Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Gunsite provides certificates of training for all of our courses. In addition, many of our classes are certified for continuing law enforcement credit and we can provide appropriate certificates for these classes.

Yes, we do.

Everyone is busy, and the Gunsite Class Schedule may not fit your personal schedule. Others may prefer a one-on-one, student-to-instructor ratio, or may seek to acquire skills not offered elsewhere in our curriculum. If this describes you, our private tutorials are the answer. Our staff will provide personalized attention to you or your group, and a dedicated portion of our facilities for your use. Extremely rewarding, these private classes help busy professionals acquire the skills they require, in a format tailored specifically for them. All tutorial classes are with prior appointments only.

Any Gunsite course can be taken as a private tutorial or done for a private group.  Special classes can also be tailored to fit individual or group needs.

Pricing is dependent upon number of people and level of training requested.

If you have a group, or a club and a facility, Gunsite will come to you.

Contact our Training Director for details and pricing on private tutorials, group classes or having our instructors come to you.

Call 928.636.4565 for information.

“How do I prepare for my Gunsite 250 class?”  We hear this all the time, and we hope the contents of this page will help you.

When you come to school we’d like you to “empty your cup”.  By that we mean, “No matter what you already know about firearms or how long you have been shooting, please be prepared to accept a completely new set of ideas.”

The Gunsite Doctrine informs everything we teach and every drill is designed to impart that knowledge.  So, we strongly encourage you to open your mind to a new system of learning.  Later on, you may come to your own conclusions, but at least TRY the techniques we suggest.

So, come to school prepared to accept the Doctrine.  When asked to do your homework in dry practice each evening, do the work.  We guarantee your skills will improve dramatically if you do these things.

If you’re an experienced shooter, DON’T PRACTICE SHOOTING before coming to school.  You may only succeed in further imprinting bad habits.  At the end of their 250 class, some people with no prior experience in shooting prevail over those who consider themselves long-term shooters.  How do you think they did that?

We won’t ask you to do anything you don’t feel you can do.  This is not boot-camp.  You will be asked to assume one of several kneeling positions, and if you can’t do any of them, tell your Instructors.

 We have had some very successful students who attended class in a wheelchair.  If you have special challenges, let us know and we’ll do all we can to help you succeed.

You will need a sturdy belt, at least 1 ¼” wide.  We strongly recommend the Wilderness Instructor’s belt.  If you don’t have such a belt, they can be bought at school.

You will need sturdy boots or shoes and the proper socks that wick moisture away from your feet.  Open toed shoes are not allowed.

Be advised that you may not carry concealed during your 250 class.  You may do so in all subsequent classes, but in 250 we remove the complication of working around your clothing.

Safety equipment:  Eye and ear protection is required on the firing line and whenever otherwise directed by your Instructors.

Your prescription glasses are acceptable, with polycarbonate lenses preferred.  Wrap-around eye protection is highly desirable.  If you’re one of the lucky people who need no corrective lenses, then a decent pair of sunglases such as Oakley’s are just fine.

You will need some sort of sunglasses, because our sunshine is bright at all times of the year.  If your prescription eyeglasses also adjust to ambient light, that’s excellent.

You will also need clear shooting glasses for your night shoot and the indoor simulators.

For your 250, active hearing protection would be best. 

What gear to bring:  In addition to your sturdy belt you will need a proper holster for your firearm, a pouch or pouches for at least two spare magazines and perhaps a dump pouch for expended magazines.

If you are a serving Law Enforcement officer, your duty gear is perfectly acceptable.  At your option you may shoot from civilian carry.

Here are some guidelines for all other students:

A proper holster means one that is expressly designed for your firearm, that holds it securely in place with NO CHANCE of it falling out.  This generally disqualifies most bargain holsters.

You may bring either a single double-mag pouch or a number of single pouches which fit on your belt on the support side. The choice is up to you, but the magazine must be inserted into the pouch with the cartridges down and the projectile portions of the cartridges towards the front.  There must be enough magazine free of the pouch that you can grip it with the thumb and second finger of your support side hand.  Magazine flaps are discouraged (unless this is part of your duty gear).

