Independence Day . . . Not 4th of July
“Liberty and Independence forever.” Davey Crockett
How do you plan on celebrating Independence Day? Traditional fireworks, BBQ, parades and family and friend gatherings? In my prior life, walking in the annual Independence Day Parade (in the heat, humidity and the rain) was the main event. As Sheriff, it was fun walking the parade route, visiting with the folks, and when the parade came to a stop, I’d go up on neighbors’ porches and have a drink of water. Good times!
In the Prescott area, the holiday is celebrated with parades, celebrations and Prescott’s World’s Oldest Rodeo. It is Americana at its best. We must be careful in our environment with fireworks due to the enhanced fire danger.
At Gunsite, it is one of the few three (3) day weekends we enjoy. (Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, Labor Day are working days so our clients can use one (1) less vacation day to attend our courses.) But Independence Day is different! We celebrate living in the greatest country in the world.
Ranges are quiet this week preceding the holiday, but only in the sense of gunfire. Time is spent controlling weeds and replacing the wood on the backstops and other maintenance. Classroom floors are stripped and polished. Refit, refurbish and repaint!
Last week was the Church Defense Course. The students in this class have a different motivation than some classes. That was increased even more with the attack in the church on Sunday. It is serious yet fun with RM Lew Gosnell.
We begin a busy week next week with Day Zero Pistol preceding the 250 Pistol. Also on Sunday is the BBQ for the Youth 250 Pistol. We gather the 20 or so Young Americans in the Mess Deck with their parents for introductions and the beginning of their summer camp. (Do they still write the essay upon returning to school: “What I did on my summer vacation.”)
The new Cane/Walking Stick-Compact Pistol Class with Verlin Rector and John Hutchison gets started that week alongside the Scoped Carbine with Walt Wilkinson, Freddie Blish and Tessa Wyrick. Something for the parents to take while their youth learn their pistol skills.
July carries on with the ever-increasingly popular Tactical Concealed Carry Pistol (TCCP). RM Eric Ingersoll put this class together a few years ago and it is one of the most popular. We also have the Youth 350 Pistol, the AK-47 Operator Course, the Colt 1911 and AR Armorers Courses (We are the only venue outside LE/MIL that Colt offers these courses.), private classes and much more.
The inaugural Gunsite Performance Center 202 Level Course with Lew Gosnell and Steve Tarani is also this month. Speed and Accuracy is paramount in this weekend course.
Hunting season draws near. The weekend Sight-In Hunter Prep Class with Gary Smith is August 2-3. This is much more than just verifying zero on your hunting rifle. Spend two (2) worthwhile days with our experienced hunting guide and Rangemaster so you don’t miss that trophy or don’t fill the freezer with protein.
Orlando! Gunsite returns to Shooter’s World in Orlando again July 18-20, 2025, with a 150 Pistol Class. It is not too late to enroll in this three (3) Day Pistol Class. It is a good introduction to Gunsite or a refresher. The range is literally down the street from Universal Studios and being indoors, it is always sunny and 70 degrees! Enroll now!
Cleaning out the vault –
We have five (5) rifles listed in the newsletter that are for sale in the Gunsite Pro Shop. Most are used (Rentals for PR7 or 270 Rifle). Conditions range from used to new. These are sold “as is, why is, what is and where is.” (No warranties from Gunsite.) The rifles include a Remington 700 BDL Synthetic Varmint in .223 Remington, Remington 700 .308 LTR-Police, Steyr Tactical Elite .308 with 23” heavy barrel and synthetic stock, a Steyr Safe Bolt .308 with 26” barrel and muzzle break and a new in the wrapper Weatherby Vanguard .308 with 22” heavy barrel. See information for pricing and better description below.
A closing note . . . No matter who you are, where you are or what you do, there is evil walking amongst us. We offer our prayers to the firefighters murdered and one fighting for his life in Idaho, ambushed while responding to a wildland fire . . .
Be alert, aware and have a plan.
YOU are your first responder.
DVC,
Ken
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