If you live on the East Coast or anywhere outside a few hours of driving distance, traveling to Gunsite Academy's primary facility in Paulden, Arizona, might be a challenge. But here’s some great news. You can now take advantage of some of the country’s most revered training offered by Gunsite without having to change time zones. You see, Gunsite has expanded its out-of-state course offerings, bringing its renowned 150 Defensive Pistol Course to Florida, offering firearms enthusiasts a chance to train closer to home. Held at Shooters World in Orlando—with other Florida sites coming—this three-day course provides a condensed version of the Academy's flagship 250 Defensive Pistol Course, known for its comprehensive and realistic defensive shooting instruction.
A Peek into Gunsite Academy’s Legacy
Gunsite Academy’s main campus, a mecca for gun owners intent on achieving what is considered by many to be the best firearm training available, is located on a modern 3,200-acre site in Paulden, Arizona, about 30 minutes from Prescott. And if you haven’t heard of Gunsite, you need to know that its teachings are widely regarded as the foundation of modern defensive shooting, stemming from techniques developed by Gunsite founder Col. Jeff Cooper.
In “Growing Up Cooper,” his daughter, Lindy Cooper Wisdom, described her father this way: “He was a scholar, warrior, author, adventurer, teacher, lifelong student and a connoisseur of excellence in all things. He was also the father of the Modern Technique of the Pistol, a founder of IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation) and the founder of Gunsite, which is perhaps the foremost firearms training academy in the world.”
The Gunsite Experience
As a first-time Gunsite attendee, I was eager to soak up as much information as possible. Dennis and Linda Garcia, a couple who took the Orlando 150 class with me, shared much insight into the Gunsite methodology, and why Gunsite has the best firearms training in the United States. The couple has taken several Gunsite classes in Arizona, and their answers explain why they feel the time, travel and expense keep them coming back time and again.
“Gunsite teaches you to fight to survive. They are realistic about everyday situations that any person could find themselves in under ordinary circumstances," Dennis explained. "We feel quite at home at Gunsite. It is well worth the time and expense because everyone treats you like family and all the instructors will push you to improve and offer suggestions to help you along the way.”
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Linda said she appreciates Gunsite’s approach. “Gunsite classes cater to all levels of skill, regardless of gender. I’ve always felt respected and supported. The instructors are world-class, yet humble and focused on helping you reach your personal goals. All but one of my instructors at Gunsite have been male and at no time have I been treated differently than the men in my class.”
Photo by Kevin Creighton
Our Class Experience in Orlando
We gathered in the Shooters World Orlando classroom to begin the class with a nearly equal number of men and women. Participants ranged from novices to very experienced shooters. Gunsite CEO Ken Campbell graciously came out of teaching retirement to lead our class. Ken is a world-renowned teacher and shooting personality and brought two of his expert instructors, John Lawrence and Vince Morgan. As they introduced each other, Ken wanted to make sure everyone was in a teachable mindset and said, “We are here to teach you techniques you might not know. We are not teaching you the only way, but another way.” He went on, “I am a lifelong learner, and you should be also.”
Vince emphasized, “We are going to teach you how to fight with a gun.”
The course began with an in-depth safety discussion and orientation to the range and its rules. We were educated on the Combat Triad, which consists of marksmanship, gun handling and the mindset needed to manage a crisis.
Much of the course emphasized maintaining a balanced fighting stance, and understanding the importance of range safety. We practiced the “Isosceles stance,” attributed to Elden Carl, which provides stability while keeping you squared and ready to move in any direction. To build competence, we also practiced the presentation process: “Grip, Clear, Rotate, Smack, Look.”
Over the next two days we perfected our grips and stances and added many more techniques to our shooting toolkit. We added tactical and speed reloading, night shooting, shooting while kneeling among other skills.
Taking Gunsite to the East Coast
The Academy’s off-site courses are taught by certified Gunsite instructors, handpicked for their expertise and dedication. The Orlando course I attended was led by Gunsite CEO Ken Campbell, alongside instructors John Lawrence and Vince Morgan, who guided our class of 15 through Gunsite's rigorous yet rewarding training.
Student Cathy Torres expressed her appreciation. “The instructors were wonderful,” she said. “Their criticism of technique was always kind, and they worked to make us better—not to make us feel stupid or unteachable. They played up our own strengths and encouraged lighthearted competition.” She added, “I loved having the class at Shooters World. It’s state-of-the-art, comfortable and close to home. What’s not to love?”
The author with Gunsite CEO Ken Campbell
Gunsite’s journey to Florida began when Ken Campbell met Shooters World Corporate Operations Manager Juliana Janicke at a different event.
“We discussed the possibility of bringing Gunsite’s training to Florida, and it seemed like a great fit for both Gunsite and Shooters World to join forces,” Campbell explained. “Shooters World has been an excellent partner, and we look forward to many more successful classes together.”
Shooters World’s Orlando location has the distinction of being the largest indoor range in Florida (its 74,000 square feet is home to 58 indoor shooting lanes of 15 yards, 25 yards, 50 yards and 100 yards). Additional premier indoor ranges are located in Tampa and The Villages, all of which provide an ideal environment for Gunsite's rigorous curriculum. The Florida locations offer students modern, air-conditioned range bays and well-equipped classrooms. The retail showrooms are stocked with a wide range of firearms, ammunition, accessories and more, ensuring that students have everything they need at their fingertips.
Florida is just one of several new off-site locations where Gunsite has expanded its reach, offering several of its mainstay courses in Nashville, Tennessee; Wasilla, Alaska; and Lebanon, Indiana. Gunsite remains extremely selective when it comes to partnering with out-of-state ranges, ensuring each meets their stringent standards both on the range and in the classroom.
By expanding to Florida, Gunsite continues to make top-tier firearms training accessible to more people across the United States. Whether you’re new to shooting or a seasoned veteran, Gunsite’s courses provide an invaluable opportunity to improve your skills under the guidance of some of the best instructors in the industry.
If you have the chance to attend a Gunsite Academy class in the future, whether in Arizona at their main campus, at the other off-site locations, or in Orlando as I did, I promise you will not be sorry.
For more information on Gunsite classes in Paulden, Arizona or other locations, please visit gunsite.com or shootersworld.com.
Author's note: A special thanks to Double Tap Ammunition and Walther for their assistance with my ammunition and holster.
