Green Mountain Boys Machine Gun Shoot Took Place Last Weekend

Steve Newlan of Windsor Arms Co. photographed in 2018 firing his select-fire M16 with an Adam Arms piston upper receiver chambered in Russian 5.45x39mm. (Photo: Ben Philippi/Guns.com)

The 15th annual Green Mountain Boys machine gun shoot took place last weekend in Eden, Vermont. It reported an approximate 60 percent attendance rate compared to years before the COVID-19 outbreak.

THE SHOW MUST GO ON

David Bord photographed in 2018 firing his M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle chambered in .30-06. (Photo: Ben Philippi/Guns.com)

The event has taken place without fail every July since 2003 at Camp David, a shooting range deep in the woods near Eden, Vermont. It is organized by David Villeneuve, his family, and a group of dedicated volunteers. They invite like-minded people to come together, get some serious trigger time, and celebrate the Second Amendment.

Shooters from as far away as California rent spaces along the firing line. They bring an assortment of guns including rare models and lots of ammo. Some even bring tanks, military vehicles with mounted weapons, and artillery guns. The range reaches out to approximately 300 yards.

Douglas Wood dumps a 30-mag on his AK-47 sending brass high in the air. Photographed in 2018. (Photo: Ben Philippi/Guns.com)

Spectators from across the Northeast US and Canada also attend, staying outside the firing line area to witness the impressive firepower. At one end of the firing line, they can rent rare guns such as an M45C Quadmount .50 cal ‘Meat Chopper’.

A PLACE TO CELEBRATE THE SECOND AMENDMENT

A bullet-riddled target car smolders during a lull in the gunfire. (Photo: Ben Philippi/Guns.com)

Fridays and Saturdays are spent burning through thousands of rounds of ammo as shooters engage targets. These include cars, boats, and appliances that are refreshed between volleys. Shooters can also bring their custom targets and turn them into Swiss cheese.

A custom Sponge Bob target that was put on the firing line in 2014. It was reduced to little more than wood splinters. (Photo: Ben Philippi/Guns.com)

Between volleys, shooters and spectators alike can socialize, check out guns. and purchase food from a catering truck. A large tent serves as a communal gathering place for people to eat and escape the occasional downpour. It’s possible to camp at the event, although there is no electricity or running water. However, the view of the stars at night is spectacular.

THE NIGHT SHOOT

A shooter unleashes his select-fire FN SCAR-L during the night shoot in 2018. (Photo: Ben Philippi/Guns.com)

The highlight of the event is undoubtedly the Friday night shoot that takes place as soon as it gets dark. Shooters switch over to tracers and fire their select-fire weapons. When the siren sounds, the night erupts into a thundering light show of tracer fire, fireworks, and explosions. It’s a spectacular sight to behold.

After a heavy weekend of shooting in 2018, Mike Garcia shows off his bruised shoulder. (Photo: Ben Philippi/Guns.com)

If you live in the Northeast or happen to be visiting there in mid-July, be sure to attend this fantastic event. You will not be disappointed. Information is available on their site.

If you’re in the market for a new or used gun as well as ammo or accessories, please visit Guns.com. And if you’ve got a gun that’s collecting dust, let us make you an offer! 

Below are a few of the videos Guns.com has filmed at the Green Mountain Boys machine gun shoot over the years. Enjoy!