Gunsite Academy
Gunsite Academy is a privately held, Paulden, Arizona-based firearms training institution founded in 1976 by Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper, delivering progressive defensive shooting courses across pistol, carbine, rifle, shotgun, and tactical disciplines to civilians, military, and law enforcement at its flagship campus and partner locations across 8+ US states.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1976
- HeadquartersPaulden, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Gunsite Academy does
Gunsite Academy is a privately held firearms training institution founded in 1976 by Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper in Paulden, Arizona, operating from a flagship campus at 2900 W. Gunsite Road. The company delivers a structured curriculum built on Cooper's Modern Technique of pistol shooting and the Combat Triad methodology (Mindset, Gun Handling, Marksmanship), spanning progressive course tiers from 150-level basics through 499-level advanced instruction across pistol, carbine, rifle, shotgun, tactical/specialty, armorer certification, instructor development, and team tactics disciplines. Customers include civilian gun owners, military and law enforcement personnel, women, youth (ages 12-16), and seasoned citizens, served both at the Paulden headquarters and through off-site partnerships in Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Tennessee, Colorado, Virginia, Washington, South Carolina, and Alaska. Revenue is generated primarily through per-class tuition ($50 for short re-certification courses up to $1,825 for advanced 5-day tactical classes), with ancillary streams from an on-site and online Pro Shop selling firearms, accessories, ammunition, and branded merchandise; event hosting (GAS Alumni Shoot, Scout Rifle World Championship, NRL22 precision rifle matches); on-site RV and tent camping; and ammunition/rental packages. The company is led by CEO Ken Campbell with Training Director Dave Hartman, holds no disclosed external funding, and operates as an Arizona-incorporated corporation under the registered Gunsite Raven trademark, with distribution driven by direct-to-consumer website registration, social media presence across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and Twitter/X, and an extensive alumni testimonial program.
Gunsite Academy firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Gunsite Academy
- Legal name
- Gunsite Academy, Inc.
- Website
- https://gunsite.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1976
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Gunsite Academy is a privately held, Paulden, Arizona-based firearms training institution founded in 1976 by Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper, delivering progressive defensive shooting courses across pistol, carbine, rifle, shotgun, and tactical disciplines to civilians, military, and law enforcement at its flagship campus and partner locations across 8+ US states.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Gunsite Academy industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Firearms Training Services
- NAICS
- Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Firearms, Range Safety & Less-Lethal Weapons Training (EDAOAMAN)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Law Enforcement & Police Academy Training (EDAOAMAA), Active Shooter Preparedness & Safety Training/Drills (EDAEACAI), Armed Security & Firearms Training & Qualification (BPAKAOAB), Law Enforcement / Military / Security Defensive Tactics Training (HSADADAI)
Keywords
Where Gunsite Academy is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Paulden
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices10 records
Markets served
Gunsite Academy business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Others
Revenue model
- Professional Training Services: Gunsite Academy generates revenue primarily through professional firearms training classes ranging from 1-day courses to 7-day comprehensive programs. Class fees vary by duration and specialization, typically ranging from $50 for short courses like LEOSA re-certification to $1,825 for advanced 5-day tactical courses. A deposit of one-third of tuition is required within 10 days of application, with the balance due 14 days before class start.
- Pro Shop Merchandise: On-site Pro Shop sells firearms, accessories, ammunition, holsters, and Gunsite-branded merchandise. Rental firearms and magazines are available with rental fees waived upon purchase of similar items in the Pro Shop.
- Facility Rentals and Events: Revenue from hosting events such as the GAS (Gunsite Alumni Shoot) 50th Anniversary, Scout Rifle World Championship, Pat Rogers Memorial Revolver Round-Up, and Calams Combat Competition. Camping reservations are also offered on-site.
