Shoot the 250th: Full-Auto Machine-Gun Experience in Albuquerque

On the west side of Albuquerque, at 9320 Coors Blvd NW, Calibers Shooting Sports Centers stages a rare, high-energy tribute to American history: the 250th Anniversary Full Auto Package, running July 3-5, 2026. This one-hour range event compresses decades of military and law-enforcement small-arms evolution into a supervised, hands-on experience. Expect a concise safety briefing, expert instructors, and a curated rotation through an extraordinary lineup of full-auto firearms - from the Thompson 1928 and Suomi to the AK-47, RPK, HK53, MP5, Daniel Defense MK18, FN SCAR 17, M16 and the .50 BMG. The site is a working indoor/outdoor shooting complex where concrete firing lanes and steel targets replace hiking trails and overlooks. What makes this celebration distinct is the historical sweep of the guns offered: you can fire a Depression-era submachine gun and then step up to a modern combat carbine within the same hour. For collectors, history buffs, and adrenaline-seekers visiting Albuquerque, it's a compact primer on twentieth- and twenty-first-century small arms, run under strict range rules and professional supervision. Logistics are straightforward: this is a one-hour, age-8-and-up experience; weapons availability may vary so the exact selection on your day could shift. Space is limited for the holiday weekend; arrive early to check in at the address above. While the shooting occurs on private range lanes, the backdrop frames the broad Albuquerque sky and distant mountain ridgelines, reminding visitors they're in the high desert of New Mexico - bring sun protection and be prepared for the valley's dry climate. Why book this through Calibers? The staff's emphasis on safety and the rare access to full-auto platforms set this apart from typical range sessions. It's both educational - instructors discuss historical context, caliber, and mechanics - and purely experiential: the controlled recoil, the rapid cadence, the sound signature of each gun are part of the lesson. If you're traveling through Albuquerque for the Fourth, combine the session with nearby outdoor options—riverfront trails, mountain drives, or local museums—to balance the high-octane hour with quieter exploration. Remember ear and eye protection, a government ID, and a readiness to listen; the experience is as much about discipline as it is about fire. Whether you're chasing history, practice, or a memorial weekend adrenaline hit, this package delivers a focused, respectful, and expert-run way to feel history under your hands. Range staff often include former military or competitive shooters who explain how each platform influenced tactics and training; ask about ammunition types and how different calibers affect handling. Expect controlled bursts on steel targets and a chance to compare ergonomics and sighting systems. Book early for holiday dates and expect a clear waiver and ID check at arrival and comfortable closed-toe footwear.