Elevate Your Skills at SIG SAUER Academy USA
For over three decades, SIG SAUER Academy has stood as the premier firearms and tactics training facility in the United States. The concept for the Academy originated in the late 1980s through discussions between SIGARMS executive management and federal agency officials. Recognizing a critical need for dedicated training, particularly for armourers, firearms transition, and instructor development as agencies shifted to semi-automatic pistols, the vision was to create a facility mirroring the FBI Firearms Training complex but accessible to all law enforcement and military entities nationwide. Key requirements envisioned included an indoor range, a Hogan’s Alley complex, multiple ranges for handguns and long guns, state-of-the-art classrooms, and on-site lodging. Additionally, plans included a research and development branch, an underground test range, and weapons repair and armourer classrooms.
Established in 1990, following SIGARMS’ move of its headquarters from Herndon, Virginia, to Exeter, New Hampshire, the SIGARMS Academy was officially launched under the direction of Bank Miller, Jim Fry, and George Harris. While a search for a suitable large property commenced, the Academy initially operated within a quarter of SIGARMS’ 80,000 square foot facility in Exeter. Classes were conducted both at the factory and across the United States by staff and a growing team of adjunct instructors.
A significant milestone was reached in 1996 when SIGARMS Academy acquired a large property in Epping, NH. This marked the construction of the first-ever non-toxic, frangible indoor range, along with two classrooms, a gun vault, and administrative offices. It’s important to note that despite a persistent misconception, attending Academy courses never required owning or being issued SIG SAUER firearms. The Academy’s enduring motto, established by SIGARMS, remains: “No matter what firearm you shoot, we’ll make you a better shooter, guaranteed.”
2001 saw the Academy broaden its scope by introducing specialized civilian training for select organizations and businesses. This proved to be a pivotal moment, as demand from the civilian population surged, leading to the Academy’s current audience: Armed Professionals (those paid to be armed in their profession) and Responsible Citizens (those who can legally possess a firearm). The distinction in training focuses on the tactics and disposition of armed encounters, with Armed Professionals trained for containment and control, while Responsible Citizens are encouraged to disengage but be prepared for lethal action as a last resort.
Further expansion occurred in 2006 with the establishment of the Pro Shop, which obtained its own Federal Firearms License (FFL) in 2007 to sell SIGARMS firearms. Also in 2007, the SIGARMS Academy officially became the SIG SAUER Academy.
In recent years, the Academy has continued to invest in and develop its infrastructure, adding a maritime training area, a tactical training area, multiple shoot houses, the only publicly accessible 1000-yard range in New England, and a 360-degree range. 2012 saw the opening of a brand new, expanded SIG SAUER Academy Pro Shop, showcasing the entire SIG SAUER firearm line and a wide range of accessories from top industry vendors.
World-Class Facilities:
SIG SAUER Academy boasts state-of-the-art facilities designed to provide realistic and comprehensive training environments. These include:
- Indoor and outdoor ranges: Multiple ranges accommodate various firearms and training scenarios, including a 1000-yard range for precision shooting.
- Tactical training areas: Urban environments, shoot houses, and a force-on-force village provide immersive settings for practising real-world tactics.
- Maritime training area: A specialized area for training in and around watercraft.
- Classrooms: Well-equipped classrooms for lectures and discussions.
- Pro Shop: On-site store offering a wide selection of SIG SAUER firearms and accessories.
- Lodging: The Academy offers on-site lodging, making it convenient for students travelling from afar.
- Dining: On-site dining facilities are available.
Comprehensive Course Offerings:
SIG SAUER Academy offers a comprehensive selection of over 110 courses for Civilians, Law Enforcement Agencies, and Military Professionals. The Academy’s training philosophy is built on four core principles:
- Adult Learning: Recognizing that adults learn best by processing information in small increments. Instructors focus on simplifying concepts, such as emphasizing muzzle stabilization and trigger press for handgun accuracy.
- Objective Based Training: Tailoring training to individual needs based on Age, Fitness Level, Experience, and Equipment. This allows instructors to effectively teach a wide range of students, from novices to seasoned professionals.
- EDIP (Explain, Demonstrate, Imitate, Practice): A structured learning approach where instructors explain the technique, demonstrate it fully, have students imitate at a reduced speed with guidance, and finally, allow students to practice, gradually increasing speed as proficiency grows. The “explain” phase often includes historical context to provide deeper understanding.
- Outcome-Based vs. Performance-Based Training: Shifting the focus from simply achieving an end result (outcome-based) to emphasizing the individual steps and techniques required for successful execution (performance-based). This step-by-step approach leads to more consistent and effective skill development.
Some of the popular course categories include:
- Pistol: Progressive courses designed to build complete shooters, from basic marksmanship to advanced techniques.
- Rifle: Courses covering fundamental to advanced rifle operation, including carbine and precision rifle skills.
- Shotgun: Courses focusing on shotgun fundamentals, mechanics, and defensive applications.
- Precision Scoped Rifle: Specialized training for long-range shooting enthusiasts and professionals.
- Armorer Certification: In-depth courses on the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of SIG SAUER firearms.
- Law Enforcement/Military: Advanced training programs tailored to the specific needs of law enforcement and military personnel, including SWAT, CQB, and instructor development.
- Enhanced Training: Specialized courses in areas such as executive protection, medical training, and scenario-based training.
- SIG Self-Defense Training: Courses focused on practical self-defense techniques, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
- Instructor Development: Courses designed to train individuals to become certified firearms instructors.
Beyond Firearms Training:
SIG SAUER Academy offers more than just firearms training. They also provide:
- SIG CONNECT: A mobile app that enhances the range experience with live-fire games, drills, and performance tracking.
- Experience Center: An on-site facility where visitors can try out the latest SIG SAUER products, including the XM250 Next-Generation Light Machine Gun.
- Partnerships: Collaborations with organizations like the New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Ace Virtual Shooting to provide unique and engaging experiences for shooting enthusiasts.
- Corporate Events: The Academy is available for corporate events and team-building exercises.
Expert Instructors:
The academy’s instructors are seasoned professionals with extensive experience in military, law enforcement, and competitive shooting. They are dedicated to providing students with the highest quality training, emphasizing safety, skill development, and confidence-building. Many instructors bring valuable real-world combat experience to their teaching.
Upcoming Events (2025):
- SIG SAUER Academy Dirt Duels: In partnership with New Hampshire Motor Speedway, this event kicks off New England’s only NASCAR weekend on September 19, 2025, featuring thrilling dirt track racing.
- SIG Relentless Warrior Championship: An annual competition held at the academy, showcasing the skills of cadets from various military academies.
