I have a friend going to Battlefield Vegas this week (controls extreme jealousy). Mostly for his grandkids, but is there anything in the "not-to-be-missed" category while he's there, hopefully reasonably budget-friendly?

I went almost 3 years ago, the 15 y/o Son wanted to go. I thought it was fine, for what it is. I shot one, he two. You pick from an assortment, get 30 rounds for the gun. The safety guy is right there. I think the price was $170 or so for the three.

No it’s not like being in the military, call it cheesy if you want. Like I said, ok for what it is. I’d say over half were tourists from out of the country. After the shoot with the empty gun many take pictures.

Without my son wanting to go, no need for myself. He does remember it. They have the gift shop & outside military vehicles, worth a look.

Saw a YouTube video of a mini-gun. Would be about all I'd be interested in, but probably not "budget friendly."

They have a huge inventory, and have added tanks, artillery, even flame throwers to their lineup (outdoors of course).
There are some great opportunities to try some amazing stuff. Also FWIW their staff are mostly (perhaps all) ex military and usually quite approachable. I have been given a couple tours of their armory and operation and actually would rather examine some of the guns there rather than just shoot them.

I went there just before Halloween. They have a huge selection, but the experience was a bit disappointing. You don't get to touch or load the weapons. You get handed a loaded weapon, empty it, leave. It felt rushed. I don't feel like I got to time the experience much, but I got to shoot a full-auto MG-42 and FG-42.

Also, I'd have to claim bait 'n switch. I planned out my visit based on the website prices. I get in there and am told that the website "hasn't been updated" and everything is more expensive. WTF. Depending upon your tastes, it can be VERY pricey.

Still, the staff was nice. They also picked up my group at the hotel in a Humvee and returned us for free.

I was there just 2 weeks ago and had a ton of fun with my best friend when we were in Vegas.

It is true you can't load the magazines and charge the weapon but do get to activate the happy switch from semi to full auto as you please. The prices on the website are pretty accurate. Only thing I didn't like but could live with is they down load the mags by 5 rounds. So a 30 rounder you only get 25 rounds per mag now. Prices use to be cheaper but with ammo prices right now it's understandable.

All the staff was very cool and you could shoot the breeze with them. Depending on how busy they are it was going to be hours before they could pick me and my friend up so we took a uber. But they will at the very least give you a ride back to your hotel in a military humvee.

They claim to have 600 weapons to choose from so if it's not on the website just ask if they have what you are looking for.

Still think it was totally worth going, being able to shoot weapons you'd never really get a chance to. Just be careful if you rent too much it really adds up fast.

One thing to do before leaving on site next door is a tank museum, with tanks, apc's, and other military vehicles to look at.

Make sure to take pictures and video while your there.

Friend of mine took his boy down there last year. They shot an MG-42 and an M-60. Had a pretty good time, he said it was worth it.

It seems like a good way to blow through some money and I mean that in a good way. I will go there one day but until then, a local range has a few full auto guns but nothing like Battlefield. Their selection is amazing. I love watching the videos of those who get a chance to shoot their guns.

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You don't get to touch or load the weapons. You get handed a loaded weapon, empty it, leave.

Ooh, didn't know that. Mildly disappointing. Bucket list item, I've always wanted to try shooting a .50 cal machine gun. Not just shoot it, but load and charge it as well.