World War II-Era Shooting Gallery Returns To Coney Island

Get prepared to shoot a bunch of moving targets as a vintage World War II-era Mangels Shooting Gallery was discovered just after Superstorm Sandy, and is almost done being restored at Coney Island USA. According to a press release, the old-fashioned shooting gallery was unearthed in the arcades underneath Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, when another, more modern, shooting gallery was destroyed by the storm, revealing this behind it.

The vintage shooting gallery was designed by William Mangels, a legendary Coney Island inventor:

William F. Mangels (1866–1958), was an amusement manufacturer and inventor housed in Coney Island on West 8th street and was a major player in the development of American amusement parks at the start of the 20th century. In addition to manufacturing carousels, including the the frame and rocking mechanism (that makes the horses move up and down) on Mayor Blomberg’s restored B&B Carousell on the Coney Island Riegelmann Boardwalk, the fire engine and boat kiddie rides still in operation at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, shooting galleries and inventing rides including The Whip (ride), he wrote a book titled The Outdoor Amusement Industry: From earliest times to the present.

The gallery itself is a World War II-inspired contraption that features tanks, soldiers and airplanes, testing the aim of shooters as the targets move quickly around the display. According to Coney Island USA’s website, you get 100 shots for $5. Sounds like fun.

The game officially opens on Thursday, August 8 at 1 p.m. at 1214 Surf Avenue (between Stillwell Avenue and West 12th Street).