MEDIA & HISTORY
A FULL AUTO FAMILY
On a Saturday in June of 2001, was the first ever OFASTS. Mike Friend, owner of the Firing Line, had a vision and believed that people who owned machine guns needed a place to shoot and he believed that this event would provide a good safe place to do just that. With Oklahoma being one of the few states that allowed full auto shooting, Wyandotte was the perfect location to start such an event.
Initially, there were only 12 gun rental spots and a handful of spectators. However, the event quickly expanded to 24 spots and attracted around 500 attendees. By 2005, an estimated 1,500 spectators flocked to the fourth edition. In 2006, OFASTS relocated to a more accommodating landscape to facilitate further growth.
Originally scheduled on Father's Day weekend, the event was strategically shifted to the following weekend. This adjustment allowed OFASTS to be associated with Father's Day without interfering with traditional plans.
The highlight of OFASTS, 'Kill the Car,' inspired by Carl Schiffman, has become the most anticipated moment. A car, laden with explosives, is shot at while in motion—initially in a circle and later down a hill, culminating in the first successful double 'Kill the Car' in 2017.
Over its 20 editions, OFASTS has evolved, introducing attractions like armored personnel carrier (APC) rides in 2012, helicopter rides in 2008, and helicopter gun shooting in 2016. The sniper competition, starting at 200 yards, grew to 1000 yards by 2017, with an increasing number of participants each year. The night shoot, featuring tracer rounds and explosions, has been a can't-miss tradition since the event's inception.
OFASTS has transcended its origins, hosting various events from bachelor parties to wedding ceremonies and becoming a stop for world tour groups. What began as a gathering of machine gun enthusiasts shooting at old cars has blossomed into a premier family-friendly event with 91 line spots and thousands of attendees worldwide.