You will need a sturdy flashlight, and a belt pouch for it.  The Surefire 6P was once the standard at school, but there are a host of others now available.  A momentary-on switch is strongly recommended.  A strobe function is not.  A lanyard allows you to secure the flashlight in your hand so that you can work on manipulations without having to “holster” the flashlight.   White light is acceptable.  A red or blue filter is optional. The Gunsite Pro Shop offers a number of options if you wish to purchase a light at school.

You should bring the most powerful handgun that you can control.  Typical calibers are .45ACP, 9mm Luger and .40 Smith & Wesson.

9mm Kurz (also known as .380) is not an acceptable caliber, nor is .22LR.

Semi-automatic pistols are preferred for many reasons, but you may bring a revolver in .38 Special (or larger caliber) if that is what you carry.

Which firearm fits your hand?  This is the single most important question to answer.  Every one of us has a different physique and hand topology.  What works for a man may NOT work at all for a woman.

All too often, a lady will show up with a pistol that her husband picked out for her and which is totally unsuitable.  She may not be able to reach all the controls.  It may present too much recoil for her tastes. These are barriers to learning.

This is a good time to point out that Gunsite DOES rent firearms by the day.  If what you brought just isn’t working for you, we can supply something that will work, which we have trained with ourselves and that you will be able to continue your class with.

If you have questions on any of the above topics, especially your selection of the proper firearm, by all means call us with questions.  We’d much rather save you money and time wasted by helping you get it right the first time.

Class starts at 7:30 on Monday for registration.  Tuesday – Friday class starts at 8:00.  Classes are usually over around 5:00 each day, sometimes earlier if all the information has been covered.  On Thursday you will get out at 4:00 (ish), go to dinner and come back around 5:30-6:00 for the night shoot which lasts about 90 minutes.

On Day One of your class you may arrive armed.   Arizona is an open-carry state.   If you prefer, you may arrive unarmed and we will help you gear up later in the day.  DO NOT HANDLE FIREARMS IN THE PARKING LOT.  If your handgun is in a shooting bag, leave it there.  We’ll make sure that everyone is able to prepare safely before the first live-fire session.

Lastly, please be punctual in all things.  Plan an extra fifteen minutes into your trip to school every day.  When the Instructor says “We’ll meet here at 08:00 tomorrow” he or she means that people will be on the line at 08:00 ready to shoot.  If everyone is punctual, everyone learns at the same pace, and no one is left behind.

Let us offer you a provisional welcome to the Gunsite Family.  We look forward to helping you learn a whole new skill-set in a supportive, but challenging environment.  We’ll make every effort to safely learn how to protect yourself, your loved ones or those whom you are sworn to protect.

Some ladies shoot regularly and have a full wardrobe of pants with pockets, shooting shirts, and are comfortable wearing a holster and mag pouches, but others like us are new to the shooting sport and don’t really know what is needed for ladies.

Women dress differently than men and some of us don’t carry our pistols the same way men do. But when we are attending a Gunsite class we need to modify our clothes just a bit to allow us to go through the training and learn the methods of safe gun handling and proper gun fighting.  That means that for the 250 class my daughter and I had to make some adjustments to our standard style of dress to accommodate the holster, gun, and mag pouch.

What to Wear:

Some things are the same for men and women. All of us need a designated gun belt to hold up all the gear, holster, and a double mag pouch but there are other questions you may be asking as you plan what to wear.

