Gander Mountain's Virtual Range

[Chasbo00]

I think Gander Mountain is on to something here. Too bad they have no immediate plans for one in VA.



Here is some more on this:

https://gandermtnacademy.gandermountain ... tual-range

[meak99]

Based on just the video, I think it's a great idea, but the recoil looks a little weak.... it's a good start, but nothing replaces throwing real lead downrange for realistic training. I'd try it if one were available.

[Chasbo00]

Based on just the video, I think it's a great idea, but the recoil looks a little weak....

I agree. Some shooters display weak grips in the video; yet, the muzzle jump remains minimal.

[Jakeiscrazy]

I would like to see it one a game system. Not on a range.

[ChicagoGuy]

I think Gander Mountain is on to something here. Too bad they have no immediate plans for one in VA.



Here is some more on this:

https://gandermtnacademy.gandermountain ... tual-range

As someone who played sports on a high level. "You play like you practice." I suspect after using a light weight simulation device you might be in for a disappointment when you get to "live fire." Remember folks, you practice with what you carry.

My 2 cents

[Chasbo00]

I don't know how well or poorly this simulation reflects reality. I sure would like to give a try and find out though. As a training tool, especially for beginners, I think it has lots of promise. As a former military pilot, I've used some great simulators.

[Chasbo00]

Deleted - double post

[wylde007]

I can only imagine a scene like in Beverly Hills Cop where Eddie Murphy pulls out his service weapon and shoots at the "movie screen" display downrange...

Hu-huh-huh-huh.

[davasmith]

It's a great idea if you are looking for entertainment, but a bad idea if you are using it as practice. I agree with Chicagoguy, practice with what you intend on using. This, however, would be neat for the children who are looking into the shooting sports. Might just spur some younger interests! Anyway you look at it, putting a shooting scenario in front of as many people as possible is a great asset to the sport of shooting. (Provided they are not liberal yellow bellies or californians of any kind)
Oh and one more thing, they should find some gunpowder air fresheners cuz' the smell is half the fun!

[wylde007]

I thought that was what "Duck Hunt" was for?

[DWinter]

I shot one (simulator) at Automation Precision Technology in Nofolk during an armed sentry course using a trainer Beretta FS92 while I was on active duty. It was pretty intense. Dark room, huge screen, you had to move around the bad guys were life size and the weapon felt fairly real when fired. Plus the controller guy could had variables to throw at you. I could have stayed there all day. I actually got some "nice shooting" responses from him especially when a perp I had hit was laying on the ground and didn't respond to my commands to stop reaching for his weapon. I ventilated his head and was told I did the right thing. Oh and I took a few rounds too so don't get the idea it was all easy. It sure was fun though.

[wbtrunx]

There is a firearms simulator used in Jail and LE basic (as well as in the military).
It's more for practice of use of cover and UOF (Use of Force); as much as can be done with a computer program.
Our instructor had an automated paintball gun set up with foam balls if we weren't covered properly.
During one scenario, while taking cover, I thought I was about to go through the wall as hard as I jumped.

Through my experience, I'd say they're good for everything but recoil.

[Jakeiscrazy]

I shot one (simulator) at Automation Precision Technology in Nofolk during an armed sentry course using a trainer Beretta FS92 while I was on active duty. It was pretty intense. Dark room, huge screen, you had to move around the bad guys were life size and the weapon felt fairly real when fired. Plus the controller guy could had variables to throw at you. I could have stayed there all day. I actually got some "nice shooting" responses from him especially when a perp I had hit was laying on the ground and didn't respond to my commands to stop reaching for his weapon. I ventilated his head and was told I did the right thing. Oh and I took a few rounds too so don't get the idea it was all easy. It sure was fun though.

That sound like more fun and better training than this! It would be nice to see a public one!

[Tweaker]

Part of my muzzie license to kill training also included a shooting simulation portion. I think there was no recoil, but it was better than any other training as far as presenting a realistic threat and providing situational immersion.

The gander mountain thing, of course, does not attempt this, so I stand by my position that that it is worse than useless for real firearms training. If anything, it would set someone up for a rude awakening when they pull a real trigger.

[Chasbo00]

Part of my muzzie license to kill training also included a shooting simulation portion. I think there was no recoil, but it was better than any other training as far as presenting a realistic threat and providing situational immersion.

The gander mountain thing, of course, does not attempt this, so I stand by my position that that it is worse than useless for real firearms training. If anything, it would set someone up for a rude awakening when they pull a real trigger.

I think Gander has this too - both a 180 and 300 degree scenario capability. I don't know how robust it is though. It appears to offer only minimal shooter movement.

[HeadHunter13]

I have done a few of these when I was still active duty. Mostly shoot/no shoot scenarios uof/eof type stuff. My last unit had one also that we used to break in the cherrys on squad practicing linear ambushes/reaction to contact drills focusing on shoot, move, communicate before we went out to the MOUT site and finally live fire shoot house. Crawl, walk, run. And that's what these programs are designed for, crawl, good tool at times.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

[Tweaker]

Well, then I retract my previous post. That does look quite useful.

I'm a little surprised a major corporation like Gander would get involved in this, but I guess their loyal customer base includes very few anti-self defense poofs.

[zephyp]

I'm a little surprised a major corporation like Gander would get involved in this, but I guess their loyal customer base includes very few anti-self defense poofs.

I wouldnt be so quick to say that since they also deal in many other outdoor activities...lots of anti gun nuts are hikers, boaters, campers, etc...just because someone likes the outdoors doesnt mean they carry a gun...

[Tweaker]

Well, color me even more impressed then.

[shield2010]

I was reading the post and I agree, to bad Gander Mountain will not bring this to Virginia. At first I was a little disappointed until I heard rumor of one coming to Virginia. I had to go see for myself if it were true. I was in the Wal Mart on Jefferson Ave in Newport News, doing a little shopping for the kids Christmas and I was also doing a little ear hustling. I overheard these two guys talking about a simulator system well being Navy I am well aware of what this system could do because we have one. As I listened a little more I heard the guy make reference to the system we have on the base, I mean this guy knew a lot about the system right down to how much we even paid for this system. I keep listening to this guy trying to find out who he was and why he knew so much about our system, by this time my wife is getting a little annoyed because I am not listening to her. As I move my cart in a better position to see these two guys talking I see one of the guys has on a shirt that says The Marksman on it. I goggled the name and found out this place was right down the street from my apartment and come to find out it’s an indoor shooting range. I go buy this place and go in just to see what they have going on inside. I asked a few questions about some of the hand guns they had in the cabinets and some of the AR's they had on the wall. I also found a Saiga shotgun I had been looking for two hundred dollars cheaper than anywhere else. So as I am filling out my paperwork this guy that claims to be the General Manager came out and had introduced his self to me and asked me if I had a minute so he can show me something. I said sure, so we go into this room that is being built and sure enough as God as my witness they have this system that is actually the same system that we use on the base. So I am setting there listening to this guy talk an d tell me all of the things this system can do and how they are marketing it to civilians and how they are going to be the only agency in the state of Virginia to have this stem available to the public. I don’t know who is more excited me or the guy telling me about the system. Ironically as we are there talking the guy form the Wal-Mart walks through the lobby. Long story short I bought me and the wife a membership and am going back for the open house.