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. All students are required to meet the Tech Requirements for their program.
Welcome Packet
(usually delivered during week 5 or 6)
Provided
- SDI Keychain
- SDI Sticker
- SDI T-shirt
Course Names and Requirements
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)
Firearms Technology 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, 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
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.
BUS 101: Introduction to Business
- Business Essentials: 10 Edition, ISBN 978-0-13-301120-3 (Digital Copy)
AGT 100: American Government
- American Government Roots and Reform, ISBN 978-0-13-391548-8 (Digital Copy)
BSM 100: Business Math
- Business Math: 10 Edition, ISBN 978-0-13-345442-0 (Digital Copy)
ENG 101: English Composition I
- The Little, Brown Compact Handbook, ISBN 978-0-321-98650-4 (Digital Copy)
- Wordsmith: A Guide to College Writing, ISBN 0-321-97417-4 (Digital Copy)
ENS 100: Environmental Science
- Principles of Environmental Science: 9th Edition, ISBN 978-1-26-021971-5 (Digital Copy)
PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology
Provided Textbooks
- Introduction to Psychology, ISBN 978-1-305-27155-5 (Digital Copy)
SCI 101: Introduction to Physical Science
Provided Textbooks
- Introduction to Physical Science, ISBN 978-1-945697-16-6 (Digital Copy)
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 may need additional supplies to complete certain projects. All students are required to meet the Tech Requirements for their program.
Welcome Packet
(usually delivered during week 5 or 6)
- SDI Sticker
- SDI Coozie
Course Names and Requirements
UAS 101: UAS Fundamentals
Provided Textbooks
- Civil and Commercial Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Digital Copy)
- Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Guide, ISBN 978-1-61954-394-2 (Digital Copy)
Provided Tools/Equipment
Small programmable drone kit and spare propellers and batteries, remote controller for drone, remote controller for flight simulator, SDI work mat
UAS 201: sUAS Sensors and Remote Sensing
Provided Textbooks
- Introduction to Remote Sensing, ISBN 978-1-46255-013-5 (Digital Copy)
Provided Tools/Equipment
Multiple sensors including a light meter, digital thermometer with humidity sensor, solar viewing glasses, Tri-bar resolution target. Students also receive a protractor.
UAS 202: UAS Aviation Management
Provided Textbooks
- Geographical Information System Research Methods
Provided Tools/Equipment
Access to ArcGIS Pro Software and access to multiple drone-collected GIS datasets.
UAS 205: Introduction to Geographical Information Systems
Provided Tools/Equipment
Fleet Management Software Access will be provided during the course.
UAS 213: sUAS Design, Build, and Fly
Provided Tools/Equipment
Students will receive a kit of tools and components for assembling a quadcopter: 450mm quadcopter frame, Pixhawk autopilot kit, transmitter controller and receiver, ESCs and motors, propellers, LiPo battery, telemetry radios, soldering iron kit, hex key set, propeller balancer
UAS 231: UAS Flight Test & Evaluation
Required Tools/Equipment
Drone Received in UAS 101
UAS 234: sUAS Thermography Level 1
Provided Tools/Equipment
Handheld Thermal Sensor, Lab kit (paintbrushes, canvas panels, acrylic paints, electrical tape), and access to Thermal Studio Software
Required Tools/Equipment
Smartphone
UAS 250: FAA sUAS Professional Remote Pilot
Provided Tools/Equipment
Compact drone with battery and controller, drone cones, landing pads, The Airman Knowledge Testing Supplemental FAA-CT-8080-2H (digital copy available for download in the course), flight simulator access, remote controller for flight simulator (for students who did not already receive it in UAS 101)
Required Tools/Equipment
Smartphone*
Recommended Materials
Drone insurance is recommended and will be discussed within the course
*Device may change. Please check compatibility with the current drone model.
UET 102: Fundamentals of Electronics
Provided Textbooks
- Pearsons Fundamentals of Electronics (Electronic Copy)
Provided Tools/Equipment
Electronics Component Kit with Microcontroller and a multimeter
SYS 201: UAS Systems Engineering Management
Provided Textbooks
- Systems Engineering Management 5th Ed., ISBN 978-1-11-922532-4 (Digital Copy)
Required Tools/Equipment
Access to scientific calculator software or application
SYS 212: Project Management for UAS Engineering and Technology
Provided Textbooks
- Project Management for Engineering and Technology, ISBN 978-0-13-284011-8 (Digital Copy)