What Is a Machine Gun Experience?
A machine gun experience is exactly what it sounds like: a guided shooting session where you fire fully automatic firearms under the supervision of trained range safety officers. Unlike a standard shooting range — where you might rent a pistol and fire at a paper target alone — a machine gun experience is immersive, educational, and personal from start to finish.
At Lake Martin Machine Gun, the experience begins the moment you arrive. You’re assigned a dedicated range specialist — someone who genuinely knows these weapons, their history, and how to teach you to shoot them safely and confidently. This specialist stays with you for your entire visit, not just the opening safety briefing.
Machine gun experiences are popular as bucket-list activities, group events, bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate team building, and military-history deep dives. The common thread is this: almost everyone who does it says it’s one of the most memorable experiences they’ve ever had. The first time you pull the trigger on a full-auto weapon — feel the recoil, hear the report, watch the rounds connect downrange — it’s a moment that stays with you.
Why Lake Martin Machine Gun Is Alabama’s Best Option
Alabama has no shortage of shooting ranges, but Lake Martin Machine Gun is in a category of its own. Here’s what sets it apart from a standard range or even other full-auto experiences in the region:
The Arsenal. Most machine gun experiences offer a handful of famous weapons. Lake Martin Machine Gun has 30+ firearms spanning over a century of military history — from WWI-era weapons to modern military-issue rifles. The M134 Minigun alone puts them in a category most experiences can’t match.
The Property. 90 private acres near the shores of Lake Martin. No crowded public range. No strangers shooting next to you. A genuine private experience on a beautiful piece of Alabama land.
The Staff. Founded in 2016 by David McGirt, a former Marine Corps pilot, and Jodie McGirt, an NRA-certified instructor. The culture of safety and expertise runs through everything they do. Their safety record since opening is perfect.
The Reviews. 112 Google reviews at 5.0 stars. That’s not a fluke — that’s consistent, repeat excellence in customer experience.
What Firearms Can You Shoot in Alabama at Lake Martin Machine Gun?
The collection rotates, but the flagship weapons are consistently available. Here’s a closer look at the highlights:
M134 Minigun
Six rotating barrels. Up to 3,000 rounds per minute. The M134 is the crown jewel of the Lake Martin collection and one of the rarest shooting experiences available to civilians anywhere in the country. If you’ve seen it in a movie, you already have some idea — but nothing prepares you for the real thing. This is a full bucket-list experience on its own.
M2 Browning .50 Caliber
The “Ma Deuce.” In continuous U.S. military service since 1933 — longer than any other weapon in the American arsenal. Firing the M2 is a connection to nearly a century of military history, from WWII gun emplacements to modern vehicle-mounted configurations. The .50 caliber round is not subtle.
Thompson Submachine Gun
The Tommy Gun. Synonymous with both WWII infantry combat and 1920s American history, the Thompson is one of the most iconic firearms ever produced. Firing it full-auto is immediately recognizable — the sound and feel are exactly what you’d expect from decades of film and television depictions. Except it’s real, and it’s in your hands.
Heckler & Koch MP5
The gold standard of law enforcement and special operations firearms worldwide. Compact, precise, and deeply satisfying to shoot. The MP5 has been the weapon of choice for counter-terrorism units, SWAT teams, and special forces for over 50 years.
The full arsenal also includes the AK-47, M4 Carbine (full-auto), MP-40, Bren gun, Israeli Uzi, and 20+ more weapons spanning WWI to present day. The collection rotates to keep repeat visitors engaged.
Who Is the Machine Gun Experience For?
The short answer: almost everyone. No firearm experience is required. No prior training is necessary. Minimum age requirements apply, and every visitor — regardless of experience level — receives the same thorough safety briefing and one-on-one guidance.
Lake Martin Machine Gun regularly hosts:
- First-time shooters who have always been curious but never had the opportunity or proper guidance
- Military veterans and active-duty service members who want to reconnect with weapons from their service — or fire ones they’ve only read about
- Military history enthusiasts who want to fire the actual weapons they’ve studied
- Couples looking for an adventurous, genuinely unforgettable date experience
- Bachelor and bachelorette parties seeking something more memorable than a standard venue
- Corporate groups looking for a team-building activity that people will actually talk about for years
- Tourists visiting the Lake Martin area who want an experience unique to Alabama
How to Get There: Driving from Major Alabama Cities
Lake Martin Machine Gun is located at 2520 Red Hill Road in Eclectic, Alabama — on the eastern shore of Lake Martin. The drive is easy from most of the state, and the property is well-marked once you’re in Eclectic.
- From Montgomery, AL: Approximately 45 minutes via US-231 North. A straightforward interstate and highway drive with no traffic concerns.
- From Auburn/Opelika, AL: Approximately 40 minutes via AL-49 West. Easily the closest major city to the property.
- From Birmingham, AL: Approximately 90 minutes via I-65 South to US-280 East. A natural day-trip destination from the Birmingham metro.
- From Atlanta, GA: Approximately 2.5 hours via I-85 West. Worth the drive — there is no equivalent experience in metro Atlanta.
- From Huntsville, AL: Approximately 2 hours via US-231 South.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
Book in advance. Walk-ins are welcome based on availability, but weekends fill up quickly — especially in summer and around holidays. A quick phone call guarantees your slot.
Bring your camera. This is one of the most photogenic experiences you can have in Alabama. GoPros, DSLRs, and smartphones are all welcome on the range. Your specialist can help position you for the best shots.
Wear closed-toe shoes. Standard range safety. No sandals or flip-flops on the firing line.
Budget time for the full experience. Don’t rush. The history briefings are part of what makes this special. Plan for at least 1.5–2 hours depending on your package size.
Groups should call ahead. For bachelor parties, corporate events, and groups of 6 or more, call to discuss options. The team can build a custom package around your group size and interests.
It’s okay if you’ve never shot before. In fact, many instructors say first-timers are their favorite visitors. You have no bad habits to unlearn, and the look on your face the first time you fire full-auto is priceless.
}
})