Newsletters Archives

August 27, 2019 by Ken Campbell

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...]

https://www.gunsite.com/36563-2/

Universal Background Checks: The Beginning of the End for Gun Ownership – LTTE

August 27, 2019 by Ken Campbell

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...]

April Newsletter

April 1, 2019 by Ken Campbell

April Fools Day! That’s what we see in much of the halls of Congress every day! But here at the Gunsite Ranch we are ringing in April 1 with 40+ students in the two (2) 250 Pistol courses, a dozen or so in the Close Quarters Pistol with Steve Tarani, about a dozen in the XLR with Cory and Walt . . . As I say, other than that we are sitting in the office shopping on Ebay. We also are continuing our capital projects with maintenance of the paved road coming to Gunsite and the roads here on the Ranch. So, if you get delayed a few minutes, please be patient and remember what the old dirt … [Read more...]

March Newsletter

March 4, 2019 by Ken Campbell

Weather! February certainly went out like a lion and March came in with the residual snow. We had about 17” of snow for the 270 Rifle class the end of February and it made the 260 class the following week interesting in the deep snow and then the sloppy conditions. (We do appreciate the moisture and we weathered through it all.) As I said to the classes, you remember the days you trained hard in adversity much more than the easy days. The leftists and socialists continue attacks against our way of life, the Constitution and Bill of Rights and the Second Amendment. As I sat in … [Read more...]

Gunsite Newsletter – Valentine’s Day Edition

February 12, 2019 by Ken Campbell

Valentine’s Day greeting to the Gunsite Family. The sun is shining brightly on this cool winter day at the Gunsite Ranch. Another 250 Pistol Course is underway, bringing more good people into the Gunsite family. The 250 Pistol course is often the favorite of the Gunsite Staff as we see the great improvements and we see the students recognize the “Gunsite Epiphany.” In past newsletters, we have discussed not letting our guard down. We don’t mean only out on the street, but politically. The Democrats are feeling their power and again attempting to strip away our unalienable … [Read more...]

January Newsletter

January 11, 2019 by Ken Campbell

And the Attacks Resume! The New Year rings in with the renewed, strengthened attacks on our unalienable rights. No surprise to those of us who support our Constitution and way of life. What have you done to support the Bill of Rights? Sitting at your keyboard typing away on social media is just a beginning and not enough. Take time to write/contact your Senators and Congressional Representatives at the Federal level. While we hold the Senate, they need to know we expect them to stand strong. Let them know you watch their voting record and will vote accordingly. Join the … [Read more...]

December Gunsite Newsletter

November 30, 2018 by Ken Campbell

Give your loved one something they can't buy at the corner mall. Click here to visit the Gunsite ProShop. How can it be the December Newsletter time already? It seems we just celebrated Independence Day and then the Gunsite Alumni Shoot. But the cooler Fall weather is here, with Winter to follow. We continue to be busy at Gunsite. So many think we are as cold as Flagstaff in December, January and February. That is just not the case. (Just as we are not as hot as Phoenix in the summer!) The US Navy is back this week for pistol and later this month for Long Range Rifle. The 250 … [Read more...]

November Newsletter

October 26, 2018 by Ken Campbell

October was a grand month at the Gunsite Ranch. Classes of all types were not deterred by the unusual rains. (We are grateful for the moisture.) Rather, they now know that they can fight in the rain and not just when it is sunny and 70 degrees. Another mass murder has occurred in the Republic, in a house of worship. The liberals are again blaming the tool as opposed to the operator. You must understand, YOU ARE THE FIRST RESPONDER. PLAN ACCORDINGLY. Gun free zones are easy targets for the miscreants. Do not go unarmed. Wear your carry pistol. Carry reloads. Think about an … [Read more...]

October Newsletter

October 10, 2018 by Ken Campbell

Gunsite Alumni Shoot 2018 is in the books! Once again, a great “social engagement slightly interrupted by gunfire.” About 80,000 rounds safely fired down range with over 200 shooters and multiple guests. (We also had the USMC fly over early Friday morning. They did a brief show in their Russian look-alike jets. (The Aggressor Squadron.) The pilots (one a Gunsite graduate) joined us for the steak dinner in the campground later that evening. The GAS Match is so much more than just a shooting event. It truly is a family reunion where friends, family and Gunsite family get … [Read more...]

