Special Purpose Carbine

Gunsite’s Special Purpose Carbine course is designed to build on a Shooter’s skills and confidence, developed in the 223 Carbine, or Scoped Carbine Courses, to find, identify, observe, contain, and engage threats from 5 Yards out to 500 yards while utilizing low power variable optics (LPVO) or fixed low power (3X-4X) combat optics. The general focus of this course is finding and engaging targets beyond 100 yards with greater accuracy.

The course objective is for civilians, law enforcement, or military members to rapidly and effectively utilize low power variable or fixed powered optics on semi-automatic, magazine fed, intermediate caliber carbines (.223/5.56 or 6.5 Grendel), to hit realistic sized targets in conflict and hunting scenarios within 2 rounds out to 500 yards.

Throughout the 40-hour training, students will learn ballistics, proper equipment selection and setup, deliberate, hasty, and asymmetric shooting positions, zeroing, rifle fundamentals with marksmanship, field shooting, field movement, data books and range cards. The Special Purpose Carbine course will also cover basic ballistic calculations, target/threat identification, engagements in urban, field, and vehicle simulators, and school drills.

Topics Covered

• Rifle nomenclature • Internal/External/Terminal ballistics with environmental factors

• Basic Ballistic applications

• Ammunition types and preference

• Target identification

• Rapid deployment drills and positional platforms

• Gear selection, proper scope mounting

• Zeroing – adjusting for elevation and windage

• Range card and data gathering from mid-range distances

• Simulators: Field, Urban, Vehicle

Equipment Requirements

• Quality Semi-Auto Center Fire Carbine Capable of effectively engaging a target at 300 yards with 2 MOA accuracy or less. Carbine must be light enough to handle in standing position unsupported. 16–18-inch barrel is recommended. Suppressors are acceptable.

• 1000 rounds of FMJ Ball/practice ammo with 4 magazines. No Armor piercing, tracer or incendiary allowed. 5.56 NATO or 6.5 Grendel recommended.

• Rifle equipped with a Low Power Variable Optic, 1-4X, 1-6X, 1-8X, 1-10X, or fixed Combat Optic 4x magnifier or higher utilizing quality optics mounts. This is not a class for magnified optics of 3-15X and higher. They are not recommended nor encouraged.

• Front and rear rifle supports: (bipod / rear bean-bag option). Quick detach bipod required. Adjustment range of 9-13 inches recommended. Bipod feet should work on rocky and sandy ground.

• Binoculars required. 8×40, 10×40 recommended.

• Laser Range Finder recommended.

• Rifle cleaning kit • Rifle sling (Tactical Two Point – Examples: Vickers, VTac or Magpul)

• Shooting mat (Elbow and Knee Pads recommended).

• Eye and ear protection, dress for the weather.

• Daily load out gear (Chest Rig, Battle Belt w/Two Mag Pouches, Backpack to carry equipment)

• Data Book or Logbook.

• Extra Batteries for Optics, Laser Range Finder, Lights, Hearing Protection.

Gunsite Academy, Paulden Arizona

Duration: 5 days

Prerequisite:
^* 223 Carbine, Scoped Carbine, or Battle Rifle with Marksman or Higher

Cost: $2,135.00

Ammunition Required:
1000 rounds (no M855 ammo allowed)

Class Application

Special Purpose Carbine

November 2, 2026 - November 6, 2026

General Requirements:
Class Requirements

What to Bring to Gunsite Academy:
What to bring videos

Class Application

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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.

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Gunsite Academy, Paulden Arizona

Duration: 5 days

Prerequisite:
^* 223 Carbine, Scoped Carbine, or Battle Rifle with Marksman or Higher

Cost: $2,135.00

Ammunition Required:
1000 rounds (no M855 ammo allowed)

Class Application

Special Purpose Carbine

November 2, 2026 - November 6, 2026

General Requirements:
Class Requirements

What to Bring to Gunsite Academy:
What to bring videos

Order a Gunsite Calendar

Optional Ammo Packs Available:

.223 Pkg (1000/80): $828

(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 223/556

*All come in packs of 4 magazines

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Special Purpose Carbine

Location Offered

Class Details

Upcoming Dates

Special Purpose Carbine

Requirements

Class Application

Primary Firearm for Class (required)

Transition Firearm (if needed)

Student Name

Guest Name

Location Offered

Class Details

Upcoming Dates

Special Purpose Carbine

Requirements

Optional

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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Captain Delta Air Lines ret.

GUNSITE ACADEMY, INC.

Special Purpose Carbine

Location Offered

Class Details

Upcoming Dates

Special Purpose Carbine

Requirements

Class Application

Primary Firearm for Class (required)

Transition Firearm (if needed)

Student Name

Guest Name

Location Offered

Class Details

Upcoming Dates

Special Purpose Carbine

Requirements

Optional

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

Captain Delta Air Lines ret.

GUNSITE ACADEMY, INC.