Reviewed · DEVON TOURS

Gun Range Shooting Experience in Newton Abbot

★ 5.0 · 90 reviews 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) From $52 Operated by Crackshot Ltd t/a Crackshot · Bookable on Viator
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The most interesting part of this Devon experience is the variety. In about 90 minutes, you move from careful air-rifle shooting to rapid-fire pistol practice and then into a large Simway simulator that feels like a very serious video game. All equipment, ammunition, targets, and air are included, so the price is easy to understand.

I like the friendly, patient instruction, especially for first-timers, and I like that your private group gets all three styles of shooting rather than repeating one basic activity. The main consideration is the location information: the experience is described as Devon based and meets in Newton Abbot, even though the summary lists Plymouth, so check your route carefully before booking.

Key points to know before booking

Gun Range Shooting Experience in Newton Abbot - Key points to know before booking

  • Three different shooting formats: Try a 20-meter air rifle range, a rapid-fire pistol range, and the Simway shooting simulator.
  • Beginners are supported: Unlimited training and advice are included, with help available throughout the session.
  • A private group activity: Only your own group takes part, which can make the session feel more relaxed and personal.
  • About 90 minutes indoors: This is a compact activity that fits neatly into a half-day plan around Newton Abbot.
  • The cost covers the essentials: Guns, ammunition, targets, and air are included in the listed price of $52.73 per person.
  • Strong overall satisfaction: The experience has a 4.8 rating from 90 reviews, with 94 percent of participants recommending it.

Three indoor ranges in one 90-minute session

Gun Range Shooting Experience in Newton Abbot - Three indoor ranges in one 90-minute session

Crackshot gives you more variety than a single target-shooting lesson. The session uses three indoor ranges, each with a different feel and purpose. That variety matters because you are not simply standing in one position and repeating the same shot for an hour and a half.

The first option is a 20-meter air rifle range. This is likely to be the most measured part of the activity, asking you to settle your aim and pay attention to small movements. It gives a beginner time to get comfortable with the equipment and the basic rhythm of shooting.

The second is a rapid-fire pistol range. This changes the pace. You have less time to think between shots, and the activity becomes more about following instructions, keeping control, and reacting quickly. The contrast with the air rifle range is one of the best reasons to choose the full experience.

The third is the Simway shooting simulator. It uses a large video-game-style setup rather than a traditional paper-target range. One participant described it as a massive video game, which is a useful way to picture it, though the attraction is having that setup in a dedicated shooting center rather than at home.

The exact order of the three sections is not specified, so you should expect the instructor to decide how the session runs. The package is described as covering all three ranges, but ask at the start if you want to know how much time will be given to each one.

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Starting at 1 Sabre Close in Newton Abbot

Gun Range Shooting Experience in Newton Abbot - Starting at 1 Sabre Close in Newton Abbot

The meeting point is 1 Sabre Cl, Newton Abbot, TQ12 6TW, UK. The activity ends back at the same point, so you do not need to arrange a separate pickup or find your way to another range after the session.

The supplied information also lists Plymouth as the location in the summary. Since the actual start point is in Newton Abbot, use the Newton Abbot address when planning your journey. This is especially important if you are staying in Plymouth or building the activity into a day around the wider Devon area.

The center is near public transportation, which helps if you are not driving. Still, the information does not specify the closest station, bus stop, or walking time. I would check the final route before setting off rather than relying on a last-minute map search.

Opening hours are listed as Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The experience is not shown as operating on Sundays. It is available across the stated operating period through March 2, 2027, so you have some flexibility, but the time slot you want may not be available on every date.

What happens when you arrive

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking. Once you reach the center, the activity begins with instruction and an introduction to the equipment. You do not need to arrive with previous shooting experience.

Training and advice are included without a stated limit. That is important. Many shooting activities provide a short safety talk and then leave you to work out the rest. Here, you can ask for help as you move between the rifle, pistol, and simulator sections.

The feedback from the experience points to instructors who are friendly and reassuring. That matters most during the first few minutes, when the equipment may feel unfamiliar and you may be unsure how to position yourself or aim. The practical benefit is simple: you can spend less time worrying about doing something wrong and more time concentrating on the activity.

No instructor names are provided, so I would not expect a named guide experience. The emphasis is on hands-on range assistance rather than a historical or technical presentation.

The 20-meter air rifle range

The air rifle range is a good starting point for someone who has never shot before. The 20-meter distance gives you a clear target and enough room for the activity to feel like a proper range session, while the instructor can help you adjust your approach.

This part rewards patience. You may find that small changes in your aim make a noticeable difference, and the slower pace gives you a chance to understand how the rifle feels before moving on to the pistol range.

The package includes air, ammunition, and targets. There are no small add-on charges for those basics, which makes it easier to focus on the session itself. You also do not need to bring your own equipment.

I would treat this section as more than a warm-up. It is the clearest way to learn the basics and settle into the setting. If you are booking for a mixed group, it may also be the point where people with no previous experience begin to feel comfortable.

A completely different sort of day out in Devon:

Rapid-fire pistols change the pace

Gun Range Shooting Experience in Newton Abbot - Rapid-fire pistols change the pace

The pistol range offers a sharper contrast. Rapid fire asks you to work faster, and that makes it feel more active than the air rifle section. You still have the benefit of instruction, but the session is less about taking one careful shot and more about managing a series of shots under direction.

