Atlanta has no shortage of things to do. But if you're looking for something genuinely unlike anything in the city — something your group will be talking about for years — Lake Martin Machine Gun is worth the 2.5-hour drive.
This is the only facility in the Southeast where civilians can walk in and shoot 30+ fully automatic and historic firearms, including the M134 Minigun, the M2 Browning .50 Cal, and the classic Thompson Submachine Gun. No prior experience required. No special license needed. Just show up and shoot.
The Drive: Atlanta to Lake Martin
Lake Martin Machine Gun is located at 2520 Red Hill Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024 — a straight shot down I-85 South from Atlanta. The drive takes about 2.5 hours and is mostly highway. Here's a rough breakdown by city:
From Atlanta (Buckhead/Midtown): ~2.5 hours via I-85 South to Auburn, AL, then US-280 West toward Dadeville and Lake Martin.
From Alpharetta/Roswell: ~2.5 hours.
From Columbus, GA: ~1.5 hours via US-280 West.
From Auburn/Opelika, AL: ~45 minutes.
The route passes through Auburn, Alabama — making it easy to stop for breakfast or lunch before your experience. Once you're off the highway and into the Lake Martin area, the scenery is hard to beat: pine forest, rolling hills, and one of the largest man-made lakes in the Southeast.
What to Expect When You Arrive
Lake Martin Machine Gun sits on 90 private acres at Lake Martin Gun Club. When your group arrives, you'll check in with the staff and get a full safety briefing. First-timers should know: the instructors here are experienced, patient, and used to working with groups who have never touched a fully automatic firearm before. You don't need to know anything going in.
After the briefing, you move to the range and start shooting. Depending on your package, you'll have access to a curated selection of firearms from the facility's collection. Most packages include at least 15–30 minutes of trigger time across multiple weapons.
The Firearms
The collection includes over 30 fully automatic and historic weapons. Here are some highlights Atlanta visitors consistently go for:
M134 Minigun — Six rotating barrels, 3,000 rounds per minute. Handheld. If you've ever seen one in an action movie and thought “someday” — this is that day.
M2 Browning .50 Caliber Heavy Machine Gun — Used by the U.S. military since 1933 and still in active service. The recoil is real and the experience is unforgettable.
Thompson Submachine Gun — The Tommy Gun. Iconic, manageable, and a crowd favorite. Great for first-time shooters.
AK-47 — The world's most prolific assault rifle. Full-auto, 7.62mm. Classic.
MP5 — 9mm submachine gun used by law enforcement and special operations units worldwide.
Planning Your Day Trip
Here's how most Atlanta groups structure the day:
Morning: Leave Atlanta early — aim to be on the road by 7:30 or 8 AM. Stop in Auburn for breakfast if you like.
Late morning / early afternoon: Arrive at Lake Martin Machine Gun for your experience. Most sessions run 1–2 hours depending on the package and group size.
Afternoon: After shooting, the Lake Martin area has a lot to offer. The lake itself is beautiful for a drive around the shore. Nearby Dadeville and Alexander City have restaurants and lakeside spots. If it's summer, some visitors extend the trip and rent a boat for the afternoon.
Evening: Head back to Atlanta. You'll be home before midnight with a story worth telling.
Group Bookings
Lake Martin Machine Gun is a popular destination for corporate groups, bachelor parties, and friend groups from Atlanta. The facility can accommodate groups of various sizes. If you're coming with 6 or more people, it's worth calling ahead to book a dedicated group experience — the staff can customize the firearm lineup and range setup for your group's preferences.
Ready to Plan Your Atlanta Day Trip?
Call to book or schedule online. 2.5 hours from Atlanta. Unforgettable from the first trigger pull.