In this world-exclusive video, Guns Podcast US host Brent Wheat sits down with Gunsite Academy CEO Ken Campbell to unveil a prestigious lineup of commemorative firearms marking the academy’s 50th anniversary in 2026.
Here is the condensed breakdown of the limited-edition releases designed to honor the legacy of Colonel Jeff Cooper.
Gunsite at 50: The “Practical” Collector’s Lineup
Gunsite Academy isn’t just turning 50; it’s celebrating a half-century of “The Modern Technique.” To mark the occasion, they’ve partnered with industry giants to release firearms that aren’t meant for glass cases—they’re built to be run hard on the range.
1. The Steyr Scout Mark II (50th Anniversary Edition)
The centerpiece of the collection is a tribute to Jeff Cooper’s “General Purpose Rifle” philosophy.
The Specs: Chambered in .308, this rifle features the classic grey stock and “butter-knife” bolt handle.
The Details: It includes special 50th-anniversary engravings, Cooper’s signature laser-engraved under the bipod, and comes paired with an Andy’s Leather Rhodesian Sling.
Availability: Strictly limited to 100 units.
2. The Fink Custom 1911
Crafted by Gunsite’s resident gunsmith Dave Fink, this is a true “fighting pistol” with heirloom aesthetics.
The Build: A single-stack .45 ACP featuring a color-case-hardened receiver
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The Sights: Outfitted with a classic gold bead front sight for high-contrast tracking.
Exclusivity: Only 50 of these custom pistols will be produced, each featuring a special serial number.
3. The Aero Precision “Fighting Carbine”
For those who prefer the modern platform, Aero Precision has developed a “no-nonsense” M4E1 carbine.
The Package: A 16-inch mid-length 5.56 rifle that comes “duty-ready” straight from the box.
Included Gear: It ships with an Aimpoint Duty RDS, a SureFire light, and a Vickers sling—essentially the “Gunsite student starter kit” in one package.
4. The Ruger/Davidson’s Collaboration
Revealed as part of a two-tone FDE and Olive Green series, these pistols (including a “Gunsite Glock” variant and Ruger models) feature 50th-anniversary backplates and logos. Some versions are “MOS” (optics-ready), while others come pre-equipped with Aimpoint optics.
The Bottom Line
Ken Campbell emphasizes that while these are limited editions, they embody the “Gunsite mindset.” They are tools first and collectibles second. If you want a piece of 2A history that you can actually take to a 250 Pistol class, this 2026 lineup is it.
Watch the full reveal: You can see these firearms in detail on the GUNS Magazine video page here.