Labor Day
Labor Day at Gunsite is another great day of training. While many of you enjoy this as the last day of summer with family and friends, BBQ, camping, etc., it is the beginning of a training week for Gunsite.
We choose to be open on this Monday (and several other holiday Mondays) so our students have one (1) less vacation day they need to use to attend. A full 250 Pistol Class, a large Tactical Concealed Carry Pistol (TCCP) and a private class are underway.
This is also normally the start of more pleasant temperatures. Remember, it may be hot here, but not the same as high temperatures with high humidity. (It is also the start of Tarantula mating season. They are ugly but harmless.)
Gunsite Alumni Shoot (GAS) 2025 is a month away. Over 235 are enrolled and time draws near. What Gunsite Family Members and Instructors will you see again at the “social event slightly interrupted by gunfire?” The courses of fire are all challenging. Rangemaster Gary Smith has all the staff here test fire them to make sure they are challenging but able to be completed within the time allotments. We don’t think you will be disappointed!
Once enrolled, you can also sign up for the annual Friday Night Steak Fry. This tradition began about twenty-five (25) years ago with the infamous Knuckleheads and the late Gunsite Rangemaster Mike Hughes and me. After completing a private five (5) day class, the dozen or so Knuckleheads and us decided to throw some steaks on the campground grills. It has grown to about three hundred (300) steaks and “fixins” over the years. Proceeds go to the Jeff Cooper Legacy Foundation (JCLF). A highlight of the Steak Fry is always the commemorative shirts and poker chips offered by Dave Thompson, again with proceeds to the JCLF. This year, the Steak Fry is moving to the main campus parking lot and big top tent. Once enrolled for GAS, watch for the invitation to sign up.
The weeks preceding GAS are always filled with classes. This year, it is an AZ CCW Class, The Armed Women of America Instructor Development, Day Zero Pistol and Carbine as well as the 250 and 223 classes, Night Vision Pistol/Carbine 1, 556 Carbine, a one-day Glock Armorer’s Course and more.
Something new and increasingly popular is the two (2) day Transition to Pistol Mounted Optics (PMO). Do you have that new PMO on your pistol and struggling with it? This course helps you with that transition so you can learn the benefits of the Pistol Mounted Optic. Rangemaster Pete Feeney along with Brian DeKind and Jeff Dooley will be putting you through the paces.
Laws involving suppressors have changed. As of January 1, 2026, the $200 Tax Stamp Fee goes away for the purchase of a suppressor for your pistol, carbine or rifle. Gunsite Pro Shop has partnered with Silencer Central. Use this link to order and do all the requisite paperwork online! https://gunsitestore.com/product-groups/silencer-central
The first (of what we hope to be an annual event) Armed and Elegant Fashion Show is September 20, 2025. Sponsored by The Gunsite Chapter of Armed Women of America (AWA) and Granite Mountain Distillery, this event will showcase fashionable concealed carry attire modeled by our AWA ladies. Granite Mountain Distillery is managed by the wife of Gunsite Rangemaster and Master Distiller Chris Currie. Proceeds to the event go to North Arizona Women Veterans. Tickets are available here: https://gunsitestore.com/products/armed_elegant_fashion_show_tickets
While GAS 2025 is weeks away, we also continue the planning for the Gunsite 50th Anniversary Celebration at GAS 2026. We will be celebrating all year, culminating at GAS 2026. You might consider enrolling in GAS 2026 when it opens for enrollment the day after GAS 2025 as we expect it to be full and more. Consider accommodations as well. I would not delay registering.
One last teaser. Watch our social media and the October Newsletter about the Gunsite/NRA America’s Rifle Challenge in November. The posting isn’t on the website yet but should be in a week or so. Great opportunity for a day of training at Gunsite followed by a fun competition. Stay tuned!
Enough for this month.
When are you coming (back) to Gunsite?
Ken
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