1. Shoot Las Vegas

"#Shoot Las Vegas" stands alone as the king of the mountain.

While not the largest company they provide the best experience by every metric. Free transportation is offered to pick up customers from nearly anywhere around the Las Vegas Strip in a limousine. I availed myself of this service, as who turns down a free limo ride?

I was driven 30 minutes outside of Las Vegas to a private outdoor #Shooting Range in a private box canyon surrounded by mountains cut off from the rest of the world. In addition to a big fire pit, picnic tables, and lounge chairs, "Shoot Las Vegas" has numerous custom-built climate-controlled firing lines which are trailers where giant windows open, revealing a shooting range littered with targets up to 500 yards away. Before shooting a range safety officer detailed safety protocols and offered to answer any questions.

For $250 I bought a package with six #guns and three exploding targets.

Part of the theme of "Shoot Las Vegas" is all their guns are featured in movies or video games, and are tied to posters showing the gun in the movie. This is a great help for unseasoned shooters to choose from the "Shoot Las Vegas" arsenal that has more than 70 different guns. "Shoot Las Vegas" has the largest collection available, second only to "Battlefield Vegas."

“Shoot Las Vegas” has a shooting structure which is unique. Rather than pairing with a single safety officer who is with you until completion, "Shoot Las Vegas" has a "Disneyesque" feel. After "walking through the gates”, so to speak, you choose the gun you would like to shoot and walk up to the station. I was allowed to shoot at my own pace rather than being rushed or waiting hours to shoot, which happened at other ranges. One exclusive aspect of "Shoot Las Vegas" is they offer pictures and videos of your experience via mounted cameras which capture you shooting. They then make them available to you for free. I found this highly desirable.

I first shot a fully automatic Beretta handgun with 15 9mm rounds. Next, I fired a SCAR-H(heavy) with 20 .308 rounds. This gun packs a kick and is the preferred choice of Navy SEALS. Third I fired 25 9mm rounds with a UZI which was great fun. The guns I chose had 20 and 25 rounds as that was their maximum amount of rounds. "Shoot Las Vegas" offers 30 rounds for all of their fully automatic guns if the magazine is large enough. The same cannot be said for other ranges which is one of the reasons why "Shoot Las Vegas" won.

Wanting to slow down my tempo and not lose firepower I selected the S&W 500 MAGNUM which is the world's largest production handgun. It came with three .50 caliber rounds. This massive gun could stop a wild bull with a single shot. To give the shooter the full effect of what power the S&W 500 MAGNUM is capable of producing they use three different round grains. A 300 grain round is used initially. Then the ante is upped to a 440 grain round and the fun was completed with a 575 grain round that fires with such force one might imagine a bomb shot out of the barrel.

For my last selection, I shot the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare sniper rifle twice, with five .308 rounds each. The sniper station at "Shoot Las Vegas" was my favorite. Exploding targets were spread across the range at varying distances and the explosions were greatly satisfying. With my package finished, I opted to shoot more and added on a Barrett .50 cal sniper rifle with five rounds for an extra $100. This weapon was worth every penny and I fired at targets from up to 500 yards away.

The “Shoot Las Vegas” box canyon houses two airport-style fire trucks that extinguish possible fires caused in the aftermath of blowing up a car. I did not test this out, but I would've liked to. They also own the longest Monster Truck in the world appropriately named “Big Guns” which will soon be available for customers to ride around the box canyon making for a great photo opportunity.

When finished I was given a bottle opener made from a round fired by the Barrett. "Shoot Las Vegas" promptly drove me back to Las Vegas. In total, the experience lasted about three hours. I recommend "Shoot Las Vegas" to those of any skill level as the premier location for recreational shooting.

2. Battlefield Vegas

"Battlefield Vegas" is the largest shooting range by volume, and offer the most guns out of any other range. Their location is minutes from the Las Vegas Strip making it great for those seeking a quick shooting experience.

