Review · SOFIA TOURS
Sofia Shooting Range Adventure
Three pistols, one short session. Sofia’s Extreme shooting range gives you a controlled way to try a Glock, a revolver, and a Smith & Wesson pistol under professional supervision. I like the personal instruction, which is adjusted to your skill level, and I like that safety equipment and ammunition are included in the $99 price.
The main consideration is time. The advertised duration is 30 minutes, but the actual length depends on your previous experience and the number of people in your private group. If you want a long firearms session or a wide selection of weapons, this compact package may feel brief.
In This Review
- Key Points Before You Book
- Arriving at Extreme Sofia
- The Safety Briefing Comes First
- Testing Three Very Different Pistols
- Instruction That Changes With Your Experience
- Why the 30-Minute Length Matters
- Is $99 a Fair Price?
- Who Will Enjoy This Most?
- Practical Details for a Smooth Visit
- Should You Book the Sofia Shooting Range Adventure?
- FAQ
- Where is the Sofia Shooting Range Adventure held?
- How long does the shooting experience last?
- Which firearms can I try?
- Is ammunition and safety equipment included?
- What identification should I bring?
- Can I cancel or pay later?
Key Points Before You Book
- Three different pistol styles: Try a Glock, a revolver, and a Smith & Wesson pistol in one session.
- Safety comes first: The activity begins with a formal safety briefing, followed by the issue of safety glasses and ear protection.
- Instruction matches your ability: A professional instructor assesses your experience and offers corrections throughout the session.
- Private group setting: You book a private group rather than joining a large shared tour.
- Short but practical format: The listed duration is 30 minutes, though group size and past experience can affect the timing.
- English and Russian support: Instruction is available in English or Russian.
Arriving at Extreme Sofia

Your meeting point and full address are sent 24 hours before the activity starts. That detail matters in Sofia, where a clear address is much more useful than a vague city-center meeting place. I would check the message carefully before leaving your hotel and allow enough time to reach the range.
The experience takes place at Extreme Sofia in Sofia Province. The activity is arranged as a private group, so you are not simply added to a large public class. That gives you a more personal setting and should make it easier to ask questions or request help with the equipment.
Bring your passport or ID card. This is not optional travel paperwork to leave in the hotel safe. You need identification for the activity, so keep it secure but accessible.
The provider is MyEventRiga, and the available instruction languages are English and Russian. If you do not speak either language, this may not be the right choice, since the safety briefing and shooting guidance rely on clear communication.
A few more Sofia trips worth comparing
- From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour
★ 4.7 · 5,107 reviews - From Sofia: Must-See Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour
★ 4.6 · 3,322 reviews - From Sofia: Guided Day Tour of Plovdiv’s Must-See Sights
★ 4.6 · 1,688 reviews
The Safety Briefing Comes First

The session begins with a safety briefing. This is the most important part of the visit, not a formality to rush through. You receive the basic instructions needed to handle the firearms responsibly before you approach the shooting station.
Safety glasses and ear protection are provided. You do not need to arrange your own protective equipment, which keeps the booking simple and reduces the amount of gear you need to carry around Sofia.
I appreciate that the activity includes both a briefing and hands-on instruction. A quick explanation alone is not enough for a first-time shooter, and the instructor remains available during the session to offer tips and corrections.
You should arrive sober and alert. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and that rule is central to safe firearm handling. If you have been out enjoying Sofia’s nightlife, schedule this activity before drinking, not afterward.
Testing Three Very Different Pistols

The main attraction is the three-gun format. You get to try a Glock, a revolver, and a Smith & Wesson pistol. The supplied information does not state the exact models, number of rounds, target type, or firing sequence, so you should not book this expecting a particular Glock model or a fixed ammunition count.
Still, the three firearm types provide useful contrast. A Glock represents the modern semi-automatic pistol category. A revolver uses a different cylinder-based design. The Smith & Wesson option gives you another major name in the handgun world, though the exact model is not specified.
That variety makes the package more interesting than a session built around one firearm. You can notice how each pistol feels different in the hand and how the controls and handling change from one type to another. The instructor can help you adjust rather than leaving you to guess.
For a complete beginner, the appeal is clear: you get a first look at several common handgun designs without needing to arrange separate range visits. For someone with prior experience, the attraction is the chance to compare three types in one short appointment.
The range description calls this a challenge for your shooting skills, but keep your expectations sensible. This is a short introductory activity, not a full training course. Your goal is to learn safe handling, listen closely, and enjoy the contrast between the firearms.
Instruction That Changes With Your Experience

