The aerial Machine Gun UPGRADE

Let’s turn up the heat – Texas-style! Use a full-auto machine gun on your Helicopter Hog Hunt.
Choose from the select-fire submachine guns, carbines, and battle rifles to ensure the hunt of a lifetime.

Thunder from Above

The Bell 212

6

Gunner
Positions

2

Pintle
mounts

Firing

Options

The Bell 212’s twin engines are screaming…your chest is thumping as the sound of massive rotor blades beat the sky into submission…the hogs are running for cover…your headset crackles to life as the crew chief announces over the intercom, “cleared to fire”…and all hell breaks loose as 6 machine guns erupt with blazing lead. Hot brass rains down on the target area below…you smile and laugh, barely able to contain yourself…ah, Texas!

The aerial

machine gun UpGrade

Upgrade your unforgettable Texas Helicopter Hog Hunting Experience with a full-auto machine gun. $595 grants access to our fully stacked menu of submachine guns, carbines, and battle riffles. This upgrade is included in the Sun up to Sun Down and Works packages.

SUbmachine Guns

SIG MPX

9MM
2 AVAILABLE
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SIG MPX

OriginGermanyCaliber9MMCyclic Rate850Weight (With Ammo)8LB 10OZRecoilLowest

We loved the SIG MPX in its compact submachine gun format so much, we added a rifle length variant to the arsenal. Intended for use in the aircraft on Helicopter Hog Hunts, the longer barrel maximizes the 9mm +P ammo velocity and provides enhanced muzzle safety for aircraft shooting configurations when seated next to another gunner. The SIG MPX Airborne configuration features a vertical grip, sling, and EOTech holographic optic. It retains the soft feeling, low-recoil characteristics that make its compact little brother such a pleasure to shoot.

Benefits:
Lightweight
Lowest recoil option
Adjustable stock length

Ambidextrous features:
Charging handle
Selector switch

“For hunters wanting the full-auto experience without the stout recoil of a rifle cartridge, the SIG MPX is about as good as it gets.” – HeliBacon

2 AVAILABLE

HK UMP

40 S&W
2 AVAILABLE
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HK UMP

OriginGermanyCaliber40 S&WCyclic Rate600Weight (With Ammo)7LB 7OZRecoilMild

HeliBacon’s arsenal features a UMP 40 submachine gun with a last round bolt hold-open feature and the flexible 0,1,2,F trigger group configuration. The addition of a suppressor enhances muzzle safety for aircraft shooting configurations when seated next to another gunner. The Airborne HK UMP 40 variant features an ergonomic vertical grip and sling. The iron sights are removed in favor of an AimPoint red dot optic, maximizing field of view for rapid target engagement.

Benefits:
Lightweight
2-round burst-fire option
Excellent ergonomic design

Ambidextrous features:
Selector switch
Magazine release

“Compare the UMP to pretty much any subgun of the last century. Ergonomics have come a long way!” – HeliBacon

2 AVAILABLE

LWRC SMG 45

45ACP
2 AVAILABLE
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LWRC SMG 45

OriginUSACaliber45ACPCyclic Rate700Weight (With Ammo)8LB 1OZRecoilMild

The LWRC SMG 45 is crafted using high-performance aluminum and steel. It uses HK UMP magazines and stocks, as well as incorporates AR-15 style ergonomics with ambidextrous fire controls, bolt catch/release, and HK’s paddle mag release for easy loading and magazine changes.

The SMG 45 features a unique delayed blowback operating mechanism that allows the barrel and bolt to travel rearward together for a short distance before unlocking. Thus, recoil is reduced and the suppressor effect is improved due to fewer gases escaping the ejection port. The suppressed aircraft variant enhances muzzle safety for aircraft shooting configurations when seated next to another gunner. The Airborne LWRC SMG 45 variant features an ergonomic vertical grip and sling, with an AimPoint red dot optic for superior targeting and the ultimate thrill.

