223 Defensive Carbine

The Modern Technique, as applied to the carbine. Learn to manage your environment from arm’s length to 200 yards.

This class covers all the important aspects of marksmanship, gun handling and mindset. Shoot from a variety of positions and learn how to use them to conform to available cover in our outdoor simulators including the famous Gunsite Scrambler. Outdoor simulators will challenge your ability to locate and put accurate fire on targets at unknown distances.

In addition to the range drills, school drills, carbine “El Presidente” and simulators, you will shoot on the move, learn to get off the line of attack, and shoot in low light/no light conditions.

Carbines make an excellent choice for home defense. You will learn tactics that can be employed in your home or place of business in our live fire indoor and outdoor simulators.

AR-15, SCAR-L, AK-74, AK-47, Mini-14 and similar carbines are all applicable for this class.

“DAY ZERO – Carbine” – a new course offered to the prospective 223 student the day before your 223 Carbine Class begins. It is designed for the novice or new gun owner who lacks knowledge or experience in gun handling and marksmanship.

We have found our first training day in the 223 Carbine Class goes by very quickly and may be overwhelming to the new gun owner. So, we took the 223 Monday morning class and turned it into a separate full day on Sunday, the day before, so you’re fully prepared for the next morning.

A discount is offered to students who take a Day Zero class prior to their 223 class. For more information and to register, visit:

Gunsite Academy, Paulden Arizona

Duration: 5 Days

Prerequisite: None

Cost: $2,135.00

Ammunition Required:
1000 rounds Carbine Ball (no M855 ammo allowed)

Class Application

223 Defensive Carbine

June 1, 2026 - June 5, 2026
September 14, 2026 - September 18, 2026
Promotions Available on this class
December 7, 2026 - December 11, 2026
Bring-a-Buddy promotional class

General Requirements:
Class Requirements

What to Bring to Gunsite Academy:
What to bring videos

Class Application

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(In accordance with ITAR regulations, only US Citizens are accepted to participate in Gunsite courses unless prior arrangements are approved by Gunsite.)
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Rental Packages Available
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Transition firearms are required in shotgun, carbine and battle rifle classes only.
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When: 6pm Friday, the day before GAS Where: At the Big Tent BYOB & BYOC (Bring Your Own Cigar!)
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Payment Terms:
A deposit of 1/3 (tuition only) is due within 10 days of applying. All remaining balances are due on or before 14 days prior to the first day of class.

Cancellation Policy:
If you cancel a reservation more than 14 days prior to start of class, your deposit is fully refundable or transferable to another class of your choice. If you cancel less than 14 days before your class, One-third (1/3) of your class tuition is non-transferable and non-refundable. Any amount over this 1/3 is fully transferable or refundable (with the exception of GAS) if you cannot make the class for any reason. All GAS reservations cancelled less than 30 days prior are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Read the full policy here.

Credential Policy:
Gunsite Academy, Inc. requires applicants to supply certain documentation prior to participation in training. Acceptance of credential documents is at the sole discretion of Gunsite. Applicant verifies that all credential documentation is true and correct.

Gunsite reserves the right to deny training to anyone for any reason. If an application is not accepted, all deposits will be promptly refunded in full… Read the full policy here.
By submitting this application, I understand and agree:

That the credentials enclosed meet the requirements as outlined by Gunsite Academy, Inc., and that I must positively identify myself as the same person certified in the credentials for enrollment.

That Gunsite Academy, Inc.’s operation depends upon the careful control of deadly weapons by each participant; therefore I understand that my instruction may be terminated at any time during the course if my conduct is not deemed satisfactory at the discretion of the staff.

That I will abide meticulously by any and all safety procedures required at Gunsite, and that I agree to sign a statement releasing Gunsite Academy, Inc. from any injury I may sustain during the training program.

I will be at least 18 years of age at the time of class OR will be accompanied by my parent or guardian.

Conditions*
I Understand and Agree.

Gunsite Academy, Paulden Arizona

Duration: 5 Days

Prerequisite: None

Cost: $2,135.00

Ammunition Required:
1000 rounds Carbine Ball (no M855 ammo allowed)

Class Application

223 Defensive Carbine

June 1, 2026 - June 5, 2026
September 14, 2026 - September 18, 2026
Promotions Available on this class
December 7, 2026 - December 11, 2026
Bring-a-Buddy promotional class

General Requirements:
Class Requirements

What to Bring to Gunsite Academy:
What to bring videos

Order a Gunsite Calendar

Optional Ammo Packs Available:

.223 Pkg (1000): $700

(All ammo is factory loads. As ammunition prices are volatile at this time ammo pricing may vary.)

Carbine Rentals Available:

- Colt 6940 5.56/.223

- Smith & Wesson M&P 15 5.56/.223

- Ruger SR-556 5.56/.223

- Stag Arms AR-15 5.56/.223

- WASR AK-47 7.62x39

*Long guns-$60/day. Payable on the last day of class and INCLUDE: magazines, holster and mag pouch. Rental fees (minus the cleaning fee) are waived if a purchase of a like gun is made in the Pro Shop during your class (some restrictions apply).

Rental Magazines Available:

- AR-15 High-Cap Mags (metal) 223/556

*Magazines-$25/week. Payable on the last day of class and includes 4 magazines.

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223 Defensive Carbine

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223 Defensive Carbine

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Class Application

Primary Firearm for Class (required)

Transition Firearm (if needed)

Student Name

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Class Details

Upcoming Dates

223 Defensive Carbine

Requirements

Optional

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Photo Gallery

Similar Classes Available

Carbine Range 2-day

Carbine Range Day

Carbine Team Tactics for Two

Colorado Three Day Carbine

Indiana 123 Three Day Carbine

Seasoned Citizen – 223 Defensive Carbine

About Gunsite

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GUNSITE ACADEMY, INC.

223 Defensive Carbine

Location Offered

Class Details

Upcoming Dates

223 Defensive Carbine

Requirements

Video Gallery

Photo Gallery

Class Application

Primary Firearm for Class (required)

Transition Firearm (if needed)

Student Name

Guest Name

Location Offered

Class Details

Upcoming Dates

223 Defensive Carbine

Requirements

Optional

Video Gallery

Photo Gallery

Similar Classes Available

Carbine Range 2-day

Carbine Range Day

Carbine Team Tactics for Two

Colorado Three Day Carbine

Indiana 123 Three Day Carbine

Seasoned Citizen – 223 Defensive Carbine

Get Our Newsletters

About Gunsite

Testimonials

When someone is banging on your door in the early morning hours

GUNSITE ACADEMY, INC.