Mastering Firearms Excellence: Ken Campbell, CEO of Gunsite Academy, on On The Range Podcast Live from NRA 2025 Voices of the Second
- Rick Hogg
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Live from NRA 2025 - Voices of the Second Amendment: A Tactical Deep Dive
In the dynamic realm of firearms training and self-defense, few institutions carry the weight and legacy of Gunsite Academy. We captured this essence in a special live episode of the On The Range Podcast, recorded at the 2025 NRA Annual Meeting in Atlanta as part of the inaugural Voices of the Second Amendment event. As founder of War HOGG Tactical, with my 29 years in US Army Special Operations and 13 combat deployments, I've always valued proven training methodologies. Co-hosting with Mark Kelley of Kelley Defense, we welcomed Ken Campbell, CEO of Gunsite Academy—a retired sheriff and veteran instructor who's been shaping shooters since 1992.
The Legacy of Gunsite Academy Unveiled
This episode goes beyond surface-level talk, offering a comprehensive exploration of Gunsite's role as the "Mothership" of modern firearms instruction. Drawing from episode descriptions on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Make Ready TV, Ken delved into the academy's storied history and its commitment to excellence. Apple Podcasts highlights it as a discussion on "timeless wisdom for rifle training and building unbreakable confidence," while YouTube clips emphasize practical demos. Make Ready TV frames it within their instructional lineup, noting the blend of history and hands-on advice. Ken shared how Gunsite, founded by Jeff Cooper, continues to evolve while staying true to core principles.
Ken Campbell's Path to Leadership
Ken opened up about his journey, from law enforcement roots as a sheriff to becoming an instructor at Gunsite in 1992, and eventually CEO in 2019. "Gunsite is the world's oldest and most prestigious firearms training facility," Ken stated, as echoed in podcast summaries. His experience bridges civilian, law enforcement, and military worlds, making him the perfect guide for discussing how Gunsite's courses prepare individuals for real-world scenarios. We explored the academy's wide range of offerings, from basic pistol classes to advanced carbine mastery, all infused with Jeff Cooper's philosophy of mindset, skill, and safety.
Jeff Cooper's Enduring Philosophy
A highlight was unpacking Jeff Cooper's foundational ideas, which form the backbone of Gunsite's curriculum. Ken explained how concepts like the "color code of awareness" and the "modern technique" of pistol shooting remain relevant today. "Jeff Cooper's philosophy isn't just about shooting; it's about a tactical mindset for life," Ken remarked, aligning with key points from the episode transcripts. As a Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat instructor, I related this to my own deployments, discussing how these principles enhance decision-making under pressure. Mark added insights from his 31 years in major city law enforcement, emphasizing de-escalation and precision.
Tactical Training for All Levels
We dove into specific courses, such as rifle and shotgun training, where Ken highlighted Gunsite's emphasis on building confidence through progressive drills. "Whether you're a beginner or a pro, our courses focus on real-world application," Ken said, noting programs that include live-fire scenarios and leadership lessons. The discussion touched on carbine mastery, where students learn to handle AR15 platforms effectively, reducing errors in high-stakes environments. Drawing from similar episodes, we compared this to tools like our Firearms Training Notebook for tracking progress, making the advice immediately actionable for listeners.
Applications for Civilians, LEOs, and Military
Mark and I quizzed Ken on how Gunsite serves diverse groups, from everyday civilians seeking self-defense skills to law enforcement officers refining tactics. He shared stories of training sessions that simulate urban engagements, boosting safety and efficiency. "It reduces risks while maximizing skill retention," Ken noted, similar to insights from InVeris Training Solutions in past talks. The live NRA audience engaged with questions on integrating Gunsite methods with modern gear, like optics and holsters, turning the episode into a vibrant forum on Second Amendment responsibilities.
Preserving Second Amendment Values Through Education
The talk expanded to broader themes, like how quality training upholds Second Amendment freedoms. At the Voices of the Second Amendment event, surrounded by advocates, Ken stressed Gunsite's role in promoting responsible gun ownership. "Education is key to confidence and safety," he said. We teased future developments at Gunsite, including expanded courses and tech integrations, while tying it back to our podcast's mission: getting 1% better every day. This resonated with the patriotic spirit of the NRA meeting.
Stories and Lessons from the Range
Keeping it grounded, Ken recounted anecdotes from his sheriff days and Gunsite sessions, illustrating how mindset shifts can turn average shooters into experts. Mark highlighted complementary tools, like defensive pistol tactics, while I shared combat parallels. The episode concluded with practical tips: start with fundamentals, practice consistently, and seek professional instruction. YouTube viewers loved the visual elements, Apple users praised the audio clarity, and Make Ready TV fans appreciated the depth.
Why Gunsite and War HOGG Align
This collaboration reinforces why War HOGG Tactical aligns with legends like Gunsite—to deliver tools and knowledge for peak performance. Ideal for prepping deployments or honing skills, Ken's insights are invaluable. Visit ontherangepodcast.com for the full episode, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Make Ready TV, and join our "CREW" for exclusives from NRA 2025.
Embracing Unity and Tactical Innovation
Ultimately, this live session embodied the NRA's ethos: unity, education, and Second Amendment support. Ken's wisdom shows training isn't just skill-building—it's empowerment. As we say, be 1% better every day. Tune in, train hard, and stay ready.