• Shoes: You will be walking a lot in the sand out on the range. You will also be navigating some rocky paths when you do your outdoor simulators. Tennis shoes are fine for your class but we found that hiking shoes with a good grip and comfortable fit were helpful. Some shoes have waterproof material that will assist in keeping the sand out of your socks and off your feet.  Bonus – hiking shoes are useful for hiking back at home.
• Pants: You can wear any pants (skinny, loose fit, boot cut, etc) you want but keep in mind that you need pockets. I don’t typically wear tactical pants in my regular life so I didn’t want to invest in pants that I would only wear one week of the year.  Instead, I found some pants that had side pockets so they would hold multiple magazines, flashlight, and extra ammo while attending the class and still be comfortable in real-life wear. The style of pants is not important as long as they are durable and flexible enough to handle the different positions needed for kneeling and prone positions etc.
• Shirts: Keep in mind that guns eject hot brass that can and will go down your shirt. It may be best to choose crew neck t-shirts instead of low necklines or tank tops. Because Gunsite is located in the high desert and temperatures can be extreme, you may also want to choose moisture-wicking dry fit t-shirts that help regulate your body temperature and control sweat.
• Socks: Even though the range is out in the sand, I felt comfortable with low ankle socks that I normally wear. You may want to bring one pair of longer socks in case you want the extra protection from the sand.
• Knee Pads: Once you start learning the different kneeling techniques, you will use those different positions throughout the week.  Most of the time, your instructor will not give you a warning that you will be using the kneeling positions.  Choose knee pads that are easy to pull up when you want them and down to your ankles if you don’t. Another possibility is knee pads that can be worn inside your pants.
• Hat: You will wear a hat all day at the range (ball cap, floppy hat with a brim). It will have your name tag on the back so instructors and other classmates can easily call out your name. Make sure your hat will work with your ear protection that is required at all times on the range.  Wear a cap that is comfortable but remember that you will sweat a lot and it will get sandy and dusty.

Some women have an engrained mentality to always try to look their best and feel comfortable with their clothing choices. But once we got into the class, we realized it didn’t really matter what we were wearing. Instead, we realized that we were focused on learning to protect and defend our families and the ones we love.

If you forget any of these items that you need, the Pro Shop is easily accessible throughout the week and carries most everything you can think of!

Extra Things to Bring:

• Feminine Products: Range days don’t stop if you are on your cycle. There are restrooms available in walking distance from each of the ranges so you can take care of any needs during reloading breaks.
• Fitness Cool Towels: It is hot on the range so bring a cool fit towel to help keep your temperature regulated. You can wet the towel as needed.
• Sunscreen: Keep sunscreen in your range bag so you can reapply as needed.
• Drink Powder: Gunsite does provide ice water and Gatorade powder at the range, but I also found it very helpful to keep powder electrolyte packets in my bag so I could sip on this all day and maintain hydration. You can purchase these in the pharmacy section of most grocery or drugstores.
• Snacks: Keep a snack bar or crackers in your range bag so you can grab a super quick snack when you get a break.
• Lip Protection: The range is a mix of blowing sand, hot sun, high elevation, and dry weather so your lips may become cracked and dry.  Keep chapstick in your range bag or in a pocket to help protect your lips. (Note that chapped lips can also be a sign of dehydration so if you are dealing with this, respond to the issue and drink up!)

What to Expect Emotionally

One of the goals of the class is to prepare your mind for an event in which your life is in jeopardy and you have to use your firearm to defend yourself. This is an emotionally heavy concept, so for my daughter and I—who had previously not considered it to any great length—it brought out a strong emotional response. Be aware of the possibility and know that If you feel it you are not the first nor will you be the last. The good thing about having these experiences now is that I will be better able to handle the situations in real life.  After a week of solid instruction, I left feeling more confident with the knowledge that I have dealt with potential emotional responses in a classroom setting.

You can bring your own ammunition or buy ammunition from us. You can also ship your ammunition to us with your name and the date of your class and we will hold it for you. Class ammunition packages are available for most classes.  You can call the training coordinator for pricing at 928-636-4565 . We stock Remington ammunition in the calibers most commonly used in class including frangible. If you have custom ammunition needs please call 928.636.4565 ext. 10 and discuss this with us.

Most people find that trying to leave the school at lunchtime is impractical. You can bring a lunch with you and store it in the lunch area refrigerator or you can order a lunch from our caterer. Choices include sandwiches, wraps and salads prepared fresh daily.

“Cost is $13.00 per day (additional taxes/fee will be added when paying by credit card).”

If you cancel less than 14 days before your class, One-third (1/3) of your class tuition is non-transferable and non-refundable. Any amount over this first third is fully transferable or refundable if you cannot make the class for any reason, with or without notice.

We like to tell clients coming to Gunsite to dress in layers. Bring slacks or pants with belt loops wide enough for a sturdy belt. A short sleeved shirt under a long sleeved shirt with a jacket that opens down the front.
Comfortable and sturdy shoes or hiking boots. Wearing layers enables you to take a layer off as the weather warms throughout the day. A hat with a brim that is comfortable with the hearing protection you will be wearing.

