Today was the grand opening of the Sportsmans Shooting Center in the Dallas, Tx. area (technically Copell), the first "live-fire cinemagraphic range" in the states. Popular in Europe, and man can I see why! After 30 min. sighting in at the 100yd. tunnel, you are entitled to 45 min. coaching in the simulator, and then 45 minutes at the 12x30 ft. range. The simulator is a full size weapon with red dot sight and is connected so that after each shot (also at a movie screen, only smaller) you see where you aimed, then where the bullet struck taking into consideration speed, lead, and follow-through. A replay is computer enhanced to show you the exact tracking of the firearm in relation to the target. The instructor tutors you on follow through, including gun position after the shot, whether you became an admirer of the shot, etc. Very instructive and helpful. You will improve your running shot capability, and really how many places are there where you can do that?
Then on to the range, where you can rent the new Blaser R8 rifles and Norma ammo, or bring your own. Anything from .22 to 75 cal. is allowable, and iron or any other sights. The R8 came with a new 34mm aimpoint sight, mine was in 308, and the new thumb stock--which was sweet. (no armor piercing, incendiary, black powder, or slug loads are allowed) They suggest you bring about 60 rounds of ammo. How many you shoot depends upon how many you try to hit in the herds which parade by, which may be African, European boars and red deer, American whitetails and others. Coming soon are charging dangerous game, which is already available on the simulator. Ranges may be selected (usually 40 or 80 yds.) as well as speed of running boars, etc. and direction of travel. Half second freeze frames show where you hit. The background is integrated with the "movie" of actual hunting fields and knows where your shot connected. You have to see it to believe it. It is so real the only things missing is swatting mosquitos. Expect to be stretched to as difficult a degree as one can normally handle. Don't be a nimrod and hit walls or ceiling--they post a $75 charge for each necessary repair. I doubt anyone will, but you never know these days.
My wife went along because she just could not believe the concept as I described it to her. They even let her shoot a few rounds free of charge which is pretty much like giving someone ONE Lay's potato chip. I think things are going to get more expensive at my house, as she is somewhat hooked. And by God if she didn't drill 95% of the targets right through the heart! Almost embarrassed me.
Cost? $100 weekdays for the 2 hr. package, $125 on weekends, and coupons available. I would drive 300 miles for this if I had to. Put it on your bucket list, and expect these things to be coming to a city near you pretty soon...Steve
