Independence Day . . . Not 4th of July “Liberty and Independence forever.” Davey Crockett How do you plan on celebrating Independence Day? Traditional fireworks, BBQ, parades and family and friend gatherings? In my prior life, walking in the annual Independence Day Parade (in the heat, humidity and the rain) was the main event. As Sheriff, it was fun walking the parade route, visiting with the folks, and when the parade came to a stop, I’d go up on neighbors’ porches and have a drink of water. Good times! In the Prescott area, the holiday is celebrated with parades, celebrations … [Read more...]
June Newsletter
ANOTHER BIG MONTH AHEAD Flag Day, Father’s Day, Summer Solstice . . . then Independence Day. The Magna Carta was signed in June 1215. This document is exceptional as it established early principles of due process, rule of law and democracy. (And mentions the Office of Sheriff . . .) D-Day . . . Operation Overlord began in Normandy June 6 and was so important to the beginning of the liberation of Europe. The Greatest Generation . . . The summer will begin to fly by before we know it. At Gunsite, it is still one of the grand weather months, usually with cool mornings and warm … [Read more...]
May Newsletter
Where does the time go? Another month behind us and we continue to look forward to the rest of 2025. As always, where did the last month go? Construction continues at a fast pace at the Gunsite Ranch. The new Mess Deck is well underway and possibly being occupied before the June Newsletter goes out. It is twice as big as the current Mess Deck and will be much more comfortable. The building permit process continues for the new Warehouse/Maintenance Barn. We want these projects behind us (and the conversion of the old Pro Shop to Classroom) prior to our 50th Anniversary next year. Fresh … [Read more...]
April Newsletter
APRIL FOOLS OR SPRING AHEAD? Where did the first quarter of 2025 go? Didn’t we just ring in the New Year and go to SHOT Show? Now we are headed to the NRA Annual Meeting end of April! Do we act as April Fools and believe that we will rise to occasion when a critical event occurs, or do we Spring Ahead as we default to our level of training. Training is perishable skill and will deteriorate if you do not keep it up. Dry practice will do. Working presentations is grand. Performance measured live fire is even better. Make the time to practice your life saving skills. Spring is … [Read more...]
March Newsletter
Winter? Not in Arizona. In and out like a Lion It has been exceptionally mild in northern Arizona this winter with more of the same in the forecast. The Gunsite students have enjoyed the weather, but the lack of moisture is disconcerting. We hope the wildfire season will not be harmful and we receive the monsoon rains in July. When you visit Arizona, please be fire conscious. Gunsite let me 'come off the bench" and teach the inaugural three (3) day Seasoned Citizen Pistol Class at Shooters World in The Villages north of Orlando Florida. A great group of folks from inexperienced shooters to … [Read more...]
January Newsletter
INTO A NEW YEAR "New Year’s is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drinks, friendly calls, and humbug resolutions, and we wish you to enjoy it with a looseness suited to the greatness of the occasion.” Letter to the Virginia City Territorial Enterprise, January, 1863 “Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.” - Benjamin Franklin As we get a bit more seasoned in our years, the years go quicker. Was it really 25 years ago that we worried about the … [Read more...]
Project ChildSafe Distribution Locations
PROJECT CHILDSAFE LOCK DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS YCSO LOCATIONS Williamson Valley - 4155 West Outer Loop Road Suite B Prescott, AZ 86305 928-771-3277 Camp Verde - 2830 N. Commonwealth Drive Suite 104 Camp Verde, AZ 86322 928-567-7710 Village of Oak Creek - 6446 Highway 179 Suite 217 Sedona, AZ 86351 928-649-6449 Mayer - 12606 Main Street (Red Brick School House) Mayer, AZ 86333 928-771-3509 Bagdad - 100 Main Street Bagdad, AZ 86321 GUNSITE ACADEMY PRO SHOP 2900 W. Gunsite Road Paulden, AZ 86334 928-636-4565 PRESCOTT POLICE DEPARTMENT 222 S. Marina St. Prescott, AZ … [Read more...]
