IF YOU'RE ANYTHING like me, then you will have often times envisaged yourself as the lead star in an action movie or two.

But, again if you're like me, the actual reality is that that is very unlikely to happen anytime soon.

So, the next logical step would be to get yourself down to a local gun range, I guess.

And that's exactly what this reporter did when he took his brother and father along to the North Wales Tactical Gun Range (NWTGR) as part of the latter's 60th birthday celebrations.

The Rhosesmor-based range, set at Bryn Ffynnon Farm, is a dream for any thrill-seekers based in north Wales or beyond.

NWTGR started out in 2018 with just a few enthusiasts coming together to do what they love.

Now, it has grown into a very popular attraction in north Wales, having welcomed over 150,000 people through its doors to date and has also just recently expanded with a second range based down in Tadley.

People of all experience levels are invited to (safely) put their accuracy and skills to the test on the course.

During our two-hour visit to NWTGR, the three of us had the chance to experience the type of drills and movements used by elite forces world wide.

Having gone through the numerous but very important safety aspects with instructor Ryan, we were given the chance to take to the course - firstly alongside him and then solo.

Each participant (we were joined by two other people in the same session), had the opportunity to take on three practice runs of the arena.

We were shown how to load and unload the rifles, as well as how to ensure that the safety catch was on in between moving towards targets.

Air rifle in hand, we were tasked with trudging through the sandy terrain while attempting to hit 11 targets scattered around the course.

After the practice runs were done and dusted, it was time to get serious as we took turns to do a timed run of the course (facing a one-second penalty for any targets missed).

My brother was quickest of the bunch with 43 seconds on the clock and one target missed, while I managed it in 53 seconds with two missed - slow and steady wins the race as they say!

See a little snippet of me in erm, 'action' here...

The session ended with a bang as we all had the opportunity to load, fire and unload a glock pistol - the preferred firearm among police in the USA.

That was much louder than I think most people would expect (and as such the ear defenders were on) - but it was a great experience!

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This was my first time handling and firing a gun and, I must say, Ryan and the team made it a very enjoyable experience - and a memorable birthday gift for dad too.

All the nerves or anxiety I had before entering the course were quickly put to bed thanks to their knowledge of firearms and their level of care for their customers.

I would highly recommend giving the North Wales Tactical Gun Range a visit. Even if it's something you might not think you'd enjoy, you may just be surprised!