{"id":214898,"date":"2025-05-24T18:47:49","date_gmt":"2025-05-24T23:47:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=214898"},"modified":"2025-10-13T07:36:48","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T12:36:48","slug":"gun-school-where-why-and-how","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/gun-school-where-why-and-how\/","title":{"rendered":"Gun School: Where, Why, and How"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-estimated-reading-time yoast-reading-time__wrapper\"><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-icon=\"clock\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" style=\"display:inline-block;vertical-align:-0.1em\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__spacer\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:1em\"><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__descriptive-text\">Estimated reading time: <\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__reading-time\">15<\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__time-unit\"> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Look, we get it: training is expensive. Not only is there the cost of the class itself, but there\u2019s the expense of missing work, traveling, and gathering the gear and <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/ammo\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"gun-school-where-why-and-how\" title=\"Gun School: Where, Why, and How\">ammo<\/a> you\u2019ll need. Sure, there are a few ways to cut corners on costs, but when it comes right down to it, sharpening gun skills costs money\u2014sometimes a lot of money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s why you still need that training, along with a few tips on how to make it happen\u2014and where.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/rifle-range-targets-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"rifle on bench at range\" class=\"wp-image-214908\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/rifle-range-targets-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/rifle-range-targets-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/rifle-range-targets-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/rifle-range-targets-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/rifle-range-targets.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-the-self-taught-shooter\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"gun-school-where-why-and-how\" title=\"Gun School: Where, Why, and How\" data-level=\"2\">The Self-Taught Shooter<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-gun-school-approach\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"gun-school-where-why-and-how\" title=\"Gun School: Where, Why, and How\" data-level=\"2\">The Gun School Approach<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-unique-courses\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"gun-school-where-why-and-how\" title=\"Gun School: Where, Why, and How\" data-level=\"2\">Unique Courses<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-traveling-instructor-school\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"gun-school-where-why-and-how\" title=\"Gun School: Where, Why, and How\" data-level=\"2\">The Traveling Instructor\/School<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-gun-writer\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"gun-school-where-why-and-how\" title=\"Gun School: Where, Why, and How\" data-level=\"2\">The Gun Writer<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-making-gun-school-affordable\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"gun-school-where-why-and-how\" title=\"Gun School: Where, Why, and How\" data-level=\"2\">Making Gun School Affordable<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-why-train-at-a-gun-school\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"gun-school-where-why-and-how\" title=\"Gun School: Where, Why, and How\" data-level=\"2\">Why Train At A Gun School?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/shooting-rifle-range-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"man shootting at the gun school range\" class=\"wp-image-214907\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/shooting-rifle-range-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/shooting-rifle-range-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/shooting-rifle-range-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/shooting-rifle-range-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/shooting-rifle-range.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">How do you become a better shooter? Lots and lots of trigger time. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-self-taught-shooter\">The Self-Taught Shooter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking as someone whose early years were entirely self-taught, I can attest to the mess this tends to be. It\u2019s not that you can\u2019t teach yourself foundation skills, only that it\u2019s rough. And by the time you start to get them down\u2014or so you think\u2014you\u2019ll also have some bad habits that\u2019ll have to be done away with at some point. When it comes to self-taught, it\u2019s best to keep working after your foundation skills are down cold. And even then, you\u2019ll benefit from the occasional class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, how do you go about teaching yourself? There are a lot of YouTube videos out there, many of which are garbage. You can also find books on the subject and countless articles, many written by someone such as myself. When you\u2019re choosing a source for some self-learning, check their credentials. Are they just a tacticool YouTuber whose main goal is looking cool, often with a bunch of carefully edited and possibly sped-up videos? Or is the person in question backed by years of solid, documented experience? Did you hear about this possible source from a reliable person, or was it some Facebook Reel that looked cool? Trainers should be able to document their own training and abilities. Looking nifty or moving fast doesn\u2019t qualify anyone to teach. Gun tricks do not equal talent. There, I said it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Quick tip: If you\u2019re going to be heavily self-taught, utilize your cell phone to get some videos. It\u2019s helpful to see yourself in action and does make it