September Newsletter

August 31, 2018 by Ken Campbell

The Rainy Season! Gunsite and much of Arizona was blessed with a wonderful rainy season. The landscape went from brown tinder to a growing green with near daily rains. The fortune continued as the rains often fell at times that did not disturb classes. Some were so heavy that we lost three (3) culverts in the Donga. Fire is not as great a risk and campers in the Gunsite campground can cook over that open fire or charcoal again! September has us roaring back with multiple courses. Labor Day Week has a double 250 Pistol, the ever-popular Battle Rifle, the 1911 Armorer Course, … [Read more...]

Gunsite August Newsletter

July 31, 2018 by Ken Campbell

The Rainy Season! The blessed rains have finally arrived in the high desert. We aren’t shy to say that things were worrisome during the drought. Fire watch was a priority for all hands and we were successful. A campground just isn’t the same without a campfire or charcoal cooked burgers and steaks. The pop-up afternoon thunderstorms washed out the Donga culverts again, but our great maintenance staff can handle that. Classes weren’t interrupted too much with the rains either. The “green” is a welcome sight. The long-awaited 2019 calendars are in hand! They will be mailed in early … [Read more...]

The Fifty Caliber Shooters Association World Championships

July 12, 2018 by Ken Campbell

The 4th of July holiday proved to be a great weekend for one of our instructors Walter Wilkinson. The Fifty Caliber Shooters Association (FCSA) World Championships (50 BMG) were held at the NRA Whittington center in Raton, NM 5-7 July. There were shooters from Australia, Great Britain, Spain and the US in attendance. The FCSA 1000 yard matches have four classes; Light Gun, Heavy Gun, Unlimited and Hunter. In the first 3 classes, the rifles are normally shot from a machine rest off the bench. Hunter class requires the shooter to fire from the ground with a bipod. The match is broken down … [Read more...]

Gunsite is looking for new T’Shirt Ideas

July 9, 2018 by Ken Campbell

… [Read more...]

Calams Charity Combat Match at Gunsite

July 6, 2018 by Ken Campbell

Winner of the Match - Kelly Neal III with Jim Calams STEPHANIE LYNNE CALAMS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP COMBAT GUN COMPETITION was held at Gunsite Academy on June 30th, 2018. Funds raised at this match will benefit local Yavapai County scholarships. Here is a link to the pictures taken by Gary Gromer at the match: https://www.gunsite.com/photos/callam-charity-combat-match-at-gunsite/. For full match results contact gunsiteacademy@gunsite.com. Stephanie Lynne Calams graduated from Texas A&M University in 2007 and was a devoted Aggie fan. She earned her Master’s in Curriculum and … [Read more...]

July Newsletter

July 2, 2018 by Ken Campbell

Independence Day! So many grand things happening in the Republic and at Gunsite. Our new sign on the front gate says it all: Please excuse our noise. It's the sound of LIBERTY. President Theodore Roosevelt spoke on July 4, 1903 of the greatness of America, despite the divisiveness of the Civil War. He recognized the great American spirit, our beliefs in God and Country, and how we must continue the good fight. “…It is a good thing, on the Fourth of July and on all other occasions of national thanksgiving, for us to come together, and we have the right to express our pride in what … [Read more...]

June Newsletter

June 4, 2018 by Ken Campbell

Are you aware? Did you stop for fuel this morning? Can you recall if there were people around you? Do you even remember if there was a car or truck next to you? If you have no awareness, you have little chance to survive an attack. If you are not mentally “in the game,” your chance of engaging and winning a violent encounter (Surviving is often a by-product of winning.) are greatly reduced. Four (4) persons were murdered this weekend in Phoenix. (Probably by the same miscreant.) While we have no insider information as to how the attacks occurred, my guess would be that the … [Read more...]