May Newsletter
May is Upon Us! Spring is well underway and Summer just around the corner. Nothing has slowed down at the Gunsite Ranch! Last week we had seven (7) classes underway here. Logistics becomes a crucial issue and staying on task and on the timeline is a challenge for the instructors. This week is Team Tactics for 2, Shotgun 260, Shotgun Advanced Tactical Problems and the Jeff Cooper 250 Pistol Class. This 250 is all 1911 pistols with leather gear. Our “seasoned” instructors (Those of us that learned from and worked for Jeff Cooper) take the lead and it is a grand time. Lindy Cooper Wisdom is … [Read more...]
Gunsite Academy Expands To Alabama
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PAULDEN, AZ – December 15, 2022 – Gunsite Academy is proud to announce its newest partnership with the Mobile County Metro Range in Mobile, AL. This state-of-the-art facility includes a firing range, two training classrooms and a simulator training room. With this partnership Gunsite will be able to offer its most popular class, the “250 Defensive Pistol” outside of its main location in Paulden, AZ. Taught by Certified Gunsite Instructors, the 250 Defensive Pistol class is known as the “The Gunsite Experience”. The class includes five solid days of range work, … [Read more...]
A Message from Gunsite CEO Sheriff Ken Campbell (Ret.)
Changes To Shipping Your Firearm To/From Gunsite Shipping companies have now succumbed to the political correctness and pressure from the Democrats as to gun control. Since Congress is following the will of the constituents and will not pass gun control legislation, they are attempting to negatively influence the shooting industry in other ways. UPS and FedEx no longer follow the ATF regulation allowing a person to ship their legally owned firearm to themselves. The two major shippers now require you to take your firearm to an FFL, pay them to enter it in their bound book and ship it … [Read more...]
GUNSITE ACADEMY WELCOMES NEW INSTRUCTORS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PAULDEN, AZ – October 12, 2022 – Gunsite Academy, the world’s oldest and largest premiere firearms training school is proud to announce the addition of two new certified instructors to their staff. Matt Avenatti of Newton, New Jersey and Matthew Eagleston of Woodbury, Ct have earned their certifications as staff firearms instructor at Gunsite Academy. Becoming a recognized Gunsite Academy instructor is no easy task. Requiring hundreds of hours of training and attending numerous classes at Gunsite Academy, the candidate must then be recommended by a certified Gunsite … [Read more...]
Gunsite Hosts The Stephanie Calams Memorial Scholarship Combat Competition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PAULDEN, AZ - June 23, 2022 - For the 7th consecutive year Gunsite Academy, the world’s premier firearms training facility is proud to host The Stephanie Lynne Calams Memorial Scholarship Combat Competition Match. The goal of this fundraiser is to assist low income kids in attending college. Stephanie Calams was a schoolteacher who taught English as a 2nd language to 6th graders. She focused all her energy toward preparing her students for academic success, tutoring before and after school, buying school supplies from her own pocket, doing what she could. Stephanie … [Read more...]
GUNSITE ACADEMY SPONSORS ARMED WOMEN OF AMERICA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PAULDEN, AZ – May 11,2022 – Gunsite Academy, the world’s premier firearms training facility is proud to announce the continuation of its long-time support of the Armed Women of America. A non-profit organization with chapters across the country, the AWA offers women the opportunity to learn and grow in their ability to handle firearms safely and competently. In addition to being a top-level sponsor, Gunsite Academy is also the host range for Arizona’s largest AWA chapter in the state and will be assisting the AWA with their on-going education … [Read more...]
GUNSITE ACADEMY WELCOMES NEW INSTRUCTOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PAULDEN, AZ – July 29, 2022 – Gunsite Academy, the world’s oldest premiere firearms training school is proud to announce 39-year-old Brian DeKind of Lake Villa, IL has earned his certification as a staff firearms instructor at Gunsite Academy. Becoming a recognized Gunsite Academy instructor is no easy task. Requiring hundreds of hours of training and attending numerous classes at Gunsite Academy, the candidate must then be recommended by a certified Gunsite Range Master. Once recommended, the candidate goes through intensive training, working with numerous … [Read more...]
