5 Locations to Shoot a Ma Deuce .50 BMG

Unquestionably, the Ma Deuce is the queen of the belt feds and an icon of the weapon world. Manufactured since the 1920s, the Browning M2 has managed to keep its crown as one of the most effective heavy machine guns on the planet. Its simple air-cooled design and stout build make it a reliable and welcome companion to soldiers on the front lines. There have been attempts to replace the M2, but she still remains one of the most requested belt-fed machine guns in the world.

The awesome power felt by pressing the paddles down and unleashing the chest-pounding whump, whump, whump is unlike any other gun in existence. Regardless of the situation, this extension of power makes even the hardest of warriors smile inside. Now this is all fine and great for the soldiers that get to run this mechanical piece of history, but what about civilian shooters? Is there no hope? Worry not, because there are places you can get behind an M2 and experience the magic.

1. Big Sandy Shoot

Twice a year, hardcore gun enthusiasts gather in the western high desert of Arizona for the Big Sandy Shoot. With the claimed title of “largest machine gun shoot in the United States,” the 0.25-mile-long shooting line roars for three days. Held near the small Arizona town of Wikieup, the event has become one of the most popular gun events in the country. It has expanded from a machine gun shoot to also include training and competitions. Lifelong shooters and curious onlookers enjoy both the camaraderie and excitement of a well-run and exciting event.

2. Ox Ranch

In Uvalde, Texas, you’ll find Ox Ranch and a whole wild host of stuff to do and shoot. Aside from turning money into noise with a Ma Deuce, you can have some fun driving tanks or hand-feeding giraffes. For all you hunters out there, guests can hunt a variety of exotic animals from aoudad sheep to black wildebeests. Guests will also enjoy luxurious lodgings as well as gourmet food. Basically, if you’re going to shoot machine guns, you might as well be comfortable and maybe come home with a trophy game animal.

woman shooting a .50 bmg ma deuce machine gun — The awesome .50-caliber power of the Browning M2 will make anyone smile upon pressing the triggers—it’s also known as the “Full Auto Giggle.”

3. Machine Gun Tours

Based out of Lakewood, Colorado, Machine Gun Tours has turned people’s desire to shoot machine guns into a solid business. The company offers a wide variety of full-auto fun. From the M249 SAW to suppressed weapons, the menu is extensive. Machine Gun Tours also offers packages that include certain guns and ammo to give you a variety of things to shoot. The ability to reserve a shoot around your schedule is a huge plus for this option. You and your friends can take the opportunity to shoot a group of vintage and hard-to-get weapons in the beautiful setting of central Colorado. Some would say it is nature at its finest.

4. Battlefield Vegas

Nothing says “Viva Las Vegas” like a .50-caliber machine gun. Set off the strip, this shop is ready to give you the experience of a lifetime. Ma Deuce shooting aside, you can crush a car with an Abrams tank if you feel so inclined. The facility has both indoor and outdoor shooting opportunities. As with any place you are looking to shoot the Ma Deuce, it is best to make an appointment and get details on prices and times. It is the perfect add-on to any trip to the city of neon, buffets, and poker chips.

5. Oklahoma Full-Auto Shoot & Trade Show

Partnered with one of the largest firearms trade shows in the Midwest, the Full-Auto Shoot in Wyandotte, Oklahoma, every June is the perfect mix of business and pleasure. This is a great place to get time on the M2 and other full-auto weapons. From WWII classics to modern weapons, it is a great way to spend a weekend.

Feed The Ma Deuce Beast

The opportunity to fire any automatic weapon should not be missed, and this is especially true for the M2. The incredible power, combined with a manageable rate of fire, makes the Ma Deuce a chuckle-inducing piece of mechanical history. Rare is the person who walks away from the firing line without a silly grin on their face.