The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

Hi Everyone,

We are planning for a three week US road trip at the end of next month. The rough agenda is Phoenix, Toombstone, Vegas, Death Valley and if time allows further into Kalifornia. We're just going to explore that part of the US and because we like road trips. Whilst we are out there shooting will be obligatory of couse. Can anybody recommend good shooting places, there's a new one in Phoenix but I hear mixed reviews. We are looking for somewhere to roll up rent and fire some full auto stuff and then go. We're not really into going into the desert. I particularly want to fire an MP40 as I've previously been lucky enough to have had a go with a Thompson (Orlando, Fl) and a Sten (Calgary, Ab). Other stuff would be good, the gun store in Vegas has lots of toys but I've heard that they are expensive and also that some of the guns are getting worn out. Any personal recommendations are very welcome. Also if anyone knows of any touristy things to do in these areas please share your experiences.

Many Thanks

Charlotte

Wait for Chuck ... he knows Az.

20Series is doing a road trip at present and there is a thread: http://www.full-bore.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=9613

Any recommendations about eating, tourist and shopping in the Orange County area of Ca - ask me.

Hi Charlotte, for the full auto stuff there is only really ONE, that's Scottsdale Gun Club (SGC).
Me shooting Mini Uzi.

I've shot everything from a Mini Uzi 9mm to an M60 and M240 belt fed there..TAKE LOTS OF MONEY!

You can fire full auto at Caswells in Mesa but you need to be a memebr rof their club first..not cost effective. It IS a good place for general handgun, shotgun and AR though.

SGC is awesome and you WILL spend a LOT of money there...ammo and goodies come to mind..Although Cabela's is not too far away and a tad cheaper for accessories.

Check out SGC website

http://www.scottsdalegunclub.com/index. ... &Itemid=17

and email them, they usually reply..tell them what you're looking for etc etc and get some costs sorted out.

There is no shooting range in Tombstone but Marksman Gun Club in Tucson does handgun stuff.

http://www.2ndamendmentsports.com/ is a nice friendly gun store in Tucson.

On way to Tombstone, you exit on Jn 303, I always pop into REBS Cafe in Benson (on left as you go into benson) for brekkies.....

BTW when you go to Tombstone keep your passport etc on you on the way back, ideally on the sunvisor as you WILl get stopped by Border patrol. It's just routine and they are pretty friendly but they will ask for ID. I got by with photocopies but they did say carry orginals. Same applies if you go down to Nogales on the border...I'd stop at the Titan Missile Silo and the Pima Air museaum when you are in Tucson area.....

Once again I am stuck here when I could be there showing folks around and helping them have fun.

Other touristy stuff, down Tucson way Visit Old Tucson Film Studios and take a drive up Mount Lemmon, awesome scenery. There's a we restaurant at the end, awesome bread pudding and their Apple Pie is also good with ice cream. Tucson has other western stuff, like Museum of the Horse Soldier..not too big but next to a mock up old town. Texas Toadhouse for steaks is also a must.

Scottsdale shopping ceter has a big food court and lots of restauarants around it. I stayed the motel 6 there, right next to the Mall, it was OK for a Motel 6.

Staying in Tucson I used the Ramada on Tanque Verde.. it's next door to a wee English bar!!!! the staff were real friendly, free coffee and a decent breakfast included. BTW, book rooms at least 3 weeks in advance, you can change or cancel but rates are better.

Feel free to ask any questions, Chuck

old Tucson Studios, set of the High Chaparral
Prop cannon from the Alamo..and me.

Hi Chuck,

Many thanks for your very comprehensive post. I'll give SGC a try, like the UZI idea.

Thanks

Charlotte

You're welcome Charlotte, forgot to mention, check out the dates of the BIG SANDY shoot....if you get the chance visit that for sure. the night shoot is spectacular, 1000's rounds tracer into the skies...

You can rent everything from a 9mm Uzi to a mini gun at Big Sandy, yes REALLY! 100 rounds for $100, time on gun..one SECOND! LOL.

My Garmin sat-nav worked a treat in the US, either get on in the UK with the US maps or buy one when you get there...don't rent one, cheaper just to buy one.

I went SGC too earlier this year and its awesome, friendly staff and great guns... apart from the sights on one 1911 coming loose... oops!

Definitely another recommendation for SGC :)

I didnt shoot when I was in in Phoenix but there is a Cabelas there which is worth looking around! it's frigging huge.

When I was in Vegas I went here

http://thegunstorelasvegas.com/

And

http://www.therange702.com/

Alan

Cabela's....GREAT! Could easily go bankrupt in there.