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.