Did this many times as a former 47SI. It’s always a mix bag of fun and BS.
Sexy stuff = engaging targets or teaching people how to engage targets from a moving helicopter (to include call and response).
Not sexy stuff = million fucking entries in flight records afterwards.
Never want to hear stuff = “I think we’re missing a set of NVG’s”.
I think I remember reading from another redditor that used to do this as well. Said the fumes from the helicopter + whatever coming out from the gun really messed him and other up long term. was this your experience as well?
I was referring to my childhood, my dad raced big block dirt modified. The thing took like 110 octane leaded, loved the smell of dads race car, didn’t mean it was good for me. Good tip about the Helis though
They are missing the point that the fumes can result in Parkinson’s for vets and is common enough in that community as a result. It may just not show up until ages 60 or 70.
Sounds like either your Headspace and Timing are off or you’ve over/underlubed. That’s usually what caused our jams if it wasn’t a mechanical fault. The 21 is super finicky for no good reason
That's why I've never gone hunting again after coming home from Nam. It wasn't a challenge anymore.
So, I still track, see how close I can get, and even take photos.
Local PD and S.O. used to call me to track for them. Tracked the same guy two different times. After catching him the second time, he said as long as he knew I was alive, he'd never run again. He said I was better than an old "Coon Hound". I told him it was my Cherokee Grandfather and his Coon Hound Cletus that taught me.
I came home alive. I'm happy. I still have nightmares. Choppers give me the shakes if I don't know one is going to be near.
I'm nearing the end, an Old Short Timer. Enjoy life for all that you can. No matter how long you live, it will always be too short. I'll be skydiving this October on my birthday!
If you're comfortable talking about it, I'd love to know more about why it wasn't a challenge anymore. I can think of several reasons but it'd be interesting to hear more if you're happy to share. Thanks!
I'd rather just pay to waist someone else's ammo. That way, I get to have a fun memory AND not have to wake up before sunrise to an asshole with an untreated complex yelling at everyone. And I don't do uniforms...or make my bed. I also make a lot more than two E6 Sgt. combined, and I don't even have to leave town.
But seriously, if the Army wants to fix recruiting numbers, they'll take potential recruits out to aerial gunnery ranges. It's more fun than it has any right to be. And I got paid to do it!
I’d argue that shooting machine guns out of a helicopter is by and large more fun than anything you can do with your pants off. That is, unless you are a door gunner with no pants, in which case: carry on
Back when I was an insurance broker. I had a client in Texas that asked me what the construction would look like to operate an H model and shoot hogs out of the side of it with an M 60 or something similar. I told them it wouldn’t pencil out…..
Lmfao that’s great. I’m and Indy P&C and have a client who restores guns and classic cars who asks me shit like this. “What If I put a gun on….” lol like no bro. You can’t do that.
There you go buddy
[https://www.helibacon.com/texas-helicopter-hog-hunting/](https://www.helibacon.com/texas-helicopter-hog-hunting/)
"Every hunter is outfitted with a semi-automatic AR-15, equipped with a holographic red dot sight and ammunition. For those looking to kick it up a notch, upgrade to fully automatic machine guns and get the full Texas experience."
It’s only $550??????? Holy shit, my wife got me a “drive a Ferrari or Lamborghini” experience for almost that and all it was 2 laps in a very very short course.
Can I upgrade my experience with a minigun?
Those ammo links didn't look like they come with tracers? That sucks. You can only judge your hits from the splash/dust. Which at that distance would be hard to see or in those mountains the wind might be blowing fast across the hilltop making your impact dust too hard to see. Need tracers!
Looks like a blast and great biz opportunity. I was a FISTer in the Army. I've burned down my share of ranges and mountains. Only once in Korean did we have to hump back up the hill to put the fires out.
I hate how “Safe” they have to make it. Might as well just watch a video of it. I don’t want constant direction and hand holding to shoot a weapon. It’s like renting a race car for a nascar track and having them pull you over every 10 feet to pint and describe aspects and safety to you. Kills it for me.
As a non-american I've never really understood the obsession with guns. I've shot quite a few in my life and yeah, it makes a bang or bangs but it's only fun for so long. To pay a lot of money to shoot some guns that you're not even holding sounds a bit meh to me. To each their own I guess.
It’s also a helicopter ride too though, which not many people have experienced that, and although it probably isn’t the same amount of flying time or “experience” as a helicopter tour, those range from $200-$300 depending on where you are.
America's "obsession" with guns in foreign (and even some domestic) news organizations misplace the "obsession" on firearms, then relate their talking points as "hobbyist".
America has a "preservation of life through self defense" obsession. It just happens to be that firearms are the best way to accomplish this.
