If you started the CFTG program before January 1, 2026, or are a re-entry student, please refer to your specific program and course information below or contact your Student Success Coach for assistance. If you started the CFTG program after January 1, 2026, please refer to your specific program and course information HERE or contact your Student Success Coach for assistance.
FTT 100: Introduction to Firearms
Provided Textbooks
- Introduction to Firearms, ISBN 978-1-945697-19-7 (Digital Copy)
- Firearm & Ammunition Terminology, ISBN 978-1-945697-42-5 (Digital Copy)
- Cleaning Firearms Lab, ISBN 978-1-945697-14-2 (Digital and Print Copies)
- Gun Digest Guide to Maintaining and Accessorizing Firearms, ISBN 978-1-4402-3989-2 (Digital Copy)
- Tactical Small Arms of the 21st Century, ISBN 978-0-87349 (Digital Copy)
Provided Tools
Multi-caliber cleaning kit, solvent, gun lubricant, SDI work mat, Firearms Guide 6-month subscription card
Required Tools
Access to a firearm that can be disassembled is required for this course.
Recommended Tools
Nitrile gloves, solvent, lint-free foam swabs, bore light, white lithium grease, bore guide, lead remover (for revolvers), nylon coated cleaning rod, cotton patches, shop rags, G.I. brush or toothbrush, copper cleaning solvent, degreaser, muzzleloader bore cleaner (if applicable), chamber brush
FTT 104: Gunsmithing Tools Lab
Provided Textbooks
- Gunsmithing Tools Lab, ISBN 978-1-945697-31-9 (Digital and Print Copies)
- Antique Firearms Assembly & Disassembly: The Comprehensive Guide to Pistols, Rifles, & Shotguns, ISBN: 0-87349-767-8 (Digital Copy)
- Gunsmithing Pistols and Revolvers: 3rd Edition, ISBN 978-1-4402-0389-3 (Digital Copy)
Provided Tools
Gunsmithing hand tools kit (hammer, brass punches, steel punches, screwdrivers), file and rasp set, needle file set
Required Tools
Access to a firearm that can be disassembled is required for this course.
Recommended Tools
Depending on the type of firearm, specialized gunsmithing tools may be needed. Below is a general list of tools needed to detail strip most firearms.
Ball peen hammers (8-16oz.), roll pin starters and punches, t-handle hex and Torx drivers, assorted set of needle nose pliers, hemostat, bench vise, dental picks, long reach magnetic pick-up tool, magnetic tray, spring clamps, snap ring pliers, shop lighting
FTT 111: Firearms Inspection and Troubleshooting
Provided Textbooks
- Firearms Inspection and Troubleshooting, ISBN 978-1-945697-32-6 (Digital Copy)
- Fastener Repair Lab, ISBN 978-1-945697-21-0 (Digital and Print Copies)
- Gun Digest Book of Centerfire Rifles Assembly/Disassembly, ISBN 978-1-4402-3544-3 (Digital Copy)
- Gun Digest Book of Tactical Weapons Assembly and Disassembly, ISBN 978-1-4402-3603-7 (Digital Copy)
- Shooter’s Bible Guide to Firearms Assembly, Disassembly, and Cleaning, ISBN 978-1616088750 (Print Copy)
Provided Tools
Bluing compound, 1/2″ x 2″ x 4″ aluminum plate, (3) 6-48 fillister screws, (1) 6-48 tap, #1 spiral flute screw extractor, center drill, tap handle, #31 jobber drill bit, 5/64 jobber drill bit, calipers
Required Tools
Drill press or hand drill. Access to a firearm that can be disassembled is required for this course.