Benefits:
Lightweight
AR-15 style ergonomic design

Ambidextrous features:
Selector switch
Magazine release
Bolt catch/release

“LWRC’s innovation applied to the subgun world – very exciting.” – HeliBacon

2 AVAILABLE

Carbines

AR-15

5.56MM
6 AVAILABLE
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AR-15

OriginUSACaliber5.56MMCyclic Rate800Weight (With Ammo)9LB 10OZRecoilModerate

As America’s rifle, the AR-15 is based on Eugene Stoner’s design and adopted by the United States Armed Forces, initially with the designation M16. The AR-15 / M16 / M4 nomenclature refers to a wide variety of modern rifles that share similar characteristics and design fundamentals. New generations of the AR-15 serve as the standard issue rifle for many branches of the United States military, and in more than 80 nations. HeliBacon’s full-auto AR-15s have M16 fire control groups, in Seekins Precision lower receivers, with Geissele Super Select Fire triggers and LWRC M6IC SPR short-stroke piston uppers. The EOTech holographic optics afford an excellent field of view. The ergonomics of the AR-15 platform are outstanding.

Benefits:
Most familiar ergonomic design
Excellent handling characteristics

Ambidextrous features:
Selector switch
Charging handle

“Our primary aircraft machine gun. We select each component for specific reasons. These have been wonderful systems.” – HeliBacon

6 AVAILABLE

HK G36

5.56MM
4 AVAILABLE
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HK G36

OriginGermanyCaliber5.56MMCyclic Rate750Weight (With Ammo)10LB 2OZRecoilModerate

HeliBacon is proud to feature the full-length HK G36E as aircraft machine gun for Helicopter Hog Hunting missions. The Airborne G36E variant features an ergonomic vertical grip, a low-profile rail with an AimPoint red dot optic, and an adjustable stock. Heckler & Koch’s modern design is the most ambidextrous system in the lineup and the 0,1,2,F trigger group configuration provides flexible shooting options. The 18.9-inch barrel maximizes the potential of the 5.56mm cartridge. The G36E is an excellent example of thoughtful design and practical engineering.

Benefits:
Most ambidextrous design
2-round burst-fire option

Ambidextrous features:
Selector switch
Charging handle
Magazine release
Bolt catch/release

“In our humble opinion, the G36 series of rifles are significantly underappreciated. Those Germans can build some cool stuff!” – HeliBacon

4 AVAILABLE

Battle Rifles

FN FAL

7.62×51MM
2 AVAILABLE
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FN FAL

OriginBelgiumCaliber7.62×51MMCyclic Rate700Weight (With Ammo)12LB 7OZRecoilHeavy

The Fabrique Nationale Fusil Automatique Léger (translation: Light Automatic Rifle), commonly known as the FN FAL, entered service in 1953 and remains in service to the present day. HeliBacon is pleased to offer modern, American-Made, DSArms FAL variants as full-auto options for Helicopter Hog Hunting missions. The Airborne configuration includes an ergonomic vertical grip, a fully adjustable stock with cheek height and length of pull adjustments, and AimPoint red dot optics.

Adopted by over 90 countries, the FN FAL has seen conflict worldwide during its 60 years of service, making it one of the most prolific rifles in history. The widespread use of this firearm among NATO allies and many first-world countries during the Cold War earned it the moniker: ”The right arm of the Free World.” Since feral hogs are classified as an “invasive” species, it’s only appropriate to combat this invasion with maximum liberty and freedom.

Benefits:
Adjustable stock length and riser
Full-power battle rifle cartridge
Extra FREEDOM

Ambidextrous features:
Magazine release

“The monstrous stopping power of 7.62×51 usually means you don’t need to shoot the hogs a second time. The fact that it’s a machine gun usually means you will.” – HeliBacon

2 AVAILABLE
FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS​

The carbines in 5.56 are the most popular and feature a great balance between manageable recoil, adequate power, and ammunition capacity. The AR-15 and HK G36 are excellent choices.