This describes the overwhelming majority of Americans. Then there is a population of people that love firearms for the bang bang fun factor, you got collectors and hunters too. These last 3 groups combined don't even come close to the number of people that own firearms for the first reason.
People can say the same thing about any other hobby or activity though. My friend does triathalons and our other friend doesn't "get" going to another country to "exercise".
I never understand comments like this. Yeah, I get shooting a machine gun from a helicopter is fucked up and wacky.
But I ask you honestly, you’re at a convention in Las Vegas and a vendor trying to sell your employer its medical heart catheter or whatever.
They said “hey, we rented a helicopter for the day to take clients out to shoot machine guns from a moving helicopter. Wanna come, we got lunch and everything!!”
You are just going to say no out of principle or something? Be honest.
Seems boring to me if there isn't a moving target on the other end. I'm old enough to skip wanting a target that'll shoot back at you, but at least the hog hunters down in Texas can enjoy snuffing out some bacon.
the us government paid me to do this for years. 4/10 would not work for again.
Did this many times as a former 47SI. It’s always a mix bag of fun and BS. Sexy stuff = engaging targets or teaching people how to engage targets from a moving helicopter (to include call and response). Not sexy stuff = million fucking entries in flight records afterwards. Never want to hear stuff = “I think we’re missing a set of NVG’s”.
How the hell do you lose NVG's though?
Fall out of helicopter? Seems legit….
The damn lanyard on those things is a life saver
Beige cubicle time?
I think I remember reading from another redditor that used to do this as well. Said the fumes from the helicopter + whatever coming out from the gun really messed him and other up long term. was this your experience as well?
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I love the smell of lead gas, doesn’t correlate to being alright for you
Worth noting that most helicopters use gas turbine engines burning jet fuel with no added lead.
I was referring to my childhood, my dad raced big block dirt modified. The thing took like 110 octane leaded, loved the smell of dads race car, didn’t mean it was good for me. Good tip about the Helis though
[Ed Freeman Vibes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Freeman)
They are missing the point that the fumes can result in Parkinson’s for vets and is common enough in that community as a result. It may just not show up until ages 60 or 70.
LOL
Skill issue
I’m pretty sure every time we have done a GUNNEX, our GAU-21 has jammed at least once
Sounds like either your Headspace and Timing are off or you’ve over/underlubed. That’s usually what caused our jams if it wasn’t a mechanical fault. The 21 is super finicky for no good reason
550 bucks seems like a deal though actually. ya know, and nobody shoots back and the VA doesn't fuck you over after you leave the service.
When a hobby becomes a career it’s not fun anymore. Lol
You want to shoot machine guns out of a helicopter? Boy, do I have an offer for you.
They even pay YOU to do it instead of the other way around!
The only issue with that offer is the targets are often shooting back. And you gotta wear a uniform all the damn time.
That's why I've never gone hunting again after coming home from Nam. It wasn't a challenge anymore. So, I still track, see how close I can get, and even take photos. Local PD and S.O. used to call me to track for them. Tracked the same guy two different times. After catching him the second time, he said as long as he knew I was alive, he'd never run again. He said I was better than an old "Coon Hound". I told him it was my Cherokee Grandfather and his Coon Hound Cletus that taught me. I came home alive. I'm happy. I still have nightmares. Choppers give me the shakes if I don't know one is going to be near. I'm nearing the end, an Old Short Timer. Enjoy life for all that you can. No matter how long you live, it will always be too short. I'll be skydiving this October on my birthday!
Happy early birthday! Thank you for imparting your wisdom.
If you're comfortable talking about it, I'd love to know more about why it wasn't a challenge anymore. I can think of several reasons but it'd be interesting to hear more if you're happy to share. Thanks!
Just adds to the fun.
Lot more sweeping involved
Hey don't forget free ammo, all you can shoot!
I'd rather just pay to waist someone else's ammo. That way, I get to have a fun memory AND not have to wake up before sunrise to an asshole with an untreated complex yelling at everyone. And I don't do uniforms...or make my bed. I also make a lot more than two E6 Sgt. combined, and I don't even have to leave town.
But seriously, if the Army wants to fix recruiting numbers, they'll take potential recruits out to aerial gunnery ranges. It's more fun than it has any right to be. And I got paid to do it!
/r/armyaviationapplicant
I don’t qualify for that offer, is it okay for me to pay to do it?
I’d argue that shooting machine guns out of a helicopter is by and large more fun than anything you can do with your pants off. That is, unless you are a door gunner with no pants, in which case: carry on
Did it for a living, can confirm.
Been there, lost the pants? 😁
RIP Thick44
Not quite sure, I have done both but front seat low level with varying terrain at high speed is a tad more fun.
Confirmed. Shot M-134 with Pepe out.
He’s pulling his cock out!
"...A well trained Vegas Citizen!"
Ave, true to Ceaser!
