AK-47, Glock, or Uzi? A Beginner’s Guide to the Guns You Can Shoot in Prague
TL;DR: Prague shooting ranges typically offer four categories of firearms — pistols, submachine guns, rifles, and shotguns. If you’re a first-timer, start with a pistol like the Glock 9mm; if you want the classic “movie moment,” the AK-47 and Uzi are the most requested; and if you’re chasing pure adrenaline, a sniper rifle or the .44 Magnum delivers the biggest impact.
Not sure which gun to pick when you’re staring at a package list full of unfamiliar names? Here’s a plain-English breakdown of what each type actually feels like, so you can choose a package that matches what you actually want out of the experience.
The Four Main Categories
1. Pistols (e.g. Glock 9mm)
The most beginner-friendly option in almost every package. Light, manageable recoil, and easy to aim accurately even on your first shot.
- Recoil: Low
- Noise: Moderate
- Beginner difficulty: Easy
- Best for: First-timers, warming up before trying bigger firearms
2. Submachine Guns (e.g. Uzi, Scorpion EVO, MP5)
Compact, rapid-fire, and instantly recognizable from films — this is usually the “fun factor” category.
- Recoil: Low to moderate
- Noise: Moderate to high (rapid succession)
- Beginner difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Best for: Guests who want that classic action-movie feeling without heavy recoil
3. Rifles (e.g. AK-47, AR15, MK12 Sniper Rifle)
The most iconic and most requested firearms by name — the AK-47 in particular is on almost every guest’s must-try list.
- Recoil: Moderate to high, depending on the model
- Noise: High
- Beginner difficulty: Moderate (instructor guidance matters most here)
- Best for: Guests who want the “bucket list” experience and don’t mind a stronger kick
4. Shotguns & Magnum Handguns (e.g. Pump-Action Shotgun, Dirty Harry .44)
The heavy hitters. These deliver the strongest recoil and the loudest bang — genuinely thrilling, but best tackled after you’ve warmed up on a pistol.
- Recoil: High
- Noise: Very high
- Beginner difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Best for: Adrenaline seekers and returning guests who want to push further
Comparison at a Glance
| Firearm | Category | Recoil | Beginner-Friendly? | “Coolness Factor” |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glock 9mm | Pistol | Low | Yes | Solid, classic |
| Scorpion EVO | Submachine gun | Low–Moderate | Yes | High |
| Uzi | Submachine gun | Low–Moderate | Yes | Very high |
| AK-47 (Kalashnikov) | Rifle | Moderate–High | Moderate | Extremely high |
| AR15 | Rifle | Moderate | Moderate | Very high |
| MK12 Sniper Rifle | Rifle | Moderate | Moderate | Very high |
| Sniper Rifle .22LR | Rifle | Low | Yes | High |
| Pump-Action Shotgun | Shotgun | High | Challenging | High |
| Dirty Harry .44 Magnum | Handgun | Very High | Challenging | Extremely high |
Which Package Should You Pick?
- First time ever holding a gun? Look for a package built around pistols and lighter submachine guns — a gentle introduction that still feels exciting.
- Want the “I shot an AK-47” story? Choose a package that includes the AK-47 alongside a mix of other rifles and submachine guns for variety.
- Chasing maximum adrenaline? Go for a package that includes the .44 Magnum, a full-size rifle, and a shotgun — the widest range of recoil and noise in one session.
- Coming as a couple? Some packages are split by preference, pairing a broader, higher-caliber selection for one person with a lighter, precision-focused selection (like the Scorpion EVO and a .22LR sniper rifle) for the other.
- Want to go beyond a single session? A more in-depth training format exists for guests who want to properly learn shooting fundamentals — grip, stance, and trigger control — under a certified sport shooter, rather than just sampling a few different guns.
FAQ
What’s the easiest gun to shoot for a first-timer? A 9mm pistol like the Glock — low recoil, manageable noise, and straightforward to aim with instructor guidance.
Is the AK-47 hard to shoot for a beginner? It has more recoil than a pistol, but with proper instruction, beginners handle it comfortably. It’s one of the most requested firearms specifically because of the “bucket list” appeal.
What gun has the strongest recoil? Typically the .44 Magnum handgun and pump-action shotgun stand out as the most powerful, noticeably stronger kick than pistols or submachine guns.
Can I try more than one type of gun in a single session? Yes — most packages are built as a mix across categories (pistol, submachine gun, rifle, shotgun) specifically so guests get a range of experiences in one visit.
Which gun is best for someone who wants a quieter, more precise experience? A .22LR sniper rifle offers a more controlled, precision-focused feel with lower recoil and noise compared to full-power rifles.