The pistol-caliber carbines are designed for lighter weight and lighter recoil. The SIG MPX has the most tame recoil and is easiest to control in full auto fire. All of the firearms have selector switches for safe, semi, and full auto.

Yes, for sure. The cartridge is devastatingly powerful. However, there is a very significant increase in recoil and a pronounced increase in the difficulty of accurately controlling full-auto bursts. HeliBacon recommends 5.56 carbines but provides Battle Rifles for shooters wanting a maximum-power rifle cartridge. The FN FAL is only recommended for shooters experienced with high-power, high-recoil systems.

Yes, Mother Nature can be cruel at times. All of our machine guns feature an ambidextrous selector switch. The HK G36, a 5.56 carbine, is a fully ambidextrous platform, with the selector switch, magazine release, charging handle, and bolt catch/bolt release equally usable by either hand. 

There is a 50-cal ammo can bolted to the deck next to each shooter. Everyone takes off with 10 magazines. When we land for fuel at the hour mark, we refill the ammo can with loaded mags. In theory, up to 20 magazines of ammo can be shot during a helicopter hog hunt – 10 each hour. The magazine capacity varies by caliber. The 5.56 carbine magazines hold 30 rounds, and the 7.62×51 battle rifle magazines hold 20 rounds. 

Yes. The HK guns have a four-position selector switch to choose between safe, semi, burst, and auto. The burst fire mode varies between a two-round or three-round burst capability, depending on the platform. The available firearms with this capability are the HK UMP chambered in 40 S&W and the HK G36 chambered in 5.56.

No, we don’t offer that option. However, many firearms can be shot at the Machine Gun Range Experience, where the purpose of the activity is to shoot a wide variety of different systems, including even the M134 Minigun and M2 ‘Ma Deuce’ in 50 BMG. 

We do not currently offer this option. The belt-fed firearms are available at the Machine Gun Range Experience.

During the safety course, the HeliBacon team will provide instructions on the use of firearms to each person for the respective firearm selected.

We offer the Machine Gun Range Experience year-round and it can be scheduled on the day before the hunt. This would provide an opportunity to shoot the machine gun of choice prior to the hunt.

No. However, familiarity, even with semi-auto AR-15s for example, can be a big help. If you’ve never fired a rifle before, we encourage you to do so at a local gun range with a competent certified instructor. Prior familiarity with a given firearm platform can go a long way. We recommend covering the basics of safe firearm handling, muzzle discipline, loading, unloading, reloading, correct manipulation of the charging handle, and even clearing stoppages.

The machine guns are extremely reliable, but improper handling during loading and poor form during firing are the two largest causes of stoppages. Please listen carefully to the crew’s instructions during the safety course and follow all directions. When the machine guns are loaded correctly, and shooters use proper form, stoppages are an extremely rare occurrence. It cannot be overemphasized that stoppages are almost always operator-induced

Improperly manipulating the charging handle is the most common cause of machine guns failing to fire on the first shot. The firearm will be handed to you with the bolt already locked to the rear. The best way to close the bolt is to use the bolt catch/release button and avoid touching the charging handle completely. Then, do not manipulate the charging handle further unless it is necessary to lock the bolt to the rear, as when manually unloading the systems or clearing stoppages.  

Poor form while firing is the most common cause of stoppages. The machine gun must be pulled tightly against the shoulder, and the upper torso must be firm, providing a solid backstop. Both hands must securely and tightly hold the gun in place, pulling the gun into the body tightly, for the machine gun to cycle properly. In wintertime, customers often wear bulky jackets, and this extra padding can further necessitate the need to hold the gun tightly.

For these platforms, allow the trigger to completely reset in a forward position before resuming firing. Attempting burst firing with trigger manipulation on these platforms can induce malfunctions if the trigger mechanism is not allowed to fully reset – meaning the shooter maintains partial pressure on the trigger and holds the trigger in a partially retracted position rather than allowing the trigger to move its full range of travel back to the forward (reset) position before firing again.