Gunsite October Newsletter
Frost (Well, Raindrops) on the Pumpkin October came in like a (Sea)Lion at the Gunsite Alumni Shoot (GAS Match) on Saturday October 1. It was underway with the Granite Mountain Young Marines Color Guard presenting the colors at 0730 for the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. Shortly thereafter, the match with near 250 contestants was underway. The stages were quick paced and challenging. I had warned all at the morning brief to pack an extra brain and I think I was true to my word. Lunch was tasty as always, but shortly after lunch, many wondered if we had a stage for … [Read more...]
September Gunsite Newsletter
LABOR DAY, 2022 The traditional end of summer is upon us. The summer monsoons have blessed the Gunsite Ranch in the high desert and foliage is unusually green. There are more caterpillars than we recall ever seeing (Just waiting for the large moths they turn into) and the tarantulas are beginning their mating season. What are we missing? More Gunsite Family! If you have not enrolled in the Gunsite Alumni Shoot (GAS Match) on October 1, while it is not officially closed, it will be within days. We increased the competitors to 250 this year. (We are gearing up for a huge number in … [Read more...]
August Gunsite Newsletter
The Dog Days of Summer How did it become August 5 already? Didn’t we just celebrate Memorial Day and Independence Day? Now Labor Day is around the corner. It has been a bit warm here at the Gunsite Ranch the last month, but that did not deter any training. We continue at a record pace, looking at beating last year’s record numbers. With pandemic in our rear-view mirror (There is a reason the windshield is bigger than the rear-view mirror), our firearms industry partners are returning to Gunsite for events. We have had Mossberg, Timney Triggers, Ruger, Glock and many more allowing … [Read more...]
Gunsite June Newsletter
Summer has Arrived! What happened to “the Ides of March?” Seems like Spring was just a few days ago. It really is no surprise at the Gunsite Ranch that time seems to move so quickly as busy as we are. While I am not making a sales pitch for classes or GAS Match, if you haven’t enrolled in what class or GAS, you might get moving on it. GAS has over one hundred sixty (160) enrollments as of today. We close at two hundred twenty-five (225). It looks like it will fill sooner than usual this year. Don’t tarry! We anticipate a new vendor/sponsor or two (2) in vendor row as well as … [Read more...]
Welcome New Staff
Gunsite Academy, the world’s oldest premiere firearms training school is pleased to announce the addition of Shari LeGate as Director of Marketing to the Gunsite team. LeGate, a long-time industry professional comes to this newly created position from FMG Publications, where she held various positions, the most recent as Video Producer and contributing writer to their numerous firearm publications. LeGate brings with her an extensive knowledge of marketing, promotion and the shooting sports. A former shooting sports champion, Legate spent 12 years as a member of the U.S. Shooting shotgun … [Read more...]
Gunsite April Newsletter
Hard to believe it is Holy Week and Easter is upon us. Time literally flies here at Gunsite with all the classes going on. Almost all the 250 Pistol classes between now and November have doubled. (Well, except for end of May and it has tripled.) Pistol Caliber Carbine, Close Quarters Pistol, Precision Rifle 7 (PR7) and Gun Stories are here this week. Last week Outdoor Life and Defensive Handguns were filming. Have you watched Guns and Ammo TV this year? They have featured Gunsite in nearly every episode. We greatly appreciate all our media partners and what they do to support … [Read more...]
Gunsite March Newsletter
Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. — Joshua 1:9 While this certainly is not a religious column, this verse spoke to me this morning considering all that is happening in our world. How prepared are you and your family for the possibility of problems? March has arrived like a lion at Gunsite. Not weather-wise, but training wise. The first of many double 250 Pistol classes is Monday, along with a 350 and Night Vision Pistol Carbine. Next up is the Tactical Medicine class … [Read more...]
January 2022 Newsletter
“New Year’s Day: Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.” ― Mark Twain (Well, other than your resolution to make your first or next venture to Gunsite!) Another beautiful day at the Gunsite Ranch. The mornings start out cool (18 F this AM, but 53 F now.). Many things happening at Gunsite beyond classes. We have been here 46+ years and look forward to many, many more. Part of that is long-term capital improvements. When you visit over the next 12-18 months, new buildings will be underway. … [Read more...]