possible to diagnose issues, albeit after the fact. Consider having a skilled friend watch your videos as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-gun-school-approach\">The Gun School Approach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Several quality gun academies are located across the country, each with pros and cons for attendance. Gunsite Academy in Paulden, Arizona, is certainly among the best known and has a stellar reputation to back it. Another good one is the Firearms Academy of Seattle (FAS) located in Onalaska, Washington. While FAS doesn\u2019t have the name recognition of Gunsite, the school holds its own and offers a vast array of excellent classes. They also bring in renowned instructors regularly, including Massad Ayoob, Tim Herron, Craig Douglas, and Erick Gelhaus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other well-known gun schools with varying levels of name recognition include Firearms Academy of Wisconsin (no ties to FAS), Thunder Ranch, and KR Training. Just like when you\u2019re vetting a specific instructor, go ahead and check the credentials of a brick-and-mortar gun school (as well as whoever\u2019s teaching the class).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-unique-courses\">Unique Courses <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A big pro of attending an actual firearms academy is the opportunity to train in shoot houses and on unique ranges and courses of fire. It also gives you access to skilled traveling instructors you might not otherwise be able to train with. Then there\u2019s the simple fact that you can build relationships at the gun school and become part of a larger community. Even for someone like me who isn\u2019t exactly a social person, that\u2019s a great thing. The big downside of going to a firearms academy is the cost, but we\u2019ll get to that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Quick tip: Check to find out what class is required before you\u2019re allowed to enroll in more advanced courses. Most academies have that requirement, and for good reason. It\u2019s worth knocking that one out for the ability to attend others, even if that first class seems frustratingly simplistic. You can still get something out of basic classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/steve-moses-instructor-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"firearms instructor with dummy gun\" class=\"wp-image-214901\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/steve-moses-instructor-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/steve-moses-instructor-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/steve-moses-instructor-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/steve-moses-instructor-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/steve-moses-instructor.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Instructor Steve Moses is utilizing lasers and blue guns to teach at the Tactical Anatomy Summit. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-traveling-instructor-school\">The Traveling Instructor\/School<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Groups like Rangemaster, which is founded and led by Tom Givens, spend a lot of time traveling across the country to teach. If you check their website rather than only a specific gun school\u2019s website, you\u2019ll find out if they\u2019ll be at a location near you any time soon. That or you\u2019ll find one worth traveling to. Same goes for Massad Ayoob, whose MAG-40 class cannot be missed (although all his classes are valuable). If you check Mas\u2019 site, you\u2019ll find the year\u2019s calendar of training locations neatly laid out. So if you\u2019re looking to train with a specific person or training group, head for their websites first. It can be\u2014often is\u2014worth the travel to get that class in with a renowned instructor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/gun-writer-kat-ainsworth-stevens-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"blond woman with rifle in front of grass field\" class=\"wp-image-214903\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/gun-writer-kat-ainsworth-stevens-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/gun-writer-kat-ainsworth-stevens-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/gun-writer-kat-ainsworth-stevens-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/gun-writer-kat-ainsworth-stevens-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/gun-writer-kat-ainsworth-stevens.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gun writers can be a great source of free or mostly free information. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-gun-writer\">The Gun Writer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, you can learn quite a bit from good gun writers (or outdoor writers, as we usually call ourselves). Just like taking an in-person class, you take what you can use and leave the rest. Hearing different perspectives or methods can help you grow as a gun owner, and while it isn\u2019t as exciting as live fire classes, it matters. Don\u2019t limit yourself to the internet, either. Good magazines still exist, as do great books. Time spent reading quality gun content counts toward your continuing education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Quick tip: Please\u2014I beg you\u2014don\u2019t discount seemingly outdated writings and concepts. Guys like <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/elmer-keith-the-magnum-legend\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"gun-school-where-why-and-how\" title=\"Gun School: Where, Why, and How\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"553\">Elmer Keith<\/a>, Jeff Cooper, and Skeeter Skelton have a lot to offer. Remember, you don\u2019t have to agree with every single thing written to learn something important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/firing-line-fas-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"students at range at gun school\" class=\"wp-image-214905\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/firing-line-fas-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/firing-line-fas-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/firing-line-fas-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/firing-line-fas-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/firing-line-fas.