Summer Approaches
I’ve been told that June is the month of long days and golden sunsets.
Golden sunrises and sunsets are the norm at the Gunsite Ranch and we love them.
Grab a cup of coffee as I’m rather verbose on this month’s letter: (“Because I’m Ken Campbell and I authorized and paid for this commercial and I’d appreciate your support on Election Day.” Oh wait, that was a prior life!)
The last few weeks have been something here at Gunsite. Mid-May brought the return of the Jeff Cooper Classic 250 Class (actually a double 250) celebrating Jeff’s birthday with all 1911 pistols and appropriate leather. It is always a great week and this one did not disappoint. It will be the same week next year. We hope to have the 2027 calendar on the web in a month or so.
Shortly thereafter, I checked a bucket list item and went black bear hunting with friends/Gunsite Family members in High Level Alberta Canada. (North of Edmonton about 10 hours.). Between the five (5) of us in our group, we saw 74 bears (including twins and triplets) and bagged 8 bears. (One color phase or cinnamon and several large bruins.). Thanks to Gunsite Family Member and long-time industry friend Linda Powell for the invite! I’ll be back! Visit our Facebook Page or the Gunsite Alumni Facebook page for a fun video on the historical Scout Rifle I used. Already have plans for two (2) other Gunsite historical rifles for 2027.
One of the nice things about hunting with Gunsite graduates is their shooting abilities. (Well, one was taken with a bow.). The W&L Guide Service gents commented that it was a pleasure being with folks who could make hits in one or two shots. Not always the norm for some of their clients. You don’t want to be “that guy.”
If you are considering that once in a lifetime hunt, consider taking a Gunsite 270 Rifle five (5) day course, the two (2) day Hunter Prep or the Safari Prep Class. You don’t want to have that one (1) chance for that big game and blow the shot. Both my bears were with a true Scout Rifle, slung up with a Ching Sling and hit their marks. Same with our other hunters. Take the time, spend the money (eat the desert), life is too short. Look to the website and get your rifle or shotgun class scheduled.
As I write this, I’m enjoying some family vacation time at our usual spot in New Smyrna Beach Florida. Truth be told, I’m sitting at the Crooked Horn Cigar Bar porch in New Smyrna Beach FL enjoying a gifted Padron 1964 Anniversary Series stick (Thank You!) and a fine adult beverage. I lost an old friend, fellow LEO and SWAT Founding Member way too soon about a week ago. Once again, life is too short my friends.
Now, let’s get down to business. I know you tire of me reminding you to enroll in 50th GAS, but it is filling up. As of last Friday, we are near 350 enrolled. We plan on four hundred (400) or more, but don’t be the first to learn you are on the wait list. Rikki has a huge tent and meals planned. I know the hotels and B&B in the area are filling quickly. We know several celebrities in our industry are attending. Good chance to meet some great folks as well as your Gunsite Class friends.
Fun things we believe we have line up are a custom cowboy hat business and (maybe) a tattoo artist specializing in Raven tats! (Think Yellowstone Ranch!). Our favorite cigar vendor will have a “Cigar Lounge” set up near the big top tent as well. (With the Gunsite 50th Anniversary Label Cigars) Granite Mountain Distillery will have the new “Gunsite Rangemaster Reserve Rye” available in their tent. The Ladies in the Pro Shop will have specials Friday and Saturday as well. You know the Gunsite Pro Shop is the most dangerous place at Gunsite!
The GAS Auction will have some special items once again. So, bring your credit cards, check book, cash or visit the ATM in the Pro Shop! The auction item sales all go to the Jeff Cooper Legacy Foundation, a 501c3 that offers scholarships.
Speaking of scholarships, the 2026 Calams Combat Competition is on track for Saturday June 13. You need not be a Gunsite Graduate to participate in this fundraiser. All the monies raised go to Yavapai County kids scholarships. The recipients are underprivileged kids that may not otherwise receive scholarships. They attend and tell their stories. Always interesting to see how dusty the room gets when these young Americans tell their stories. Enroll on the website here: https://www.stephaniescholarship.org/event-details-registration/2025-gunsite-combat-competition-1-1
June is strong with 250 Pistol, 260 Shotgun, Shotgun Advanced Tactical Problems, the ever-popular Pistol Range Day, Church Defense with Lew Gosnell, Micro-Subcompact Pistol and Revolver, two (2) day Carbine Range Day and more.
July does not slow down as we celebrate Independence Day and our Republic’s 250th anniversary with Pistol, Scoped Carbine, Gunsite Performance Center 202, Tactical Concealed Carry Pistol, and the Youth 250 and 350 Classes. We also are the only venue that Colt offers their 1911 and M-16/AR-15 Armorer Classes outside of law enforcement and military.
The Boy Scout Camp I attended many summers as a youth were grand, but how I wish The Gunsite Youth Pistol and Rifle classes were available. If your young American is 12-16 years of age, take a look here: https://www.gunsite.com/youth-classes/. The price is reduced as we need more young Americans to be ready to take our place and support our way of life and the Republic.
Whew . . . Can you tell I’m relaxed and enjoying my time away? But, I’m blessed to have the opportunity to work at Gunsite (Hard to believe my first class was 1990, came on the part-time instructor cadre in 1993 and CEO since 2014. Thanks to Buz and Sonja.). Being around the outstanding staff and students at Gunsite is truly a wonderful thing for my bride Shari and I and we look forward to returning first of the week.
Now . . . “When are you coming (back) to Gunsite?
DVC,
Ken
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