Gun Range Shooting Experience in Newton Abbot

A target range can make a memorable Devon outing. This private 90-minute session in Newton Abbot gives you three different ways to shoot, from a 20-meter air rifle range to a rapid-fire pistol range and a large Simway simulator. I like the friendly instruction and the fact that guns, ammunition, targets, and air are included. I also like that beginners can take part without needing previous experience.

The main thing to consider is location. The experience is marketed as Devon-based and the meeting point is in Newton Abbot, while the tour summary also lists Plymouth. Check your booking details carefully before setting off. The $52.73 price is fair for a private session with three ranges, but you will want to allow time for the full appointment rather than expecting a quick arcade-style stop.

Key points at a glance

• Three shooting formats: Try a 20-meter air rifle range, a rapid-fire pistol range, and the Simway shooting simulator.
• Training is included: Unlimited advice and help are provided, which makes this a practical first shooting experience.
• More than 100 targets: The center offers plenty to work through during the session.
• Private participation: Only your own group takes part, so you are not mixed into a public tour.
• About 90 minutes: The length gives you time to try all three ranges without rushing.
• Suitable for adults and older children: The stated age range is 18 to 118, so this is designed for adults and older participants.

Three ranges, three very different experiences

The best reason to book this session is variety. You are not simply handed one type of gun, shown a target, and sent home. The center has three indoor ranges, each with its own character and learning curve.

The 20-meter air rifle range is likely to be the calmest place to begin. You have a fixed distance and a traditional paper-target feel, which gives you time to work on stance, sighting, and trigger control. For someone holding a rifle for the first time, that slower pace matters. You can focus on making a clean shot instead of trying to react quickly.

The rapid-fire pistol range changes the mood. Pistols require a different grip and a different sense of control, and the faster format adds pressure. You may find this part more exciting, but it can also expose rushed movements. The included instruction is especially useful here because a small adjustment in how you hold or aim can make the session feel much more manageable.

Then comes the Simway shooting simulator, which is effectively a large-scale video game with a shooting theme. It does not replace the physical ranges, but it gives the session a playful change of pace. You are not standing in front of a simple paper target for the full 90 minutes, and that variety helps keep the experience lively for a mixed group.

The center advertises more than 100 targets across the ranges. That does not mean you will necessarily spend equal time on every target, but it does suggest a session with plenty to aim at. The three formats also make this a good choice for a group where one person prefers careful target shooting and another wants something faster and more digital.

Starting with instruction at 1 Sabre Close

Your appointment begins at 1 Sabre Cl, Newton Abbot, TQ12 6TW. The activity ends at the same meeting point, so there is no separate drop-off or second location to arrange.

Training and advice are included, with no stated limit on how much help you can receive. That is one of the strongest parts of the package. A first-time shooter should not have to guess how to stand, hold the equipment, or handle the range safely. You can ask for help as you go rather than treating the introductory explanation as your only chance to learn.

The staff have been praised for being welcoming, helpful, and good at putting newcomers at ease. That matters more here than a fancy setting. Shooting can feel intimidating if you have never tried it, especially when you are standing beside people who seem more confident. A calm instructor can turn that first awkward minute into a straightforward lesson.

This is a private activity, meaning only your group participates. That gives you more freedom to ask basic questions and work at a comfortable pace. It also makes the booking useful for a small celebration, a couple looking for an unusual activity, or friends who want to try something together without joining a larger party.

You should still listen closely to the range instructions. The experience is designed to be accessible, but it is not a casual free-for-all. The staff are there to help you shoot safely and accurately, so follow their directions at every stage.

The 20-meter air rifle range

The air rifle section offers the clearest introduction to target shooting. At 20 meters, the target is far enough away to require concentration but close enough for an instructor to help you understand what went wrong.

I would treat this part as a lesson in patience. You might begin by trying to hit the center, then notice that small changes in your aim or breathing affect the result. That process is satisfying because you can see improvement on the targets in front of you.

For beginners, the rifle range may be the most reassuring section. You have time to settle in, and the instructor can offer adjustments without the rapid pace of the pistol range. The package includes the rifle, ammunition, targets, and air, so there are no basic equipment charges waiting at the end.

The 20-meter distance also gives the session a little substance. This is not simply pointing at a target a few feet away. You need to pay attention, and that makes a good shot feel earned. If your group includes someone who is nervous about pistols, the air rifle range gives that person a gentler way to get started.

The rapid-fire pistol range

The pistol range is the most likely part to get your pulse up. Rapid fire means you need to make decisions quickly, and the shorter format leaves less room for slow correction. It is exciting, but it can also be the point where beginners discover that accuracy takes more than enthusiasm.

That is where the unlimited guidance earns its keep. You can ask the instructor to explain your grip, stance, and aim again, then try another round with the advice in mind. I would not worry if your first attempts are untidy. The point is to learn how the pistol responds and how your own habits affect the target.

The pistol range also gives experienced members of a group something more demanding than the air rifle section. At the same time, the session is not presented as a competition, so you do not need to arrive ready to compare scores. You can treat it as a fun introduction and let the instructor set the pace.

If you are booking for a group, this is a good place to remember that people enjoy different things. One person may love the quick action, while another may prefer the slower rifle work. Having all three ranges in one appointment means nobody has to build the entire outing around one style of shooting.

The Simway simulator, part range and part video game

The Simway section is the most unusual part of the visit. It is described as a massive video game, which is a useful expectation to set. You are not simply shooting another paper target. You are using a simulator that brings a more screen-based, interactive element to the session.

I like this as a break between the two physical ranges. After concentrating on rifle accuracy and then managing rapid-fire pistol work, the simulator changes the rhythm. It may appeal especially to people who enjoy games but have never tried a shooting range.

Do not book this expecting a fully realistic replacement for live target shooting. Its appeal is different. The simulator adds play, movement, and novelty, while the rifle and pistol ranges provide the more hands-on practice. The combination makes the booking feel less repetitive than a single-range session.

For a mixed-age group within the stated age range, this may be the part that brings everyone together. Some people will take the physical shooting more seriously, while others will enjoy the simulator for its entertainment value. You get both without needing a separate activity.

How the 90-minute session works in practice

The activity lasts about one hour and 30 minutes. Exact timing between the three sections is not provided, so you should not assume that each range receives an equal 30-minute slot. The instructor may adjust the pace based on your group, questions, and comfort.

A sensible flow would be an introduction and safety guidance, followed by time on the air rifle range, the pistol range, and the Simway simulator. The order may vary, but the important point is that the booking is built around all three formats rather than one main attraction with a brief add-on.

The session should feel active without taking up a full day. That makes it easy to pair with other plans in Devon. You have enough time to learn the basics and try each range, but you are not committing to an all-day shooting course.

Arrive ready to pay attention. You will get more from the session if you listen to the early guidance and ask questions instead of rushing straight to the targets. The staff can help complete beginners hit the target, but that help works best when you use it.

What the $52.73 price includes

At $52.73 per person, this is not the cheapest casual activity, but the contents are solid. Your fee covers the guns, ammunition, targets, and air, along with unlimited training and advice. You are also paying for access to three indoor ranges during a private 90-minute appointment.

That bundled pricing is helpful. You do not need to calculate extra ammunition charges or wonder if instruction costs more once you arrive. The equipment and basic shooting materials are included from the start.

The private format adds value for a small group. A public session might cost less, but it could also give you less room to ask questions or spend time on the parts you enjoy. Here, your group shares the appointment, which can make the price easier to justify for a birthday, date, or unusual day out.

Still, value depends on your expectations. If you only want to fire a few shots and leave, 90 minutes and three ranges may be more than you need. If you want a proper introduction with help along the way, the price is easier to defend.

Who will enjoy this Newton Abbot activity?

This is best for adults and older participants who want to try shooting in a controlled indoor setting. The stated age range is 18 to 118, which signals that the activity is intended for adults rather than young children.

It also suits first-timers particularly well. The staff provide training and ongoing advice, and the session has been described as accessible even for people who had never shot before. You do not need to arrive with technical knowledge.

I would also recommend it for:

• Small private groups wanting an activity that feels different from a meal or pub visit.
• Couples looking for a shared challenge with both physical and digital elements.
• Mixed-experience groups where some people have shot before and others have not.
• Adults and older kids within the stated age range who enjoy games, targets, or hands-on activities.
• Rainy-day planners because all three ranges are indoors.

This may not suit someone seeking outdoor scenery, a long sporting course, or a highly formal firearms lesson. It is a short recreational experience, not a full qualification course. The simulator also means the session has a playful side, so serious marksmen may find it less focused than a specialist range visit.

Getting there and planning the appointment

The meeting point is 1 Sabre Cl in Newton Abbot. The site is near public transportation, which helps if you are not driving, though the supplied details do not specify the exact bus or rail route. Confirm your route before the day and allow enough time to reach the address.

Opening hours are listed as Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The operating dates shown run through March 2, 2027. Because the summary also names Plymouth while the meeting point is in Newton Abbot, I would make the address your main reference and check the final confirmation.

A mobile ticket is provided, and confirmation arrives at booking. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. If someone in your group has a concern about taking part, contact the provider before booking rather than relying on a general accessibility statement.

The experience is typically booked about 28 days ahead. That does not mean a last-minute place is impossible, but it is sensible to reserve early if you need a Saturday appointment or are organizing a special occasion.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, so keep the cutoff in mind when making plans.

Why the staff matter more than the equipment

The guns and simulator attract attention, but the quality of the session depends heavily on the people running it. Friendly instruction is repeatedly praised, and that is exactly what a beginner needs.

A good instructor does more than explain rules. The instructor helps you relax, corrects small mistakes, and keeps the experience moving when one member of your group needs extra help. Since unlimited training and advice are included, you should feel free to ask for another explanation or a second look at your stance.

That support also makes the activity less awkward for groups with different ability levels. The confident shooter can keep working, while the newcomer gets help without holding back the entire session. It is a simple benefit, but it can make the difference between a fun outing and an uncomfortable one.

Should you book the Gun Range Shooting Experience?

Book it if you want a private, beginner-friendly shooting session with genuine variety. The combination of a 20-meter air rifle range, rapid-fire pistols, and the Simway simulator gives you three distinct activities for one price, and the included instruction makes the experience approachable.

I would be cautious if your plans are centered on Plymouth, since the stated meeting point is in Newton Abbot. Confirm the location before paying for transport. I would also skip it if you want a full-day outdoor shooting course or a serious competitive session.

For most adults and older participants seeking something active and unusual, this is a strong choice. The 4.8 rating and 94 percent recommendation fit the practical strengths of the experience: warm staff, easy access for beginners, and enough variety to keep the 90 minutes interesting.

FAQ

Where does the shooting experience start?

It starts at 1 Sabre Cl, Newton Abbot, TQ12 6TW, UK.

Where does the activity end?

The experience ends back at the meeting point in Newton Abbot.

How long does the experience last?

The session lasts approximately one hour and 30 minutes.

What shooting ranges are included?

You can use a 20-meter air rifle range, a rapid-fire pistol range, and the Simway shooting simulator.

Are guns and ammunition included?

Yes. Guns, ammunition, targets, and air are included in the price.

Is training provided?

Yes. Unlimited training and advice are included during the activity.

Is this a private activity?

Yes. Only your own group participates in the activity.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded or accepted.