Gunsite Academy - Paulden, Arizona

Kelly Hewitt

250 pistol defense, ranges were good, instructors were professional, approachable, patient and detail oriented. The on-site pro-shop has a wide range of items you may have forgotten or broken, on-site gunsmith to fix any breaks or customizations. My pistol skill in just one week improved 80% in one week. Staff is courteous, committed and creates a fun and motivating environment.

Diana McNeill

Looking for a class/facility to take your firearm safety and skills to the next level?

Look no further. Ok it’s the first of its kind for me but I have so many positive experiences throughout the week with our range master Jerry, and instructors Verlin, Joe and Ryan. I’ve only been shooting for 12 years ( very sporadically in my consistency) and they were extremely patient with me.

I attended the 250 Defensive Pistol Class, pushed outside my boundaries/comfort level and see so much more clearly now as I look back on my 5 days on Southrange. I was as much of a sponge as I could be, taking the experience and knowledge they each bestowed upon me into my next school drill.

Everything Gunsite does, you can be sure safety is first! I could never picture myself participating in drills in the rain but there I was hitting the target and speed loading magazines while learning how to search and shoot with a flashlight in the dark.

I’ve been in some dicey situations in life and hadn’t thought of doing this until a girlfriend shared her own experience at Gunsite. I left feeling empowered to not use my firearm but if it came down to it, I could get the job done. The mindset training is what really helped me see life beyond the range. Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper, the founder, also an author, columnist, professor, WW II and Korean War combat veteran intended Gunsite to be the vehicle for spreading the Modern Technique of the Pistol, a modern technique that defines pragmatic use of the pistol for personal protection.

I can’t wait to go back to hone my new skills and take it to the next level. Met some great new friends and shared an amazing life changing experience with my own group of friends. I highly recommend Gunsite Academy!

Mike Quinn

I've trained at some of the best shooting schools in the country, and Gunsite Academy tops them all. The facilities are outstanding, the highlight being the "simulators" including their shoot houses and outdoor simulators that are like a desert version of Hogan's Alley. What really sets Gunsite apart, however, are the instructors.

First, their depth of knowledge and experience is beyond question. At home I'd be impressed to meet someone with 30+ years of combined military and law enforcement experience, including 20+ teaching in special operations, police SWAT, and federal firearms schools. At Gunsite, such a resume is the norm. Every one of the dozen or so instructors I've had has been an excellent teacher. There is no false praise, but lots of precise corrections on technique. When an instructor tells me "good job" it feels well earned! Every course I feel like I've received plenty of individual attention, and the instructors' priorities are safety and my personal growth as a shooter ... they want me to be the best that I can be, and push me to constantly refine my skills. I've frequently heard them say: "An amateur practices until they get it right. A professional practices until they can't get it wrong." The zeitgeist at Gunsite is to make professionals.

The icing on the cake is the culture. The legendary John Cooper founded Gunsite, and his ethic of responsibility and integrity lives on, including his tradition of starting every course with the CEO leading the Pledge of Allegiance. These are not a bunch of "gun nuts" or wanna be heroes. The staff and faculty love what they do. They love our country and have served as police officers, soldiers, and responsible citizens. They believe that responsible gun ownership begins with responsible training, and they provide that. And they are all friendly, regular people. They are fun to be around!

A trip to Gunsite for me - living on the east coast - is an investment, yet I've never regretted one penny I've spent on these courses for two reasons: they have made me MUCH better at safe gun handling and shooting, and ... it is FUN!

My next course is already scheduled for this fall, and it won't be my last. Ken, the CEO, tells each class on the last day that they are part of the Gunsite family. I feel that.

jeremiah thomas

Unquestionably the best training I have ever received. I came in knowing that hopes and expectations are two very different things. The trio of Jay Tuttle, Joe Avilla and Skyler in the 250 class exceeded my hopes and obliterated my expectations.
The attention to safety was exceptional as you should e pect from a high quality facility.

Jay Tuttle- What a rangemaster should be. He provided excellent instruction, he had the instructors fully briefed so that nothing was a suprise and everything ran smoothly for the students. The class ran like a finely tuned sewing machine.

Skyler- Very personable, relatable and put everyone at ease so could perform their best. This was not just his personality but a skill that he employed I believe, with intention, to allow the students to perform at their best.

Joe Avilla- I really can't stress enough in words the instructor that Joe is. He is very "down to business" in his demeanor yet, he equally made you feel like you could ask any question. His attention to detail was world class. His ability to coach, correct, and highlight improvements and successes to the students allows the students to see their own growth clearly. He creates an environment allowing a complete understanding of the what, how and why the improvement happened so it can be duplicated in other scenarios, allowing for comprehensive learning. Learning that can be used in multiple scenarios as well as stacked with other skills.

I look forward to the next class.

Joel Paskauskas

I recently completed the 250 Pistol Class at Gunsite Academy, and I can’t express enough how outstanding the experience was. As someone who has been shooting since the age of 5, I can confidently say this is the best firearms instruction I’ve ever received. Mario and both Matts were phenomenal instructors. Their expertise, patience, and dedication to safety made the learning experience not only informative but also highly enjoyable. The instructions and range commands were always clear, concise, and consistent, ensuring a safe environment at all times. Additionally, the mindset lessons inspired by the late great Jeff Cooper were invaluable, offering insights that extend beyond the range. I’m already looking forward to returning for my next class. Gunsite Academy truly sets the standard for firearms training.

john m

outstanding experience. We go there every year for a 4 day private lesson with a group of my military unit. The instruction is top-notch and far above what we'd been given in our battalion. Best of all is the 'family' atmosphere they have with us. You can tell they care about all of their students and want them to feel at-home with them. The facilities are second to none and have everything from close-in CQB to long range marksmanship. We'll be coming back year after year!

Scarlett Caldwell

The training is bar none, safety is the number one concern, they have top rated instructors with decades of experience and an amazing wealth of knowledge. With thousands of acres, stable targets, moving targets, night classes, different types of range, etc. the practice and skills learned will have you coming back.

S T

I've brought my now 16 year old son here for the Youth programs and one private carbine tutorial. Amazing instructors! Huge thanks to Dave Hartman and Eric Ingersoll!