Altitude Defense Inc.
Your Premier Destination for Firearms, Education, and Community Connection
At Altitude Defense Inc., we are more than just a gun store; we are your gateway to a thriving community centered around active learning, self-protection, and self-reliance. Our commitment to fostering a no-judgment atmosphere sets the stage for individuals curious about firearms or seeking guidance on where to start their journey.
Our core values revolve around education, encouragement, and integrity. We take pride in equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a confident and responsible firearm owner. We believe in creating a mindset that empowers you not only in self-defense but also in various aspects of your life.
For firearm enthusiasts, we offer an extensive selection of firearms, optics, accessories, and top-notch gun safes. If we don’t have what you’re looking for, rest assured we’ll go the extra mile to find it for you.
Altitude Defense is more than a store; it’s a hub for connecting our community with other local businesses in Pagosa Springs and the surrounding areas. Through partnerships, we aim to bring you the finest products and services, ensuring your satisfaction and creating lasting relationships.
Exceptional customer service is at the heart of our mission. We are committed to maintaining high standards, running a successful business that benefits everyone in our community.
Experience our state-of-the-art Milo Virtual Shooting range and participate in classes that teach the fundamentals of handgun use. And for those who appreciate the finer things, explore our 6-foot humidor stocked with a range of cigars, from sweet and mild to high-end options like Ashton and Cohiba. You can savor these cigars on our relaxing “Altitude Patio”.
We invite you to visit us and discover what Altitude Defense is all about. Join our community, learn, shop, and experience the very best in firearms, education, and camaraderie. Your journey starts here.
Our Mission Statement
We believe in empowering individuals, believing in their potential to achieve self-reliance for their own safety and the safety of others. Our approach involves educating customers in a supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere. Our goal is to cultivate a mindset among our clients that values the preciousness of life and encourages them to defend themselves against potential threats.
At Altitude Defense, we embrace each person as a unique individual with their own background and experiences. From those unfamiliar with firearms to seasoned experts, we provide guidance and support. Our mission is to foster courage in individuals seeking readiness for unexpected challenges, recognizing that when a person develops confidence and knowledge in one area of life it often becomes a catalyst for improvement in other facets of their life.
Our focus extends beyond firearms training; we aim to nurture self-belief and empower people to recognize their capabilities.
Cindy
Owner & Founder
My name is Cynthia Heitz. I have been in Pagosa Springs all my life. I am beyond excited to be the founder of Altitude Defense and to bring a safe, judgment-free zone to Pagosa where people can visit, learn new skills, gain a new mindset, and increase your firearm tenacity.
A few years ago, I decided I wanted to purchase my first firearm. I walked into a gun store and saw a “cool one” and asked if I could see it. I did not know the first thing about firearms or sliding the rack of a pistol. When they handed it to me, I didn’t know where to place my finger. I pulled the rack of the gun back, and, yes, it tore my finger! I handed the gun back and left immediately feeling discouraged and disregarded.
A few weeks later, I took the courage to go to a different gun store. After spending 15 minutes with the patient store owner, I was confident enough to purchase my first firearm. I even signed up for his virtual training classes. In those classes, I received training and learned valuable skill sets on using my firearms. I also grew an awareness of my surroundings, a respect for owning a firearm, increased my self-confidence and acquired a new mindset. I felt empowered. In the following months, I ran into many individuals who experienced similar situations or felt too afraid to even try. They expressed wanting to be more confident in owning, carrying and handling firearms. Others, like me, felt too intimidated to step into a gun store in the first place.
This is when Altitude Defense was born. To create a judgment-free atmosphere where individuals felt empowered in owning and handling firearms. This is where the idea of Altitude Defense was born. Whether you have a gun safe full of firearms or you’ve never held a gun before, I encourage you to stop by and learn new empowering skills and grow your confidence.
Jeff
#1 Supporter & Biggest Fan
My husband, Jeff, is my biggest supporter. He stands behind me and will help me do whatever it takes to make this store and my vision success! He is also my best customer!
Businesses we do business with!
