Real guns, non-lethal rounds at Tampa Gunfights

BROOKSVILLE, Fla. - At a new facility in Hernando County the bullets aren't exactly live rounds, but your targets are.

Tampa Gunfights says it's teaching real-world tactical response techniques by using guns and ammo that have been modified for safety.

Their A-R 15's, Glocks and AK-47's can only fire special non-lethal rounds. The "bullets" look like a mix between a real bullet and a paint ball. The guns still use gunpowder but the force of the shot is greatly reduced.

The drills aim to get as close as possible to the look, feel and sound of an active shooter scenario so participants can learn how to fight back from highly trained experts.

The facility will feature both indoor and outdoor training areas where participants will tackle various shooter and hostage scenarios in close quarters. Surprises like fog, flash "grenades" and power outages are also thrown in to keep participants on their toes.

"The whole idea of carrying and being a law abiding citizen is to protect ourselves and those that we care about and if you can't do that under stress, it doesn't matter how many times you can hit a bullseye on a static range," said Tampa Gunfights owner Gino Collura. "You've got to be able to put those skills to the test and make sure that you can rise to the occasion," said Collura.

Collura, who spent years working in South America as an executive protection and anti-kidnapping specialist, says range safety officers will be on hand to work with all levels of shooters, even those who have never held a gun before.

Shooters are equipped with protective gear and provided modified weapons and ammo. Outside weapons and ammo are strictly prohibited.

Tampa Gunfights opens this Saturday. Prices range from $99 to $149 depending on weapon choice and ammunition rounds.  Reservations must be made in advance on the company's website https://tampagunfights.com/.