Frost (Well, Raindrops) on the Pumpkin
October came in like a (Sea)Lion at the Gunsite Alumni Shoot (GAS Match) on Saturday October 1. It was underway with the Granite Mountain Young Marines Color Guard presenting the colors at 0730 for the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. Shortly thereafter, the match with near 250 contestants was underway. The stages were quick paced and challenging. I had warned all at the morning brief to pack an extra brain and I think I was true to my word. Lunch was tasty as always, but shortly after lunch, many wondered if we had a stage for shooting from the Ark! The heavens opened with an Arizona Monsoon rain. While we suspended shooting for a bit, we carried on. At the end, there was no whining about the raindrops as big as eggs and hail as large as meteors as the hot coffee was consumed in the new sweatshirts from the Pro Shop. The bigger tent paid off, but the rains subsided, and the silent auction and live auction was great. The dinner was exceeded only by the company. We have a great “shout-out” to “The Sound Brothers.” Not only do they offer up superior sound systems, we found they can improvise, adapt and overcome in the terrible weather. Well done gents! The Prize Table was the largest yet, including many guns thanks to our new industry partner Stag Arms. Winners, photos, etc., will be posted on a new GAS Match page on the Gunsite Web Page soon. The Cooper Cup was won with a score of 160, Shot from Concealment! The planning for GAS 2023 began yesterday morning here at Gunsite.
Sadly, shortly before GAS, our long-time friend and Rangemaster Ed Head succumbed to an aggressive cancer. Ed was recognized at GAS, along with LaMonte Kintsel and John Gannaway as Gunsite Instructors who passed this year. There will be a Memorial Service at the Gunsite Classroom on Sunday October 9, 2022 at 1:00 PM for Ed. Please RSVP to Rob Leahy (Rob@simplyrugged.com) if you plan to attend.
Sunday was another nuptial at the Gunsite Monument. (See Photo). Rangemaster Jay Tuttle married his fiancé Rosie Balog followed by a reception including many Gunsite instructors. Congratulations to Jay and Rosie. It was a great follow-up to the GAS Match.
Look to November for the second iteration of Gunsite hosting the Pat Rogers Memorial Revolver Round Up. It is a symposium of many well known and experienced instructors offering 2–3-hour blocks of instruction on the wheel gun. Round count is low for this three (3) day event, and many learning opportunities are available. It is 75% full at this point.
https://www.gunsite.com/classes/pat-rogers-memorial-revolver-round-up/
October is a beautiful time of year in the high desert. Cool mornings and warm afternoons with little precipitation. October classes include 260 Shotgun and Shotgun ATP, Seasoned Citizen 250 Pistol, Instructor Development with Jerry McCown, Ladies 150 Pistol and Ladies Pistol 2, Pocket Pistol, Edged Weapons, another triple 250 Pistol Classes, and the 350 Pistol Low Light and more.
Industry Partner Crimson Trace returns for the CT 250 Pistol the end of the month. It is a regular 250 with the enhancements of the Crimson Trace Laser Stocks. Not only do you learn the 250 skills, but also receive great CT Laser gear for your pistol and enhanced instruction on how to use properly. You receive a good part of your tuition back in gear from Crimson Trace! https://www.gunsite.com/classes/ct-250-defensive-pistol-class/
We also host several media partners including Mossberg and Lock Down, several private courses and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University returns for their drone training. That is just the warm-up for November.
Thanks to all who participated in our “Social Engagement Slightly Interrupted By Gunfire”, aka The GAS Match. We will report back the donation to The Jeff Cooper Legacy Foundation in the November Newsletter.
Until then . . .
When are You Coming to Gunsite?
Ken
