All students enrolled in Firearms Technology programs are expected to have the following tools and consumables. These are essential for successful participation in coursework and hands-on projects. Each course has specific requirements; please refer to the individual course details for specifications such as sizes in relation to these general tools listed below.
It is highly recommended, where possible, to obtain sets and kits of items that have various sizes. Some items will be used throughout the duration of the program(s) and across several courses. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all tools are available, in good working condition, and suitable for use throughout the program(s).
All SDI students can find information on provided, suggested, and required tools and materials below. Students enrolled in the Certificate in Firearms Technology – Handgun Specialist program have the option to opt in or out of a non-refundable materials fee. Additional information and a list of required materials is available here.
General Required Materials for Firearms Technology Students
(These tools are the responsibility of the student to supply)
- A phone or camera with video capabilities for documenting project builds
- A phone stand or tripod for recording video
- Computer (Review the Catalog for Technology Requirements)
- Workbench or sturdy table
- Bench vise with soft jaws
- Personal protective equipment: safety glasses, apron, nitrile gloves, dust masks, etc.
- Access to a personal firearm
- Tools and equipment listed in the individual course shopping lists
Recommended Tools and Materials for Gunsmithing
(These tools are nice to have but not required)
The following tools are highly recommended as part of a gunsmith’s workbench and toolbox but are not required for the program(s):
- Shop lighting
- Shop rags
- Power strips, extension cords
- Printer (for blueprints and digests
- Three-ring binders
- Toolbox
- Parts trays and storage boxes
- Magnifying visor or glass
- Extra bench blocks
- Assorted pliers, clamps, wrenches
- Various sizes of hammers, punches, screwdrivers
- Dental picks and a toothbrush
CFTHS Course-Specific Tools and Materials
*Notice: The tools listed are intended for use with SDI courses and recommended for most gunsmithing operations. This list reflects the materials supplied at the 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 on proper operation, please seek further guidance before use.
Listed in order under each course:
- Textbooks or Manuals – All textbooks/manuals are provided in your course either through the VitalSource Bookshelf or downloadable PDF. Students do not need to purchase the textbooks or manuals listed
- Required Tools and Equipment (supplied by SDI) – The following tools and equipment are provided by SDI and shipped before each course.
- Course Shopping List (supplied by student) – The following tools and equipment are the responsibility of the student.
FTT 101: Mechanics in Firearms
1. Gun Digest: (supplied by SDI)
- Exploded Gun Drawings
- Automatic Pistols Assembly/Disassembly
- Revolvers Assembly/Disassembly
- Shotguns Assembly/Disassembly
- Centerfire Rifles Assembly/Disassembly
- Rimfire Rifles Assembly/Disassembly
- Book of Tactical Weapons Assembly/Disassembly
- Antique Firearms Assembly/Disassembly
2. Required Tools and Equipment (supplied by SDI)
- 24 PC Gun Care Kit Grace USA
- Otis Elite Cleaning Kit
- Ultra Jag Set Bagged (Rifle/Pistol)
- 36″ Cleaning Rod
- Grace USA Steel Roll Spring Punch Set
- Grace USA Steel SHORT Roll Spring Punch Set
- Grace USA Roll Pin Holder Set
- Gun Mat
3. Course Shopping List (supplied by student)
- 8oz Ball Pein Hammer
- 1911 Bench Block
- Rasp and File Set
- Needle File Set
- Gun oil and solvent
FTH 202: Revolvers
1. Textbook – Gun Digest (Supplied in course)
- Gun Digest Gunsmithing Pistols and Revolvers 4th Ed, ISBN: 978-1-44021-81-2 (Digital Copy)
- Gun Digest Book of the Revolver, ISBN: 978-1-440218-12-5 (Digital Copy)
2. Required Tools and Equipment (supplied by SDI)
- Double action revolver
- Revolver spring set
- Ceramic file set
- Trigger pull gauge
- Cleaning rod 12″
- 38/357/9mm jag
- Small caliber cleaning patches
- Layout fluid
- Headspace gauges set
- Action proving dummy round (38 special)
- Bluing compound
- Accuracy oil
3. Course Shopping List (supplied by student)
- Workbench or sturdy table
- Bench vise with soft jaws
- Shop lighting
- Dental picks
- Nitrile gloves
- Solvent
- Shop rags
- Toothbrush
- Degreaser
FTH 212: Striker-Fired Pistols
1. Textbook – Gun Digest
- Gun Digest Gunsmithing Pistols and Revolvers 4th Ed, ISBN: 978-1-44021-81-2 (Digital Copy)
- Gun Digest Automatic Pistols Assembly/Disassembly 7th Ed, ISBN: 978-1-951115-50-0 (Digital Copy)
2. Required Tools and Equipment (supplied by SDI)
- Striker-fired pistol stripped frame
- Pistol kit (unassembled)
- 9mm magazine – 10 round
- 9mm headspace gauge set
- Practice stipple sheets
- Action proving dummy rounds 9mm
- Soldering iron
- Rotary tool w/ flex shaft
- Front sight tool
- Channel liner kit
- 9mm lower receiver vise block
- Slide inspection plate
- Polymer pistol grip
- Sight set
- Threadlocker
- Felt bobs
- Polishing paste
- Reduced power spring kit
- Replacement connector
3. Course Shopping List (supplied by student)
- Workbench or sturdy table
- Bench vise with soft jaws
- Shop lighting
- Dental picks
- Nitrile gloves
- Solvent
- Shop rags
- Toothbrush
- Degreaser
FTH 223: Hammer-Fired Pistols
1. Textbook – Gun Digest
- Gun Digest Gunsmithing Pistols and Revolvers 4th Ed, ISBN: 978-1-44021-81-2 (Digital Copy)
- Gun Digest Automatic Pistols Assembly/Disassembly 7th Ed, ISBN: 978-1-951115-50-0 (Digital Copy)
2. Required Tools and Equipment (supplied by SDI)
- Hammer fired double action 9mm pistol
- Electronic digital vernier caliper
- Reduced power spring kit
- Replacement firearm sear
- Replacement firearm hammer
3. Course Shopping List (supplied by student)
- Workbench or sturdy table
- Bench vise with soft jaws
- Shop lighting
- Dental picks
- Nitrile gloves
- Solvent
- Shop rags
- Toothbrush
- Degreaser