Newton Abbot Shooting Range: Rifle, Pistol & Simulator Combo Package
Experience Overview
Crackshot is the South West’s leading indoor shooting range, tucked inside a converted industrial unit on Heathfield Industrial Estate between Bovey Tracey and Newton Abbot. Open since 2015, it has built a reputation as one of the best things to do in Devon for anyone looking for something beyond the usual seaside attractions — consistently earning 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor for its friendly staff, professional setup, and genuine value for money.
The Rifle, Pistol and Simulator Combo is Crackshot’s flagship package and the best way to experience everything the venue has to offer. Over 1.5 hours, you rotate through all three indoor ranges — spending 30 minutes on each — with unlimited ammunition and full equipment provided. No experience is necessary. Staff supervise every session, walking you through gun handling and safety before you start shooting.
This is an air gun experience (pellet rifles and gas-powered BB pistols), not live firearms. That means no firearms licence is required, no minimum age of 18, and it’s fully legal and accessible for families, tourists, and casual visitors. Children from age 10 are welcome with adult supervision.
The Three Ranges
Crackshot’s three indoor ranges each offer a completely different shooting experience. The combo package gives you 30 minutes on each — enough time to settle in, find your rhythm, and compete with friends or family.
| Range | Equipment | Distance / Setup | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Rifle Range | Scoped pellet air rifles | 20 metres · 5 lanes · Sitting & standing | Precision & accuracy at distance |
| Pistol Range | Semi-auto BB handguns (gas-powered) | Hanging metal targets · Rapid fire | Quick reflexes & adrenaline |
| Simway Hunt Simulator | Replica firearms · Big screen | 2-player · Multiple scenarios | Competitive fun & variety |
Air Rifle Range (20 metres)
The rifle range is the precision test. Five lanes with both sitting and standing shooting positions face a 20-metre range equipped with a variety of targets — traditional black-and-white paper rings on a pulley system you can winch in and out to check your grouping, plus knockdown and spinning targets for variety. The rifles are scoped pellet air rifles with unlimited ammunition. This is the range that rewards patience, steady breathing, and a calm trigger finger.
Pistol Range (Rapid Fire)
Head upstairs to the pistol range and the pace changes completely. You’re shooting semi-automatic BB handguns — gas-powered, 10-shot, capable of rapid fire. The targets are hanging metal — and there’s nothing quite like the satisfying ping when a pellet connects with a swinging steel target. The staff keep your gun’s gas topped up throughout so you can maintain a steady rate of fire for the full 30 minutes.
Simway Hunt Simulator
Back downstairs for the finale: the Simway Hunt — described by Crackshot as “the world’s most advanced big-screen shooting experience.” This two-player setup projects hyper-realistic scenarios onto a large screen: driven wild boar hunts, grouse shoots, clay pigeon sessions with clays launching at 140 mph, target shooting, tin can alley, and even a Wild West shootout. It’s the most accessible of the three ranges — anyone of any age can have a go — and the competitive element makes it a crowd favourite.
What to Expect
Arrival & Check-In
Arrive at Crackshot’s reception desk at your booked time. You’ll notice the venue doubles as a well-stocked air gun shop — rows of rifles, pistols, and outdoor equipment line the ground floor. After checking in, the staff give you a safety briefing covering gun handling, range etiquette, and basic technique. First-timers get extra guidance on stance, grip, and aiming.
Rotating Through the Ranges (1.5 hours)
You’ll spend 30 minutes on each of the three ranges. The order may vary depending on availability, but you’ll experience all three: the precision of the 20-metre rifle range, the adrenaline of the rapid-fire pistol range, and the competitive fun of the Simway simulator. Staff stay with you on each range, refilling ammunition and gas as needed, adjusting targets, and offering tips to improve your technique.
After Your Session
Once you’ve completed all three ranges, you’re free to browse the Crackshot shop downstairs. Reviewers frequently mention being tempted to buy an air pistol after their session — the staff are happy to let you handle different models and offer advice if you’re interested. The whole experience fits comfortably into a morning or afternoon slot.
Location & Getting There
Crackshot is easy to find — look for the Heathfield Industrial Estate signage off the A38. The venue is halfway between Bovey Tracey and Newton Abbot. If you’re holidaying in South Devon, Dartmoor, or the English Riviera, it’s within a short drive from most accommodation.
Practical Information
Visitor Tips
- Book the combo package over a single range. At just £7 more than the 1-hour dual-range options, the 1.5-hour combo gives you all three ranges and the Simway simulator — which is the highlight for many visitors.
- Arrive 5–10 minutes early. You’ll need to check in at reception and complete a brief safety form before heading to the ranges.
- The venue is heated and air-conditioned indoors, so weather doesn’t matter. This makes Crackshot one of the best rainy-day activities in Devon — perfect when the British weather isn’t cooperating.
- Wear comfortable clothes. Unlike live-firearm ranges, there are no hot brass casings to worry about. Any casual clothing is fine.
- If you’re visiting with children aged 10–17, remember the 1:2 adult-to-child ratio is required. Plan your group accordingly.
- The pistol range is the crowd favourite according to reviews — the rapid-fire BB handguns and the ping of hitting metal targets get the biggest reactions.
- After your session, browse the Crackshot shop. They carry an extensive range of air rifles, pistols, and accessories. Staff are happy to let you handle guns and offer advice — no pressure to buy.
- Combine with other Devon attractions. Crackshot is close to Dartmoor, Stover Country Park, the Dartmoor Whisky Distillery, and Trago Mills — easy to fill a full day out.
What Visitors Say
This combo package holds a 4.8 out of 5 rating on GetYourGuide (8 reviews). Crackshot itself has a strong reputation across platforms, with consistently positive TripAdvisor reviews praising the staff, value, and atmosphere.
The most consistent praise centres on how friendly and patient the staff are, the excellent value for money, and how the experience works equally well for complete beginners and experienced shooters. The most frequent suggestion is to book the full 1.5-hour combo rather than a shorter session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Newton Abbot Shooting Packages
Crackshot offers two shorter combo packages if you’d prefer a 1-hour session focusing on two of the three ranges:
See all options in our complete Newton Abbot shooting range guide, where we compare every package side by side on price, duration, and what’s included.