Lab Tools

Tools and equipment are provided by the Institute and included in the total program cost. These items are shipped to the student with other learning materials and will belong to the student. Students need to have access to a firearm for certain courses and may need additional supplies to complete certain projects.

Welcome Packet

(usually delivered during week 5 or 6)

Provided

• SDI Keychain
• SDI Sticker
• SDI T-shirt

BBS 200: Advanced Ballistics

• Advanced Ballistics, ISBN 978-1-945697-06-7 (Digital Copy)
• The Practical Guide to Reloading, NO ISBN (Digital Copy)

FTH 202: Revolvers

Provided Textbooks

• 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)

Provided Tools

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

Required Tools

Tools provided in FTT 101 or equivalents

Recommended Tools

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

Provided Textbooks

• 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)

Provided Tools

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

Required Tools

Tools provided in FTH 202

Recommended Tools

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

Provided Textbooks

• Gun Digest Gunsmithing Pistols and Revolvers 4th Ed, ISBN 978-1-440242-96-0 (Digital Copy)
• Gun Digest Automatic Pistols Assembly/Disassembly 7th Ed, ISBN: 978-1-951115-50-0 (Digital Copy)

Provided Tools

Hammer fired double action 9mm pistol, compensator for pistol, electronic digital vernier caliper

Required Tools

Tools and firearms provided in FTH 212

Recommended Tools

Workbench or sturdy table, bench vise with soft jaws, shop lighting, dental picks, nitrile gloves, solvent, shop rags, toothbrush, degreaser

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)
• GunDigest 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 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 101: Mechanics in Firearms

Provided Textbooks

• Gun Digest Exploded Gun Drawings 4th Ed, ISBN: 978-1-951115-17-3 (Digital Copy)
• Gun Digest Automatic Pistols Assembly/Disassembly 7th Ed, ISBN: 978-1-951115-50-0 (Digital Copy)
• Gun Digest Revolvers Assembly/Disassembly 4th Ed, ISBN: 978-1-946267-49-8 (Digital Copy)
• Gun Digest Shotguns Assembly/Disassembly 4th Ed, ISBN: 978-1-440247-71-2 (Digital Copy)
• Gun Digest Centerfire Rifles Assembly/Disassembly 4th Ed, ISBN: 978-1-946267-04-7 (Digital Copy)
• Gun Digest Rimfire Rifles Assembly/Disassembly 5th Ed, ISBN: 978-1-946267-70-2 (Digital Copy)

Provided Tools

24 PC gun care, 8oz ball pein hammer, rasp and file set, precision needle file set 12 PC, cleaning kit, lubricant and cleaner, SDI work mat

Required Tools

Access to a firearm is required for this course.

Recommended Tools

Workbench or sturdy table, bench vise with soft jaws, shop lighting, dental picks, nitrile gloves, solvent, shop rags, toothbrush, degreaser

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 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 122: Introduction to Ammunition and Basic Ballistics

Provided Textbook

• 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 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)
• GunDigest Book of Centerfire Rifles Assembly/Disassembly, ISBN 978-1-4402-3544-3 (Digital Copy)
• GunDigest 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 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

Heat press or: 12″x12″ plywood, clamps, and wood glue

Recommended Tools

Masking tape, molds, dowel rods or paint stirrers, belt attachments, protractor (to measure cant)

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 210: Customizing and Woodworking

Provided Textbooks

• Customizing & Woodworking, ISBN 978-1-945697-07-4 (Digital Copy)
• Muzzleloader Lab: 2nd Edition, ISBN 978-1-945697-33-3 (Digital and Print Copies)
• Custom Fitting the Shotgun, ISBN 978-1-945697-43-2 (Digital Copy)
• Traditions Muzzleloader Kit Instructional Manual, (Digital Copy)

Provided Tools

Synthetic inletting solution, black powder muzzleloader kit, palm chisels

Required Tools

File set (provided in FTT 104), vise with soft jaws

Recommended Tools

Rawhide, nylon, or plastic tipped hammer, acid brushes, gun stock scraping tools, small wood block, center punch, drill press and/or power drill, drill bits for wood and brass, 120- to 400-grit wet/dry sandpaper

FTT 211: Stock Refinishing and Metal Work Lab

Provided Textbooks

• Muzzleloader Lab: 2nd Edition, ISBN 978-1-945697-33-3 (Digital and Print Copies)

Provided Tools

Browning solution, brass lap, lapping compound, gunstock finishing oil, walnut stain

Required Tools

Heat gun or similar heat source (students who have completed FTT 114, Custom Kydex Lab may use the heat gun provided in that course), wet/dry sandpaper 120 – 400 grit, punches provided in FTT 104, nylon or rawhide hammer, small brushes for applying browning solution and finishing oil

Recommended Tools

Nitrile gloves, ventilation or large area, carding wheel or degreased steel wool, buffing wheel (optional), 11-degree crown cutting tool, coat hangers or bailing wire, acetone or non-chlorinated brake cleaner, bench vise with vise blocks or cleaning vise

FTT 214: Hand Checkering Lab

Provided Textbooks

• Hand Checkering Lab, ISBN 978-1-945697-30-2 (Digital and Print Copies)

Provided Tools

Checkering tool kit with replaceable heads, wood stock, checkering gauge

Required Tools

File and rasp set (Provided in FTT 104), bench vise with soft jaws

Recommended Tools

Sandpaper (220, 300, 400, 600, 1500 grit), sealant, tracing paper, colored pencil, one sheet of graph paper (10 lines per inch), sharp pocket or hobby knife, auto-strip tape and/or masking tape, small swing-arm light, small divider, headband magnifier, finishing oil, mineral spirits, clean old toothbrush, clean rag, super glue (if needed), toothpicks (if needed), checkering cradle (instructions included in the course on how to build this item)

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)
• GunDigest 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

Provided Textbooks

• Machining and Manufacturing of Firearms, ISBN 978-1-945697-25-8 (Digital Copy)

FTT 240

Provided Textbooks

• Shooting Sports Management, ISBN 978-1-945697-16-6 (Digital Copy)

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, bench block

Students Choose 1 of the following:

• SDI AR-15 build kit*
• SDI AR-10 build kit*
• SDI AR-9 build kit*

*CA/NY compliant options available

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)
• Gun Digest Shotguns Assembly/Disassembly 4th Ed, ISBN 978-1-4402-4771-2 (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 (Print 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.