March 16, 2026

The Most Fun Guns You'll Ever Shoot

Photo: The Mk 19 Automatic Grenade Launcher. While it’s technically a heavy weapon, enthusiasts and service members often describe it as one of the most uniquely satisfying tools to operate.

Some guns are practical.
Some are collectible.

And then there are the ones that are simply ridiculously fun to shoot.

The kind that make people stop what they're doing at the range. The kind that leave you grinning like an idiot behind the trigger.

Here are a few that belong on every shooter's "must-try" bucket list.

Belt-Feds, Giggle Switches, and Pure Chaos

If you've never fired a belt-fed weapon, you're missing one of life's great experiences.

There's nothing quite like watching a belt of ammo disappear while you keep rounds pouring downrange.

If I had to pick a favorite, it would be the Mk19 grenade launcher.

Yes, a belt-fed launcher that sends grenades downrange in bursts. And the wildest part is you can actually watch the rounds arc toward the target with the naked eye.

It's absurd. It's loud. And it's unforgettable.

Another legend in the "pure fun" category is the MP5 with a giggle switch. There's a reason this gun shows up in almost every action movie ever made. Compact, smooth, and insanely controllable, it's one of the most iconic submachine guns in history.

And then there's the minigun — a spinning monster that eats thousands of dollars in ammo in minutes. I haven't fired one yet, but it's sitting high on my personal bucket list.

Big Bore Guns That Let You Know You're Alive

If belt-feds are about chaos, big-bore revolvers are about survival — specifically surviving the recoil.

Anything chambered in .454 Casull or larger will remind you very quickly that physics is real.

If you're new to big revolvers, start with a .44 Magnum and work your way up. Eventually you may find yourself holding something like a BFR (Big Frame Revolver), which launches massive rounds and delivers recoil that commands respect.

Then there's the .45-70 lever-action rifle. Fire a few rounds through one with a brass buttplate and you might leave the range with a bruise on your shoulder — but also a smile on your face.

These guns kick hard, roar loud, and make every shot feel like an event.

Historic Guns That Still Deliver the Thrill

Some firearms are fun not just because of how they shoot, but because of the history behind them.

The M1 Garand, chambered in .30-06, helped American troops win WWII and became one of the most respected battle rifles ever made. Fire one and you're holding a piece of history.

The Thompson submachine gun, better known as the Tommy Gun, is another American icon. Gangster movies made it famous, but it also served U.S. troops during WWII.

And if you want to go even further back, try firing a Brown Bess flintlock musket. The slow loading process alone will give you a new appreciation for modern firearms.

Finally, there's the Rock Island 22 TCM, one of the most attainable guns on this list. It produces a massive muzzle flash — sometimes nearly two feet long — but with surprisingly light recoil.

Bring one to the range and you'll quickly become the center of attention.

Because sometimes the best guns aren't just the most practical ones…

They're the ones that make shooting an unforgettable experience.

Until next time, stay locked and loaded.
- Randy, Locked N Loaded

Please add randy@gophercentral.com to your address book or visit here.

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