School Board Member Thanks Gunsite

May 30, 2018 by Ken Campbell

Good evening Ken, I wanted to tell you Thank You! I participated in the May 250 pistol course. I can’t express what an incredible gift this was for Gunsite to offer free tuition for school board presidents. I am truly humbled to have received it. I improved my skills so much in those five days. It was unbelievable! Joe, Mario, Jerry and Verlin did an incredible job keeping everyone safe, engaged and learning. In short this class was amazing. Please pass this along to everyone at Gunsite. You guys have got it figured out. Amazing facility! Incredible instructors! Over the top friendly … [Read more...]

May Newsletter

May 3, 2018 by Ken Campbell

May has come with blessed rains at Gunsite. We are in drought conditions and the .35” of rain we received yesterday was a welcome sight. Some of the folks in Seasoned Citizen Carbine, Concealed Carry Pistol and two (2) tutorials may not have appreciated it as much though! May is a grand month in the high desert, with cool mornings and warm afternoons sprinkled with the sound of freedom (Gunfire) across the many Gunsite ranges. Two (2) 250 Pistol classes begin next week as well as additional tutorials. We also have another 250 Pistol Course at the beautiful Colonial Shooting Academy … [Read more...]

April Newsletter

April 2, 2018 by Ken Campbell

DID WE DROP OUR GUARD? March is not going out like a Lamb. With the murderous attacks by criminals of late, the liberals are on a full-scale attack of our unalienable rights. Regardless of legality, “We’ve got to do something” seems to be their mantra. Did we drop our guard after the Presidential Election thinking that all would be well? Did we (foolishly) trust those elected “Conservatives” in Congress to remember who voted them and the President into Office and their promises? Did we allow ourselves to go from Yellow or Orange to White? It is time to re-awaken the fighting … [Read more...]

March Newsletter

March 1, 2018 by Ken Campbell

March is upon us and is coming in like a lion. No, the weather at Gunsite is grand, but the Republic is in an uproar. We have followed the various media outlets, conservative and liberal, mainstream and otherwise. We have followed the commentary on various social media. So much said with so little facts in much of it all. It is interesting to note that so many of the population follow what so many with little real-world life experiences have to say. What can a television or movie star or musician know of the life of those of us in “steerage.” They live in their gated communities … [Read more...]

February Newsletter

February 1, 2018 by Ken Campbell

February means Ground Hogs Day, Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Valentine’s Day, and Arizona Statehood Day. (Several of the Gunsite family here in the Prescott area head to Augie’s Restaurant on Fat Tuesday for a steaks, cigars and whiskey event on Fat Tuesday!) It also means much of the Republic is in the depth of the Winter season. (It is sunny and 73 here at the Gunsite Ranch with a 223 Class enjoying the sunshine as I write this.) With the weather foul in your area, that doesn’t mean your training stops. Rather, it is time for you to dry practice with your winter concealed carry. … [Read more...]

January Newsletter

January 9, 2018 by Ken Campbell

January is the beginning of the doldrums of winter for many parts of the Republic, looking forward to grey skies, snow and cold weather. Not so at the Gunsite Ranch. At Gunsite, we know it is the beginning of the training year. The weather in the high desert is not as cold as Flagstaff (nor is it as warm as Phoenix!), but it is good training weather. We may get a bit of cold or some rain or snow, but the sun will be out the next day melting and drying and warming into the 40’s and 50’s. If you are in need of a “sun fix,” another good reason to come to Gunsite. SHOT Show is near … [Read more...]

Disparaging the Guru

December 13, 2017 by Ken Campbell

The following article was posted by Richard Mann on his Blog 'Empty Cases'. Bashing Jeff Cooper on social media or blogs seems to be the in thing to do now days. Mostly perpetuated by millennial shooters, Granny Hawkins would file these vain attempts to get attention under www.doodlysquat.com (If you don’t know who Granny Hawkins is, you’re a millennial for sure.) This bashing runs the gamut of proclamations that the Weaver stance is outdated, that the Modern Technique of the Pistol has been superseded, and even includes declarations that anyone who reads or remotely admires Jeff Cooper is … [Read more...]

