Gunsite Class Requirements

All classes offered at Gunsite Academy are held at the Gunsite Ranch in outdoor facilities and indoor classrooms. All students must be prepared for any weather conditions that occur. To check forecasts, search for weather in Chino Valley, Arizona.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN OUR CLASSES

Gunsite training is not boot camp or commando school. Our classes involve light to moderate physical activity such as standing, walking about, holding a rifle or shotgun, or repeatedly drawing a pistol. Most classes include shooting from supported positions such as kneeling, sitting or prone. If you are physically unable to shoot from supported positions we will not require you to do so.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL CLASSES

• Eye Protection: Clear and Sunglasses… High quality, shatterproof/impact resistant (prescription glasses will suffice).
• Ear Protection: Foam Plugs or Muffs (electronic, amplified ear protection is preferred).
• Hat or Ball Cap: Sun protection as well as protection from hot brass.
• Clothing: Appropriate for the climate. Sturdy pants/shorts with belt loops that are loose fitting to allow for movement. Shirts that do not have a low neckline are required (long pants and long sleeved shirts are recommended).
• Belt: Sturdy belt that does not fold width-wise (1.5’-1.75” width is recommended). Holster must not slide around the belt.
• Shoes/Boots: Closed-toe, comfortable, supportive and sturdy.
• Cleaning Equipment: Lubrication/oil.
• Small Pad: for note taking.
• Range Bag: To keep all your equipment contained.
• An open mind.

PISTOL Specifics

NOTE: Does not apply to the TACTICAL MEDICINE class.

• Handgun: Full-size, Reliable, Heavy-duty handgun with good visible sights. 9mm/.40/.45 calibers recommended. Subcompact/micro pistols are strongly discouraged unless you are taking Tactical Concealed Carry Pistol.
• Holster: Kydex or Leather, rigid outside the waistband holster (with covered trigger guard). NO SERPA type holsters, NO IWB (inside the waistband) holsters.
• Magazines: 6 single stack/low-capacity magazines (10rds or less) or 4 double stack/high-capacity magazines (more than 10rds). Revolvers: 6 Speed Loaders and 2 Speed Strips with belt carrier.
• Magazine Carriers: 1 double or 2 singles. Kydex or Leather that affix to your belt.
• Flashlight: Handheld tactical light with rear pressure switch and wrist lanyard.

Optional

• Knee Pads: Only needed if you are planning on doing kneeling/prone positions. Simple/inexpensive is fine as they are used for a short period of time.

RIFLE SPECIFICS

• Rifle: Serviceable in calibers such as .243, .308, .30-06, .270 (capable of ranges to 300 yards).
• Quality Telescope: Properly secured and zeroed or bore sighted (you will be given an opportunity to zero your rifle on the first day of class).
• Sling: A simple leather or nylon carry strap is adequate, but a 3-point or military loop sling that can also provide shooting support when properly applied is even better (effective use of sling will be part of training).
• Ammo Management Device: Such as gun or belt ammo carriers.
• Ear Protection: Rifle compatible.
• Knee & Elbow Pads

HUNTER PREP SPECIFICS

• Same as above for Rifle but add all ancillary gear expected to be carried on your hunting trip, including day pack, water carriers (canteen, hydration pack), range finder, binoculars, etc.

CARBINE SPECIFICS

SHOTGUN SPECIFICS

• Shotgun: 12 Gauge or 20 Gauge (Pump or Semi-Auto) with proper length of pull.
• Sling: Single point recommended. However, any two point or military style carry strap will do.
• Ammo Management Device: Such as belt carrier, side saddle, butt cuff and a dump pouch.
• Handgun: Full-size, Reliable, Heavy-duty handgun with good visible sights. 9mm/.40/.45 calibers recommended. Subcompact/micro pistols are strongly discouraged.
• Handgun Holster: Kydex or Leather, rigid outside the waistband holster (with covered trigger guard). NO SERPA type holsters, NO IWB holsters.
• Handgun Magazines: 3 magazines. Revolvers: 2 Speed Loaders.
• Handgun Magazine Carriers: 1 double or 2 singles. Kydex or Leather that affix to your belt.
• Flashlight: Handheld tactical light with rear pressure switch and wrist lanyard.
• Ear Protection: Shotgun compatible.
• Knee and Elbow Pads:

Optional

• Weapon Mounted Light: Will ease the night-shoot.

PR7, PR Urban, and XLR SPECIFICS

• Have additional and extensive equipment requirements. A separate document is available from the student coordinator.

Please call (928) 636-4565 x3 if you have any questions about firearms, equipment or your training.