We are one month away from the Gunsite Alumni Shoot (aka GAS Match), I cannot believe the summer has passed by so quickly. I do not remember time flying so quickly in my youth.
This month is the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attack of 9-11-01. We must pause a moment for all those lost and pray for their families. We must also acknowledge the sacrifices of those first responders who not only played such an important role on this day but also helped raise awareness of all that they contribute on a continuing basis.
We are also thankful for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines for all their sacrifices and those of their families in these trying times. Our eternal gratitude to you and yours for all you have contributed to our nation and our security.
Another first in September is the first bombing of the United States. The Japanese launched a seaplane from the submarine I-25 off the coast of Oregon on 9-9-42. Piloted by Nobuo Fujita, the aircraft firebombed Mt. Emily, Oregon. No significant damage was recorded, the pilot and aircraft safely returned to the sub. Nobuo Fujita, the only Axis pilot to bomb America returned to Japan a hero and was assigned to training pilots (targets for many Navy and Marine aces) for the remainder of the war.
Also in Sept. 1850, California became the 31st state. The exact date of it becoming the first socialist state is unknown, probably a little more than 100 years later.
More recently, Sandy Koufax pitched a perfect game in September 1965, the Dodgers besting the Cubs 1-0.
August saw us through many private classes, the vet’s carbine class and full 250 and 270 classes making for busy times here on the ranch. We have the world’s greatest weather. “Home on the range” comes to mind on a daily basis. We endured no hurricanes and no earth quakes. I read on a liberal blog that the quake that threatened DC and the mid Atlantic occurred along a fault line known inside the beltway as “Bush’s Fault”. We are truly blessed here.
September brings us Patriot Day, Constitution Day and the first day of autumn. At Gunsite it is one of our busiest months of the year. Regardless of your interests we have something for everyone. We have a Patriot Day Lady’s Pistol Class september 10-11 with 2 open targets right now. Dave can help you with this at ken@gunsite.com.
In Bristol WI we have an offsite this month, carrying on the tradition begun in 2010. Here again if you are in this area or have a friend there, shoot Dave an email to secure a target.
We have a bunch of private tutorial work this month and if your appetite is for some long gun work we have a Sport Utility Rifle (SUR) 223 Carbine class. Never let anyone call it an assault rifle or black rifle or tactical rifle, it is only a .22 caliber. Our Sport Utility Rifle (AR platform carbine) is just the ticket around the ranch, farm or just handy in and out of vehicles, homes and businesses for all variety of pests. Get one here or bring one and get competent with this almost universal tool. .
We do have a real Battle Rifle Class for real battle rifles, those of .30 caliber and above. Think M1, M14, M1A, FAL, and such as that. There are 3 openings in this one, it is one heck of an experience. Get to Karen quickly at shari@gunsite.com
There are two post graduate pistol classes for the advanced operators; our 499 and 599 classes have a few openings for those looking for force on force training. These classes are a really great experience with instructors fresh from the field with current experience.
We are hosting the second iteration of the 1911 Centennial 250 Pistol Class. We will be devoting this class to all things 1911 and all things John M. Browning, the most prolific firearms inventor of all times. We are covering the development, modification, refinement and deployment of this most successful of all fighting implements. We will also learn of many of the other fine pieces of art the developer propagated. Colt Manufacturing, NRA National Firearms Museum, and Wayne Novak ( America’s premier 1911 pistolsmith) will all be here at Gunsite for this celebration. All of these folks will have a presentation covering the development, history and care of the 1911 pistol. Thursday evening, just prior to the low light training exercise Gunsite will host a Barbecue dinner for all hands on the Mess Deck. The winning raffle ticket for the gold engraved 1911 Colt Centennial Pistol will be drawn at the graduation ceremony.
The only thing that will top this month here on the ranch will be the GAS Match on Saturday October 1, 2011, immediately following the Centennial Pistol Class. We are expecting to have 200 for the BBQ dinner on the Mess Deck. We already have well over 131 participants for this annual extravaganza. We will have more than 15 firearms in the side matches that folks will take home, in addition to the Gunsite 1911 Grand Prize for the middle shooter of the match. Many, many vendors have responded with material for the prize tables as well as the side matches. The day will begin at 0630 with breakfast on the Mess Deck followed by shooting, lunch, shooting, dinner and the awards ceremony. We still have some room for participants, spectators, and sponsors. Karen or Dave at 928-636-4565 are your contacts for the BIG ONE.
The week after the GAS Match we will be offering our EMP “Ditch Medicine” class for those spending time either overseas or being responsible for oneself. We will also be running our Close Quarters Pistol class, a really popular defensive pistol and tactics intensive class, and the 350 intermediate pistol class. We have a few openings in all of these classes as we have expanded our capabilities due to your demands and support. Karen and Dave are here at 928-636-4565, so ring them right now before the classes close.
October offers the XLR extreme long range rifle class. If you want to know how to really reach out and touch someone, this is it. This is the industry standard and most of the industry trains here, so join the pros and leave here without a facet unexplored.
Urban Combat is brought to you by the folks that have been there and done that. This class is a positive experience in our current threat environment. (Been watching the news?) You will learn how to operate every popular weapon in the urban combat arsenal, including many rounds downrange and the complete manual of arms with the pervasive AK47.
Mid October will feature the Silver Anniversary Glock Celebration. Here we have a truly 21st Century handgun, the hangun that was introduced at the right time, in the right place, at the right price. This handgun took the law enforcement market by storm. Be here for the Glock Story from inception to present. GSSF and Armorer training will be featured. All you Glockophiles must go to the website www.gunsite.com and get signed on for this one. It is the only industry celebration for Glock and it is at Gunsite October 10 to 14.
Take a youngster out to shoot this week end. You will love it and they will love it. This is a great excuse to sharpen your skills while passing on our legacy of freedom and responsibility to the next generation. Remember someone long ago did this for us.
Follow the link here for some TV coverage of Gunsite. Support these folks as they are big supporters of our Second Amendment efforts and our firearms industry in general,
http://www.downrange.tv/blog/drtv-weekly-gunsite-jeff-cooper-and-the-model-1911-part-2/11342/
Travel safe, come see us when you can, and keep up with Gunsite on Facebook.
D V C
GUNSITE
Buz Mills
