TEMPE, AZ – February 07, 2011 – Bob Ferris, VirTra Systems’ CEO (VTSI.PK), today announced that VirTra was selected as the simulator supplier for the world’s largest civilian firearms training academy rollout, the new Gander Mtn. AcademyTM. Developed by Gander Mountain, the nation’s largest retail network of stores specializing in hunting, fishing, camping and outdoor lifestyle products, the Gander Mtn. AcademyTM will offer the most advanced firearms training ever made available to the public on a wide-spread and convenient basis. The first training academy is located at the Gander Mtn. store in Lake Mary, Florida, with additional locations set to open in 2011 and beyond.
The 20,000 square foot Lake Mary facility includes, in addition to classrooms and a live-fire range, five VirTra multi-screen simulators along with an eight-lane VirTra Range™ simulated shooting range. VirTra developed special software for every simulator to seamlessly integrate into a retail store sales and process control environment. Prior to the Academy opening, Gander Mountain and VirTra worked jointly on a comprehensive provisional patent application covering all aspects of this pioneering project.
David Pratt, CEO of Gander Mountain said, “Our mission is to offer the highest level of firearms training to the public and VirTra’s uniquely realistic firearms training simulators fit perfectly with our mission.”
Bob Ferris, CEO of VirTra Systems said, “It is a tremendous opportunity to work alongside Gander Mountain on such an incredibly ambitious simulation project – to literally revolutionize civilian firearms training in the United States for the benefit of millions.”
