It's one of the most common questions we get: Can a regular person actually shoot a machine gun? The short answer is yes. The longer answer explains how, why it's legal, and where you can do it in Alabama right now.
Is It Legal for Civilians to Shoot Machine Guns?
Yes — under federal law, civilians can legally shoot fully automatic firearms (machine guns) at licensed shooting ranges. The key distinction is that you are firing the weapons under the supervision of a licensed dealer or SOT (Special Occupational Taxpayer) who owns the firearms legally. You don't own them — you're a paying guest using them on their range.
This is the model that Lake Martin Machine Gun operates under. The firearms are federally licensed, legally owned, and maintained by the facility. Guests shoot under direct instructor supervision. It's fully legal and highly regulated.
What About the National Firearms Act (NFA)?
The National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA) heavily regulates civilian ownership of fully automatic weapons manufactured after May 19, 1986. The Hughes Amendment to the Firearm Owners Protection Act effectively froze the civilian market for new machine guns — which is why pre-1986 machine guns now cost $15,000 to $50,000+.
However — and this is the key point — the NFA applies to ownership, not to shooting at a licensed range. Facilities like Lake Martin Machine Gun hold the appropriate federal licenses to own these firearms and offer them to the public for supervised shooting experiences. You don't need to own a machine gun to shoot one.
Do I Need a Background Check or Special License?
No special license is required to shoot as a guest at a licensed range. You are not purchasing or taking possession of a firearm — you are participating in a supervised shooting experience. You will need to sign a standard liability waiver and meet the age requirements for the specific firearms you wish to shoot.
Standard disqualifiers apply — anyone prohibited from possessing firearms under federal or state law (felony conviction, certain domestic violence offenses, etc.) is not eligible to participate.
What Machine Guns Can You Shoot in Alabama?
At Lake Martin Machine Gun in Eclectic, Alabama, you can shoot 30+ fully automatic and historic firearms from their collection. This includes:
The M134 Minigun — Six rotating barrels, 3,000 rounds per minute. One of the most powerful small arms ever built. Guests fire carefully controlled bursts with direct instructor supervision.
The Thompson Submachine Gun — The beloved Tommy Gun of WWII. Fires .45 ACP at a manageable rate — a great starting point for first-timers.
The M2 Browning .50 Caliber — The granddaddy of heavy machine guns, still in active military service after nearly a century.
The MP5 — 9mm submachine gun favored by law enforcement and special operations forces worldwide.
The collection also includes the AK-47, AR-15 variants, and many more historic and modern automatic weapons.
Who Can Participate?
Most adults in good legal standing can participate. Minimum age requirements vary by firearm — some lighter weapons are appropriate for older teenagers with parental supervision, while larger-caliber weapons have stricter age minimums. The Lake Martin Machine Gun team will walk you through what's appropriate for every member of your group.
Where Can You Do This in Alabama?
Lake Martin Machine Gun at Lake Martin Gun Club in Eclectic, Alabama is one of the only facilities in the state offering public access to fully automatic firearms. The facility sits on 90 private acres near Lake Martin — one of the most beautiful lakes in the Southeast — making it an ideal destination for both the shooting experience and a full day out.
Located at 2520 Red Hill Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024. About 45 minutes from Montgomery, 40 minutes from Auburn, and 90 minutes from Birmingham.
Book Your Experience Today
Alabama's only full-auto machine gun experience. Legal. Safe. Unforgettable.