Opportunity has come a-knocking for those of you who’ve ever wanted to head to Gunsite Academy for some training.
Gunsite Academy is regarded as one of the best firearms training institutions not just in the country, but in the world. Much of what we take for granted today in how we shoot was first developed and taught at Gunsite.
Looking for the promised land of firearms instruction? here’s your sign. Photo: P. Erhardt
The popularity of Gunsite is undeniable. Its campus continues to expand with new, updated facilities and increasing student attendance. This year, Gunsite is aiming for its tenth straight year of record enrollment.
Not many firearms training schools can claim that kind of growth, which is why Gunsite is considered the “gold standard.”
So, what’s this opportunity—and why is it knocking?
Gunsite will host a special weekend of training and shooting centered around the NRA’s competitive AR program, America’s Rifle Challenge (ARC). Called the Gunsite ARC Summit, training with Gunsite instructors will take place on Saturday, November 8, followed by an America’s Rifle Challenge match on Sunday, November 9.
ARC matches are shooter friendly and only require 100 rounds. This makes it an ideal competition format for new AR owners or those looking to improve their shooting. Photo: Jim Shepherd
This event is limited to 100 shooters, and to participate in the training day, you must be registered for the Sunday match.
That alone makes it a great opportunity. Get world-class training on how to use, shoot, and maintain your AR rifle—then test your skills in a well-structured competition. What’s not to love about that?
Mario Marchman is just one of many standout instructors at Gunsite. In fact, all the range staff at Gunsite are considered standouts which is why Gunsite has perhaps the most experienced and talented cadre of firearms instructors anywhere. Photo: P. Erhardt
But, just like in the commercials—there’s more. This entire two-day event costs just $350, an unheard-of price for a two-day experience at Gunsite.
So, why the special low-low price?
Well, it’s no secret that Gunsite has long been a stalwart supporter of the NRA and its mission to protect Second Amendment rights. Buz Mills, Gunsite’s owner, is also a strong voice within the NRA. Many attribute the recent change in the organization’s Board of Directors to Mills’ support and advocacy for candidates seeking a quick departure from the “not-so-good old days” of the NRA’s mismanagement.
Standing up for and backing the NRA is simply what Gunsite does. That same support extends to the NRA’s effort to launch America’s Rifle Challenge as a broad-based competition for the 30-plus million Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs)—a.k.a. ARs—in the hands of America’s gun owners.
Back in April, I wrote Building The ARC about why the America’s Rifle Challenge—an important initiative within the NRA’s Competitions Division—needs to succeed. Its success will feed shooters into other, more demanding disciplines. Most importantly, a thriving ARC program can re-energize the NRA’s competitive shooting members while bringing new members into the organization.
Gunsite has stepped up to help make that happen and has given fans who’ve never visited a great reason to finally travel to Paulden, Arizona.
For more information on the Sunday, November 9, America’s Rifle Challenge Match at Gunsite, you can register here. The cost is $125, and the match is capped at just 100 participants. A second component of registration is through PractiScore, where scores will be posted. PractiScore also allows you to squad with friends and family members who might be competing. You must register and pay for the match before you can squad through PractiScore.
Registration for the ARC Training Day on Saturday, November 8, requires you to be registered for the Sunday match. The training day costs $225.
There isn’t going to be a better opportunity to experience Gunsite’s outstanding instructors and beautiful ranges at this price. So, if you have an AR and want to learn how to handle and shoot it better, now’s the time.
For students, the Gunsite Pro Shop is without a doubt the most popular spot you’ll find on the Gunsite campus. Photo: P. Erhardt
Just one word of warning: during Gunsite’s facility improvements, the Gunsite Pro Shop expanded significantly. It is, as Gunsite CEO Ken Campbell puts it, “the most dangerous place at Gunsite.” Plan to take some extra money when you go, because you won’t leave the Pro Shop with your bank account unscathed—and it’s worth it.
— Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network