Gunsite December Newsletter
MERRY CHRISTMAS! MERRY CHRISTMAS! MERRY CHRISTMAS! “And let no one scrooge it up by grumbling, “So what’s to be merry about?” Certainly there is plenty that is wrong with the world. God never promised the human race a bed of roses. But there is plenty that is right, too. More than right – beautiful, marvelous, joyous, inspiring!” How about autumn, winter, spring, and summer? How about an agile car on a winding road? How about Beethoven and Shakespeare and Kipling? How about the rejection of Cal 15? How about a blazing log on a dark and stormy morning? How about a broiled lobster? How about … [Read more...]
Gunsite November Newsletter
Thanksgiving "By the President of the United States of America. A PROCLAMATION. The time of year has come when, in accordance with the wise custom of our forefathers, it becomes my duty to set aside a special day of thanksgiving and praise to the Almighty because of the blessings we have received, and of prayer that these blessings may be continued. Yet another year of widespread well-being has past. Never before in our history or in the history of any other nation has a people enjoyed more abounding material prosperity than is ours; a prosperity so great that it should arouse in us no … [Read more...]
2021 Gunsite Alumni Shoot
The winners of the Gunsite Alumni Shoot are: Master Class Category - Jay Fielder 1st Place - Isaac Hanson 2nd Place - Hardy Spence 3rd Place - Logan Moody High Junior - Joey Tweedy High Senior - Ken Siverts High Lady - Amber Montenegro Cooper Cup - Randy Tweedy (again) The Median Shooter - Bill Hurdle Here is a link to the pictures taken at the match Match Results Combined Pictures from the Match … [Read more...]
Early Fall Newsletter
Whew . . . Where did August go and how is it the 8th of September already? So much has happened and is happening in our world. “Be on the Alert, Stand firm in the Faith, Act like Men, Be Strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 With that said, it is clear why Gunsite is seeing an exponential amount of new gun owners in our 250/223/260 courses. More and more people are recognizing the state of the world and know they are the First Responder for themselves and their families. As some of you know, Mike Moore (Gunsmith and Gunsite Rangemaster) was tragically killed in a traffic accident near … [Read more...]
Pistol Mounted Optics Part V
Pistol-mounted optics are battery-powered and man-made. As a result, they can fail. Not anywhere near as often as they once did, but they can. How do you deal with that if it happens? First, for the foreseeable future, set your pistol up with back-up sights. Whether you have them in the bottom of the glass or co-witnessed with the dot is a discussion for another Instructor’s Corner article. Just have a set of back-up sights. To practice transitioning to your iron sights, work either dry practice or shooting drills with the dot turned off. Here are three more ways you can continue to … [Read more...]
July Gunsite Newsletter
INDEPENDENCE DAY! Independence Day is a grand holiday for the Republic, but especially for the Gunsite family. Celebrating the day that guaranteed our unalienable rights is an unprecedented event every year. I still fondly think back on the young woman who publicly recited the Pledge of Allegiance for the second time since achieving her US citizenship prior to her Gunsite 250. She was rightfully emotional and proud! We must share some very sad news with the Gunsite family. Long-time Rangemaster and recently retired Gunsite Gunsmith Mike Moore was killed in a traffic accident last … [Read more...]
WHAT DVC MEANS AND HOW IT APPLIES TO YOU
And How It Applies To You. By Jeremy D. Clough The letters “DVC” are prominently displayed in the USPSA logo, and routinely encountered around the practical shooting world. The initials for the Latin words “Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas” (accuracy, power, speed), DVC was popularized by Jeff Cooper as shorthand for the goals of defensive shooting. Not for the whole shebang of avoidance and self-protection — there are color codes, the combat triad, the OODA loop and many other factors that play into that — but the serious business of putting holes where they need to go. And it is inherently … [Read more...]
Gunsmithy Corner – The New Crew
Overview With Mike Moore retiring as the Gunsmithy for Gunsite Academy, the time for a fresh start was at hand. With the ever-growing class sizes and demand for custom work, who better to pace the strides of Gunsite than two growing business that have been supporting the shooters and instructors of Gunsite personnel and alumni than Dave Fink and Bobby Tyler? Who They Are Finks Custom Gunsmithing has been in Chino Valley Arizona just outside of Gunsite academy for 4 years. The Fink crew’s passion was split between custom pistol/rifle work and firearms refinishing. Tyler Gun Works, … [Read more...]
