Gunsite 250: My 5-Day Pistol Course Experience

[java]

Looks like an absolute blast. Love to be able to do it some day.

 

[EMrider]

Very interesting and informative report, thanks.
R

 

[Scott Brady]

The week ended with a tour of the Sconce, Jeff and Janelle Cooper's home on the Gunsite Ranch. A modest home from the exterior, it was thoughtfully designed for both living/entertaining and security.

Janelle was kind enough to show a few of us around the house and share a few stories about Mr. Cooper. She had received a copy of Overland Journal earlier in the week and greatly enjoyed a few of the stories, particularly the ones on Africa.

Janelle reads a bit on the history of the home and Gunsite. She is 94 and as sharp as a tac.

The home has a few thoughtful security touches, none of which look lame or "prepper". This is a gate that closes the bedrooms off from the rest of the house. It can be shut remotely and allowed Jeff to see any intruders from behind the cover of a doorway.

A spiral staircase led to the basement, chock full of books. Jeff was a voracious reader. He particularly enjoyed accounts from military field operations, where he was able to discern trends in behavior and nuances of strategy.

Jeff's Lion, taken from the ground and while walking through the bush

As expected, many 1911s in the gun room

Big bore hunting rifles

A chance for me to sit amongst a legend's workspace

Styre Scout

The tour has inspired me to read a few of Jeff's books. Does anyone have a favorite?

 

[98OzarksRunner]

Lessons Learned
10. If you are carrying a gun for self defense, don't wait to get training. Right now, you have no idea what you don't know. . . at all. I waited 10 years too long for training and even though I was active duty military, that training was wholly inadequate. I have a USAF marksmanship ribbon and I would say marksmanship is less than 10% of being a good defensive pistol shooter. That was the hardest lesson of the week. Shooting tight groups is a small piece of the puzzle.

This. I know lots of 'gun guys' who have no idea what they don't know. In a real life-and-death situation they would most likely not survive, or end up shooting innocent bystanders, while completely missing the bad guy (if they even got to their gun). Good report, and sounds like a great week.

 

[phxtoad]

I'm pretty sure the guy with the ice cream had it coming...

Thanks for the great report.

Someday!

Todd

 

[Randy Chamberlain]

Great summary. Classic pic by the Gunsite gate!

 

[brentbba]

As a newbie and not even a gun owner yet, and having taken only the basic one full day class, this was an extremely interesting and informative read on education and practice. Thank you for taking the time to chronicle your experience.

 

[Scott Brady]

Great summary. Classic pic by the Gunsite gate!

Thanks Randy. I see you are in Prescott, stop by the office and say hello. A small group of us get out and shoot on a regular basis.

 

[Scott Brady]

As a newbie and not even a gun owner yet, and having taken only the basic one full day class, this was an extremely interesting and informative read on education and practice. Thank you for taking the time to chronicle your experience.

You are welcome.

Prescott and Gunsite are an easy drive from you. Let us know if you come into town!

 

[ssc45]

Nice write up. Do they still teach the weaver stance? I am assuming that is what you were referring to about the push pull? I am surprised and impressed by the para's performance.

Cheer, Steve

 

[Andy@AAV]

Now you have to attend the GAS next October. Well worth the time and $ to shoot against other graduates!

 

[brentbba]

You are welcome.

Prescott and Gunsite are an easy drive from you. Let us know if you come into town!

Just happens that I'm working in Scottsdale now. Temporary position that may become permanent here in December. AZ AND CA living. I've already checked out the drive time to Prescott! :smiley_drive: Now all I have to do is drive the Landcruiser over instead of the Prius! 30 gallons of gas vs 10!

 

[Scott Brady]

Now you have to attend the GAS next October. Well worth the time and $ to shoot against other graduates!

I plan on it. Solid group of people there.

 

[jscusmcvet]

Awesome report. Thanks for sharing so much detail. Affordability on this kind of thing is a huge factor, but there is no denying the need for those of us who carry and those of us who live "outside" normal law enforcement response times. Has me rethinking my choice of carry weapon and also allocation of resources, to include this type of training.

 

[KiwiKurt]

Awesome report. Thanks for sharing so much detail. Affordability on this kind of thing is a huge factor, but there is no denying the need for those of us who carry and those of us who live "outside" normal law enforcement response times. Has me rethinking my choice of carry weapon and also allocation of resources, to include this type of training.

Training is essential....as is planning. there are a lot of teachers and schools with solid backgrounds that instruct at a fraction of the cost of some of the "big name" schools. the classes are generally smaller, which means more one on one time with instructors and more flexibility in the course itinerary.

It's a good option to consider.