- Ammunition and Equipment Packages: Optional ammunition packages and equipment rentals are offered with classes, providing additional per-class revenue. Ammo packages range from $26-$50 depending on caliber.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | LEOSA Re-Certification Training - 1 Day |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Carbine Team Tactics for Two - 5 Days |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Colorado Three Day Carbine - 3 Days |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Indiana 150 Basic Revolver - 3 Days |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | 250 Defensive Pistol - 5 Days |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Day Zero Pistol - 1 Day |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Ammunition Packages |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Firearm Rentals |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels9 records
Marketing channels12 records
Gunsite Academy product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Gunsite Academy delivers professional firearms training courses covering pistols, carbines, rifles, shotguns, tactical/specialty, armorer, and instructor development curricula. The company sells tuition-based classes ranging from one-day short courses to multi-day advanced tactical courses, alongside an on-site Pro Shop retailing firearms, accessories, ammunition, and Gunsite-branded merchandise. Training is delivered at the Paulden, Arizona headquarters and at partner ranges across multiple U.S. states.
Product overview
Gunsite Academy is a firearms training institution offering a comprehensive curriculum centered on Jeff Cooper's Modern Technique. The core offering consists of progressive training courses across five weapon platforms: Pistol (150 Basic through 499 Advanced), Carbine (123 Basic through 556 Advanced), Rifle (270 General through Xtreme Long Range), Shotgun (160/260 Defensive), and Youth/Seasoned Citizen variants. Specialty programs include BRAVE tactical response, Night Vision operations, Team Tactics, Instructor Development, and Armorer's certification courses. Supporting services include the Gunsite Performance Center for advanced shooters, Range Days for alumni maintenance, LEOSA re-certification, and an On-Site ProShop and Campground. Training is delivered at the Paulden, Arizona headquarters and through off-site partnerships across multiple U.S. states.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Quantifiable outcome
- Students report near-elimination of round wastage through instructor awareness of attitude, safety, presentation, marksmanship, and improvement
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Gunsite Academy
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Gunsite Academy technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Gunsite Academy partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- National Rifle Association (NRA)coreNRA partnership provides free NRA membership with every five-day class enrollment. This partnership drives value for students while promoting NRA membership and gun safety education. The NRA logo appears prominently on the Gunsite website with membership signup information.
- Firearms Academy of SeattlecoreFirearms Academy of Seattle serves as an off-site Gunsite training location, hosting the 150 Basic Pistol course. Instructors Dave Harris and Randy Watt deliver Gunsite curriculum with 'top notch professional' instruction according to testimonials. This partnership extends Gunsite's geographic reach to the Pacific Northwest.
- Royal Range (Nashville, TN)coreRoyal Range in Nashville hosts Gunsite's Nashville Simunitions and simulator classes, offering 2/3 shoot house and 1/3 square range training. The facility runs comprehensive scenario-based training including home, mall, and restaurant simulations with post-action critiques from instructors.
- Lebanon Police Range (Indiana)coreLebanon Police Range hosts Gunsite Academy's off-site Indiana courses including 150 Three Day Pistol, 123 Three Day Carbine, 150 Basic Revolver, 160 Three Day Shotgun, and Pistol Carbine classes. This partnership extends Gunsite's training to the Midwest.
- Longmont Police Sheriff Range (Colorado)minorLongmont Police Sheriff Range in Colorado hosts off-site Gunsite 250 Defensive Pistol courses. Instructor Steve Hendricks served as Range Master for these courses, with additional instruction from James Queisner and Ken Koch.
- Richmond, VA Training PartnersminorGunsite 250 courses conducted in Richmond, Virginia with instruction from Ron Fielder, Dave Harris, and Joe Knapp. This extends Gunsite training to the Mid-Atlantic region.
- Armed Women of AmericacoreGunsite Academy is a long-time supporter of Armed Women of America and offers Instructor Development - Armed Women of America courses. This partnership promotes women-specific firearms training and instructor certification within the AWA community.
- Stephanie Calams Scholarship FundminorGunsite hosts the Stephanie Calams Combat Competition (June 13, 2026) with all proceeds going to local student scholarships. The Stephanie Calams Scholarship is a non-profit supporting education through combat shooting events.
- National Rifle League .22 (NRL22)minorGunsite hosts NRL .22 precision rifle matches every 4th Sunday of the month. NRL22 is a non-profit organization dedicated to growth and education of long-range precision shooting with classes for Ladies, Young Guns, Open, Air rifle, Base Class, and Old Guns.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Gunsite Academy competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- SIG SAUER Academy: Manufacturer-backed firearms training academy in Epping, NH offering pistol, carbine, rifle, shotgun, and instructor courses. Comparable because it serves the same civilian and LE audiences and Gunsite already references it as a Pistol Mounted Optics instructor registration partner.
