The annual Oklahoma Full Auto Shoot and Trade Show (OFASTS) is a two-day gathering in Wyandotte, Oklahoma, where gun enthusiasts can get hands-on with fully automatic firearms and experience the rush of firing some seriously powerful weapons. Along with the shooting, the event hosts tons of vendors offering everything from collectible firearms and ammo to military memorabilia and survival gear. Attending this shoot has been a longtime dream of mine, so this year, my fellow American Marksman team member Caleb Teel and I made the three-hour trek to experience OFASTS for ourselves.

As Caleb and I left Missouri, we knew we were in for an exciting time. Because this was our first time attending OFASTS, I wanted to make it memorable, opting for a Gold VIP package. This notably included some event swag and rides for two in an armored personnel carrier (APC) and helicopter. Following the OFASTS orange diamond signs, we chatted about what we wanted to see and do.

After meeting Martha at registration, we got our VIP credentials. Sure, we were a bit bummed to hear that the helicopter and APC were out of commission, but honestly, with everything else going on, we hardly even noticed.

Walking through the entrance, we were greeted by canopies stretching from one side of the field to the other, with signs everywhere advertising gun rentals and shooting experiences. It was a machine-gun lover's paradise. Beyond the canopies was a large field filled with a scattering of derelict vehicles, fire trucks, washing machines, and refrigerators. It looked like a chaotic, uphill junkyard battlefield.

As we made our way to the Xray Guns tent, gunfire began erupting all around us. Some shots were so powerful we felt the concussion in our chests as we scrambled to put on hearing protection. We were welcomed warmly, and Andy immediately offered Caleb the chance to fire an M1919 Browning. This was Caleb’s first time shooting a belt-fed machine gun, so of course, I captured it all on video. Then, it was my turn.

Andy handed me the M240 Bravo, and after some quick instruction, I let ‘er rip! The speed at which those 7.62 NATO rounds were fed was crazy, and the lack of recoil was quite surprising. It wasn’t long before we understood why everyone had huge grins and were eager to join in.

Amidst all the noise and chaos, it was very clear that safety was always the top priority. Every station had a dedicated range safety officer, ensuring all firearms were operated safely and everyone used the proper protective gear. You’d watch as vehicles and objects caught fire from machine-gun rounds, and range officers would signal safety crews to put out the flames if they got too big.

Whether you were there to watch or participate, fun was everywhere. Spectators had the chance to pay to fire almost any gun available, and it was awesome to see people of all ages, even kids, getting in on the action.

We took some time to explore the vendor area, checking out the food stalls and the vendor barn. Food vendors were set up close to the gunline, and we found everything from collectible items and ammo-related gear to raffle tickets and firearms. Many vendors were war veterans who shared incredible stories of survival and community outreach.

As the evening went on, we were invited to other exhibitor stations. They loved the ammo we had brought and wanted to see us fire some of it from their guns. It was surreal to handle such rare and expensive firearms, many of which were extremely old.

We also visited the 918 Guns tent. John Jeffries, co-owner and 18-year military veteran, was preparing to fire a Carl Gustav gun from World War II. The 84mm anti-tank cartridge hadn’t been made since the war, and we had the privilege of standing nearby to watch. It was a special moment, as the gun was fired in honor of its original owner, who had passed away. Before loading the gun, they warned us that the cartridge might not fire, could explode and kill John, or just be a dud. The suspense was intense. After the first cartridge didn’t fire, we all held our breath as another was loaded. This time, a massive explosion sent a cloud of smoke and fire into the air, producing a shockwave I felt in my chest. My phone shook in my hand as I recorded the moment. It was thrilling and something I’ll never forget.

That night, Caleb and I reflected on the kindness and sense of inclusion we felt from everyone. Smiles, laughter, and camaraderie were everywhere. There was an incredible sense of togetherness among all the attendees, not just for supporting gun rights and the Second Amendment but also for sharing knowledge and building friendships.

On the second day, we explored more of what we missed and, of course, shot even more guns! Neither of us wanted to leave. We’re so grateful for the experience and look forward to June 2025, when the Oklahoma sky will again be gloriously ablaze with red and green tracers. OFASTS was genuinely unforgettable. It’s not just about the guns—it’s a full-blown experience where people come together to share their passion for firearms—a once-in-a-lifetime event you’ll treasure forever.