Gunsite. Among serious firearms training enthusiasts, the name evokes images and feelings of history, nostalgia and excellence. It is the world’s largest privately owned firearms training facility and is arguably the best. This year marks the 50th anniversary since its creation and though much has changed over the years, Gunsite continues to be one of the greatest places on earth to improve your firearms skills.
Founded in 1976 by Colonel Jeff Cooper, Gunsite began its story known as the American Pistol Institute (API). Located in Paulden, Arizona, Gunsite has over 20 ranges sitting on over 3,000 acres. They also boast multiple indoor and outdoor live-fire simulators to take your training to the next level. A peek at their website will show you a map of their compound denoting all of the ranges and key areas. It is worth a look!
What made Col. Cooper and Gunsite unique was the creation and application of the modern pistol technique. For literally hundreds of years handguns were traditionally fired using only one hand. Though there are plenty of references of people shooting them with two hands, most military and police training taught the one hand employment of the pistol as recently as the 1970s. Col. Cooper took this to the next level by thinking beyond mere marksmanship and understanding what tools were needed to win a gunfight. Gunsite believes in incorporating the principles of marksmanship, gun handling and mind-set, something they call the Combat Triad.
When you take your first course at Gunsite, you will start out by learning the basics of gun handling and marksmanship, but you will quickly progress to understanding the bigger picture of the combat mindset. Though you will be trained in how and when to shoot, you will also be trained on how to avoid trouble. Gunsite believes in living a lifestyle of trying to avoid putting yourself in harm’s way. The use of your firearm should be a last resort to save your life or that of another.
Col. Cooper has long since passed away and Gunsite is now owned by Owen “Buzz” Mills. Mr. Mills has made great strides in ensuring Gunsite continues to remain the pinnacle of training excellence. He has made major improvements to the property to include new ranges, buildings and new and larger Pro Shop. A few years ago, Fink’s Custom Gunsmithing opened their doors at Gunsite. If you’ve never heard of Dave Fink, you will not find a better gunsmith to handle your firearms repairs or customization.
Ken Campbell is Gunsite’s Chief Executive Officer and oversees the day-to-day operations. He is a retired Sheriff with over 35 years of law enforcement experience. His Director of Training is Dave Hartman, a former Marine with over 27 years of law enforcement experience. Together they ensure Gunsite employs the best instructors providing the highest level of firearms training in the industry. If you haven’t had the pleasure of taking a class at Gunsite, adding it to your bucket list is a must!
