IRASBURG — Green Mountain Sporting Goods has transformed its archery range to include a state-of-the-art laser shooting facility, providing customers with a safe environment to practice shooting skills without live ammunition.
The newly installed “Smokeless Range” system uses firearms fitted with laser technology that interact with a projection screen. This is the first such facility in Vermont.
The system features realistic replicas of actual firearms, including Glock models, that use compressed gas instead of gunpowder to create recoil action. Each time the trigger is pulled, a burst of air hits a laser cartridge in the barrel, sending an infrared beam to the screen where a camera detects the hit.
“Generally most of the people coming in here probably either own a firearm or their spouse does,” said Josh Newcity, who works at Green Mountain Sporting Goods and helps operate the facility. “With this system, there is no loud bang. There is no danger at all walking in here. It’s fun and informative at the same time.”
Unlike traditional laser training systems, the infrared beam isn’t visible during shooting.
“We don’t see the laser. It’s better for training to not see the laser on the screen, which mimics an actual target,” Newcity explained.
One advantage of the gas-powered replicas is their ability to automatically cycle after each shot.
“With these guns, since they’re gas-powered, they rack themselves every single time,” said Newcity, noting this allows for more realistic rapid-fire practice compared to standard firearms with laser inserts that need to be manually cycled between shots.
Customers can rent the range by the hour, with scenarios ranging from simple target practice to competitive games between two shooters. The facility offers “hundreds” of game options, giving visitors extensive variety during their sessions.
The facility also offers simulated real-world scenarios that can be controlled by staff members to adjust the intensity of the encounter.
“They’re actual videos of situations where somebody may or may not choose to use a firearm,” Newcity explained. “So a simulated scenario could be that you come around a corner of your house and somebody is trying to break in. You have to decide whether or not this firearm even leaves a holster.”
The range rental includes the use of the laser firearms, requiring no additional equipment from customers. Staff will refill the gas magazines for customers as needed, unless customers have received specific training to safely do it themselves.
For those wanting to practice with their own unloaded firearms, the facility plans to allow this under strict safety protocols. Additionally, customers considering a firearm purchase from the store can test potential options on the range before making a decision.
“We’re going to allow people to come in with their own guns under extremely strict guidance that they don’t enter this room with any live ammunition,” Newcity said. Special lockers have been installed where all ammunition and magazines must be secured before entering the range.
The facility also plans to offer training sessions in 15-minute increments for beginners or those seeking instruction in proper firearm handling.
“It’s a wonderful safe way to bond with people who own firearms as well,” Newcity added. “It’s fun and informative at the same time. And it gamifies training, which is pretty cool.”
Green Mountain Sporting Goods sees the laser range as appealing to experienced shooters looking for a new way to practice their skills, as well as novices who want to learn proper firearm handling in a completely safe environment.
To learn more about using the new smokeless range, call GMSG at (802) 754-2475, or visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/gmsgvt
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