Why would you want a shooting simulator? If you live in a big city, then you will probably agree with me when I say that somehow the big concrete monster manages to keep us within its borders most of the time. Sometimes we even spend holidays in, trying to get some rest from our work or we simply want a break from our daily routine. For people who like outdoor activities such as hunting, the suffocating rhythm of big cities can seriously jeopardize their skills.

However, in today\’s modern life there is no need to worry about not practicing; you can have a virtual shooting range in your own home. Using a shooting simulator is a great way to add entertainment to your home, and you can even improve your hunting skills in the process. These simulators come with non-lethal weaponry based on infrared and laser technology and can be purchased as additions to an already existing projection based home theater or as portable systems. The opportunity to practice while having fun within your own home is a very desirable option for those who don\’t have enough time to go hunting.

A shooting simulator comes with five basic features: a rifle, a protective case for the gun, a laser detection camera, some game titles and the installation software with its manual. The system requirements that these simulators might need are really simple. Most of their software is compatible with Windows operative systems and with all projection based home theaters. However if you really want the software to run smooth and fast, make sure the video card of your computer can support the game. Install, set and play; it is that easy.

When buying a simulator you can be assured that you are not wasting your money. You could even be saving some. Long driving hours, ammunition, rifles and most of the equipment that hunting requires is a lot more expensive than practicing with your own replica at home. If you are worried about them being repetitive and boring, let me say that there are more than 35 titles in the industry with a wide variety of styles and objectives. Do you like stag hunting? Or maybe going for some waterfowl? How about taking a trip to Mars and get some alien heads rolling? Having said this, you can be certain that lack of variety will never be an issue.

However, the price of these simulators is not what we would call cheap. The cost ranges between two to eighteen thousand dollars, so if you were considering buying them for pure entertainment purposes, think again. Such an investment should not be taken lightly. It may be best to buy a simulator to improve your own skills or if you are interested in teaching someone the basics of the sport, but at some point you might want to go outside and try it. It is important for you to keep in mind that a shooting simulator will never replace the real thing, no matter how sophisticated the technology might be.