Practical Performance
Practical Performance cuts through the noise in the shooting world. No "20 years ago I was..." storytelling. No ego trips. Just instruction grounded in what you can actually do right now, whether that's combative or competitive shooting. Founded by A.J. Zito, a gunsmith and lead instructor with Army...
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Full description and what we offer
Practical Performance cuts through the noise in the shooting world. No "20 years ago I was..." storytelling. No ego trips. Just instruction grounded in what you can actually do right now, whether that's combative or competitive shooting.
Founded by A.J. Zito, a gunsmith and lead instructor with Army combat experience in Iraq, the operation blends concepts from both tactical and competitive disciplines. A.J. holds Master classification in USPSA Single Stack and multiple IDPA divisions. He completed three years of full-time gunsmithing training covering general work, custom competition builds, carry guns, and guild-quality firearms—experience he brought to teaching at Yavapai College before launching Practical Performance.
Seth Blair, the secondary instructor, brings Army service, GSSF/USPSA/IDPA competition background, and extensive AK platform experience. He's a Carry Optics Grand Master in USPSA and trained under Ken Hackathorn's Advanced Handgun Program.
2-day format | 800 rounds minimum
Designed for shooters with basic understanding who want to refine technique and shoot efficiently. You'll bring your carry, duty, or competition gun and learn:
- •Grip fundamentals and recoil management
- •Trigger manipulation and sight tracking
- •Shot calling and efficient reloading
- •Vision-driven shooting and target transitions
- •"How to Practice" methodology
Bring at least 3 magazines, suitable holster, belt setup, eye/ear protection, and reliable ammo.
2-day format | 800 rounds minimum
Focused on modern carbine/rifle shooting for practical use. Covers:
- •Equipment setup and carbine zeros
- •Recoil management and trigger press
- •Efficient presentation and maneuvering
- •Sight tracking and shot calling
- •Reloading techniques and target transitions
Requires semi-auto carbine/rifle, sling, 3+ magazines, ammo, eye/ear protection.
A.J. handles custom 1911 and 2011 work ranging from basic tweaks to complete builds. Common services include:
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Chambers Custom RDSM Install | $150 (tooling fee $25 for DLC/Nitride slides) |
| Barrel Work | Crowning, flush cuts, fitting, profiling |
| Slide Modifications | Lightening cuts, serrations, dovetails, flat-top conversions |
| Trigger/Sear Work | Trigger jobs (Series 70/80), Marvel disconnector cuts, hammer/sear swaps |
| Ejection Port | Lower and flare modifications |
| Grip Safety | Fitting and tuning with or without frame mods |
| Magazine Work | Release fitting, tuning, well blending |
| Sight Installation | Bomar/LPA/STI cuts and standard Lo-Mount options |
Package Options Available
Practical Reliability Package — $300 Barrel throating, polishing, feed ramp work, extractor profiling/tuning, breech face polishing
Performance Reliability Package — $500 Practical package PLUS new extractor, recoil spring, firing pin spring
Total Performance Package — $950 Performance Reliability PLUS trigger job (new hammer/sear/disconnector), Marvel cut, all new springs, firing pin stop plate, new ejector, tuned grip safety :::
All prices reflect labor only—parts, refinishing, and shipping billed separately. Firearms must ship FFL-to-FFL. Estimates provided after consultation and honored on all work.
Limited retail items include:
- •Walther PDP/Q-Series guide rods ($90)
- •Steel frame guide rod options
Classes scheduled across multiple states:
- •1911/2011 Driver — January 24-25, 2026 | Tucson, AZ | $600
- •Practical Carbine — August 22-23, 2026 | Onalaska, WA | $600
- •Match Skills Clinic — July 20, 2026 | Anchorage, AK | $400
- •Instructor Diagnostics & Development — July 17-19, 2026 | Anchorage, AK | $850
Private lessons available. Contact for custom scheduling.
Ready to train or have a gunsmithing project? Email [email protected] to sign up for classes or discuss custom work. For firearms shipping, your FFL can request a copy of their FFL.