I was picked up at the MGM Grand in a camouflage Hummer, free of charge, by an on-time friendly driver. I was zipped off to the location where the parking lot is stocked with many decommissioned tanks and military vehicles. The outside of the facilities are not particularly impressive as they appear to be warehouses. If the military vehicles were not there, you would not notice a difference in any of the other neighboring buildings.

Once inside I was greeted by cheerful staff. I selected the $210 "Saving Private Ryan" package which included six guns. All of the shooting was completed indoors in a large and clean shooting range. Before I was allowed to start firing I was given safety instructions by a range safety officer, which was completely painless.

My shooting experience began by firing a Colt 1911 pistol that came with 15 .45 rounds. This gun is a classic and has been a standard in firearms for decades. Next, I fired 25 .45 rounds with the Thompson M1A1 machine gun. All individuals should enjoy using the iconic "tommy gun" at least once. The M1 Garand semi-automatic rifle was next with eight .30 rounds. I found it to be less than spectacular. For sniping purposes, I shot the M-1903A3 that gave a five .30 magazine. Next, I shot the M1 Carbine with 25 .30 rounds. For being an older weapon, it delivered and was enjoyable. To finish the experience I saved the biggest for last in the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle that rattled off 20 .30 rounds in seconds.

I finished in a little under an hour and was back at the MGM Grand 90 minutes after I left. "Battlefield Vegas" is a fine choice for both individuals who seek to test the waters of firearms and greatly experienced shooters as well due to their vast selection of historical weapons. They offer a variety of other services, including crushing a vehicle with a tank. While I only spent a couple of hundred dollars I could have easily spent thousands that afternoon.

3. Discount Firearms / The Vegas Machine Gun Experience

"Discount Firearms" is the parent company of "The Vegas Machine Gun Experience." They are two miles from the Las Vegas strip and their building leaves much to be desired, but they have colorful banners. One cannot help to notice the shabby surrounding buildings. They are in direct competition with "Battlefield Vegas." The clear winner of the two is Battlefield. However, "Discount Firearms" has redeeming qualities.

The offer free transportation from Las Vegas strip casinos. I was picked up at the MGM Grand in a Mercedes van with several other shooters. None seemed to speak English as a first language. It was nice to see tourists taking part in America's national heritage of recreational gun use.

"Discount Firearms" is a full-service gun store, but I was only interested in purchasing time on the range. I chose the six gun $250 "Bachelor Party" package. There was little wait between arriving and shooting, which is a large plus. The staff I interacted with were sullen, but one can't expect every person they encounter to be in a chipper mood. After receiving standard safety instructions, I was ready to shoot.

I first shot 40 5.56 cal rounds with an M249 SAW machine gun. This was used in every U.S. conflict since the 1980s. Next, I shot a Glock 17 with 20 9mm rounds. My third gun was an M4 carbine with 25 5.56 cal rounds, which is favored by the U.S. Army and Marines. Fourth I shot 25 5.7×28mm rounds with the FN-P90. It has a unique magazine-style where rounds are loaded horizontally on the top of the gun. The AK-47 was next and I fired 25 rounds. Finishing my experience I shot 5 slugs with a 12 gauge pump action shotgun.

After finishing I was given a t-shirt and they took me to the MGM Grand. In total, I finished in about 90 minutes. I have no criticism beyond the location. The value is fair with a professional experience and staff. I am happy to recommend their range.

4. Strip Gun Club

"Strip Gun Club" is on Las Vegas Boulevard a few blocks from the Las Vegas strip. They offer complimentary transportation, but I drove myself. Their building is ominous with red and black paint and a monolithic sign above the door. A drawback is their neighbors are a seedy motel/wedding chapel.

The facilities are complete with red carpet and leather furniture. Due to the location of "Strip Gun Club" they were busy with customers. The staff was friendly and willing to answer any questions. After 10 minutes I filled out paperwork and was taken to the indoor shooting range. For $260 I purchased five guns. With many customers on site and a limited amount of lanes on their firing line, I waited 20 minutes before I fired my first round. I came to shoot, not stand around. However, what can one do?

