Independence Day and America’s 250th Anniversary
We the People . . .
Gunsite Academy has been training good Americans to protect themselves and their families for 50 years.
We celebrate our 50th alongside the Republic’s 250th anniversary
I recall celebrating the Bicentennial as a Junior in High School. Parades, fireworks, carnivals, ice cream socials, and more. The celebrations like this continue across America today.
“A Republic if we can keep it” has been attributed to Benjamin Franklin when asked what type of government was established by the Constitutional Convention in 1787. This highlights that a democratic republic is a fragile thing and must continue to be protected.
We hope our nation continues to follow our Constitution and support our inalienable rights as Gunsite continues our world class training traditions.
On with Gunsite News.
The 2027 Gunsite training calendar nears completion. We hope to have it posted on-line in the next few weeks. It is a lengthy process to sort out what classes were successful, what were not, what classes might be returned and what new classes will be offered. Another consideration as we put them on the calendar are range conflicts. While we are over 3,200 acres with 27 ranges, all cannot be used simultaneously. We watch carefully for these conflicts. (Our computer system also helps remind us of range conflicts as the various ranges are called in “hot.” If there is a conflict, the system will not allow us to assign the range.)
GAS Auction – The teasing continues.
A long-time and loyal Gunsite Family Member is very generously donating his unfired, NIB Gunsite 40th Anniversary 1911 with matching SN knife and copper challenge coin. It will go during live auction!
A Glock 35th Anniversary Commemorative Watch will be available for bidding. Thanks to the Gunsite Family Member for the Donation.
Another one-of-a-kind item is the Gunsite Staff Parking Sign. The sign was removed during our construction. Perfect for your driveway!
And last teaser for this month is the Jack Weaver “Gun Control That Works” framed poster signed by Jack Weaver. Again, donated by a Gunsite Family Member!
OK, one more teaser . . . Will be available at GAS! Maybe Master Distiller and Gunsite Rangemaster Chris Curry will autograph your bottle(s).
Remember to bring cash, credit cards or use the ATM in the Gunsite Pro Shop.
GAS match planning continues apace. Meals are approved, the huge tent is ordered, the updated layout of “topside” is approved, the steak fry planning continues . . . This GAS will be an event of epic proportion. https://www.gunsite.com/classes/gunsite-alumni-shoot/
The US Supreme Court this week supported the Constitution’s Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. We hope their review of other cases pending will have them take up additional gun right cases for their next term. If you don’t follow this through the NRA, Second Amendment Foundation, etc., you should. While on this topic, Primary Elections are underway with the General Election a few months away. Are you studying the candidates so you can make your best informed decision? With the millions of gun owners, we can be a strong voting block if you choose to be involved.
Long-time Gunsite Family Member and Industry Scribe Richard Mann is heading up the First Annual Scout Rifle World Championship Shoot scheduled for October 31. With support from industry stalwart Linda Powell, the prize table will be substantial. This event will be a first-of-its kind. Participation is limited to thirty (30) shooters. Details are here: https://www.gunsite.com/classes/scoutrifleworldshoot/
The annual Pat Rogers Memorial Revolver Round Up is nearing full. A great two (2) day symposium all about wheel guns with a variety of subject matter experts. Don’t wait to get enrolled! https://www.gunsite.com/classes/pat-rogers-memorial-revolver-round-up/
New additions the last few weeks include Tactical Vehicle Defense https://www.gunsite.com/classes/tactical-vehicle-defense/ , Gunsite Performance Carbine https://www.gunsite.com/classes/gunsite-performance-carbine-101/, and Special Purpose Carbine https://www.gunsite.com/classes/special-purpose-carbine/. The new “Gear Up For GAS” may be full, but a good opportunity to get ready for the GAS Match https://www.gunsite.com/classes/gear-up-for-gas/
July is a fun month with the return of the Youth 250 Pistol Class. Enroll your Young American in a summer camp not to be forgotten as well as learning life-saving skills. Opposite is Scoped Carbine, 250 Pistol and Cane Walking Stick with Micro Pistol. (The Scoped Carbine and 250 Pistol are eligible for the Bring a Buddy discounts. https://www.gunsite.com/train-together-save-together/ This does not include the Youth Class as it is already heavily discounted.) Middle of the month is the increasingly popular Tactical Concealed Carry Pistol and the Youth 350 Pistol. Colt returns with their 1911 Armorers Class and the M16-AR15 Armorers courses. (We are the only venue outside LE/MIL for these classes from Colt.) The two (2) day Hunter Prep is the weekend end of month. You don’t just zero your hunting rifle, you get prepared for the hunt. I know it helped me with my recent black bear hunting.
Gunsite Performance Center continues in July as well with Gunsite Performance Center 202 and the new Gunsite Performance Carbine 101. Time for you to enhance speed and accuracy.
Last chance to enroll in the Indiana 150 Pistol Class! July 10-12, 2026 in Lebanon Indiana and I get to come off the bench and teach! Jay Tuttle and I are “putting the band back together” and teaching Gunsite once again at my old home range at the Sheriff’s Office. The 150 Pistol is a grand introduction to Gunsite or a brush up of your skill sets if already a Gunsite Family member. Enroll here: https://www.gunsite.com/classes/lebanonin-150-three-day-pistol/ Watch the 2027 calendar for the 150 Pistol and the addition of 123 Carbine at same location!
Enough for this month. Remember to celebrate Independence Day properly. I miss the fireworks living in arid Arizona, but for you if appropriate, fire away!
God Bless the Republic!
DVC,
Ken
To read the newsletter in its entirety, please click the following link below:
