250 Defensive Pistol with Optics

More and more mounted optics are in use on pistols, especially on defensive pistols. The focus is learning the idiosyncrasies of the presentation, manipulations, defensive shooting with an optic equipped fighting handgun.

This class is “The Gunsite Experience” and was first presented in October 1976 by Colonel Jeff Cooper.

Regardless of your age, gender or experience, completing the 250 class will change your life! You will be well grounded in the ‘Modern Technique of the Pistol’, including marksmanship, gun handling and mindset. Through our systematic methodology you will achieve confidence, competence, new skills and best of all, peace of mind. Students emerge stronger, more alert, and conditioned to respond appropriately to any threat.

The 250 includes five solid days of range work, lectures, low light/night shooting with flashlight techniques and intensive indoor and outdoor live fire simulators. You will learn to be in control of your immediate environment. Can you shoot at night?

Many lifelong friendships are formed with fellow students and instructors during this life changing week.

Completion of the 250 course is a prerequisite for many other courses as this is where our core doctrinal principles are ingrained.

Gunsite Academy, Paulden Arizona

Duration: 5 Days

Prerequisite: None

Cost: $2,135.00

Ammunition Required:
1,000 rounds of ball ammo, 50 rounds of frangible for simulators

Class Application

250 Defensive Pistol with Optics

September 14, 2026 - September 18, 2026

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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Primary Firearm for Class (required)
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I am interested in renting firearms / mags
Rental Packages Available
Transition Firearm (if needed)
Transition firearms are required in shotgun, carbine and battle rifle classes only.
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Would you like to join us for the FRIDAY NIGHT STEAK FRY?

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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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Comments
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:
1,000 rounds of ball ammo, 50 rounds of frangible for simulators

Class Application

250 Defensive Pistol with Optics

September 14, 2026 - September 18, 2026

General Requirements:
Class Requirements

What to Bring to Gunsite Academy:
What to bring videos

Order a Gunsite Calendar

Optional Ammo Packs Available:

9mm: $296

.40cal: $494

.45acp: $541

.38spl: $527

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

Pistol Optics Rentals Available:

- Gunsite Glock 45 w/ Optic 9mm

- Smith & Wesson M&P CORE w/Optic 9mm

- Stoeger STR-95 Combat w/Optic 9mm

- Stoeger STR-9F Combat w/Optic 9mm

- Stoeger STR-9MC w/Optic 9mm

- SIG Sauer P365 w/Optic 9mm

- HK VP9A1 w/Optic 9mm

*Handguns-$35/day, with Red-dot optic-$45/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)

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250 Defensive Pistol with Optics

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250 Defensive Pistol with Optics

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Primary Firearm for Class (required)

Transition Firearm (if needed)

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250 Defensive Pistol with Optics

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350 Intermediate Pistol – Night

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GUNSITE ACADEMY, INC.

250 Defensive Pistol with Optics

Location Offered

Class Details

Upcoming Dates

250 Defensive Pistol with Optics

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

250 Defensive Pistol with Optics

Requirements

Optional

Video Gallery

Photo Gallery

Similar Classes Available

Get Our Newsletters

About Gunsite

Testimonials

GUNSITE ACADEMY, INC.