Riga Gun Range: shooting with Winchester, Glock17, & Kalashnikov

Thinking about trying something a little different on your Riga trip? If the idea of firing real weapons sounds intriguing, then the Riga Gun Range experience might be just what you’re looking for. It’s a popular activity, with a solid 5-star rating from over a hundred reviews, and it offers a chance to handle some of the most recognizable firearms in a controlled, safe environment.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how well-organized it appears to be—reviewers consistently mention friendly staff and clear instructions, which is essential when handling firearms. Plus, the opportunity to take home your targets as keepsakes adds a personal touch to what’s otherwise a pretty adrenaline-pumping activity.

On the flip side, it’s not a lengthy tour—roughly 40 minutes—and it can feel a bit rushed if you’re really eager to explore firing more guns or spend extra time. It’s also worth noting that this isn’t necessarily a family-friendly activity, especially for younger children or those uncomfortable with guns. But if you’re into unique, hands-on experiences and don’t mind a bit of a thrill, this might be a perfect addition to your Riga itinerary.

This tour should appeal most to curious travelers, gun enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a memorable story to tell back home. Just be prepared for a quick but comprehensive introduction to shooting sports in Latvia’s largest shooting range.

Key Points

• Safe and Professional Environment: The staff prioritize safety, providing clear instructions and supervision throughout.
• Diverse Weapon Selection: You get to shoot with well-known firearms like Glock 17, Winchester, and Kalashnikov, with the option to purchase additional weapons or shots.
• Memorable Keepsakes: Your targets are yours to take home—an added bonus for souvenir collectors.
• Efficient Experience: At about 40 minutes, it’s a quick but action-packed session, ideal if you’re short on time.
• Good Value for Money: At around $63, you get a solid experience with multiple weapons and professional guidance.
• Highly Rated: With a 5.0 rating from 125 reviews, most guests find it worth their while.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you book this activity, the first thing to remember is that advance online booking is essential—availability is verified personally, and the range keeps the process straightforward. The meeting point is the Riga Shooting Range, located on Aleksandra Grna boulevard. Once there, staff will verify your ID—passport or national ID, driver’s licenses aren’t accepted—and get you geared up for your session.

Your 40-minute experience includes shooting with three main firearms:

• Glock 17 (or similar pistols)—five shots
• Kalashnikov (AK-47 or similar variant)—three shots
• Winchester (pump-action shotgun)—three shots

The instructor’s role is to ensure safety and help you get comfortable with each firearm. Expect a demo before shooting, which really helps if it’s your first time handling guns. Reviewers have praised the staff for their helpfulness and professionalism; some noted that the environment is more serious than jovial, emphasizing safety over anything else.

You are allowed to take photos with the guns and your targets afterward, which makes for fun memories or social media posts. You can also purchase extra shots or weapons if you’re eager for more action—these are available at the range for an additional cost.

The experience is designed for most travelers—most can participate, and it’s suitable for those who are comfortable with brief instructions and handling unloaded firearms. It isn’t explicitly family-friendly, but if you’re traveling with older teens or adults interested in guns, it’s a solid choice.

The Shooting Experience: Details and Atmosphere

Many reviews highlight how well-organized and safe the process is. For instance, Natalia_S commented, “Relaxed, friendly and well organised. Very accommodating and easy to follow/find would definitely recommend.” This kind of feedback suggests that even newcomers feel at ease, thanks to thorough instructions and attentive staff.

Participants often mention how professional the staff is, with clear guidance that makes handling guns feel manageable—even for first-timers. Daniel_A shared, “Very organised, we got to shoot 4 guns—Beretta, Glock, Winchester, and Kalashnikov—it was great fun and highly recommend.” That variety of firearms is part of what makes this experience exciting; most guests leave with a sense of accomplishment and many photos to remember it by.

There’s also an element of competitive fun, as many guests find the experience engaging enough to turn into a mini shooting contest with friends. These small groups tend to have lots of laughs and camaraderie, enhancing the overall vibe.

Safety is a priority here, which we see echoed repeatedly in reviews. You’ll receive safety gear and instructions—no surprises there. Janis, one of the staff, is often praised for his helpfulness and good humor, creating a relaxed yet secure environment that’s particularly valuable for anyone nervous about shooting.