Whatever you forget we have a well stocked ProShop for your convenience.

The Instructors at Gunsite are the best in the world. Most have 20 or more years of firearms instructor experience and years of experience in police, military and training professions. Instructor biographies for many of our instructors are posted on our web site.

We train qualified people who would like to improve their skills with small arms. This runs the gamut from private sector beginning shooters to top tier military and law enforcement personnel.

Gunsite offers  comprehensive training to all people of verifiable character.  If you meet a few simple criteria, and are ready to learn a life-saving skill, please join us here in northern Arizona for a week that will expand your abilities and horizons.

The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the most common airport used by students of Gunsite. You can expect a 2 hour drive from Phoenix to Gunsite.

The Flagstaff Pulliam Airport – PLG can also be used, though flight schedules are less frequent. The drive time to Gunsite will be just over an hour.

The Prescott Regional Airport – LOVE field now has flights coming into Prescott on United Airlines travelling through Denver or LA.

Driving Directions

If Driving from Albuquerque New Mexico or further east, take I-40 West to Ash Fork Arizona, Turn south on highway 89 (towards Prescott). It will take you directly to the town of Paulden.

See Directions to Gunsite.

If you are staying in Chino Valley you should allow about 20 minutes driving time to get to class. If staying in Prescott, allow 35-45 minutes.

If Driving from Los Angeles California, take I-40 East to Ash Fork Arizona, Turn south on highway 89 (towards Prescott). It will take you directly to the town of Paulden.

See Directions to Gunsite.

If you are staying in Chino Valley you should allow about 20 minutes driving time to get to class. If staying in Prescott, allow 35-45 minutes.

Many of our clients fly to Phoenix, Arizona and rent a car. The drive from the airport to Gunsite takes about 2 hours. See Directions to Gunsite.

Those with private aircraft can fly into Prescott (KPRC). Commercial flights from Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Phoenix to Prescott are sometimes available.

If you are staying in Chino Valley you should allow about 20 minutes driving time to get to class. If staying in Prescott, allow 35-45 minutes.

There are a variety of hotels, motels, and B&Bs in the Prescott area. Should you prefer to camp or park your camper or motor home here, we have a fully equipped campground on site with water, electricity (no sewer dump) and 4 bathrooms with showers. Accommodation information is sent out in the registration packet and is available on our web site under lodging near Gunsite.

The Instructors at Gunsite are the best in the world. Most have 20 or more years of firearms instructor experience and years of experience in police, military and training professions. Instructor biographies for many of our instructors are posted on our web site.

You can, so long as the firearm is not prohibited in your home state. All handguns, and some long guns, must be shipped to a dealer where you live in order to be legally transferred to you. If you wish, we can sell you a gun, have it waiting for you when you arrive, and you can use it in class. At the end of the class we can help you with getting it transferred to you.

Yes, we have a variety of rental guns. Let us know you would like to rent a gun by including this information on the application. Gun rentals include holsters, magazine carriers and spare magazines.

Yes, you can ship your firearm to Gunsite for your class. Be sure to address it to yourself c/o Gunsite Academy. Since FedEx and UPS will only allow firearm shipments from FFL to FFL, you will have to ship through your local gun store. You will be able to acquire your firearm once you arrive for class and we will ship it back to that same FFL after your class, at your expense.

You might look at the TSA regulations on flying with a gun.  It isn’t that onerous, is simple and adds just a little bit of time to your travel.  (I do it regularly.)

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition

Please call 928.636.4565 ext. 2 if you have questions.

Most of our intermediate and advanced level classes have prerequisites. We accept certain forms of training, aside from our classes, as meeting the prerequisite. A score of Marksman or above is necessary in the 223 and 250 classes at Gunsite to move into the intermediate and advanced classes. If you would like to waive a prerequisite, please call the Training Director Dave Hartman, at 928.636.4565 ext.10 to discuss this issue.

You can bring your own ammunition or buy ammunition from us. You can also ship your ammunition to us with your name and the date of your class and we will hold it for you. Class ammunition packages are available for most classes.  You can call the training coordinator for pricing at 928-636-4565 . We stock Remington ammunition in the calibers most commonly used in class including frangible. If you have custom ammunition needs please call 928.636.4565 ext. 10 and discuss this with us.