When my turn arrived I shot 10 5.7x28 rounds with the FN Five-seven which it is favored by Secret Service agents. I could see why. It was smooth and easy to handle. Next, I shot 25 .45 rounds with the Thompson 1928, which is a different type of the fabled "tommy gun." It was capable of holding a 100 round barrel, but I didn't want to get carried away. I played the waiting game again for 15 minutes. Breaks interrupt the flow and adrenaline rush. Third, I shot 25 .556 cal rounds with a Steyr AUG and its precision targeting scope. The Keltec pump action shotgun was fourth. I blasted away with 10 shells. Finally, I shot the Faxon ARAK sniper rifle, which is deceiving as it's semi-automatic with a 20 round magazine. It functions as a sniper rifle, but sniping in an indoor range with extremely limited space is not the same as shooting targets outdoors hundreds of yards away.

The fun experience lasted an excessive 2.5 hours. The long wait times must be balanced by the location which invites foot traffic. Recommended for tourists.

5. The Range 702

"The Range 702" is three miles from the strip. I was picked up 20 minutes late by a friendly driver. Their building is blue with green trim. The color scheme matches their neighbors, the world famous Larry Flynt's Hustler Club. I planned my shoot around the Hustler Club's free cocktails during happy hour. Some guns, and then alcohol. What's not to like?

I bought the "Terminator Judgement Day" shooting package tor $220 which gave four guns out of nine choices. After some paperwork, I was whisked away to the indoor shooting range. Luckily I was nearly alone and shot immediately after receiving safety instructions from a range officer. First I shot a Governor handgun with five .45 rounds. Next, I fired a 1911 Colt handgun with seven .45 rounds. After the handguns, I shot 25 9mm rounds in the MP5. This weapon is a favorite amongst S.W.A.T. teams for its light weight and versatility. I finished with a Heckler & Koch G36 which was accompanied by 25 .556 cal rounds, of which I was not as satisfied would have liked to have tried something else.

My time at "The Range 702" was quick and pleasant. I finished the process in one hour. The prices are a higher than elsewhere, but they offer an experience for all skill levels.

6. Pro Gun Club

"Pro Gun Club" is an outdoor shooting range located 30 minutes outside of Las Vegas. Rides to their location cost $20 per person, but they pick you up from anywhere. I was picked up from my home with a friend. They arrived late in an Escalade.

Upon arriving at a swooping area in the desert, I was charged a $20 "range fee", per person. I spent $80 before shooting a gun. I did not have to bring a guest, but that was my prerogative.

As the "Pro Gun Club" is an outdoor range, there were numerous people on site that day, many who were shooting their own guns. The range safety officers were professional and informative. I selected five guns individually for $55 each.

I began by shooting 50 .45 rounds with the KRISS Vector submachine gun. There was very little recoil. Its stock folds inward for quick transportation. Next, I fired 50 .45 rounds with an M3A1 Grease Gun, used by the U.S. Army in World War 2. Despite an old design, it was fierce. There was a mild wait time between weapon selections. I next fired 20 .45 rounds with the HK 53. I was expecting more out it felt disappointed. My next pick was a Steyr AUG that came with 20 .45 rounds. However, "Strip Gun Club" gave 25 rounds for the same price.Finally, I shot the Sten MKII with 50 9mm rounds which were used heavily by the British in World War 2.

A quirk of the magazine is it's loaded in the stock on the top left side, rather than the bottom.

"Pro Gun Club" offers a professional experience, but their prices are erratic. Some guns have 50 rounds, which is a bargain, and others are skimped out. Further, they charge extra fees. By already paying to be transported there should not be an extra $20 fee to use the facilities. If you're inclined to shoot outdoors I recommend going to "#Shoot Las Vegas." They offer more guns for less money and drive you in a limo for free.

7. Bullets and Burgers

“Bullets and Burgers” is an outdoor range. Their business office is in Las Vegas but the range is located over an hour away in Arizona. The travel time is greatly off-putting.