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gun school gets pricey, but it&#8217;s worth it even if you have to save for a long time to go.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-making-gun-school-affordable\">Making Gun School Affordable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s kind of an oxymoron to talk about an affordable gun school. Classes might be a few hundred dollars or a few thousand\u2014it depends on the location and instructor. And while you can\u2019t typically do much about the cost of the class itself, there are ways to save money in other areas. You could carpool with another student, use frequent flyer miles, or stay with friends or family in the area to reduce travel costs. Ammunition can be gathered over time rather than in one huge purchase. As for gear, take what you need, but don\u2019t assume you need to get fancy to do gun school. You\u2019re there to learn, not to have the coolest pistol or best cargo pants. The grumpy guy with old jeans and suspenders is sometimes the most dedicated repeat student. Never judge a gun student book by the cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Training is also more important than getting yet another admittedly cool gun. Rather than getting the latest Boom Blaster 3000, put that money into a good class. There might even be something you could sell off to help fund a class, or a side hustle to pick up to bring in the necessary funds. All that said, we know it is pricey to train and not at all doable for many shooters. Do your best, and utilize the resources available to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/handgun-on-target-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"cz p10 c on target\" class=\"wp-image-214906\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/handgun-on-target-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/handgun-on-target-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/handgun-on-target-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/handgun-on-target-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/handgun-on-target.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">We train because shooting is a perishable skill, and there&#8217;s always more to learn. Plus, it&#8217;s fun.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>READ MORE FROM KAT AINSWORTH: <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/made-in-america-acme-machine-am-15\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"gun-school-where-why-and-how\" title=\"Gun School: Where, Why, and How\">Acme Machine AM-15: Made in America<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-train-at-a-gun-school\">Why Train At A Gun School?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your firearm skills are perishable, meaning you\u2019ve got to keep training. In addition, there\u2019s always something new to learn. Having a fast draw stroke doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re great with moving targets. Maybe you\u2019re amazing with <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/firearms\/handguns\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"gun-school-where-why-and-how\" title=\"Gun School: Where, Why, and How\">handguns<\/a>, but your long gun skills are sorely lacking. None of us is perfect at every skill with every platform. Training keeps your mind and body working and helps these skills remain fresh. If you\u2019re someone who carries for self-defense or has a <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/the-home-defense-shotgun-my-five-favorites\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"gun-school-where-why-and-how\" title=\"Gun School: Where, Why, and How\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"552\">home defense<\/a> plan, maintaining those skills is a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Where do you like to train? Share your favorite classes and instructors in the comments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few to check out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsite.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"gun-school-where-why-and-how\" title=\"Gun School: Where, Why, and How\">Gunsite Academy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/firearmsacademy.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"gun-school-where-why-and-how\" title=\"Gun School: Where, Why, and How\">Firearms Academy of Seattle<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/massadayoobgroup.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"gun-school-where-why-and-how\" title=\"Gun School: Where, Why, and How\">Massad Ayoob Group<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/rangemaster.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"gun-school-where-why-and-how\" title=\"Gun School: Where, Why, and How\">Rangemaster<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/shivworks.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"gun-school-where-why-and-how\" title=\"Gun School: Where, Why, and How\">Shivworks<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/defenderoutdoors.com\/courses\/tactical-anatomy-summit\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"gun-school-where-why-and-how\" title=\"Gun School: Where, Why, and How\">Tactical Anatomy Summit<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><em>*** <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"gun-school-where-why-and-how\" title=\"Gun School: Where, Why, and How\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica!<\/a> ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Several quality gun academies are located across the country, each with pros and cons for attendance. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":89,"featured_media":214905,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[284],"tags":[102,4463,211],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-214898","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-training-gunsmithing","8":"tag-feature-articles","9":"tag-gun-school","10":"tag-training"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Gun School: Where, Why, and How<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Read about different gun training methods, and why gun school is actually a really helpful and effective way to learn.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, 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