Independence Day has come and gone. We hope the family celebrated long and loud as the Republic celebrated year 247. (Just think – Gunsite’s 50th and America’s 250th will be celebrated in 2026!)
Life at Gunsite is fast apace. Really, much faster than that. The construction is a long-time dream here and very exciting. The new Instructor Bunkhouse is open. The old bunkhouse is scheduled for demolition beginning July 17. The new Pro Shop and Office may be occupied by mid-August followed by the new bathroom and shower.
We will have a new first at Gunsite Saturday July 15 from 0700-Noon: The Gunsite Parking Lot Sale! Used furniture and miscellaneous items from the old buildings will be for sale in the parking lot. Rumor has it a few instructors and staff will have some items for sale as well. One man’s trash . . .
The Monsoons have not yet arrived in our part of Arizona. Please be cautious when traveling, especially with chains attached to your trailer. The sparks are infamous for starting roadside fires. Smoking at Gunsite is limited to inside your vehicle and the designated smoking areas.
This week is one of my three (3) favorite weeks at the Ranch: Youth 250. We have 24 young Americans taking their first Gunsite Course. It was 11 years ago that a small group of staff/instructor family members took the first class. Alumni of the 1st Youth 250 class (L-R) Instructor Dave Hartman, Alumni Mackenzie Smith, Bethany Callis, Mason Pennington, Kyle Smith, Instructor Gary Smith) It has grown by leaps and bounds with some years having Youth 350, 499 and 270 Rifle. Such an exciting time to see these young Americans grow and mature as they learn the great responsibility of firearms. Thanks to the parents and grandparents and uncles and aunts for making this happen.
My second favorite is with the Veterans of the current war taking their complimentary 250 and 223 classes. (We wish we could offer to all Vets and all wars but it simply comes down to costs.) These great Americans continue their brother and sisterhood in arms and increase their fighting skills.
GAS Match is about 12 weeks away! (My 3rd favorite week!) Have you enrolled yet? We are 39 away from being full and closing registration. New sponsors this year for more prizes on the prize table. The stages are devious as usual. After last year’s monsoon, you might throw in a raincoat to help scare the rain away!
The Gunsite Glock Service Pistol (GGSP) has sold out of the original order of 1000 pistols. The better news is that we have more in stock available next week at the Gunsite Pro Shop. We have had outstanding reports on the fit and function of these custom Glock Model 45 pistols. Contact Lindy at the Pro Shop (lindy@gunsite.com).
I’m coming off the bench and teaching a Revolver 150 back home in Indiana (Lebanon Police Range) August 4-6! (https://www.gunsite.com/classes/indiana-150-basic-revolver/) Looking forward to teaching again, but not the humidity! Still room in the class to learn how to run the wheel-gun better!
Hunting Season is just around the corner. Gunsite offers a 2-day Hunter Preparation Course. Do more than just check zero on your favorite rifle. Get tuned up with instruction by Gunsite Rangemasters and really see what you and your rifle can do. The course is August 5-6
Have you been reading any of the “Make Ready” articles in FMG Publications Guns Magazine and American Handgunner? A different Gunsite Rangemaster writes about a different topic each month.
Enough for now, time to make my afternoon delivery to the Ranges. (If you know, you know!)
When are you coming (back) to Gunsite?
Ken
