BIG GUNS Going BOOM!!

As a producer for Guns.com, I’ve got the pleasure of photographing and filming many large-caliber guns over the years at gun shoots and shows. Witnessing the explosive power of military hardware up close and in person never fails to tickle the senses.Show more

Owning an artillery gun as a civilian is not unlike owning a select-fire machine gun or suppressor. Since the National Firearms Act of 1934, anything over .50 caliber and isn't black powder is generally regarded as a destructive device. So, you’ll need to fill out some paperwork, wait a few months, and if you meet the requirements, you can then take possession of your baby.

Finding one may be a problem, although they are out there. Getting into big guns is like a way of life. You need to start living, breathing, and thinking large-caliber. You'll also need to be well-heeled. Big guns cost big bucks.

However, if you compare a select-fire machine gun such as an M16 and a 37 mm Bofors anti-tank gun, they both have similar price tags of around $25,000. So, it depends on what you’d rather have. Some rat-tat-tat or the big boom.

Of course, once you have your big gun, finding ammunition, shell casings, and maintaining them is the next big challenge. Fortunately, there are people like Robert Bigando-- or "Dangerous Bob"-- in the world. For the last decade, he’s been a go-to guy for the big guns.

He bought his first big gun at the age of 21 after firing a 37 mm gun at a gun shoot. “The big guns are super addictive. There’s nothing like standing next to one of these things, especially the first time you fire one. Whenever you feel that muzzle blast and the gun works the way it’s supposed to, it’s almost like you’re reborn,” said Bigando.

If you can't afford the big guns don't worry, you can still see them in action at events like machine gun shoots. The two most famous shoots in the world are the Knob Creek Shoot in Kentucky, and the Big Sandy Shoot in Arizona. Both shoots happen in April and October of every year, and you'll be able to see some big guns in action.

The Big Sandy Shoot is probably the best place to see them because the firing line is so big. October 2017 saw the biggest turn out of big guns in the event's history and someone even brought a fully functioning World War 2 ball turret with twin .50 cals. You could get inside it and shoot for a couple of bucks. How cool is that?

If you really, really, really like the big boom, you can even get your ashes fired from a cannon.