May Tidings
May is another great weather month at the Gunsite Ranch. Cool mornings, warming up in the afternoons. Grand weather to get the best training.
Speaking of training, Epictetus said: “It’s impossible to learn that which you think you already know.”
When I greet the classes on Training Day One (1), one of the things I stress is to have an open mind. When one of our Rangemasters coaches you to try another way, please don’t look over and say something to the effect of “This is the way I’ve always done it” or “This is the way I learned from my grandfather . . .” and more of the like. If you are going to train the way you’ve always done it, why did you enroll, send us the money, travel all this way and show up? Try what we are suggesting. Jeff Cooper developed The Modern Technique over fifty (50) years ago and it has and continues to evolve. What was cutting edge in 1976 may not be now. Try what we are offering as it is being taught because it works! Our staff are active duty or retired LEO/MIL and have been on the two way ranges. As Cooper said: “They have seen the elephant.” If one method does not work, we put our heads together and come up with other workable options. But the bottom line is, you must have an open mind.
Another topic to consider is “Selective Attention.” I’ve heard it best described that you don’t see what you expect to see. If you are in Condition Yellow, this should not be an issue. But so many don’t expect to see a person running down the corridor at them and then don’t react accordingly. Stay alert so you can respond accordingly.
As I was rereading The Gargantuan Gunsite Gossip” recently, one of my many favorites passages popped up. Do you know why the red pennant range flag is the Baker Flag?
“Those of you who wish to sound salty might take note of the following: The traditional signal flag code assigns the value of the letter B to a plain red flag. The phonetic signal for this flag in voiced communication is Baker.
Traditionally, ships of the Navy have bent on the Baker flag at the base of the hoist (called the dip) when anticipating action, or when preparing to transfer fuel or ammunition.
When actually firing, or when loading explosives, Baker is hoisted as high as it will go (called the truck). Thus to an old salt, “Baker is at the dip” means that things are about to get serious. The command “Hoist Baker” means they are serious. By extension, the phrase, “Here he comes, and he’s got Baker at the truck: means “Look out! We’re in for a bad time.”
Obviously, to Family Members, “Baker at the dip” signifies Condition Orange and Baker at the truck signifies Condition Red.”
Now you know!
The week of May 10 will be a good one at Gunsite. Our friend, family member and industry partner Tom Gresham will be doing “Gun Talk” (Tune in here – https://www.guntalk.com/gun-talk-radio) from Gunsite and it also falls on Jeff Cooper’s birthday. He will have some great guests and then Tom stays as one of the students in the Jeff Cooper Classic 250 Pistol Class. https://www.gunsite.com/classes/jeff-cooper-anniversary-1911-250-pistol/) We have had a couple of cancellations and as of this moment, there are two (2) seats available. Seasoned Rangemasters Dave Harris and Mario Marchman (both instructors under Jeff Cooper) lead a great crew of Lew Gosnell, Jerry Parsley, Paul Garcia and Steve Hendricks for this doubled 250. Lindy Cooper Wisdom will also be visiting and telling tales of Gunsite. The ever-popular Ladies Pistol 1 and 2 runs concurrent with the Cooper Class.
GAS Match 50th Celebration continues. To begin to tease you, see the photos of a few of the GAS Match Auction items: The infamous gun pegs from downrange bathrooms, an old “Rules” sign we found in the old maintenance barn deconstruction, and the “Mark” signage from the Barn. There are many more items and I’ll post a few more next month!
Approximately 285 enrolled for GAS as of today. I’m hearing hotels are becoming scarce. Visit our lodging page and remember to check the local B&B folks. If they are on our list, they are good places to stay. (https://www.gunsite.com/about-us/lodging-near-gunsite-academy/)
Hope to have some photos next month as well of my upcoming black bear hunt. Headed up to NW Alberta with a group of friends. Mandatory gun content: Taking the late Gunsite Rangemaster Eric Ching’s (Think: “Ching Sling”) Clifton Scout Rifle. It should serve me well as long as I can shoot up to its capabilities. More to follow!
One last item about the 50th Celebration. The Gunsite Pro Shop continues to add 50th Anniversary merchandise from guns to knives to belt buckles to beautiful men’s and women’s rings and more. (The First Tactical 50th Anniversary men’s and ladies’ jackets are very popular. We have had to reorder more!) https://gunsitestore.com/product-groups/50th-items
We post more and more on our social media pages (Facebook, Instagram and X, please like and follow if so inclined. Good way to keep abreast several times a week on happenings at Gunsite.
Enough for May. Time to get down range and practice some rifle snaps!
When are you coming (back) to Gunsite?
DVC,
Ken
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