The firearms training community lost a Titan today. Sadly, we report the death of longtime Gunsite Academy Rangemaster & Instructor Ed Head. Gunsite issued a release on social media announcing Head’s passing today, after a brief fight with inoperable cancer.

Legendary Instructor Ed Head Passes

But Head lived a glorious life, as a lion in both the law enforcement and training communities. Head also regularly reviewed firearms and wrote training stories for several publications, including Athlon Outdoors. After a tour as a U.S. Air Force Security Police Officer (1972-1976), Head embarked on a long career in the U.S. Border Patrol in 1977.

First stationed in San Diego, head supervised a Patrol Group of 19 supervisors and 160 agents at the Imperial Breach Border Patrol Station, according to Gunsite. Anyone who enjoyed a campfire beverage with Head heard near-legendary stories chronicling that time of service. After completing the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Firearms Instructor Training Program with a Distinguised Master rating, Head conducted all firearms training and qualifications for the Chula Vista and Imperial Beach Border Patrol Station. He later became the Sector Firearms Instructor and later Senior Firearms Instructor for the San Diego Border Patrol Sector, with more than 2,500 agents. Head also became the Founder, Rangemaster and first club champion of the San Diego Law Enforcement Combat Shooters Association.

Head, after already taking several classes, including earning the coveted “Expert” (“Golden E”) rating in many classes, he earned his Gusnite Instructor in 1992. After retiring from the USBP in 2001, Head began his tour as Gunsite Operations Manager in 2005. He taught classes there all the way up to May of this year.

Ed is survived by the love of his life, Jean, after 36 years of marriage. A planned memorial service takes place at Canyon Bible Church, while Gunsite will host its own ceremony at the facility at a later date. For even more info, please visit gunsite.com.

Editor’s Note:

Several of us here at Athlon Outdoors were lucky enough to spend time on the range with Ed Head. He was a mentor, a guide, and a friend to so many in our industry. Moreover, Ed Head remained a good man. A true believer in one’s absolute right to defend self and family, Head knew the way of the gun. We are greatly diminished by his passing.