You've never fired a machine gun. Maybe you've watched one in a movie, maybe a friend mentioned it, or maybe you've been searching "machine gun experience Alabama" and landed here. Whatever brought you — here's everything you need to know before you show up at Lake Martin Machine Gun.
Spoiler: it's easier than you think, safer than you imagine, and more memorable than almost anything else you'll do this year.
Do I Need Any Experience?
No. Zero. None required. Most of our guests have never fired a fully automatic firearm before. Many have never fired any firearm at all. Our certified instructors walk every guest through safety, handling, and technique before you ever touch a trigger. Lake Martin Machine Gun is run by David and Jodie McGirt — David is a former Marine Corps pilot and Jodie is an NRA-certified instructor.
What Happens When You Arrive
1. Safety briefing. You'll meet your instructor, sign your waiver, and go through a thorough safety orientation covering the rules of the range and how to handle firearms responsibly.
2. Instructor walkthrough. Before you fire a single round, your instructor walks you through the specific firearms in your package — how they operate, what the recoil feels like, and how to control rate of fire.
3. You shoot. Targets set up downrange. Your instructor beside you. A fully automatic firearm in your hands. This is the part nobody ever forgets.
What Does Full-Auto Feel Like?
It's hard to describe without doing it. Imagine squeezing the trigger and the firearm comes alive. There's a controlled surge of power — each round fires faster than your brain can process. First-timers almost always say the same thing afterward: "That was way more manageable than I expected" — followed immediately by "Can I do that again?"
What Firearms Can I Shoot?
Lake Martin Machine Gun has 30+ fully automatic and historic firearms. Highlights include the Thompson Submachine Gun (the iconic WWII Tommy Gun), the M134 Minigun (3,000 rounds per minute — the crown jewel), the M2 Browning .50 Cal (in service since 1933), and the MP5 (the special operations standard). Your package determines how many weapons you shoot.
What Should I Wear?
Closed-toe shoes (sneakers or boots). Comfortable clothes you don't mind getting slightly dirty. We supply ear and eye protection, but you're welcome to bring your own. No dangling jewelry. Tie back long hair. That's it.
Is It Safe?
Absolutely. Every guest is supervised at all times by a certified instructor. The range is private, enclosed, and purpose-built for this experience. You are never shooting near uncontrolled members of the public. Lake Martin Machine Gun has an excellent safety record built on strict protocols and controlled range conditions.
How Do I Book?
Call (888) 660-6462 to speak with the team, or book online below. Advance booking is strongly recommended — especially for weekends. Lake Martin Machine Gun is located at 2520 Red Hill Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024 — 45 minutes from Montgomery, 40 minutes from Auburn, 90 minutes from Birmingham.
Ready to Try It?
Alabama's only full-auto machine gun experience. No experience required.