HeliBacon’s machine guns use EOTech and AimPoint optics. These provide a floating red dot or reticle in the sight picture. Do not focus on the reticle. Instead, keep both eyes open and focus downrange on your target, allowing the reticle to superimpose itself onto the field of view. These are truly wonderful optics. If you have never used them before, it is highly recommended that you experience them at a local gun range. Prior familiarization is very beneficial to effective use. 

Video Recording Package

$ 495
  • Multipile cameras, 2 on each side of the aircraft
  • All footage copied to portable hard drive
  • Shipped to your location

The Works

Our most comprehensive package

$6,495

Per Person

Helicopter Hunting Safety Course

 Helicopter Hog Hunt (2 hours of flight time)

 Full-auto from the helicopter

 Video Service – record the helicopter hog hunt

 The Machine Gun Range Experience – 7 mags and 3 belts

 Night Vision (Infrared and Thermal) Guided Hog Hunt – from vehicles on the ground

Price shown is per person. Perfect for groups of up to 6 people.

Sun Up to Sun Down Package

Morning and Night Hunting + Upgrades

$5,295

Per Person

 Helicopter Hunting Safety Course

 Helicopter Hog Hunt (2 hours of flight time)

 Aerial Machine Gun Upgrade – shoot full-auto from the helicopter

 Video Service – record the helicopter hog hunt

 Night Vision (Infrared and Thermal) Guided Hog Hunt – from vehicles on the ground

Price shown is per person. Perfect for groups of up to 6 people.

Helicopter Hog Hunting Package

$4,295

Per Person

  Helicopter Hunting Safety Course

  Helicopter Hog Hunt (2 hours of flight time)

 Full-auto machine gun w/ ammunition 
 Video Service – record the helicopter hog hunt

Price shown is per person. Perfect for groups of up to 6 people.

Record Your Hunt – Capture the Action!

Helicopter Hog Hunting in Texas is on everyone’s bucket list, so make sure it’s something you can relive whenever you like, in the comfort of your home. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture it all on video so you can give your friends and family the post-hunt play-by-play! HeliBacon’s video service records hunts in high resolution from multiple angles with multiple cameras on both sides of the aircraft. We strategically place mounts on the aircraft allowing us to capture both the gunner’s field of view and the action inside the aircraft for the best possible vantage points of your hunt.

Footage From Every Angle

HeliBacon records the flights with four cameras, two on each side of the aircraft. The first pair of cameras are mounted on top of the fuselage, overlooking the gunner’s field of view on each side of the aircraft, capturing all the action with a wide-angle view. The second pair of cameras are mounted inside the cabin on each side of the aircraft and capture shots of the gunner’s loading, reloading, and getting in on all the action. With options to bring an additional personal camera, HeliBacon’s Video Package is the most popular upgrade for the Helicopter Hog Hunt of a lifetime!

Bring Your Own Camera

Many clients enjoy bringing a personal GoPro and using a head or chest mount to capture even more footage and angles. There is no cost to bring your own camera and we encourage this. You will need to supply your own mounting system for your camera and remember to bring enough batteries and memory cards for a couple hours of flight time.

Upgrade Your Texas Helicopter Hog Hunting Trip!

Ground machine gun icon

Machine Guns

Shoot awesome machine guns while you’re here.

AR-15 machine gun icon

Full-Auto

Add full-auto machine guns to your Helicopter Hog Hunt!

Icon image of pig outline in front of the moon

Night Vision

Hog Hunting with infrared/thermal in pitch darkness.

The Big Guns

Pintle Mounted. Belt-Fed.

Looking to turn the dial up to 11? Become one of the few thrill-seekers to wreak havoc on the range with our rare and unique pintle-mounted belt-fed machine guns. These big guns are for those with the most discriminating taste looking for the ultimate experience in truly rarified air. Only in Texas!