BRAVE Carbine Course
BRAVE (Ballistic Response Against Violent Encounters) is a family of classes developed to afford students a time and cost-effective way to receive training in a variety of topics related to everyday self-protection issues. While other BRAVE classes focus on pistol tactics, BRAVE Carbine provides information in a variety of topics related to the deployment of the modern sporting rifle platform. BRAVE Carbine has the prerequisite requirement of Gunsite 250 pistol and 223 carbine classes. The class begins, like all Gunsite classes, with a classroom presentation of general safety principles … [Read more...]
April Newsletter
"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake." Napoleon Bonaparte April Fool is upon us. Yes, I just listened to President Biden again, this time discussing more of his record number of Executive Orders. His directives that continue to erode our rights have now come to our unalienable Second Amendment rights. We can only hope that his actions, his in-actions, and his on-going mishaps and blunders when trying to speak will awaken the lions and cause rumbles among the sheep. As you continue to experience the changes in our lives caused by the actions of the parties in … [Read more...]
Ballistic Response to Active Violent Encounters
Ballistic Response to Active Violent Encounters (BRAVE) is a family of classes presented at Gunsite Academy designed to enable students to develop multiple skills in the field of personal protection studies. By BOB WHALEY When evaluating your training needs, recognize there are at least two levels. Level one consists of core skills. Basically, the bullet goes in here, comes out here; stand like this; aim like that, etc. You have to have those skill sets before you move on to the next level of tactical training. In tactical training, you analyze a problem (street crimes, … [Read more...]
Gunsite March Newsletter
March comes in like a lamb at Gunsite. Sunny and 55 degrees this afternoon for the Shotgun 260 and Seasoned Citizen 250 classes. This is some of the best time of the year as it starts our very cool but warms to the 50’s and 60’s. (Usually!) Classes are at a near record pace at Gunsite for 2021. Those that postponed training a year ago when the Covid 19 issues began are back at it along with our fair share of the 7M plus new gun owners getting training. If you are one of the new owners, come see us at Gunsite (or at one of our off-site locations) and get proper training before you … [Read more...]
Gunsite’s February Newsletter
Spring is not far! Coming from the Midwest when February usually meant very cold temperatures, snowy and cloudy days, it is a great pleasure to be in the high desert of northern Arizona. While we have snow (Ask the attendants of the “Artic Carbine 223 Class” a couple of weeks ago), it usually melts a day or so later and we are back to impossibly blue skies and marshmallow clouds and temperatures in the 50’s. So, why aren’t you at Gunsite taking a class? As with summer, do not fear the weather. If it does get inclement, it becomes more of an adventure and greater memory. Classes at … [Read more...]
Gunsite Christmas Newsletter
Christmas greetings to our Gunsite Family around the World. “On Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Christ with prayer, feasting, and great merriment. But, most of all, we experience it in our hearts. For more than just a day, Christmas is a state of mind. It is found throughout the year whenever faith overcomes doubt, hope conquers despair, and love triumphs over hate. It is present when men of any creed bring love and understanding to the hearts of their fellow man. The feeling is seen in the wondrous faces of children and in the hopeful eyes of the aged. It overflows the hearts of … [Read more...]
Gunsite Thanksgiving Newsletter 2020
“We should never despair, our situation before has been unpromising and has changed for the better, so I trust, it will again. If new difficulties arise, we must only put forth new exertions and proportion our efforts to the exigency of the times." - George Washington, letter to Philip Schuyler, 1777 (Thanks to Patriot Post.) That is enough on the state of the election to date . . . It is hard to believe it is near Thanksgiving 2020. It has been quite a year to say the least. The classes at Gunsite have been full with many, many new shooters as well as the loyal family members … [Read more...]
