So I'm stuck in Las Vegas, not my favorite town, for a few days for work.
Not into gambling or hookers, but I had to take the opportunity to go to one of those ranges that lets you shoot full auto, which I've never had a chance to do before.
Yee-haw! I first chose a Thompson submachine gun, which seems to go with the M1 Garand and 1911 I mostly shoot. 50 rounds of .45 ACP makes short work of a zombie clown target! Then, I wanted MORE, so I paid for 25 rounds through an AK 47.
It's not cheap -- about $70 for each gun. A lot of what you're paying for is a range "guide" who gives a quick safety briefing and stands very close while you shoot. I didn't really mind that because, even though I'm not a newby, the guys in the adjacent stalls probably are -- and very possibly not completely sober, either.
You are only allowed short bursts (they say 5 rounds), but that's enough to get a feel for what's involved with controlling the muzzle under full auto recoil. I actually didn't find that too difficult with these two weapons. Just keep a firm grip on the forend. Someday I'd like to try an M14 and a BAR. I suspect those might be more challenging.
One weird thing is that the guide wouldn't let me do anything with the guns other than shoulder them and pull the trigger. I was interested in the controls, and he did answer some questions, but when I went to drop the empty mag on the AK, he said, "We're not allowed to let you do that."
But anyway, it was fun, and I recommend it to those who haven't tried it. Much more gratifying than blowing $140 at the craps tables.
Full auto blotto!
1"To initiate a war of aggression...is the supreme international crime" - Nuremberg prosecutor Robert Jackson, 1946