Cambodia’s Unofficial ๐ฅ Shooting Ranges
Apart from the rich history, stunning temples, and bustling markets, there is a lesser-known attraction in Phnom Penh that offers an alternative experience: Cambodia’s unofficial shooting ranges.
There aren’t many countries in the world where unqualified tourists have the opportunity to handle and fire automatic weapons, but Cambodia is one of them.
Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a curious traveler, shooting at one of Phnom Penh’s unofficial shooting ranges is a unique escapade.
Just remember to prioritize safety and enjoy the adrenaline rush responsibly!
Highlights
- Unofficial Shooting Ranges
- What to Expect During Your Visit
- Get Your Hands on a Kalashnikov!
- AK-47 or M16?
- Safety Precautions
- All Hotel Options in Phnom Penh
- Phnom Penh Airport to City Centre
- The Aquarius City Center Hotel
- Getting Around the City
- Where to Eat in Phnom Penh
- Our Complete Cambodia Itinerary
Cambodia’s Unofficial Shooting Ranges
We had already seen a lot of this in Vietnam. In Cambodia, the shooting ranges are private (actually illegal) facilities where visitors can rent guns and shoot at targets.
These ranges are not regulated by the government and have fewer restrictions than official shooting ranges, making them a popular choice for those seeking a more immersive and adrenaline-fueled shooting experience.
You’ll have the opportunity to try out a variety of guns, from pistols to rifles. The exact selection of guns available varies from place to place, but you can expect to find a range of weapons that are not typically available at official shooting ranges.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Visiting an unofficial shooting range in Phnom Penh is an intense and exhilarating experience. After paying a fee for an agreed amount of ammunition, you’ll be provided with a gun, ammunition, and ear protection. Once you’re ready, you’ll head to the range and have the opportunity to shoot at targets until your ammo runs out.
Some ranges may also offer additional services such as training and assistance from experienced shooters.
In our case, we were driven out into the rural suburbs of Phnom Penh to get our hands on some of Cambodia’s unofficial and less conventional tourist attractions – automatic weapons!
Get Your Hands on a Kalashnikov!
During our visit to Phnom Penh, our tuk tuk driver offered to take us to one of the unofficial shooting ranges located a small way outside the city.
He actually drove us way out into the countryside to a small farm, and introduced us to 2 young guys who seemed to be in charge there.
These guys took us around the back of a stone building where we discovered a large 3 meter wide wooden cabinet.
When they opened the cabinet doors my eyes popped, Inside the cabinet, artistically arranged in rows, hung enough automatic weapons to start a small war. It felt like being in one of those action movies where the hero opens his weapons stash and gets tooled up for his upcoming operation.
“Is that you, John Wayne? Is this me?”
The collection includedย pistols, rifles, a selection of Vietnam-era American M14 and M16 automatic weapons, Russian AK-47s, an M60 machine gun, and even a Rocket-Propelled Grenade launcher! (RPG).
I’d already heard the stories about foreigners paying $400 to fire RPGs at live cows, as well as other numerous incidents involving weapons misfiring or exploding in the hand. So I decided to give the RPG a miss.
I did quite fancy firing a Kalashnikov, though – and an M16 for that matter. So I paid the guy $20 for ten rounds each of ammo for an AK-47 and M16.
For the M60 machine gun, there was a minimum charge of $100 for a belt of 100 pre-linked rounds.
After taking the obligatory photos holding the (unloaded) weapons, it was time to lock-and-load and head for the firing range.
With an automatic weapon, your 10 rounds don’t last long! After donning a camouflage jacket and ear muffs, I set up with the Kalashnikov and proceeded to fire off single rounds at the target 20 meters away. I then flipped to automatic for a couple of 3-shot bursts.
I ran through the same procedure for the M16, and that was that!
The only noticeable difference I felt was a bigger kick from the Kalashnikov, but which of these assault rifles did I prefer?
AK-47 or M16?
Well, the AK-47 is renowned for its ruggedness and reliability. It has a malfunction rate of one out of 1000 rounds fired and is designed in a way that even untrained individuals can use it.
The AK-47 is also built to function in dirty environments with minimal maintenance, enhancing AK’s reliability at the cost of accuracy.
๐ต I don’t want no teenage queen, I just want my M-16 ๐ต
With a reputation for poorer reliability, the M16 has roughly twice the malfunction rate as the AK-47, at two rounds per 2000 fired. The M16โs more expensive design requires copious and frequent use of lubricants, the lack of which is the most common cause of stoppages or jams.
So clearly, the Kalashnikov deserves its reputation as the deadliest assault rifle ever produced.
“Can you get that damn chicken to sit still?”
Safety Precautions
While shooting at these unofficial ranges offers a special kind of adrenaline thrill, it’s important to take safety precautions. Always follow the rules and guidelines provided, and be sure to wear appropriate eye and ear protection at all times.
You should understand that these ranges are not regulated by the government, so ideally choose a reputable range and be aware of the potential risks involved.
There aren’t many places in the world where unqualified tourists are free to handle and fire these types of iconic weapons. If you want to give it a go, be aware that this is an unofficial, borderline-illegal activity. Also, these weapons are old and usually poorly maintained, so accidents can and do happen.
Aftermath
Before leaving the farm to head back to Phnom Penh by tuk tuk – $20 lighter – I picked up my targets and empty cases as souvenirs.
It was a fascinating experience to actually handle and fire these iconic weapons of another era, but I count myself lucky that all went well without unwanted consequences.
Have you ever tried something like this before, or is it on your bucket list?
If you like Phnom Penh’s Unofficial ๐ฅ Shooting Ranges, take a look at our other Tropical Travel Plans. You may also like:
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