October Newsletter
Octoberfest Or The Gunsite Alumni Shoot Wrap-Up and Election 2020 What a grand Saturday on October 3 for the annual Gunsite Alumni Shoot (GAS Match). Once again, our late friend and staff member Chris Dwiggens said it best: “A social engagement slightly interrupted by gunfire.” Near two hundred (200) shooters and many guests arrived at Gunsite Saturday morning bright and early to fresh coffee, temperatures taken, breakfast by US Vets and the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Color Guard presenting the colors along with the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. (No one took a … [Read more...]
Gunsite Alumni Shoot Silent Auction
This Memorial Springfield Armory Gunsite Service Pistol (Built by long time gunsmith Ted Yost) to original Gunsite specifications, along with the Milt Sparks Yaqui Slide holster and double mag pouch will be a silent auction item from now until the day of the Gunsite Alumni Shoot. To bid on these auction items send an email to ken@gunsite.com. The pistol package is currently at $7,000 and the rifle package is at $10,000. This Remington 660 in .350 Remington Magnum was owned by Jeff Cooper. It is accompanied by two pictures of Jeff shooting the rifle when he took his Kudu and Impala and … [Read more...]
September Newsletter
"We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." ~Benjamin Franklin September has arrived in the high desert of the Gunsite Ranch. The classes are back to pre-pandemic numbers. Some classes have increased, possibly because of the pandemic and the on-going violence in some of the Republic. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” — Isaiah 9:2 So many have now “seen the light” and recognize they are responsible for their own safety and security. The government … [Read more...]
Gunsite August Newsletter
The Dog Days of Summer July has been a hot one and Gunsite finished July like a firecracker! Turmoil continues across the Republic. Gun sales (if you can find them and ammunition) are at record levels. Have you made this an opportunity to help your family, friends, and neighbors? More and more liberals are recognizing that they just might appreciate the Second Amendment after all. Do not let this be a divisive moment with these folks. Help train them, especially with the Four (4) Safety Rules. (Steer them to Gunsite!) Let this be an opportunity to help them continue to support or … [Read more...]
Precision Rifle 1.6 Mile Challenge Match
Tessa Wyrick, a graduate of many pistol, carbine, shotgun, and rifle classes and whom is also a guest instructor for PR7 and XLR has again demonstrated that the tactics and techniques she has learned at Gunsite has put her on the top. Tessa’s mastery of ballistic calculations and wind reading lead her to winning the 1.6 Mile Challenge Match held at the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, NM 29-30 June. As graduates of the Gunsite precision rifle courses know, the spotter is the most important member of the shooting team. They control the engagement from start to finish and count for more than … [Read more...]
July Newsletter
Pandemic, Riots, Political Correctness in the Breakfast Food Aisle, Wild-Fires, looting of businesses, gun stores have little inventory, Blue Flue… When do the locusts arrive? If you have not seriously considered (or revised) your individual, home and family emergency plans, as my late friend Pat Rogers and Gunsite Rangemaster would say: “That’s a clue.” The world as we knew it has again changed and not for the better. It is time to seriously review with yourself, family, (and if receptive) your workplace your emergency plans. Do you and your family know what to do if the riots engulf … [Read more...]
June Newsletter
The Gunsite family continues to grow as classes are again filling. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we continued with smaller classes (Tutorial Experiences) and modified lesson plans to allow for “social distancing.” Now that things are beginning to return to normal, the classes at Gunsite are filling quickly. We closed out May with a doubled 250 Pistol Class and a near full PR7 and several private classes. June carries on strong beginning with a 270 Rifle and a near-full 350 Intermediate Pistol. The Nashville 250 at Royal Range is near full. (Remember it is always sunny and 70 … [Read more...]
FIGHTING WITH THE M1 CARBINE
Article by Ken Campbell in Tactics and Preparedness Magazine The Patrol Rifle is now a commonly issued piece of law enforcement equipment and many citizens recognize the superiority of defending with a rifle when circumstances permit. An AR-15 variant is the norm. They are utilitarian rifles made to take the rough and tumble life of patrolling in harsh weather, living in a police cruiser or defending a home. Of course, soldiers and street cops can find a way to break an anvil with a rubber mallet, so durability is important. When I came on the job as a deputy sheriff in 1979, we were … [Read more...]