December Newsletter

December 5, 2017 by Ken Campbell

"Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things… and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” - Walt Disney Winter is around the corner and Christmas is knocking at the door. We finish the year with a full 250 Pistol Course, a Ruger media event and a private course. We have run with all hands, hard at it, all year. Now we begin to slow down, but also the hard work of refit and refurbish. New coats of paint, repairs in shoot houses, inventory and more so we are ready for the nearing 2018 … [Read more...]

November Newsletter

November 6, 2017 by Ken Campbell

And We Repeat Ourselves Again . . . Events of the world have us re-writing the Newsletter once again . . . To quote Gunsite Family Member and noted leather-smith Rob Leahy: “We need to eliminate unarmed free fire zones for the insane... get trained, go armed, it's all on you.” The internet is ablaze with quotes, memes, theories, and more after the Church murders this weekend. The weeping cries for more gun control were heard before the crime scene was cleared in Texas. (We try to follow the 72- hour rule prior to much commentary. Details in the infancy of a crime are often wrong, … [Read more...]

October Newsletter – Post GAS

October 12, 2017 by Ken Campbell

October is always a grand month at Gunsite. The Fall weather has arrived, temps are cool in the morning and warm in the afternoon. The sky is bright with stars all the way to the Milky Way. Gunsite Family, new and old, are hustling and bustling in their courses. And there is the first real sign of Fall: the Gunsite Alumni Shoot. The Gunsite Alumni Shoot is a great event. To quote our late friend, instructor and staff member Chris Dwiggens: “A social engagement slightly interrupted by gunfire.” GAS 2017 was another grand event. Over 150 shooters competed all day in the ten (10) stages … [Read more...]

September News Letter

September 4, 2017 by Ken Campbell

LABOR DAY! The official end of summer and the beginning of Fall is upon us. Tomatoes are ripening, sweet corn is ready and the rattlesnakes are out in force. Gunsite has a near full 250 Pistol Class, a Battle Rifle and a Pistol Tutorial underway this Labor Day morning. As the great basketball coach Bobby Knight said: “most people have the will to win. Few have the will to prepare.” (Yes, I’m an Indiana University graduate!). Those with the will to prepare are spending their Labor Day Monday (and the rest of the week) at Gunsite. Our thoughts are with many today. Certainly our … [Read more...]

August Newsletter

August 7, 2017 by Ken Campbell

The Rainy Season - August is well upon us at the Gunsite Ranch and it is unusually green. The rain has blessed us, and punished us, both this year. A few weeks ago during our Youth 250 Pistol class, we had a monsoon rain that turned us into an island for an hour or so. We also lost two (2) six foot 6’ culverts on the Donga. Think about how much water it takes to move those! Regardless, we soldiered on, the Youth were great and class was completed. Thanks to the parents for sharing their great Americans with us for the week. Thirteen kids was the largest Youth 250 Pistol Class we have … [Read more...]

July Newsletter

July 10, 2017 by Ken Campbell

"It [Independence Day] ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more." -- John Adams Independence Day has come and gone for 2017. We hope the Gunsite Family celebrated with appropriate fanfare. The Monsoon rains had not yet arrived at Gunsite and most fireworks were cancelled here. The Veteran’s 250 Pistol Courses began this morning and there … [Read more...]

Team Gunsite at the King of 2 Miles Match

July 6, 2017 by Ken Campbell

Team Gunsite finished 3rd out of 49 teams at the King of 2 Miles match at the NRA Whittington Center 27-29 June. With Walter Wilkinson shooting his Steyr HS-50 (50BMG) and Tessa Wyrick spotting it was a recipe for success. Tessa controlled the whole shooting session on Day two. She ran the numbers through the ballistic computer, got the come-ups, watched the wind and decided on what we would hold. She second guessed herself on the cold bore target and we missed that one, but from there on it was first round Hit City! We were the only team to get all first round hits on the scoring targets … [Read more...]

June Gunsite Newsletter

May 29, 2017 by Ken Campbell

My agenda for this morning was to write the June Gunsite Newsletter and wax on eloquently about Memorial Day and how we need to remember the sacrifices of all our veterans these last 200+ years. Then discuss the many training opportunities we have across the country and the happenings at the Gunsite Ranch. However, another Terrorist incident in Europe is at the forefront of my thoughts. We could also throw in Mind Set training and again discuss the Principles of Personal Defense book (from last month’s column). Posting memes of the British Flag with kind words, offering thoughts and … [Read more...]