After the briefing, the instructor assesses your skill level. That assessment helps set the pace. If you are new to shooting, you can expect more attention on basic handling and safety. If you have previous experience, the instructor may spend less time explaining the fundamentals and more time helping you correct your technique.
The details of that instruction are not fixed in advance. That is a good thing for a mixed private group, since a pair of beginners needs different support from a group with prior range experience.
I like this approach because a shooting session can become uncomfortable when the instructor assumes too much. You should never feel pressured to handle a firearm before you understand the instructions. The professional is there throughout the session to guide you and make corrections.
At the same time, the short format means you should listen carefully from the first minute. Ask questions early. Tell the instructor if you have never handled a pistol before. Your preparation affects how much useful time you get at the station.
Elsewhere in Bulgaria, a very different sort of day:
- From Sofia: 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Extended Trip
★ 4.7 · 1,189 reviews - Sofia: Communist Walking Tour
★ 4.9 · 1,106 reviews - From Sofia: The Seven Rila Lakes Full-Day Hiking Tour
★ 4.7 · 923 reviews - Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour
★ 4.5 · 918 reviews
Why the 30-Minute Length Matters
The listed duration is 30 minutes, but the description also notes that timing depends on previous experience and the number of people in the group. That makes the duration a guide rather than a guaranteed minute-by-minute schedule.
A solo participant or a small private group may move through the session differently from a larger private group. Beginners may need more explanation, while experienced shooters may move through the basic instructions more quickly. Since the exact group size is not supplied, I would contact the provider if the timing is important to your day.
Thirty minutes is enough for a focused introduction, especially if you want to fit a shooting activity between Sofia sightseeing stops. It is not enough to expect a leisurely half-day at the range. You will need to arrive ready, complete the briefing, listen to the instructor, and use the available shooting time well.
This compact format can be an advantage. You do not need to give up a full afternoon, and the private setting keeps the activity centered on your group. The tradeoff is that the price is tied to a short session, so the value depends on how much you want to try a controlled shooting activity rather than how many hours you want to spend at a range.
Is $99 a Fair Price?
The price is $99 per person. It includes the safety briefing, professional instruction, firearm rental, ammunition, safety glasses, and ear protection. You are not paying only for access to a shooting lane and then adding each basic item separately.
That package makes the cost easier to understand. The firearms and ammunition are supplied, and you do not need to buy or transport safety gear. You are also paying for supervision, which matters far more here than it would in a casual sightseeing activity.
The value is strongest for first-time shooters and visitors who want a simple, organized introduction. You arrive with identification, receive the equipment, and work with an instructor who adjusts guidance to your ability.
The value is less convincing if you already have extensive shooting experience and want a long session, many firearms, or a detailed skills course. The information does not promise a specific round count, a particular number of targets, or additional firearm categories.
I would judge the price by your purpose. If your aim is to try three pistol types safely in a private group, $99 covers the major practical costs. If you are mainly looking for the cheapest possible range visit, you may want to compare other Sofia options before booking.
Who Will Enjoy This Most?
I would recommend this activity to adults who are curious about firearms and want professional supervision. It suits first-time shooters because the safety briefing and personal assessment are built into the session.
It also works for a private group looking for a different activity in Sofia. Friends can compare the three pistol types, while the instructor keeps the pace safe and organized. The private format is useful if your group wants to learn together without being mixed with strangers.
I would be more cautious about booking it for anyone who wants an extended range day. The short duration and unspecified ammunition count make this better as a compact introduction than a major sporting session.
Language is another key point. English and Russian instruction are available. If neither language works for you, do not assume you can manage the safety instructions without help.
Practical Details for a Smooth Visit
Bring your passport or ID card and watch for the full meeting details 24 hours before the start. Save the address somewhere easy to reach, since the supplied information does not provide the exact location in advance.
Do not bring alcohol or drugs into the activity. Plan your day so that you are sober and focused when you arrive.
The booking offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful when your Sofia plans may change. Check availability for starting times, since the 30-minute sessions are scheduled appointments rather than an open-ended walk-in visit.
The activity also offers skip-the-ticket-line access. In practical terms, that means you should follow the arranged meeting instructions instead of expecting to wait in a general ticket queue.
Should You Book the Sofia Shooting Range Adventure?
I would book this if you want a short, private, well-supervised introduction to three handgun styles in Sofia. The Glock, revolver, and Smith & Wesson combination gives the session a clear point, while included ammunition, equipment, and instruction keep the arrangements straightforward.
I would skip it if you want a long shooting session or need exact details about models and ammunition before paying. Ask the provider about those specifics if they matter to you. For the right visitor, this is a focused 30-minute activity with useful instruction, firm safety standards, and enough variety to make the $99 price reasonable.
FAQ
Where is the Sofia Shooting Range Adventure held?
The activity takes place at Extreme Sofia in Sofia Province, Bulgaria. The full address and meeting point are sent 24 hours before the tour begins.
How long does the shooting experience last?
The listed duration is 30 minutes. The actual timing can depend on your previous experience and how many people are in your private group.
Which firearms can I try?
The three-gun package includes a Glock, a revolver, and a Smith & Wesson pistol. Exact models are not specified.
Is ammunition and safety equipment included?
Yes. The price includes ammunition, firearm rental, safety glasses, and ear protection.
What identification should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID card.
Can I cancel or pay later?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking also allows you to reserve your place and pay later.
Recently added around Sofia
- Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi Full day tour★ 5.0 · 5 reviews
- Private Winter Day Trip to the Rila Mountain★ 4.5 · 3 reviews
- Sofia Hidden Gems: Small-Group Walking Tour with Tram Ride★ 5.0 · 7 reviews
- Private transfer from Sofia to Plovdiv or vice versa★ 5.0 · 8 reviews
- Zemen Monastery, Boyana Church and National History Museum Tour★ 5.0 · 2 reviews
- Catacomb Tour in Sofia guided by a Local★ 4.5 · 3 reviews
- Tour to Koprivshtitsa and the Buzludzha monument incl the Seuthes Thracian Tomb★ 3.5 · 3 reviews
- From Sofia: The gorges of Trun and Dragovski stone trail★ 5.0 · 6 reviews
Sofia Tours, compared.

Must-See Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour
Read our review →






