A gunsite education that’s worth the cost
By Dave Bates
For the Observer-Reporter
Never let it be said I did anything the easy way … even when I should have. I don’t say this proudly so much as with a tinge of embarrassment while looking back at decades of mistakes I’ve made.
Most folks purchase a handgun and let it sit in a drawer, thinking that by having a gun in a bedside stand they are “ready.” Ready for what? I have no idea. They are no more ready for trouble without education and training than I am prepared to deliver babies after watching reruns of E.R.
Traditionally, when one takes charge of their own self-defense package, it results in some range time, reading of books or magazines, maybe watching a few videos on Youtube, possibly some dry practice. Less frequently, an individual will seek out training from a professional and take their first steps towards their epiphany. Peeling back the layers of learning, they realize that they had a heck of a lot to learn and are subsequently horrified when they become aware of their former ignorance. Such is the case with many of the folks who arrive at my Alpha Omega Shooting Solutions School. Once their instruction commences, they evolve into safe, confident, firearm handlers, shooters and self-defense protoges. It is then that the real learning begins to take place.
I’m going to cut to the chase and let you know that of the numerous tasks that I’ve undertaken the hard way, my shooting education was most definitely one of the most difficult and therefore, most fulfilling. If you have the motivation as well as the financial means to swing a trip to Gunsite, let me start by saying, “Go there!” Gunsite might be the finest place on earth to receive one’s indoctrination into the self-defense arts as I can recommend. They employ one of the finest instructor cadres on the planet. Facilities are world class and they are just about the nicest group of folks that I have had the good fortune with which to associate. In a word, “professional.” Their methodology is tried and true. If I could draw up a comprehensively complete plan to educate a loved one in pistolcraft, I’d put them on a plane for Phoenix and let Gunsite take care of the rest. That being said, Gunsite is not for everyone. It’s simply, financially out of reach for many of us without a little help.
After 40-plus years of doing it my way, (which incidentally, might not always be the best way) I received a Colonel Jeff Cooper Legacy Foundation Scholarship to attend Gunsite in 2014. Colonel Cooper was the founder of Gunsite and created not only the premier training facility in the world but went on to develop some of the most cutting-edge shooting technique of his day. From its inception as the American Pistol Institute in 1976 that later became Gunsite, they have been doing civilian training better and longer than most organizations in the world. In addition, they host a number of military and police organizations on their training schedule.
After receiving a scholarship from the wife and daughters of the late Colonel, I proceeded to beg, borrow and nearly steal my way across the country to Paulden, Arizona. The scholarship was an $1,800 endowment for a week-long class in the high country desert above Phoenix. The problem became affording everything else on the salary of an elementary school principal – airfare, room, board, ammo, (lots and lots of ammo) clothes, holsters, spare magazines, carriers, rental car, etc., etc. By the time it worked itself out, my free scholarship would cost me nearly $2,000. And I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Upon receiving word of the scholarship from Mrs. Cooper, I began to contact ammunition companies, holster companies, gun companies, rental car companies, police clothing companies and begged. I threw myself at their mercy and did they ever come through. “It takes a village.” took on completely new meaning. From every corner of these United States, support poured in at a rate that continues to overwhelm me to this very day. A holster here, a tactical outfit there, ammo by the case, rental car upgrades, and so on. By the time of my departure, I had pieced together enough “aid” to trim my costs to around $1,000 dollars – not cheap by any means but affordable enough to make the trip of a lifetime for the experience of a lifetime.
So why am I trotting out such an unlikely horse after a decade has passed? Because someone sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee this morning as they read this might be at the onset of their shooting quest. If this helps one person prepare for that trip, then my time has been well spent. If you are intrigued by the prospect of a Gunsite education contact me and we’ll see what we can do to help you along. Ask Game Warden Brandon Bonin of Greene County – he took the Gunsite challenge as well. Maybe you’ll be next. If Gunsite isn’t up your alley but you still require assistance, contact me. We will make sure you are looked after.
Dave Bates writes a weekly outdoors column for the Observer-Reporter. He can be reached at alphaomegashootingsolutions@gmail.com