Gunsite Alumni Shoot 2018 is in the books!
Once again, a great “social engagement slightly interrupted by gunfire.”
About 80,000 rounds safely fired down range with over 200 shooters and multiple guests. (We also had the USMC fly over early Friday morning. They did a brief show in their Russian look-alike jets. (The Aggressor Squadron.) The pilots (one a Gunsite graduate) joined us for the steak dinner in the campground later that evening.
The GAS Match is so much more than just a shooting event. It truly is a family reunion where friends, family and Gunsite family get together to share life and break bread. Many have already enrolled for 2019. We look forward to it as well.
Saying “Thank you” to the great Gunsite staff, instructors and volunteers just doesn’t seem enough. Hundreds of man hours go in the preparation and execution of this event every year. The first 2019 planning meeting is this week. But, “THANK YOU” to all who worked, volunteered and helped. “THANK YOU” to all who attended and participated.
A couple of stages ran longer than anticipated and we will work on that for 2019. It is always a work in progress. We had a few complaints that the penalty for shooting a no-shoot was too great. Well, this is Gunsite. The challenge is great. If you hit a no-shoot on the street the penalty is even greater.
Have you looked at the photos from the Gunsite web page yet from GAS?
https://www.gunsite.com/photos/gunsite-alumni-shoot-mmxviii/
GAS Match scores are posted here: GAS 2018 Scores
Lost and Found: Someone approached me about a HK magazine at dinner. It was found Tuesday morning and I have it. If you lost other items, contact me at Ken@gunsite.com and advise what it is. Please be specific.
We had to destroy the remaining Tannerite from the rifle side match this morning . . . “Fire in the Hole!”
It was a great moment when we were able to announce the appointment of Justice Kavanaugh over the Gunsite radio net shortly after lunch. A cheer went up louder than the gunfire.
Our vendors and supporters stepped up in such a big way. Look to the GAS photos of the prize tables and how full they were. The list of supporters is in the newsletter. Take a few minutes and send them an email thanking them for their support of Gunsite and The Jeff Cooper Legacy Foundation.” Crimson Trace was a $15,000+ donor this year in prizes and support. Double Tap Ammunition gave a box of defensive ammunition to each participant (We now sell it in the Pro Shop as well.). We are not taking anything away from our many long-time supporters such as Blade Tech, Wilderness and more, but these were great additions.
We believe this is the most guns we have been able to give away to date. Thanks to Accuracy International, Mossberg, Smith and Wesson, Colt, Remington, Rock Island Arms, Davidsons, Springfield Armory and more.
Special thanks to the United States Marine Corps for the honor guard with presentation of the colors at the shooters brief, for volunteering all day and then the folding of the flag with RM Charlie McNeese explaining the meaning of the folds. It was a moving experience and no one took a knee.
The auction is always a fun event. The famous Milt Sparks leather trash can was returned and sold again, hopefully to be returned next year. One of the old Cold Steel Gunsite Knives will be returned next year to be sold again. There were many other unique items in the auction, netting about $13,000 to the Jeff Cooper Legacy Foundation. (If you could only see the smile on Mrs. Cooper’s face as I can when we raise these monies!)
The week preceding the GAS Match was a busy time. We had the infamous “Knuckleheads” Course with about a dozen students and a double 250 Pistol and a double 350 Pistol course. Many new Gunsite graduates were initiated into the family. We were also able to welcome two (2) new instructors after successful completion of their Provost Program. Gunsite welcomes Sheriff Jerry Parsley and Sgt. Jeff Dooley to the ranks of Gunsite staff. Congratulations gentlemen.
It was a short weekend for the staff as we left the Ranch about 2200 on Saturday night with a few returning on Sunday to begin work and the rest on Monday morning as we had four (4) classes beginning. Life does not slow down post-GAS. October continues with Shotgun, Seasoned Citizen 250 Pistol, the new “Instructor Development”, Precision Rifle 7, Pocket Pistol, Ladies’ 150 Pistol and Ladies’ Pistol 2. A double 250 Pistol round out the month. (Not to mention some special LE and media events.)
November rolls in with a 123 Carbine Class in Indiana, a 150 Pistol in TN, hosting a Long-Range Rifle Match at Gunsite, the Advanced Carbine 556 Night Course, the 250 Pistol Class with Crimson Trace Lasers, a 123 Carbine in Colorado, the 350 Night Pistol Class, another US Congressman and his staff taking training, another 250 Pistol at Colonial Shooting Academy in Richmond VA, another double 250 Pistol course the last week of the month and and the world famous David Scott-Donelan Tactical Tracking course. Whew!
Remember that if you enroll in a 2019 course in 2018, you avoid the slight price increase for 2019. Classes fill quickly, especially those preceding and following GAS. Don’t wait to enroll. We also have the new Defensive Lever Gun/SA Revolver Course on the schedule next year.
Gunsite is a wonderful, magical place. The patriotism and love of our Republic is almost overwhelming at times. Keep in mind that Election Day looms in November. It is imperative that we retain control of the House and the Senate. Too many gun owners don’t get out and vote. Make sure you learn about your candidates and exercise your right that so many have paid the ultimate sacrifice for.
We hope to see you (back) at Gunsite again soon.
DVC,
Ken
