February . . . In some of the Republic, the depth of winter, grey skies, snow that no longer is “fun” and pristine white. Col. Cooper chose wisely when he selected this area for “The American Pistol Institute.” (Now Gunsite Academy.) In the high desert of Arizona at the Gunsite Ranch, we are well into the beginning of the new year training season.
Our first 250 Pistol Course a week or so ago was a challenge with rain, wind, snow, warm temperatures and back to snow. But in typical Gunsite Family fashion, the students stepped up and performed well. They especially enjoyed the visit with Mrs. Cooper at the Sconce and the warm fire and hot coffee.
February brings 270 Rifle, two (2) 250 Pistol Courses, numerous tutorials in various disciplines, 223 Carbine, 260 Shotgun and hosting “The Well-Armed Women” instructor course. Valentine’s Day will be celebrated by the two simultaneous 250 Pistol Courses. (When there is lead in the air, there is hope and love in the heart!)
Gents: If you need that perfect gift for your special lady for Valentine’s Day, we have specials in the Pro Shop (https://gunsitestore.com/just-for-the-ladies/). Ladies: Your gent’s gift can also be found in the Pro Shop or as a class gift certificate. How better to show you care?
New things happening at Gunsite will be appearing on our webpage and Social Media very soon. We are partnering with one of the world’s best Tactical Tracking Experts, David Scott-Donelan, to host tactical tracking courses. If you want to learn how to tactically follow or apply the knowledge to Search and Rescue, David brings great experience to the table. I have taken several of his courses in my prior life and found it to be very educational and useful.
Have you enrolled for the 2017 GAS Match yet? If you recall, we sold out in 2016. Don’t delay as we are planning another grand celebration. While Chris Weare and Ed Stock have retired and won’t be running the “Best ten minutes of your life with Chris and Ed” in the Funhouse, stand by for what will be filling those big shoes . . .
Off Site classes are up and running in Washington at the Firearms Academy of Seattle (150 Pistol, 160 Shotgun and 123 Carbine), 250 Pistol in Wichita Kansas and Richmond VA, 150 Pistol and 123 Carbine in Central Indiana, and variety of classes in Nashville TN. If you need a refresher or want to have your first Gunsite experience, this is a good opportunity. (https://www.gunsite.com/mobile-training-team/) If you would like to host a Gunsite course at your Range, contact Training Director Dave Hartman (hartman@gunsite.com) and discuss what we require.
We have had some recent promotions of new instructors at Gunsite and new Rangemasters. We welcome Lew Gosnell and Gary Smith to the ranks of “Gunsite Rangemaster.” It is a challenging process to make the grade to Rangemaster. There are a few more in the making. We also welcome new instructors in the last year: David Bahde, Matt Ostrander, and Clint Achziger. Again, the process to become a Gunsite Staff member is long and arduous. We congratulate all these gents.
Speaking of promotions, congratulations to Gunsite Staff Member Randy Watt as he “retired” from the Ogden Police Department for a brief stint, only to be asked to return as the Chief of Police. We look forward to Randy returning to Gunsite to learn of his new adventures.
New Training Director Dave Hartman has been hard at work since November scheduling courses, working on the new student notebooks and more. Dave has been a long-time Gunsite student and instructor. He brings that experience to his new position, hitting the ground running.
Please also welcome a new member of the Gunsite Staff in the Administrative Office. Rikki Newell came on board in November, jumping in with both feet. We were able to steal her away from one of the big name gun companies administrative offices and are happy to have her. So, when you call in, please welcome Rikki to the Gunsite family.
While I mention “calling in,” technology is a growing part of our daily life. We are trying to make full use of our registration system in order to assist Rikki in the office with her duties. Thus, you are being asked to complete the on-line registration for your courses. We have also established an on-line payment system for the requisite class deposits, payments, etc. While this is a change for some of you, it helps keep our overall administrative costs down. Thanks for your patience and understanding as we direct you to these links when you register and make payments.
Student numbers are tremendous for Gunsite again in 2017. If you are considering registering for a course, please don’t delay. (we have doubled four (4) courses already this year.) Get enrolled soonest (using the on-line system!) so you don’t miss the window of opportunity for that course you need to take.
Looking forward to seeing you at Gunsite!
DVC,
Ken