May Gunsite Newsletter

May 1, 2017 by Ken Campbell

“When the flag flies” (As Col. Cooper would say), will you be ready? The old photo of a young SWAT Captain, after the successful capture of a murderer, is a grand example. A young woman was brutally beaten and left in a pond to drown. A day or so later, a tip was received as to where the miscreant was located. There was not time to get the “special teams” gathered. Rather, it was grab who you had and rely on your training and experience. We did not need to develop a plan, but modify a plan based upon those experiences and training. As a result, this murderer was captured with no injury … [Read more...]

April Gunsite Newsletter

April 5, 2017 by Ken Campbell

Another Double 250 Pistol Class is underway this week at Gunsite. I tell the students, “I can’t sit in my office and listen to gunfire on the ranges without coming to visit.” And what a pleasure it is to have so many good people, recognizing their unalienable right to defend themselves and their loved ones, and seeking great training. Seeing the smiles on their faces, watching their improvement from day-to-day, helps us remember the grand work Gunsite has been doing the last forty one (41) years. If you have been considering taking a Gunsite class (or returning for a refresher or new … [Read more...]

March 2017 Newsletter

March 1, 2017 by Ken Campbell

March Roars In Like A Lion! While the weather at the Gunsite Ranch is beautiful today ushering in the month of March, it also is roaring in like a lion and we hope it continues throughout the year! With the March schedule, it will also go out like a lion. Nothing roars quite like the Scattergun in a defensive situation and that’s what is happening on Shot Quad, York and in the Simulators today. We complete TD3 of a 260 Shotgun class today with several good citizens, staff from the US Geologic Survey in Alaska and Airmen from the USAF. Training continues through Friday. A Gunsite 160 … [Read more...]

February Newsletter

January 31, 2017 by Ken Campbell

February . . . In some of the Republic, the depth of winter, grey skies, snow that no longer is “fun” and pristine white. Col. Cooper chose wisely when he selected this area for “The American Pistol Institute.” (Now Gunsite Academy.) In the high desert of Arizona at the Gunsite Ranch, we are well into the beginning of the new year training season. Our first 250 Pistol Course a week or so ago was a challenge with rain, wind, snow, warm temperatures and back to snow. But in typical Gunsite Family fashion, the students stepped up and performed well. They especially enjoyed the visit with … [Read more...]

Christmas Newsletter

December 10, 2016 by admin-view

“This is the Christmas that a war-weary world has prayed for through long and awful years. . . . We meet in the spirit of the first Christmas, when the midnight choir sang the hymn of joy: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Harry Truman, December 24, 1945 “Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.” Winston Churchill Christmas greetings from the Gunsite Ranch and the Gunsite Family. Our family has much to reflect and rejoice about. The Republic has survived another tumultuous year intact. We … [Read more...]

November Newsletter

November 1, 2016 by admin-view

Election Day is upon us. If you are a gun owner, it is incumbent upon you to Vote! It is incumbent upon you to find like-minded gun owners and have them vote. We recognize that some of our gun owners favorite candidate did not make the ballot. Regardless of that, lack of a vote is as good as a vote for Hillary Clinton and the Democrats. If for no other reason, understand the fate of the Supreme Court is at stake in this election. The next President may appoint as many as three (3) Supreme Court Justices. If liberals are appointed, many of the proper Pro Constitution decisions and … [Read more...]

Gunsite Alumni Shoot News

September 1, 2016 by admin-view

After months of planning and hours of meetings, Gunsite’s 40th Anniversary Celebration is upon us. A tremendous amount of effort is being expended to make this GAS a huge success. October 1st’s GAS will be the biggest Gunsite Alumni Shoot EVER. We anticipate 250 participants (plus family) instructors, staff and our great volunteers. We look forward to our annual “Family Reunion.” Latecomers: Sorry, but GAS has been sold out for months! We’ll have a HUGE crowd of shooters for our 40th Anniversary GAS. As always, parking will be restricted to the campground beginning on Friday … [Read more...]

