The Knob Creek machine gun shoot is a 2A success story (VIDEO + 23 PICS)

From humble beginnings in 1965 to being known on the international stage today, the Knob Creek machine gun shoot is a Second Amendment success story.

When Biff Sumner invited friends over for a cookout and to shoot machine guns on a Sunday afternoon more than 50 years ago, he had no idea that it would become the biggest machine gun shoot in the world. He just loved guns and wanted to get together with like-minded people.

Today, the Knob Creek Machine Gun Shoot takes place twice a year in April and October and attracts upwards of 20,000 from around the world. The three-day event features dozens of machine gun owners firing millions of rounds from hundreds of machine guns at exploding targets.

Machine guns can be rented by the public. Shooters can register for subgun and shooting competitions happening during the event. Spectators can admire rare guns in action, shop till they drop for hard-to-find products, talk to gun-friendly folks from around the world, and witness the world famous night shoots on Saturday night.

The Knob Creek machine gun shoot is the story of how a family from Kentucky found a way to make everyone happy with machine guns, dynamite and diesel fuel.

The Sumner family photographed in 2012. (Photo: Ben Philippi / Guns.com)

The entrance to the Knob Creek Range during one of the early machine gun shoots. Note the NRA plate on the Vette. Circa 1988. (Photo: The Sumner Family)

A photo from one of the early machine gun shoots when you could still rent a flame thrower. Circa 1995. (Photo: The Sumner Family)

Gunny burning through a belt on a M1919 Browning machine gun. Circa 2000. (Photo: The Sumner Family)

β€˜This range is hot!’ Circa 2010. (Photo: Ben Philippi / Guns.com)

The opening volley of tracer fire and explosions at the world famous night shoot. Circa 2016. (Photo: Ben Philippi / Guns.com)

A bullet-riddled car downrange. Circa 2010. (Photo: Ben Philippi / Guns.com)

Spectators inspect the carnage downrange during a lull in the gun fire. Circa 2010. (Photo: Ben Philippi / Guns.com)

A mannequin made the mistake of seeking cover behind a propane tank. Circa 2010. (Photo: Ben Philippi / Guns.com)

A DShK machine gun cools down on a break between shoots. Circa 2015. (Photo: Ben Philippi / Guns.com)

Early morning smoke hangs over the range during the Knob Creek machine gun shoot. Circa 2016. (Photo: Ben Philippi / Guns.com)

A group of friends post for a photo in the camp ground adjacent to the range. Circa 2011. (Photo: Ben Philippi / Guns.com)

A father and son enjoy the Knob Creek machine gun shoot. Circa 2016. (Photo: Ben Philippi / Guns.com)

Ammo and guns for sale inside the Knob Creek gun shop. Circa 2018. (Photo: Ben Philippi / Guns.com)

A gatling gun decorates the Knob Creek gun shop. Circa 2018. (Photo: Ben Philippi / Guns.com)

The pole barn housing the gun show during the machine gun shoots attracts hundreds of vendors and thousands of shoppers. Circa 2017. (Photo: Ben Philippi / Guns.com)

A Colt 1921A for sale at the gun show during the machine gun shoot. Circa 2017. (Photo: Ben Philippi / Guns.com)

HK guns for sale at the gun show during the machine gun shoot. Circa 2017. (Photo: Ben Philippi / Guns.com)

Large caliber rounds for sale at the gun show during the machine gun shoot. Circa 2017. (Photo: Ben Philippi / Guns.com)

One of the walls in the gun shop at the Knob Creek Range. Circa 2017. (Photo: Ben Philippi / Guns.com)

Knob Creek Range is located in aptly named Bullitt County. Circa 2010. (Photo: Ben Philippi / Guns.com)

The sign at the entrance to the Knob Creek Range. Circa 2010. (Photo: Ben Philippi / Guns.com)

Latest Reviews

revolver barrel loading graphic

Loading