Truckers & Self-Defense
ROAD WORK (part 1)
Amos Phillips flipped on his right-turn signal and eased the brakes as he pulled his truck off Interstate 15 and onto the Exit 80 offramp at Fort Hall, Idaho. It was Sept. 2, 2018 — the day before Labor Day — and the 64-year-old trucker was “empty,” having hauled a load of railroad crossing parts from Missouri to a receiver 15 miles south of Fort Hall in Pocatello, Idaho. Multi-state drives like the one he had just completed were part of what Phillips enjoyed most about his job — seeing the country. Originally from Peoria, Illinois, he’d been to every state in the Lower 48, save for … [Read more...]
May Gunsite Newsletter
The Go Wash Your Hands Again Issue Greeting from the Gunsite Ranch. My typing fingers are near raw from all the hand sanitizer and soap and water we now call “normal.” If UV light (sunlight) kills the virus, we are executioners here at Gunsite. Spring was wet and cool, but the last week or so has been sunny and in the upper 70’s and 80’s in the high desert. Phoenix is even warmer. As an essential service in Arizona, we continue to sanitize and disinfect, practice social distancing, take every staff, client and visitors’ temperatures so we can continue with classes. Class sizes … [Read more...]
Gunsite April Newsletter
The Pandemic Issue Gunsite family: We hope this finds you all safe and sound at your place of work, home or shelter. It is a beautiful Spring day at the Ranch and Gunsite continues to teach good people how to stay alive. The 223, 250 and Pistol Tutorial are marching onward. The two (2) Day Pistol Range Day is on schedule for this weekend. The recommendations from medical providers have been monitored and followed here for several weeks. While we have always had a clean facility, our efforts are redoubled to clean and disinfect. As to the recent stay home directive from the … [Read more...]
March 2020 Newsletter
Spring has sprung at Gunsite. The weather is warming up, the sun is shining, and great training is underway on the ranges. As I write this, we are grateful that our students and staff at Royal Range in Nashville TN are unhurt from last night’s tornado. Coming from tornado alley, I understand the great damage tornadoes cause. Royal Range had some leaks, but their staff was in early making sure our 250 Pistol Course continued. Our thoughts and prayers are with the citizens and emergency responders as they work to help the injured and repair damages. This is “Super Tuesday.” We are … [Read more...]
February Newsletter
Happiness is a romantic walk to the Range! Grab a cup of coffee as this one is a bit long. Below find something I wrote in about 2013 during my prior career. While the murderous event noted is dated, the material discussed is not. More and more jurisdictions throughout the Republic are awakening to the fact that the socialists continue to try to overthrow our Nation and way of life. As a result, many are now using the socialists own verbiage against them as to their “Sanctuary” communities. I don’t mention “sanctuary” in my posting, but my conclusion is similar. "The entire … [Read more...]
End of 2019 Newsletter
The New Year is upon us! Time to sing Auld Lang Syne and ring in the new year. Hard to believe it is the next decade. Wasn’t it just a year or two ago that we were worried about the millennium? Have you set reasonable resolutions for 2020? Not lose weight or something else we probably won’t follow through on. How about getting that training you keep telling yourself you will do? The church shooting this weekend is a prime example. You saved and purchased that pistol, good holster, magazine pouch and belt and carry it. But have you received proper training and on-going practice? … [Read more...]
December Newsletter
It seems like the 2019 GAS Match was just last week, Thanksgiving has come and gone, and Christmas is rapidly approaching. While there is strife in Congress as the liberals continue to attack our Constitution and way of life, we are blessed and there is much to be thankful for. One of my favorite most recent quotes is from friend and Gunsite family member Hunter Lee Elliott: “I have my weapon of choice but will not yield in it's absence but improvise, adapt, and overcome. It is the fury I mean to deliver.” We shall continue the good fight by contacting our elected representatives and … [Read more...]
November Newsletter
Where did October go? It seems like it was yesterday that we had 220 or so participants at the Gunsite Alumni Shoot! What a great day that was. Approximately 70,000 rounds fired safely downrange as we expressed our freedoms and exercised one of our inalienable rights. We already have near 50 enrolled for GAS 2020. During GAS, we also celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Buz and Sonja Mills saving Gunsite. The positive changes made these last twenty years are amazing. There are multiple new ranges, untold new classes, new buildings and simulators and the road is paved. We … [Read more...]