September Newsletter

September 1, 2016 by admin-view

After months of planning and hours of meetings, Gunsite’s 40th Anniversary Celebration is upon us. October 1 (Four weeks from Saturday!) will be the biggest Gunsite Alumni Shoot (GAS Match) in our history. We anticipate 250 participants plus family plus instructors, staff and our great volunteers. (We have been sold out for months!) We look forward to our annual “Family Reunion.” This September we offer the new Emergency medical Preparedness Course, a 260 Shotgun, 250 Pistol, 350 pistol, a Kimber media event, a CCW Shoot, 223 & 556 Carbine, private tutorials, AND an off-site … [Read more...]

Why I defend the Second Amendment and my right to own an AR-15

August 30, 2016 by admin-view

Yesterday I listened as a progressive spokesman asked a television anchor-person why any private person would need an “assault rifle”. Let me tell him why. However, before I proceed let me remind everyone that “Assault Rifles” are fully-automatic weapons capable of firing more than one shot with a single squeeze of the trigger. They are legal for some citizens to own, but federal law demands a NCIC background check, fingerprints, passport photos, a $200 fee and a rather long waiting time. Possession of an unlicensed automatic weapon is a felony. An AR-15 may resemble an “Assault … [Read more...]

August Newsletter

August 1, 2016 by admin-view

Dog Days of Summer! It has been warm at Gunsite this month and the wonderful Summer Monsoons are finally arriving. Fortunately, the lesson plans of The Modern Technique allow us flexibility to work around the warm temperatures and the sudden rains. (Remember that you can usually subtract 15-20 degrees from the Phoenix temperatures.) And yes we know it is hot like an oven, but coming from the mid-west humidity, it isn’t hot like a crock pot! August begins with your first 150 Pistol Course at The Firearms Academy of Seattle as well as a 150 Pistol in the Nashville TN area. Later in … [Read more...]

July Newsletter

July 1, 2016 by admin-view

Independence Day – So many think of July 4 as the holiday as opposed to it being Independence Day. But, history is no longer taught as many of us learned it, on our stone tablets, after we rode our dinosaurs to and from school, uphill, both ways. Independence Day is recognized as the day the Colonies declared their independence from the British Monarchy, risking all. Richard Henry Lee of Virginia presented a resolution with the famous words: "Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to … [Read more...]

May Gunsite Newsletter

May 2, 2016 by admin-view

Last Friday I posted on our Social Media (You do follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram don’t you?) that one of the great pleasures of my job at Gunsite is taking the recent 250 Course Graduates to visit Mrs. Cooper at the Sconce for her legendary tea, lemonade (Arnold Palmers) and brownies. It is wonderful to see her brighten up as she greets each new Gunsite Family Member, welcoming them to her home and listen as she explains Gunsite history, the design of the Sconce and a tour of her home, including Col. Cooper’s library and Armory. If you have not had the pleasure, it is just … [Read more...]

April Newsletter

March 30, 2016 by admin-view

Hope Springs Eternal While pondering the monthly newsletter, so many thoughts came to mind: the state of the world, Presidential Politics, Terrorism, And the price of gas . . . Some of the thoughts were near depressing. But yesterday’s client changed the tone for me. During a Ladies’ Pistol Class, a woman with a debilitating illness was back for another Gunsite Course. Her illness has progressed and she travels about in a mobility scooter. This did not deter her from enrolling again. However, she learned that her challenges were a bit more than she anticipated and it worried her … [Read more...]

Gunsite Zombie Drill

March 15, 2016 by admin-view

There are a handful of places in this world where I feel truly content. At home with my wife and kids. In a tree stand in the fall woods as dawn approaches. On a sailboat ripping through small waves on a steady salt breeze… and in the high desert of Paulden, Arizona, at Gunsite Academy. Last week I took part in the inaugural Defense Against Street Crimes course, one of several new specialized classes that have been under development at Gunsite Academy to help students adapt to a changing threat environment. I’ll be talking more about the class over the course of the next week as I … [Read more...]