I brought along a friend to share in the misery. When picked up the driver asked for $60 to let my friend ride in a shuttle van that had numerous drunks inside. After a protest, I paid the fee in cash. I stared at him the entire ride hoping his head would burst into flames.

The fun was only beginning. The other riders smuggled alcohol in the vanand began getting drunker. The driver said it was against the rules, but he was subdued once a passenger tipped $20 cash. I was not impressed.

On the way, we stopped at the Hoover Dam. Why? The business model of “Bullets and Burgers” is built on tourists who are unaware of other shooting ranges existing. They may find the Hoover Dam desirable. I did not.

After riding over 90 bitter minutes that was an entire lifetime we arrived at the range. It was actually the "Last Stop" camping and restaurant, which happens to have a shooting range. "Bullets and Burgers" is not their own independent operation. The safety of those living by "Bullets and Burgers" was questionable. Homes are a few miles from the range and shooters fire in the direction of the homes. It's quite possible for a stray round from a fully automatic rifle to place lives in danger. I found this disturbing. "Bullets and Burgers" has a dubious distinction of a range safety officer being killed by a nine-year-old child in 2014. After a briefing was given by a range safety officer, I got down to the business at hand.

I chose the "gold package" for $249 with five guns. I shot 25 9mm rounds with a Sten MKII. "Pro Gun Club" offers 50 rounds for the same price and only charge $20 per ride. Which assumes paying for a ride at all, when most ranges give one for free! Next, I shot 25 5.56 cal rounds with the M249 SAW. "Discount Firearms" offers the same price, but with 40 rounds. Third, I shot 25 rounds with the classic FN FAL. The Glock-17 came with five 9mm rounds. Every other range has 10 to 20 rounds. The saving grace of the experience was the Barrett .50 cal. This is typically extra at other ranges but was part of the package. I enjoyed shooting three .50 cal rounds.

The staff at “Bullets and Burgers” aggressively try to up-sell their goods. They charge $25 for an engraved Barrett round. "Shoot Las Vegas" gives these used rounds away for free and theirs is a bottle opener. On the way back to Las Vegas we were given a free hamburger. I ate it as I was starving and really wanted the trip to be over.
I did not have a good experience with "Bullets and Burgers." There are other shooting range options, and I can't find a reason to make the long trek into Arizona. From start to finish the debacle lasted nearly six hours. Save your time and money and shoot guns elsewhere.

8. The Gun Store

"The Gun Store" is East of Las Vegas Boulevard oddly located in a residential neighborhood. The main building is uninspired, painted white with red trim along with cheap red letters above the door. It looks like a pawn shop. There is a building in the rear which has their indoor range. Free rides are offered via shuttle bus but "The Gun Store" said they can't guarantee a return ride back. Based on this ugly caveat I drove myself as I did not desire to be stranded.

The staff was friendly. Registration and gun selection was fast. For $220 I purchased four machine guns. Numerous others were present. In what a range safety officer thought was humor they joked about "beating" customers who accidentally pointed a gun at them. I did not find this amusing. I nearly walked away in disgust. Had I not been on an official review, I would have demanded a refund.

There is a private VIP shooting area without wait times for extra fees. I may have been interested, but I was to the point that I wanted to quickly shoot and leave. I waited an hour to fire a single round. When my turn began I shot the SuomiM/31 with 25 9mm rounds. This gun originates in Finland. For the next three guns, I waited for 20 to 40 minutes each round. I shot 25 9mm rounds with the Madsen M50, and it's a cute machine gun. Its handle folds into the stock and could fit in a purse. Next was an MP5 with 25 9mm rounds. Last, I fired 25 rounds with a classic AK-47 which has 75 million in circulation.

It took three hours to shoot 100 rounds. An employee threatened customers, their prices are higher than most."The Gun Store" has outdoor shooting, but it is an extra $100 per person. Based on everything, I say skip this place entirely.

