Disclosure: During my visit to Volusia Top Gun, I was a guest of the Daytona Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau and all opinions are my own. This blog participates in Amazon’s affiliate program to support this blog, my traveling habit, and my special-needs dog.
Conferences, getaways, and vacations are about trying something new and pushing boundaries. I did just that when I took aim at Volusia Top Gun in Daytona Beach. It’s a gun shop, indoor gun range, and restaurant. You heard that right. A shooting range with a restaurant and a decent one, at that. And yes, it serves beer, wine, whiskey, and moonshine.
Meeting in Daytona Beach
A few years ago, I took the required class to acquire a Florida concealed weapons license. A couple of years after that, (more than a year ago), I took the final steps to apply, get fingerprinted, and pay for my CW license. But, the last time I fired, and even held, a firearm was when I took the CW class. Growing up, although there were firearms in the house – shotgun and rifles – my experience with and around weapons is minimal. A handgun is small, but I understand the power it holds. I’d like to be more comfortable with them, I don’t have immediate friends to show me the basics, and I’ve procrastinated in getting to know my local gun shop and firing range.
Daytona Beach is great for conferences and conventions (and Biketoberfest is a fun ride, too!). Its convention center, Ocean Center, has more than 200,000 square feet of function space. Fantastic, beachfront convention hotels are conveniently located within walking distance and there is plenty of fun stuff to do in Daytona Beach, like driving on the famous beach, delving into its NASCAR and racing history, and a delicious culinary scene.
Shooting at a Range is Part of an Outdoor Communicator’s Conference
Last fall, the Florida Outdoor Writers Association held its annual conference in this iconic, beachside destination. The beachfront El Caribe Resort & Conference Center, which has a fun, old Florida vibe, was the host location. When you have a bunch of outdoor writers, a morning of shooting is usually on the agenda and Volusia Top Gun was our destination.
My exposure to Florida gun shops and firing ranges is limited but when walking in and looking around, I knew Volusia Top Gun is in the top tier of facilities. Mixed with that gunpowder smell was the scent of excitement. The front portion of the building is the shop which includes apparel and an assortment of firearms for purchase. Yes, I added to my t-shirt collection.
Restaurant at Volusia Top Gun
Off to the side is the Double Barrel Grill serving lunch and dinner and bites in between. I’m told the burgers are amazingly delicious but I’m a taco gal and my prime rib tacos were oh, so tasty. They serve alcohol and obviously, those using the state-of-the-art indoor gun range should shoot bullets first then shoot shots of adult beverages afterwards. The restaurant has a great, warm vibe with décor reminding me of an Appalachian mountain cabin with its wood finishes, corrugated aluminum, and whiskey barrel tops. There are large-screen televisions and windows into the state-of-the-art indoor gun range. Firearms and range bags are prohibited in the restaurant.
Fire a Machine Gun at the State-of-the-Art Indoor Gun Range
Before entering the range, everyone must complete the necessary waiver paperwork and show their government-issued identification (i.e.: driver’s license). First-timers also need to participate in the Volusia Top Gun orientation.
If you did not bring your own firearm, rent one of Volusia Top Gun’s. This is an opportunity to visit Daytona Beach and try something you may have never tried before. It may feel a little dangerous, get the adrenaline pumping, and it’s all legal in a controlled setting. Sure, you can rent a handgun but live on the edge and try a semi-auto rifle or short barrel rifle. Or, really step it up and rent a full-auto 5.56 machine gun. If you don’t have your own eye and ear protection, it’s available for rent.
Volusia Top Gun is the largest indoor gun range and Class III/NFA firearms dealer in Volusia County. They have 16 lanes with a retrieval system and assistance when you need it. Me being a newbie, I needed the assistance. I appreciate the respect, detail and care they gave. I also learned visitors from other countries include Volusia Top Gun in their holiday plans. Many countries have much stricter gun ownership laws than the United States and renting a firearm and firing it at range gives them an opportunity to try something they cannot do at home.
Volusia Top Gun is Perfect for All Skill Levels
I am a supporter of the Second Amendment and gun ranges, like Volusia Top Gun, provide opportunities for people to try something they don’t have at home.
Lucky for me, I was in the good company of Florida Outdoor Writers Association members. Most of the members are seasoned firearms users and owners. They patiently coached me as I fired their personal pistols.
Volusia Top Gun is an exhilarating thrill and will be appreciated by seasoned gun users and those looking to try something different when vacationing in Daytona Beach.
Nuts & Bolts
Volusia Top Gun and Double Barrel Grill Restaurant
2900 Bellevue Ave.
Daytona Beach, Fla. 32124
Tel: (386) 310-7993
volusiatopgun.com
Where to Stay
El Caribe Resort & Conference Center
2125 South Atlantic Ave.
Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Tel: (386)252-1558
www.elcaribe.com
Learn more about Daytona Beach by visiting their website, www.daytonabeach.com.
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