This is where the included assistance has real value. A first-timer may find the change in pace challenging, and the instructor can help you understand what to do before you begin. The supplied feedback specifically points to the team helping new participants feel at ease, which is reassuring if your group includes people who are nervous around firearms.

The experience is designed for adults aged 18 to 118. The wording is playful, but the stated minimum age is the important part. The information supplied does not confirm arrangements for anyone under 18, so do not assume younger children can participate. One account describes the activity as good for adults and older kids, but the formal age information should guide your booking decision.

The Simway simulator is a different kind of shooting

The Simway range is not the same as firing at a conventional target. It presents a large simulated shooting environment, giving you a more visual and game-like part of the session.

That difference can be a plus for groups with mixed interests. Someone who is less interested in careful target practice may enjoy the screen-based format, while someone who likes traditional range shooting will still have the air rifle and pistol sections.

It is worth setting expectations properly. The simulator is described as a massive video game, so it should not be treated as an outdoor tactical exercise or a substitute for live shooting. Its value is the change of pace and the novelty of using a large dedicated system.

Because all three sections are included, you get a broader experience than you would from booking only a simulator or only one type of range. The simulator also gives the group something to talk about between the more technical sections.

Why the private-group format matters

This is a private activity, meaning only your own group takes part. That can make a real difference in a setting where some people are confident and others are not.

You can ask questions without feeling that you are holding up a larger class. An instructor can also give advice within your group rather than splitting attention among unrelated participants. For a birthday, small celebration, or outing with friends, the private format may be worth more than a slightly cheaper shared session.

It does not mean the experience is completely unsupervised or informal. Shooting requires clear instructions and responsible behavior, and the included training is part of the package. The private setup simply gives your group its own session rather than placing you alongside strangers.

The private format is also useful for a group of three or more with different ability levels. One person may enjoy the simulator, another may prefer the air rifle, and someone else may like the faster pistol range. You all share the same activity while having different favorite sections.

Is $52.73 per person good value?

Gun Range Shooting Experience in Newton Abbot - Is $52.73 per person good value?

The listed price is $52.73 per person for roughly 90 minutes. On the surface, that is not the cheapest short activity in Devon. The value becomes clearer when you look at what is included.

You receive access to three indoor ranges, plus guns, ammunition, targets, and air. Training and advice are also included, with no stated limit. You are not paying the headline price and then discovering that ammunition or instruction costs extra.

The three-part structure helps the price. If you used only one range for 90 minutes, the session might feel repetitive. Here, the air rifle, pistol, and simulator sections give you different tasks and keep the activity moving.

The value is strongest for a small private group that wants an organized activity rather than a casual attraction. It is less compelling if you are only curious about one specific format and would prefer a very short introduction.

You should also factor in transport. Since the meeting point is in Newton Abbot, the total cost includes whatever you spend getting there. If you are already nearby, the price looks more reasonable. If you are making a special trip from Plymouth, check the travel time before deciding.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this to adults who want to try shooting without committing to a full-day course. It suits first-timers because instruction is included and the session does not assume previous knowledge.

It also works well for a group where not everyone has the same interests. The simulator adds a lighter, game-like element, while the two live ranges provide a more traditional experience. That mix gives the group a better chance of finding something everyone enjoys.

The experience may appeal to:

  • Adults trying an indoor shooting range for the first time
  • Small private groups looking for a structured activity
  • Friends who want both real target shooting and a simulator
  • People planning a short activity around Newton Abbot
  • Participants who value patient help during the session

It may be a poor match if you want outdoor shooting, a long technical course, a historical tour, or a full-day firearms program. None of those are promised here. This is a short, practical introduction across three indoor formats.

Practical details that can affect your day

The activity lasts about one hour and 30 minutes, so allow extra time for getting to the Newton Abbot meeting point and checking in. Do not plan a connection or reservation immediately afterward unless you leave a comfortable buffer.

The experience operates Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Since no Sunday hours are listed, avoid assuming a weekend Sunday booking will work.

A mobile ticket is accepted, and the activity is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and the center is near public transportation. The information says most people can participate, but it does not provide detailed physical-access information for the range or simulator. If you have specific mobility or access needs, contact the provider before booking.

The provider is Crackshot Ltd, trading as Crackshot. Confirmation arrives at booking, which gives you the basic information you need for the visit.

Cancellation is flexible up to a point. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund, so check your plans before the final day.

Should you book the Newton Abbot shooting experience?

I would book this if you want a short private activity with three distinct sections, especially if your group includes complete beginners. The patient instruction, included ammunition, and mix of rifle, pistol, and simulator make the $52.73 price easier to justify.

I would pause if your main reason for booking is a specific type of shooting. The session gives you a taste of several formats, not an in-depth course in one. I would also double-check the Newton Abbot address, since the summary uses Plymouth while the meeting point is clearly in Newton Abbot.

For most adults who want an unusual indoor activity around Devon, this is a sensible choice. Its strongest feature is not one spectacular range. It is the chance to try three different setups, with help available throughout and no need to bring equipment or experience.

FAQ

Where does the shooting experience take place?

The meeting point is 1 Sabre Cl, Newton Abbot TQ12 6TW, UK. The activity ends back at the same location.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately one hour and 30 minutes.

What shooting activities are included?

The package includes 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 package.

Is training provided?

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

Is this a private activity?

Yes. Only your own group takes part in this private tour or activity.

What are the opening hours?

The listed opening hours are Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday opening is not listed.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.

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