The Weapons and Shooting Details

This range offers Latvia’s widest selection, with 47 different firearms available, but your package includes the basics—Glock 17, Winchester, and Kalashnikov. The Glock 17 is a popular choice for its manageable recoil and reliability, making it a great starting point. The Kalashnikov provides a more iconic experience, especially for those interested in military-style rifles, while the Winchester shotgun adds a different dimension with its power and noise.

Additional weapons can be purchased on the spot, allowing for a more extensive session if you wish. Reviewers mention the variety of firearms, from pistols like Sig Sauer and Beretta to rifles and even revolvers, making this a versatile experience for gun enthusiasts.

The experience’s duration is around 40 minutes, but that’s enough time to get comfortable with each firearm, shoot a few rounds, and take photos. Some reviewers noted that the experience felt a bit rushed; if you’re eager to shoot more or relax between shots, you might consider budgeting extra time or additional costs.

Pricing and Value

At about $63.86 per person, this activity is fairly priced considering the quality of instruction, firearm variety, and the souvenir of your targets. For most travelers, it’s a good deal—especially since the reviews consistently mention the professionalism and safety standards that make the activity feel trustworthy.

Many guests enjoy how well-organized and straightforward the booking process is, with most book about 18 days in advance. The fact that the experience is capped at 25 travelers ensures personalized attention, which adds to the overall value.

If you’re a gun lover or simply looking for a different kind of adventure, the price is reasonable given the opportunity to shoot with multiple well-known firearms, take photos, and leave with a personal keepsake.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Make sure to bring your passport or national ID card—driver’s licenses aren’t accepted.
• The location isn’t obvious; plan your navigation or ask locals if needed, as some reviews mention it’s a bit obscure.
• Consider scheduling your session in the middle of the day to avoid peak crowds.
• If you’re interested in more than the basic package, inquire about extra weapons or shots at the range.
• Transportation from central Riga costs around 5 EUR by taxi, so plan for that if you’re not using a transfer service.
• Most travelers find this activity suitable, but if you have concerns about handling firearms or are traveling with children, it might not be ideal.

Final Thoughts

This shooting experience at Riga Gun Range offers a fine balance of safety, fun, and professionalism in a compact timeframe. Whether you’re curious about guns, want a memorable story, or enjoy trying something different, it delivers a solid dose of excitement. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who are comfortable with brief instructions and want to get hands-on with some of the most iconic firearms.

The reviews consistently praise the staff’s friendliness and knowledge, making it clear that safety and customer experience are top priorities. The fact that you can leave with your targets and photos makes it a more personal souvenir than most typical activities.

However, keep in mind the session is quick and may feel a little rushed if you’re eager to spend more time shooting or trying out additional weapons. It isn’t a leisurely, prolonged experience but rather a concentrated burst of adrenaline and fun.

In short, if you’re after a fun, well-coordinated activity that’s a bit outside your usual sightseeing routine, this could be just the ticket. It’s a memorable way to add a bit of edge to your Riga visit—just be ready for some fast-paced shooting and lots of safety-first instructions.

FAQ

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, you should book online ahead of time. The experience is popular and most bookings are made about 18 days in advance to secure your preferred time slot.

What identification do I need to bring?
You must bring your passport or national ID card. Driver’s licenses are not accepted for registration.

How long does the experience last?
The session is approximately 40 minutes, making it a quick but action-packed activity.

Can I shoot more than the included guns?
Yes, additional weapons and extra shots are available for purchase at the range on the day of your visit.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation isn’t included, but a taxi from Riga Old Town costs about 5 EUR. The meeting point is at Aleksandra Grna boulevard.

Is this activity suitable for children or families?
This experience is primarily aimed at adult participants. It’s a serious shooting activity, so if you’re traveling with children or those uncomfortable with firearms, it might not be suitable.

If you’re after an adrenaline-filled, well-managed shooting session in Riga, this range offers a great mix of safety, variety, and fun. Perfect for those wanting a unique story or just to try something different while exploring Latvia’s capital.