- Front Sight Firearms Training Institute: Premier civilian defensive firearms training resort in Pahrump, NV. Most directly comparable peer: same customer base (civilian defensive shooters), same multi-day tuition structure, similar residential/campus model in a Western U.S. location.
- Magpul Dynamics: Tactical firearms training arm of Magpul Industries, offering multi-day pistol, carbine, and rifle courses. Comparable as a defensive/tactical training school operating in the same high-end civilian and LE segment with similar curriculum depth.
- Thunder Ranch: Clint Smith's firearms training school in Lakeview, OR (and relocated operations). Closely comparable as a high-reputation, multi-platform defensive and tactical training academy serving civilians, LE, and military — direct curriculum overlap with Gunsite's pistol, carbine, and shotgun programs.
- Rob Pincus / I.C.E. Training (formerly Combat Focus Shooting): Defensive firearms training brand offering live-fire and simulator-based courses across multiple U.S. venues. Comparable as a civilian-focused defensive training competitor with a strong instructor-certification and consulting channel.
- Tactical Performance Center: Frank Proctor's performance-focused firearms training school in Las Vegas, NV. Comparable as a multi-platform defensive and competition-oriented training provider competing for the same advanced civilian shooter.
- Haley Strategic Partners: Travis Haley's tactical training company offering carbine, pistol, and force-on-force courses. Comparable as a high-end tactical/defensive training brand with overlapping civilian and LE/military customer segments.
Regional players
- SureFire Institute: Low-light and tactical training programs tied to SureFire's illumination brand, primarily California-based. Comparable in advanced tactical/night-vision course offerings overlapping Gunsite's NV Pistol/Carbine curriculum.
Emerging players
- USCCA (United States Concealed Carry Association): Concealed-carry-focused training, education, and membership organization. Comparable as a defensive firearms education brand addressing a partially overlapping civilian self-defense segment with a more digital/self-paced model.
Broad incumbents
- National Rifle Association (NRA) Training: National-scale firearms safety and training program run by the NRA. Comparable as a foundational firearms training provider with broad reach and curriculum overlap; Gunsite bundles free NRA membership with 5-day classes, evidencing direct ecosystem overlap.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Gunsite Academy social profiles
Digital presenceGunsite Academy financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Gunsite Academy leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Gunsite Academy funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Gunsite Academy M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Gunsite Academy
What does Gunsite Academy do?
Gunsite Academy delivers professional firearms training courses covering pistols, carbines, rifles, shotguns, tactical/specialty, armorer, and instructor development curricula. The company sells tuition-based classes ranging from one-day short courses to multi-day advanced tactical courses, alongside an on-site Pro Shop retailing firearms, accessories, ammunition, and Gunsite-branded merchandise. Training is delivered at the Paulden, Arizona headquarters and at partner ranges across multiple U.S. states.
Is Gunsite Academy a public or private company?
Gunsite Academy is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Gunsite Academy founded?
Gunsite Academy was founded in 1976. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Gunsite Academy based?
Gunsite Academy is headquartered in Paulden, United States, in the North America region.
How does Gunsite Academy make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Professional Training Services are the primary driver. The others are pro Shop Merchandise, facility Rentals and Events and ammunition and Equipment Packages.
Who are Gunsite Academy's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are SIG SAUER Academy, Front Sight Firearms Training Institute, Magpul Dynamics, Thunder Ranch, Rob Pincus / I.C.E. Training (formerly Combat Focus Shooting), Tactical Performance Center and Haley Strategic Partners. SureFire Institute is listed as a regional player. USCCA (United States Concealed Carry Association) is listed as an emerging player. National Rifle Association (NRA) Training is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Gunsite Academy have an API?
No public API is recorded for Gunsite Academy.
What industry is Gunsite Academy in?
Gunsite Academy's product category is Firearms Training Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAOAMAN, Firearms, Range Safety & Less-Lethal Weapons Training, with a secondary code of EDAOAMAA, Law Enforcement & Police Academy Training. Its NAICS code is 6115 and its SIC code is 8200.