Recommended Tools
Aluminum cutting fluid, filister screwdriver (tapered), screwdriver torque wrench, manual impact driver, screw checker, pin gauges, layout dye and/or permanent marker
FTT 114: Custom Kydex Lab
Provided Textbooks
- Kydex Lab, ISBN 978-1-945697-22-7 (Digital and Print Copies)
Provided Tools
Rotary tool kit with flex shaft, thermoforming holster kit: (thermoforming sheet, IWB loops, eyelets, spacers, screws), handsetter tool, holster foam (2 pieces), infrared thermometer, heat gun
Required Tools
12″x12″ plywood, clamps, and wood glue
Recommended Tools
Masking tape, molds, dowel rods or paint stirrers, belt attachments, protractor (to measure cant)
FTT 122: Introduction to Ammunition and Basic Ballistics
Provided Textbooks
- Gun Digest Cartridges of the World 17 th Edition, ISBN: 9781951115593 (Digital Copy)
Provided Tools
Bullet Puller, Action Proving Rounds 30-30 Winchester, 7mm Remington Mag, 223 Remington, 38 Special, 9mm Luger, Powder Scale, 1 inch outside micrometer
Recommended Tools
Workbench or sturdy table
FTT 201: Firearms Finishes and Engraving
Provided Textbooks
- Firearms Finishes and Engravings, ISBN 978-1-945697-28-9 (Digital Copy)
Provided Tools
1 can primer/paint, 1 can of activator, 1 can of clear coat, hydrographic film, cleaning prep/wipes, nitrile gloves, scuffing pad
Required Tools
Dip container in which your project can be submersed, such as a tote or a large unused fish tank
Recommended Tools
Masking tape, ½ inch PVC pipe, coat hangers or similar stiff wires
FTT 221: Sights, Optics, and Accuracy
Provided Textbooks
- Sights, Optics, and Accuracy, ISBN 978-1-945697-23-4 (Digital Copy)
- Ring Lapping Lab, ISBN 978-1-945697-24-1 (Digital and Print Copies)
- Gun Digest Guide to Maintaining and Accessorizing Firearms, ISBN 978-1-4402-3989-2 (Digital Copy)
- The Practical Guide to Bolt Action Rifle Accurizing & Maintenance, (Digital Copy)
Provided Tools
Scope base, rifle scope, scope rings, scope ring alignment and lapping kit
Required Tools
Bench vise with soft jaws
Recommended Tools
Hex and Torx® wrenches, screwdriver torque wrench, rosin, pitch angle indicator, plumb bob, collimator, gun stock or solid piece of wood to mount scope base (if firearm not available; see cover image of course), blue thread locking compound, acetone and cotton swabs, 2 bubble levels
FTT 231: Machining and Manufacturing of Firearms
Provided Textbooks
- Machining and Manufacturing of Firearms, ISBN 978-1-945697-25-8 (Digital Copy)
FTT 240: Shooting Sports Management
Provided Textbooks
- Shooting Sports Management, ISBN 978-1-945697-16-6 (Digital Copy)
FTT 299: Firearms Technology Elective (choose 1)
Electives
FTE 211: 1911 Advanced Armorer
Provided Textbooks
- Gun Digest: Automatic Pistols Assembly and Disassembly ISBN: 9781440245008 (Digital Copy)
- Gun Digest: Custom Gunsmithing for Self Defense Firearms ISBN: 978-1-4402-4731-6 (Digital Copy)
- Gun Digest: Gunsmithing Pistols and Revolvers ISBN: 978-1-4402-0389-3 (Digital Copy)
Provided Tools
All students receive: 1911 style handgun, wax pencil, stones and polishing points, bushing wrench, bearing handle cleaning rod, cleaning jag set, headspace gauges, action proving rounds, bench block
Required Tools
Workbench or sturdy table, nylon or plastic-tipped and brass hammer combo, ball peen hammer, caliper, slotted screwdriver set, and bench vise
Recommended Tools
Shop lighting, padded vise jaws, padded mat
FTE 217: Modern Sporting Rifle
Provided Textbooks
- Modern Sporting Rifle Manual, ISBN 978-1-945697-44-9 (Digital Copy)
- Gunsmithing the AR-15 The Bench Manual, ISBN 978-1-4402-4660-9 (Digital Copy)
Provided Tools
All students receive: Roll pin punch set, roll pin starter set, torque wrench, wax pencil, bearing handle cleaning rod, cleaning jag set, universal firing pin protrusion gauge, firing pin height gauge, staking punch, hex driver set, star driver set, armorer’s wrench, pivot pin assembly tool, upper receiver vise block, lower receiver vice block, headspace gauges, action proving rounds, ejector fixture, bolt catch punch
Students Choose 1 of the following:
- SDI AR-15 build kit*
- SDI AR-10 build kit*
- SDI AR-9 build kit*
Required Tools
Workbench or sturdy table, nylon or plastic-tipped and brass hammer combo, ball peen hammer, anti-seize lubricant, caliper, and bench vise
Recommended Tools
Shop lighting, padded vise jaws, padded mat, collapsible buttstock tool (if needed), slotted screwdriver set, and reaction rod (in lieu of upper receiver action block)
FTE 218: Pump Shotgun Armorer
Provided Textbooks
- Gun Digest Gunsmithing: Shotguns, ISBN 0-87341-902-0 (Digital Copy)
Provided Tools
All students receive: Pump action shotgun, wax pencil, bearing handle cleaning rod, shotgun brush, universal firing pin protrusion gauge, choke and chamber length gauge, forend nut tool, headspace gauges, action proving rounds, and trigger pull gauge
Required Tools
Workbench or sturdy table, nylon or plastic-tipped and brass hammer combo, various punches, ball peen hammer, anti-seize lubricant, caliper, and bench vise
Recommended Tools
Shop lighting, padded vise jaws, padded mat, and slotted screwdriver set
FTE 225: Developing a Business Plan
Provided Textbooks
- Anatomy of a Business Plan: The Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Business and Securing Your Company’s Future, ISBN 978-0944205556 (digital copy)
Notice: The tools listed are intended for use with SDI courses and recommended for most gunsmithing operations. This list reflects the materials supplied at time of publication and SDI reserves the right to alter the contents as needed to provide the best educational experience. The improper use of any tool can result in injury or death for which SDI is not liable. If the user of the tool is unclear in proper operation please seek further guidance before use.
To view a full list of course descriptions, click HERE.