Do I need any prior firearms experience?

No prior experience is required; all instruction and safety guidance are provided onsite by trained Range Safety Officers.

Can minors participate in the experience?

Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian; shooting permission is assessed case-by-case for younger participants.

What firearms will I get to shoot?

You’ll handle the M16, Grease Gun, M60 machine gun, Commando carbine, and AK47 rifle, each with one magazine or belt of ammunition.

Is safety gear provided?

Yes, eye and ear protection are supplied for all participants to ensure a safe shooting environment.

How do I make a reservation?

Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance online, but walk-ins and phone bookings are welcome when available.

What should I wear to the range?

Closed-toe shoes and comfortable, non-restrictive clothing are recommended for safety and ease.

Vietnam War Firearms Experience at Texas Gun Experience | History Tour | Attraction

Located in Grapevine, Texas, just a short drive from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas Gun Experience offers a distinctly hands-on dive into military history with their Vietnam War Firearms Experience — a unique activity that lets visitors handle and fire some of the most iconic weapons of the Vietnam War era. This isn’t just a range session; it’s a focused immersion into the rugged realities faced by soldiers in dense Southeast Asian jungles, all facilitated within a meticulously controlled environment.

The experience begins with the M16 rifle, recognized for its precision and adaptability, which became the signature firearm for U.S. troops. Following this, participants engage with weapons that defined close-quarters and heavy-support combat: the compact Grease Gun submachine gun, the robust M60 machine gun — nicknamed “the Pig” for its powerful suppressive fire — and the Commando carbine, favored by special forces for its rapid-fire capability in fast, jungle-style engagements. Closing the armory is the AK47, the dependable workhorse of Viet Cong forces, known for its rugged reliability amid harsh conditions.

Set against the backdrop of Texas’s dynamic outdoor shooting culture, this experience offers more than adrenaline—it’s an educational connection to a pivotal chapter of 20th-century warfare. With expert safety oversight, eye and ear protection, and targets provided, guests of all experience levels can engage safely and meaningfully.

Grapevine sits near varied outdoor recreation, blending historic tours with natural spots like Grapevine Lake and nearby hiking trails, making Texas Gun Experience a standout destination for adventurous travelers wanting to combine history, skill, and excitement. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a shooter seeking something truly distinctive, this hour-long journey delivers multiple layers of insight, challenge, and respect for the complex past it represents.

About Texas Gun Experience

Texas Gun Experience is a professional firearms training and range operator based in Grapevine, Texas. The business offers a wide range of hands-on shooting experiences, classes, rentals, events, and private lessons tailored to beginners, intermediate shooters, and experienced enthusiasts. Instructors provide guided training that emphasizes firearm safety, responsible handling, and practical skills across handguns, rifles, shotguns, and machine gun packages.

Courses and experiences include beginner offerings like the First Time Shooter Experience, focused LTC preparation and qualification, Intermediate and Advanced Rifle and Handgun classes, specialized courses such as Defensive Handgun and Rifle Fundamentals, and women-focused programs including Lone Star Ladies and Women’s Handgun & Self-Defense Fundamentals Levels 1 and 2. The company also runs themed events and social formats including the Shooter Social Series, seasonal events like Guns & Gravy and Guns & Garland, and unique experiences such as Secret Agent and Don’t Mess With Texas.

Range and firearm rental options cover 25- and 50-yard ranges, pick-and-shoot packages, belt-fed and magazine-fed packages, and machine gun rentals including M134 Mini Gun and Barrett .50 CAL sessions. Additional services listed include firearm cleaning, first aid and exigent care training, and private lessons.

All offerings are presented with an emphasis on structured instruction, practical drills, and supervised firing opportunities to build competence and confidence. Texas Gun Experience positions itself as a comprehensive destination for firearms training, recreational shooting, event hosting, and specialty machine gun experiences in Grapevine, Texas. Booking, scheduling, and detailed package information are available through the business's official channels online directly.