March Newsletter

February 26, 2016 by admin-view

“Super Tuesday” is upon us and other elections to follow. It is always significant for a citizen to exercise their right to vote, but more so this year. Do your due diligence and determine which candidate will support what your belief is. As a Gunsite Family Member, we feel confident that you support our Constitution, Bill of Rights and the Republic. Study hard and make an informed decision. It is also important for you to realize that by not voting now (or in the General Election if your candidate does not prevail) that the way of life as we know it will soon be gone. Clearly there … [Read more...]

February Newsletter

February 2, 2016 by admin-view

Winter in the High Desert Our first 250 Pistol Class for 2016 as we begin Gunsite’s 40th Year is complete! It seems so appropriate that this group was all NEW to Gunsite. During their greeting on Monday morning I said: “You’ll be back!” True to that, more than one has enrolled for their next Gunsite experience. Gunsite is always a fun and exciting place to visit and train, but even more during this year as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary, Plan the grand celebration during the Gunsite Alumni Shoot on October 1, and begin our many new classes. We also have the new 250 Pistol classes … [Read more...]

January Newsletter

January 15, 2016 by admin-view

The new year is well upon us and Spring must be around the corner. We know this because we are about to make the trek to the Shooting, Hunting Outdoor Show (SHOT SHOW) in las Vegas. The Gunsite staff walks miles and miles of the aisles to meet with vendors of our various product lines, meet media to schedule their events at Gunsite, and of course meeting with Gunsite family members. We hope to see some of you there. The Citizen Response to Active Shooter course in the spring is full and the Fall class nears full. Thus, we have added another in the late Spring. It is disheartening to … [Read more...]

An Armed Society is a Polite Society

December 31, 2015 by admin-view Leave a Comment

This article taken from the Sacramento Union Monday March 2, 1981 by Peter Arnett AP Special Correspondent PRESCOTT, Ariz. (AP) - In circles where the gun is king, Jeff Cooper is a crown prince. "An Armed society is a polite society," he tells his subjects and in his company people are very polite indeed. The former U.S. marine colonel, a tanned, fit 60, entertains visitors by cocking his Colt .45 automatic pistol and shooting berries off the juniper bushes in his 200 acre backyard. "THERE ARE PEOPLE in America who have never seen a real gun," he complained. "This is the first time … [Read more...]

A Thanksgiving Mindset

November 18, 2015 by Ken Campbell Leave a Comment

With Thanksgiving upon us, many Gunsite family members will be travelling throughout the Republic for family festivities. We recognize the state of the world and the threats by our enemies to strike the homeland. As a result, we try to travel prepared. (Read: Armed!) We also need to remember that your Mental Awareness is something you can always improve upon. (Recall your Mindset Lecture and the Color Code. If not, time to re-read Principles of Personal Defense.) It would be incumbent upon you to review the laws of where you are travelling (and those states you transit through) to … [Read more...]

October Newsletter

October 8, 2015 by Ken Campbell

Fall is well upon us in the High Desert at Gunsite. We know that because the mornings are wonderfully cool, the days are bright, the sunsets are beautiful and we have completed another Gunsite Alumni Shoot (GAS)! What a great week it was preceding GAS: The “Knuckleheads” (An affectionate term for a raucous group of Gunsite alumni, some with 30 classes under their belts.) taking a special designed class for them were here for Pistol and Shotgun (heavily laden with simulators); a Long Range Rifle Tutorial for a great group of Hoosiers; and a 250 and 350 pistol class all helped us warm up … [Read more...]

September Newsletter

August 31, 2015 by Ken Campbell Leave a Comment

This was copied from a social media site I follow attributed to a fellow Sheriff in Illinois. It claims that it is in the Sheriff’s handwriting and is posted on the door so all his staff members can see as they come and go from the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff: Well said sir and please pardon me for sharing it with all. However, it is wise, sage and sound advice; not only for those brothers and sisters in public safety, but for all good Americans. We have lost too many of our brave law enforcement Officers in the Republic. It seems that miscreants in our society have publicly declared … [Read more...]