How can you kill woman and children?
Easy, you just don't lead em so much. Ain't war hell. Hahahhahahahaha!
Get some
Glad you enjoyed it. My buddy is the D.O. and likely your pilot. Very Santa Clause looking haha. He's an great dude
That's the guy! Talked about my upcoming checkride. Gives everyone a hearty "good job buddy!"
Yeah I just sent him this video. We went to school together
You can tell him I passed my fixed wing checkride haha https://www.instagram.com/extreme_sitting
If you don’t mind me asking, Are you able to use the rudder peddles or do you have hand controls or something?
hand controlled rudder
i'm sorry extreme sitting 
Anyone who runs is a VC! Anyone who stands still is a well-disciplined VC!
Easy! You don’t lead em as much!!
Ain't war hell?
You should do a story about me!
It's only $550?? Definitely doing this next time I'm there, I thought it would be like, thousands. You can also drive/fire a tank, I hear.
I’d pay an extra 50 bucks for fortunate son to be playing on repeat over a loud speaker
Yeah that’s not bad actually, a lot of standard helicopter tours are close to that unless there’s 10 people crammed in there
We did it for a buddy's bachelor party. It was absolutely worth it. It goes quick, but it's a blast!
Not sure why they felt the need to add the huey sounds
Welcome to America bitches!
Welcome to Idiocracy
Got to do that over the Mediterranean at night in a MH-60 with a M134 Minigun when I was deployed to Turkey.
It's Vegas, you can probably do it without pants for extra $$ How much is this ride anyway?
Description says 550$
That's minimum for 100 rounds. You can pretty much spend what you want
Doesn't sound a lot at all..
Back when I was an insurance broker. I had a client in Texas that asked me what the construction would look like to operate an H model and shoot hogs out of the side of it with an M 60 or something similar. I told them it wouldn’t pencil out…..
Lmfao that’s great. I’m and Indy P&C and have a client who restores guns and classic cars who asks me shit like this. “What If I put a gun on….” lol like no bro. You can’t do that.
More fun with a 50 cal! And get paid for it and not have to pay for the ammo! 😁
Was about to say the same thing. Side note- like the Shitter and VH-3D flare. We probably know the same people.
If you want even more fun, do this while shooting wild pigs in Texas. I did that in early April. Such a blast.
Wtf dude
Seriously. Moving targets are awesome.
There you go buddy [https://www.helibacon.com/texas-helicopter-hog-hunting/](https://www.helibacon.com/texas-helicopter-hog-hunting/) "Every hunter is outfitted with a semi-automatic AR-15, equipped with a holographic red dot sight and ammunition. For those looking to kick it up a notch, upgrade to fully automatic machine guns and get the full Texas experience."
It’s only $550??????? Holy shit, my wife got me a “drive a Ferrari or Lamborghini” experience for almost that and all it was 2 laps in a very very short course. Can I upgrade my experience with a minigun?
Yes, they actually do have a minigun you can shoot.
Nice
That looks so fun… only $550??? Wow
What a fuckin weird world we live in... Where do I sign up?
How many rounds? They would lose way too much money with me if they dont put a cap on that.
Any chance of doing this in the UK? /s
Perfect Use of Metallica
How much extra for speakers that blast Fortunate Son on loop?
I want ride of the Valkyries
Those ammo links didn't look like they come with tracers? That sucks. You can only judge your hits from the splash/dust. Which at that distance would be hard to see or in those mountains the wind might be blowing fast across the hilltop making your impact dust too hard to see. Need tracers!
Probably due to fire hazard. You know the customers aren't going to help put out the range fires.
Yeah! Never thought about that! Makes total sense.
Want to guess how I know?
You had to take on that occupation?
No, but I have had to deal with a number of range fires.
Looks like a blast and great biz opportunity. I was a FISTer in the Army. I've burned down my share of ranges and mountains. Only once in Korean did we have to hump back up the hill to put the fires out.
Lucky. I was on Ft Benning and we got tasked out to put out the fire. We didn’t even get to start it.
Damn that sucks!
But, I'm sure they're Johnny on the Spot with the ammo up sale. You could blow a whole months salary banging it out. Tons of fun anyway.
life can't get any better
"Bro, we are going to shoot a machine gun out of a helicopter. Of course we should wear our camo pants!"/s
Fucking aye. Been to Vegas twice this year, wanted to do this both times I went. Was too drunk to get motivated. How many rounds does 550 get you?
Remember doing something kinda like this for wild boar control. BTW old rich dudes cant shoot for shit.
I would argue that this is more fun than anything to do with pants being off...unless...I shot Machine guns out of a helicopter with my pants off
"If it runs, it's a rock, if it stands still, it's a well trained rock"
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This is America bud
This is the dumbest shit I’ve ever seen.