9. Machine Guns Vegas

“Machine Guns Vegas” is located a mile from the Las Vegas strip. They offer free transportation for those who spend over $190. They have both indoor and outdoor shooting. I opted for outdoor as they claim to have a "private" range. However, "Machine Guns Vegas" does not own the range and it is not private. "Shoot Las Vegas" is the only private outdoor range in the Las Vegas area.

I brought a friend to the range. This was not free. To bring an observer was a staggering extra $100. After being picked up at the MGM Grand in a van we headed out to the desert and arrived at the range in about an hour. Due to budget restrictions of $250, I chose the cheapest package at $199 that had three guns and only had 60 rounds. It's $3.31 per shot. This was, by far, the worst value of any range.

A curious aspect of "Machine Guns Vegas" is the majority of range safety officers are women who were professional and informative. This plays to their reputation of being a hybrid nightclub experience. That may appeal to some but there are various clubs that offer a more vivid experience if one is after such things.

After a standard safety briefing, I began shooting. I was not able to choose my weapons. I shot a Glock 17 with 10 9mm rounds. Besides "Bullets and Burgers", who only gave 5 rounds, this was the fewest rounds made available. Next, I fire 25 9mm rounds with the MP5. I finished quickly with 25 5.56 cal rounds in the M4 Carbine. I was done shooting in 15 minutes, but I was stuck at the range for nearly two hours. The staff continually offered that I could "upgrade" my package, but after spending $100 on a passenger I wasn't spending another dollar.

While waiting, I saw the most bizarre policy of any gun range. Apparently, shooters can take pictures but they are not allowed to use actual cameras. This was decreed by a range safety officer that told a shooter to put away their camera. Only cell phone cameras are allowed. Why would this be? That may be a mystery forever. I found the policy needlessly petty.

Given the information I gathered at the outdoor shooting range I would have preferred to visit their indoor shooting range. However, I find their business practices to be disreputable. They are not in favor of those on a budget who want to experience using a firearm. I do not recommend their business to be visited by any person with a brain in their head.

10. Gun Garage

"Gun Garage" comes in dead last. They are located near the Las Vegas Strip. I attempted a review but on the morning I arrived, about twenty minutes before they opened, I saw curious activity in the parking lot. Workers were walking outside. I also noticed a black SUV in the driveway with a Las Vegas constable officer inside who rolled down a window to speak to workers. Suddenly the parking lot was swarmed with police vehicles. I was confused at what I saw, but my vehicle was trapped. After about an hour of being boxed in the police left and I was able to exit the parking lot.

Honorable mentions

Various other shooting ranges do business in the Las Vegas area. While these shooting ranges did not make the final cut, for reasons I will not elaborate on, they are below in no specific order:

* Las Vegas Gun Range
* T&T Tactical
* Las Vegas Gun Fights
* Top Shot Las Vegas
* American Shooters
* Green Valley Range

In conclusion...

Guns are best experienced when shot outdoors. There is no comparison of an indoor range to an outdoor range when one can feel the sun on their face while firing rounds.
The only reason a Las Vegas tourist might visit an indoor range is if they are pressed for time. It is understandable to try to fit in as much of Las Vegas as possible. An exception is those who choose to visit the "Battlefield Vegas", as they offer a vast selection of guns which can't be found elsewhere. "Battlefield Vegas" can sometimes be swamped with customers, which leads to extended wait times. As such, "Discount Firearms" is an excellent alternative for those looking to expedite their experience while having significantly fewer choices of firearms.

If time is not an issue, and the prospective shooter has two and a half to three hours allocated, the absolute best shooting experience in Las Vegas is "Shoot Las Vegas." They offer the greatest overall value. From the grand collection of more than 70 guns to their complimentary exploding targets and metal targets from up to 500 yards away, along with free photos and videos, and free transportation in a limousine to their private box canyon there is no doubt "Shoot Las Vegas" is far and away the unrivaled choice for the informed consumer. Happy shooting!