August Newsletter

August 3, 2015 by admin-view Leave a Comment

July has come and gone . . . . . Many of the young Americans are already headed back to school. Where did the summer go? We know where two (2) weeks of the summer went: Our two (2) Youth 250 “Summer Camp” courses were grand events! Having these young Americans here was outstanding. At Gunsite, Summer continues with the (recently updated) Team Tactics for Two, Defensive Three Gun, 250 Pistol, several media events, the Tennessee Close Quarters Pistol and Tutorials. Whew . . . . While the Gunsite Instructors and Staff are teaching these courses, their devious minds are also putting the … [Read more...]

July Newsletter

June 29, 2015 by Ken Campbell Leave a Comment

So many good sources come to mind to consider for an Independence Day Newsletter: Teddy Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, Ronald Reagan and more. But with pondering, it came to me that my best consideration of topic and source was here at Gunsite last week. As the United States celebrates our 239th birthday, honoring life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, what should we look to as a source of excitement and hope for the future? Does it come from the writings and wisdom of our founding fathers, from review of our Constitution, from reading Teddy Roosevelt? That answer was on the Gunsite … [Read more...]

June Newsletter

May 29, 2015 by admin-view Leave a Comment

As we tell the students on Monday morning as their Gunsite class begins, “blink and it will be Friday.” That seems to be what has happened here in May. We blinked and Mother’s Day, Jeff Cooper’s Birthday, The Yavapai Friends of the NRA Banquet, Armed Forces Day, John Wayne’s birthday and Memorial Day has passed us by. Not to mention 250 and 350 pistol classes, 223 Carbine, Edged Weapons, Close Quarters Pistol, Defensive 3 Gun, Defensive Vehicle Tactics, many tutorials and several media events happened. Whew . . . . . We start all over again in June with 250, 350 and 499 pistol, 223 … [Read more...]

May Newsletter

May 5, 2015 by admin-view Leave a Comment

Garland Texas . . . . . Are you ready when the fight comes to your community? It appears that Garland Texas was exercising their God given rights to express themselves when alleged Jihadists “took offense” and appeared with rifles and other weapons and equipment to stop the exercise of Constitutional Rights. Fortunately, Garland was prepared and took the fight to the miscreants. While an unarmed security guard was injured, a police officer returned fire with his pistol and stopped the thugs in their tracks. The best art displayed at this art event was the chalk outline of the evil-doers … [Read more...]

May Newsletter

May 5, 2015 by admin-view Leave a Comment

April Newsletter

April 2, 2015 by admin-view Leave a Comment

Spring has finally arrived throughout the Republic. While the winter at the Gunsite Ranch was wet, it was mild. March was very warm. The weather beginning of April is perfect. The sun block is in full use on the ranges. Spring at Gunsite means more classes as many find Spring Break can be best spent learning a life-saving skill. Have you begun to consider your Spring Break for 2016 yet? Consider taking the monies spent on beaches and adult beverages and think of the high desert and a life changing and life-saving epiphany at Gunsite. Memories can be made with your young adults that … [Read more...]

March Newsletter

March 4, 2015 by admin-view Leave a Comment

Spring seems to be slow in arrival in much of the Republic. It has been a beautiful February in the High Desert at Gunsite. We have had Basic Pistol (250), Shotgun (260), Shotgun Advanced Tactical Problems (SATP), and General Rifle (270) classes so far, with much more to come. When is your next trip to Gunsite? Are you planning your summer yet? We believe we offer a family opportunity that is unmatched anywhere: Our 250 Basic Pistol for young Americans alongside a 250 Pistol class for adults! Have you been looking for the Summer Camp your “Teen” will love and learn life long and … [Read more...]

Introducing the Gunsmith Corner

March 4, 2015 by admin-view Leave a Comment

Welcome to the Gunsmith Corner!! This is something that I had all intentions of doing since I bought the gunsmith concession here at Gunsite 2 1/2 years ago and here I am finally getting to it. This month I would just like to introduce myself and tell you a little about what we offer here. My name is Mike Moore. I am a Rangemaster at Gunsite for almost all of the classes we offer. I started gunsmithing full time when I was 19 years old and have been doing so either full or part time since. The part time was during my career as a police officer during which time I served as department … [Read more...]

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