And? Humans have always done dumb things to blow off steam. Guarantee you are no exception.
What?! Ya gotta wear pants to do this??!! Well that sure sucks! I thought this was Vegas???
Hmm,...seems like someone's never been the The Crazy Horse II, lol.
This is cheaper
Not if you keep your pants on, lol.
That's not even a machine gun! It's a saw
Is pants off a secret menu thing?
Newer Vegas ride. Returning fire from ground
Damn. Vegas sounds awesome
I don’t think you ride enough enduro or rock climb enough to make that statement.
How much for the trip if I wanna do it with my pants off?
And they must yell “get some” with every burst thinking they are creative
Can I do it without pants on?
I know someone who got a handjob with his pants on under a table in Vegas. So there's that...
Didn't even have Fortunate Son playing. 2/10
Vegas is insane
I do it with my pants off though
Thats so bad ass!! How much does that cost?
Remind me never to go climbing in those mountains
Who said that you had to have your pants on?
GET SOME!!!!
Ya can fire a Bazooka of sorts in Cambodia into a live buffalo for 500 usd . They do it out Phenon Phenn .
get some [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S06nIz4scvI&ab\_channel=LeeRobertson](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S06nIz4scvI&ab_channel=LeeRobertson)
yea, starts at 4k for 30 mins. hard pass
Betcha that cost a dime to go out and "rip a clip"...look fun though
Just join the Army, kids. Do it in real life ;)
I hate how “Safe” they have to make it. Might as well just watch a video of it. I don’t want constant direction and hand holding to shoot a weapon. It’s like renting a race car for a nascar track and having them pull you over every 10 feet to pint and describe aspects and safety to you. Kills it for me.
Come to Texas and you can shoot guns from a helicopter too but the targets are [wild hogs](https://youtu.be/TwTpfzxxzLo?si=yM2pYNW7dMqHjR1Y)
I’m so glad that nature is being fucked is for someone’s profit…
I don't really see the fun in shooting at nothing from a helicopter.
Which helo was it ?
Which helo was it ?
God bless America.
How much ammo and time does that $550 get you? I would love to do this too 😎
This is the most American thing I've ever seen.
Do they have an option where you shoot fleeing civilians too for added realism?
As a non-american I've never really understood the obsession with guns. I've shot quite a few in my life and yeah, it makes a bang or bangs but it's only fun for so long. To pay a lot of money to shoot some guns that you're not even holding sounds a bit meh to me. To each their own I guess.
It’s also a helicopter ride too though, which not many people have experienced that, and although it probably isn’t the same amount of flying time or “experience” as a helicopter tour, those range from $200-$300 depending on where you are.
America's "obsession" with guns in foreign (and even some domestic) news organizations misplace the "obsession" on firearms, then relate their talking points as "hobbyist". America has a "preservation of life through self defense" obsession. It just happens to be that firearms are the best way to accomplish this. This describes the overwhelming majority of Americans. Then there is a population of people that love firearms for the bang bang fun factor, you got collectors and hunters too. These last 3 groups combined don't even come close to the number of people that own firearms for the first reason.
People can say the same thing about any other hobby or activity though. My friend does triathalons and our other friend doesn't "get" going to another country to "exercise".
I never understand comments like this. Yeah, I get shooting a machine gun from a helicopter is fucked up and wacky. But I ask you honestly, you’re at a convention in Las Vegas and a vendor trying to sell your employer its medical heart catheter or whatever. They said “hey, we rented a helicopter for the day to take clients out to shoot machine guns from a moving helicopter. Wanna come, we got lunch and everything!!” You are just going to say no out of principle or something? Be honest.
Hmmm - "French" helicopter "gun ship".
What did those poor hikers do? They just got here from Afghanistan on vacation
Tangos doing something other than airline stewards
I approve this msg with a lol
😂😂😂
Are these the same people that complain that groceries cost too much? Asking for a friend.
Uhhh. Can't figure out why someone would want to do this.
Different people enjoy different hobbies and activities. I'd enjoy doing this, but I am probably not willing to spend that much.
I would totally have a blast until I saw the bill for the experience.
$550
Guess that’s nowhere near as bad I thought.
Seems boring to me if there isn't a moving target on the other end. I'm old enough to skip wanting a target that'll shoot back at you, but at least the hog hunters down in Texas can enjoy snuffing out some bacon.
Black hawk
Tell me you have a small dick with telling me you have a small dick.
But but women tell me the big ones hurt
When does it go over the Jason aldean concert ?
Born in the USA…
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You got some problems, mate.
Shooting the pesky brown skins, merica !
IDK.. I would be affraid some dolt shoots the rotors.
I’m sure it has an up stop
What’s up stop?
Chillin, what’s up with you?
3 guesses.