Shoot Like A Girl Brings on Gunsite Alumni Christa Forrester
Gunsite Academy is proud of Gunsite Alumni Christa Forrester. Here is what Christa wrote about her experience at Gunsite. I can remember the day the envelope came in the mail. It was a day like any other day and the mail from the PO Box sat in the seat next to me. It stayed there for a few hours until I had the opportunity to open it. Inside was a Gunsite calendar and a letter from the Jeff Cooper Legacy Foundation that I had been accepted to the Gunsite 250 class through the scholarship program. I was giddy, excited and couldn’t wait to share the news with my husband. I am not sure … [Read more...]
September Gunsite Newsletter
Congress is back in session. Have you called your Congressional Representatives and United States Senators yet? Have you sent them polite and professional emails and letters explaining your stance on the Constitution, Bill or Rights and the Second Amendment? Have you sent the same to the President of the United States? About 145 or so “business leaders” have sent their letter. We outnumber them and our influence should be greater. But not if you don’t reach out. It is your responsibility to do so. As to those businesses, it wouldn’t hurt to let them know your feelings and how … [Read more...]
The Rifle Hunters Guide to Iron Sights
Both the writer David Petzal and Richard Mann are frequent visitors here at Gunsite in our rifle classes. Gun writer and F&S contributor Richard Mann takes aim with a ghost-ring rear sight and front blade.Richard Mann I got interested in guns in the early 1950s, at just about the time that scopes were being generally accepted. They were, for the most part, wretched objects—difficult to mount, dim, and fragile, with adjustments that had a sense of humor. Rifle stocks were designed so you could use either a scope or iron sights, and they worked well with neither. Gun makers, in … [Read more...]
Old West – High Tech
Interesting post from Guns Magazine. At Gunsite 45% of our clienst might shoot glocks, then 1911's and Sigs. It is a matter of personal preference. Two guns exemplified changing technology in the 1870s, if not consumer tastes. The Sharps Model 1878 Borchardt was one of the last single-shot rifles offered to a world military establishment newly focused on repeating rifles, and the Colt Model 1878 combined the quaint technology of the Single Action Army’s extraction with the rapid fire of a double-action combat revolver. A funny thing happened in 1878. A sleek, … [Read more...]
Source: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster The U.S. Border Patrol has released new video showing parts of the southern border with Mexico, which used to be accessible to illegal aliens, drug traffickers, human smugglers, cartels and other bad actors, has been closed off thanks to new fencing in Arizona. The same goes for new fencing in San Diego, where illegal aliens attempted to cross and were unsuccessful thanks to new barriers. This new fencing is a result of President Trump's national emergency declaration earlier this year. "The current situation at the southern border presents a border … [Read more...]
Universal Background Checks: The Beginning of the End for Gun Ownership – LTTE
Universal Background Checks: The Beginning of the End for Gun Ownership – LTTE Ammoland Inc.Posted on August 26, 2019 by Ammoland Opinion By Andy Massimilian Letter to the AmmoLand Editor Universal Background Checks: The Beginning of the End for Gun Ownership – LTTE USA – -(AmmoLand.com)- We hear it all the time. “Universal Background Checks” for all gun transfers are a “reasonable” and “effective” way to stop criminals and the deranged from getting guns. Don’t believe a word of it. Criminals overwhelmingly get their guns on the black market now and will continue to do so if this … [Read more...]
Why the U.S. Marshals Picked a 100-Year-Old Gun over the Glock
As more and more federal agencies adopt various variations on the Glock pistol, the recent adoption of the STI 2011 by the U.S. Marshals Service Special Operations Group (USMS SOG) stands out. The STI 2011 is a double-stack 9mm variant of the venerable 1911 pistol—a design that is over 100 years old at this point. But why did the SOG choose the 2011 instead of another Glock? The guns.com article suggests that the USMS SOG was working relatively closely with STI before the order, so in a sense, the USMS’s STI 2011 is practically a custom gun made to their request. The pistol is also … [Read more...]