per facility policy—bring ID for adults and guardians.

Is safety gear provided?

Yes. The facility provides hearing and eye protection and conducts a full safety briefing before shooting begins.

Do I need prior shooting experience?

No prior experience is required; professional range officers guide each shooter through safe operation during the one-hour session.

Can I choose which guns I fire?

Specific gun availability may vary; the advertised lineup is typical but subject to change—book early to confirm offerings.

How do I book and pay?

Use the referral booking link to reserve a slot; check the booking page for payment options, documentation, and any restrictions.

Are photos or video allowed during the session?

Policies vary—ask staff during check-in. Safe photography is often permitted from designated, non-disruptive positions.

250th Anniversary Full-Auto Machine Gun Experience in Albuquerque

At Calibers Shooting Sports Center on 4340 Cutler Ave NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a rare celebration of U.S. military history arrives as a one-hour Full Auto Package for the 250th Anniversary. This is a focused, supervised range experience where participants step to the firing line to handle an unusual lineup: Thompson 1928, Suomi, HK53, HK MP5, Daniel Defense MK18, FN SCAR 17, RPK, AK-47, M16 and the .50 BMG. Staffed by professional range officers, the event combines historical context with hands-on operation of automatic and select-fire weapons. The range itself is businesslike and safety-first: clearly marked shooting lanes, armored backstops, hearing and eye protection protocols, and range officers who brief each shooter before a single guided hour. For visitors staying in Albuquerque, this is a compact, high-adrenaline diversion that contrasts with the city’s high desert landscape, framed by the distant Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande valley. The experience highlights the mechanical evolution of military small arms, from early submachine guns to modern battle rifles and heavy-caliber big bore rifles. What makes this anniversary package stand out is its curated selection of firearms and the opportunity to compare rates of fire, recoil signature, and ergonomics across decades. Whether you’re fascinated by the Thompson’s historical profile, the compact aggression of the MP5, or the thunderous report of a .50 BMG, staff support ensures each weapon is presented with safety context and operational demonstration. Specific gun availability may vary, but the advertised lineup promises breadth and variety. This outing is practical for adults and supervised youth ages eight and up, offering a concise introduction rather than a prolonged course in marksmanship. It’s well suited for visitors who value structured experiences: military history buffs, collectors, film and media professionals scouting authentic sound and visuals, or travelers seeking an intense, timetable-friendly activity in Albuquerque. Bring government ID, closed-toe shoes, and an appetite for controlled noise; the facility provides protective gear and instruction. Nearby, the city offers evening dining, brewing scenes, and cultural stops for a fuller weekend. For those who respect firearms and regulations, this one-hour package is a memorable, contained way to engage with tools that shaped modern warfare while celebrating a national milestone in a safe, regulated environment. Reserve early: space is limited for this anniversary event, and guns listed may change on the day. Check Calibers Shooting Sports Centers’ booking page via the referral link to confirm available times and any documentation required at check-in. Expect a prompt arrival process at 4340 Cutler Ave NE with staff verification and gear fitting before the live-fire portion begins. The hour moves quickly; listen closely to instructions and you’ll leave with a sharper sense of firearms history and a vivid, controlled range experience.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

1 hour.

Fitness level

Minimal physical fitness required; participants should be steady on their feet and able to follow safety instructions.

Wildlife

Roadrunner
Coyotes (typically seen at dusk)

History

The package celebrates the United States’ 250th Anniversary and showcases firearms spanning twentieth-century to modern designs, including the historic Thompson 1928.

Conservation

The range follows lead management and range-cleaning protocols; visitors should follow staff guidance to minimize environmental impact and dispose of waste properly.

Calibers Shooters Sports Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, provides a range of classroom and live-fire training along with indoor range experiences. The facility offers structured courses such as the USCCA Home Defense Course, New Mexico Concealed Carry courses (Section 1, 7, and 8), CCW refresher classes for 2- and 4-year renewals, and beginner programs including Introduction to Handguns and the NSSF First Shots course. Classes combine classroom instruction and live-fire practice at an indoor shooting range. Several courses include rental firearms and guided range time, and the facility maintains climate-controlled classroom space for comfortable instruction. The Date Night Package and Members Only Range Reservation provide recreational options alongside formal training. Calibers emphasizes practical skills delivered by qualified instructors in hands-on sessions and live-fire qualifications. Legal and safety topics are covered where relevant, including discussions of self-defense law, deadly force, carrying regulations, and nonviolent dispute resolution in courses that meet New Mexico permit requirements. The center supports permit renewals with combined classroom and range training and assistance with renewal applications when specified. Located in Albuquerque, Calibers Shooters Sports Center serves local residents seeking concealed carry education, home defense training, beginner shooting introductions, and range time. Course lengths range from short introductions to multi-hour refresher programs, allowing students to select options that match their needs and experience level.

Base locationAlbuquerque, New Mexico

Tours offered49+

Specialtyland-adventures

StewardshipLeave No Trace