Metalhim Shooting Range in Sofia, Bulgaria
On our visit to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, we spotted the shooting range at Metalhim and thought it could be fun. We noticed many options for beginners to try some shooting in Sofia, and Metalhim seemed the best value.
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We both had very limited shooting experiences. Metalhim in Sofia seemed the best place to start, especially after reading some review sites. While travelling, we often seek out unique things to do. You can also find some other options on the Viator site.
Visiting Metalhim Shooting Range in Sofia
Metalhim Shooting Range is just outside Sofia city centre at ul. “Pchinya” 77. We booked by email using the address on their website and arranged a time before visiting. You need to be over 18, bring ID and avoid drinking alcohol before your session.
The range is suitable for beginners, as the instructors explain the safety rules and show you how to use each weapon before you shoot. We chose one of the set packages, but they also offered extra ammunition and bespoke options at the time of our visit.
Booking a Shooting Session at Metalhim
Booking a session was pretty straightforward using the email address on their website. We suggested a time and got the OK to go. They have a few rules before going. You must be over 18; thus, bring ID. You must also not have consumed alcohol beforehand.
Metalhim Location in Sofia
Metalhim’s shooting range is just out of the city centre and pretty easy to find. It is in a residential area. Their address is 1330, ul. “Pchinya” 77, 1330 Sofia.
Gun Packages and Prices
They have 5 packages on their website to choose from; however, apparently they can do bespoke sessions. You can also purchase extra ammunition on the day. Their cheapest package when we visited was 30 euros per person and included the use of 3 guns. Each package includes a safety instruction with an English-speaking instructor and safety equipment.
We opted for the more expensive package, nicknamed ‘The Terminator’, which included shooting with 6 weapons.
- 15 rounds of ammunition with a Glock calibre 9×19 semi-automatic handgun.
- 10 rounds of ammunition with a Glock 40 S&W semi-automatic handgun.
- 6 rounds of ammunition with an Astra revolver.
- 8 rounds of ammunition with a Glock 45 semi-automatic handgun.
- 15 rounds of ammunition with a Scorpion EVO 3 cal. 9×19 submachine gun.
- 5 shots with a pump-action shotgun.
Check the Metalhim website before booking, as packages, prices and availability may change.
What Our Session Was Like
On arrival, the instructors who were sitting outside greeted us at the entrance. We found out early on that cash was required, so we popped to the nearby ATM. If you are visiting, use the PostBank ATM, which is a few shops down from the first, to avoid ATM fees.
On our return, they took us to one of their four shooting ranges. This had a seating area to get the formalities done. There were a few formalities to do and ID checks. Once that was done, the instructor prepared the guns that we chose via the Terminator package.
Then we chose our protective gear, basically ear defenders and eye protectors for those who don’t wear glasses. They had a few choices, and it was easy to find a comfortable one.
Then there was a quick safety demo, followed by instructions for each gun in turn. First, they showed us how to hold the semi-automatic pistols to avoid getting hurt and how to stand and aim. Once the instructor was happy, they gave us permission to fire at the paper targets. Each of the three semi-automatic pistols we used got more and more powerful, which was nice. The final one was epic to shoot, albeit you felt it in your wrists.
After the semi-automatic pistol was a revolver; this required showing how to use it too. Basically, pulling back the cock with each shot. This was fun to shoot, and I think I was more accurate with this.
Next up was the Scorpion EVO 3, a submachine gun. This required a different method of holding. I found this fun to use, though I hit the outer edges of the target.
The last gun for the session was the pump-action shotgun, which was pretty cool. Again, this required new instruction. This experience was not from the normal area, and the target switched from a paper target to a hanging dummy.
Review: Our Verdict on Metalhim
This was a great experience and was well worth visiting, despite my poor aim. My past shooting experience has not included such powerful weapons, which made it fantastic. We are planning to try this sort of activity further down the line during our time in Bulgaria.
Other Shooting Ranges in Sofia & Bulgaria
There are many other options for shooting ranges in Sofia and other parts of Bulgaria. These are varied and include target shooting, sniper rifles, or powerful guns, as we enjoyed. You can find many options on the Viator website.