Training at Gunsite

locnload · Apr 18, 2018

I have always heard that training at Gunsite is "life changing" and from talking to people who have, that it is worth it. Gunsite is on my personal "bucket list" and I'm thinking that this year may be the time to do it. I just had my 67th birthday, I'm still working so I can afford it, and I just got a nice little bonus from work. I'm not getting any younger and a five day class in the Arizona high desert is not going to be any easier on my aging carcass next year. But the "250" class is a lot of basics and you can not take any more advanced classes until you have done it. I have trained with a number of nationally known instructors, some of them former or adjunct Gunsite guys, and would like to take a more advanced class. This may be the only time I am able to go to Gunsite, its an expensive class, about 2700 miles round trip, a week of vacation, plus motel, meals, and ammo. But, it never hurts to work on the basics, and even an "old dog" can learn a few new tricks.
Anyway, what say you, worth it or not?

Frank Ettin · Apr 18, 2018

locnload said:
...what say you, worth it or not?

I think it's worth it.

I took 250 back in 2002. Since then I've also taken 270 (General Rifle) and 350 (Intermediate Handgun).

While I've also had classes with Massad Ayoob and Louis Awerbuck (among others), a class at Gunsite is special. IME the facilities are excellent, as are the instructors.

I do have to say that if I had to choose between 250 at Gunsite and MAG-40 with Massad Ayoob, I'd have a difficult time. The overall experience at Gunsite is, IMHO, a "not-to-be-missed" matter for anyone interested in defensive use of a handgun. But at the same time the grounding Massad Ayoob provides in the legal and social aspects of the defensive use of a handgun is very important. I consider myself fortunate to have had the benefit of both.

Kevin Rohrer · Apr 19, 2018

Definitely worth it. The facilities are top-notch and the instructors should be good. I have been there for three classes and each was better than any training I have ever received anywhere else.

There is a lot of movement, get some exercise beforehand.

Old Dog · Apr 20, 2018

Gunsite and Thunder Ranch. The gold standard in firearms training. (Firearms Academy of Seattle offers excellent training up here, and Mr. Ayoob is a welcomed guest instructor every year).

OP, going back to the basics when it's quality instruction is still absolutely worth it. I've taken courses I thought were below my level of experience/expertise and still learned a lot of stuff ... (And definitely up your activity level for at least a couple weeks beforehand so as to minimize the huffing and puffing.)

strambo · Apr 20, 2018

I think it depends how much the visit to Gunsite itself is worth it to you. Comparable training can be had closer for less, but they aren't Gunsite. If it is a bucket list thing for you, you should go. It is a great experience.

Nuclear · Apr 22, 2018

I too had Gunsite as a bucket list type of thing. I took the 250 class in summer one year, but that isn't as bad as it sounds. Fewer people in the class, more attention from the instructors. Due to the elevation, it is cooler than the Phoenix area. However, it is just as dry, and the higher elevation means the air is thinner.

In addition to what they tell you to bring, get comfortable electronic hearing protection. Also bring a back up gun in the same caliber as your primary, that fits your holster or has it's own holster. I ended up with blisters on my hands from shooting a lot more than I normally do, so some band-aids, medical tape, etc. to address that. A magazine loader, as you will be doing a lot of that as well. If you rent a car or drive your own, make sure it is a truck or SUV. Unless they've paved it, the road from the highway to Gunsite is pretty rough.

Top notch instruction and facilities.

tactikel · Apr 26, 2018

The 250 class is absolutely worth it. Another option is one I experienced, a 1 day personal tutorial. I took a carbine tutorial, one on one, with an outstanding teacher. I shot 500 rounds in 8 hours at ranges from 1 meter ( the fun house) to 400 meters. I was 55 at the time, at the end I was tired, sore, and had the biggest grin of my life.

locnload · Apr 30, 2018

OK, thanks for helping me make up my mind. I was starting to plan for a class in May but had to put a new transmission in my pick up so there went my bonus from work, and then some. Maybe I can go in June. Hope its not too hot there that time of year.

Kendahl · May 1, 2018

locnload said:
Maybe I can go in June. Hope its not too hot there that time of year.

Link to Paulden, Arizona climate data: https://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/chino-valley/arizona/united-states/usaz0037
The best months look like May and September.

Training at Gunsite

locnload

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Frank Ettin

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Kevin Rohrer

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Old Dog

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strambo

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Nuclear

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tactikel

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locnload

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Kendahl

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