Handgun Specialist Materials Fee

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What’s Included in the Handgun Specialist Program Materials Fee?

When you enroll in SDI’s Certificate in Firearms Technology – Handgun Specialist program, you’ll need specialized tools, firearms, and course materials. To simplify this process, SDI offers two options: Opt In, where you pay a non-refundable $1,200 materials fee for SDI to provide all required tools and materials, or Opt Out, where you source the materials yourself according to SDI’s specifications.

What’s included with the fee? And what if you choose to source the materials yourself?

Let’s break it down.

Your Two Options for Course Materials

Opt In: SDI-Managed Materials

Students who choose to pay the materials fee will receive all required tools and materials directly from SDI. Firearms are shipped to the student’s selected Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), in compliance with federal regulations.

This option is designed to be convenient, cost-effective, and stress-free.

Tools and Equipment List

Opt Out: Source It Yourself

If you choose to source the materials yourself, you’re responsible for acquiring everything on the provided list. You must meet SDI’s specifications exactly, with no substitutions allowed for certain items. Others allow some flexibility, but substitutes must meet the required specs. Failing to meet these requirements could delay your coursework or make it impossible to complete assignments.

Course-by-Course Breakdown

Materials List for FTT 101: MECHANICS IN FIREARMS

This list includes all tools and materials required for the course. If you choose to Source It Yourself, make sure each item meets SDI’s specifications to ensure compatibility with course assignments.

When you choose SDI-Managed Materials, we send all required tools and materials directly to you. If you choose to source the tools and materials yourself, all substitutions must meet or exceed the specifications listed. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all tools are compatible with course assignments to avoid delays in coursework or the inability to complete assignments.

Most items in this course allow substitutions if you Source It Yourself, but SDI’s kit ensures compatibility from day one, removing the guesswork and potential delays.

FTT 101: Mechanics in Firearms

  • Grace USA Gun Care Kit (24pc)
    • 8oz Brass and Delrin Hammer
    • 8-piece Brass Punch Set (3/32″-5/16″)
      • Brass Punch 3/32″
      • Brass Punch 1/8″
      • Brass Punch 5/32″
      • Brass Punch 3/16″
      • Brass Punch 7/32″
      • Brass Punch 1/4″
      • Brass Punch 9/32″
      • Brass Punch 5/16″
    • 5-piece Steel Punch Set (1/16″-5/32″)
      • Steel Punch 1/16″
      • Steel Punch 5/64″
      • Steel Punch 3/32″
      • Steel Punch 1/8″
      • Steel Punch 5/32″
    • 1/4″ Center Punch
    • 1/16″ Starter Punch
    • 8-piece Screwdriver Set: (Sizes must accommodate common firearms fasteners)
  • Grace USA 5-piece Roll Pin Spring Holder Set (1/16″ – 3.5mm)
    • 1/16″
    • 5/64″
    • 3/32″
    • 1/8″
    • 3.5mm
  • Grace USA 7-piece Short Roll Pin Punch Set (Steel, 1/16″ – 7/32″)
    • 1/6″
    • 5/64″
    • 3/32″
    • 1/8″
    • 5/32″
    • 3/16″
    • 7/32″
  • Grace USA 7-piece Steel Roll Spring Punch Set (1/16″ – 7/32″)
    • 1/6″
    • 5/64″
    • 3/32″
    • 1/8″
    • 5/32″
    • 3/16″
    • 7/32″
    • File and Rasp Set (12-pc)

  • Precision Needle File Set (12-pc, Carbon Steel)
  • 8oz Ball Pein Hammer
  • Otis Elite Universal Cleaning Kit
    • 100% cotton 2” and 3” patches
    • 3 slotted tips and 2 patch savers®
    • 16 firearm-specific bronze bore brushes with size markings on brush stems (.17, .22 limited breech, .22/.223, .243-.260, .270/7mm, .30-06/.300/30-30/.308, .338-.35, .357-38 cal/9mm, .40/10mm, .44/.45, .50 cal, .410ga, 28ga, 20ga, 16ga, 12/10ga)
    • 8”, 12”, and 36” aircraft-grade Memory-Flex® cables with thread connectors for Breech-to-Muzzle® cleaning
    • Small & large obstruction removers to knock out mud, snow, or stuck casings (small t-handle & stud included for small-caliber cleaning)
    • .223 cal/5.56mm chamber brush, pin punch, end brush, straight pick, locking lug scraper, scraper, short AP brush, double-end AP brush, male & female rod for more precise cleaning
    • Lens tissue, lens spray, lens brush, and lens cloth for optics care
    • Microfiber gun cloth and chamber flag
    • (2) 0.5 fl. oz. Shooter’s Choice FP-10 Lubricant Elite® CLP & instruction manual
  • Gun Oil, 2–3 oz
  • Gun Cleaning Solvent, 2–3 oz
  • Gun Mat, 12″ x 24″ minimum

Recommended Tools

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

PDFs (Provided by SDI for All Students)

  • Gun Digest Book of Exploded Gun Drawings (4th Ed.) – ISBN: 978-1951115173
  • Gun Digest Book of Tactical Weapons Assembly/Disassembly (3rd Ed.) – ISBN-13: 978-1-4402-3603-7, ISBN-10: 1-4402-3603-8
  • Gun Digest Book of Shotguns Assembly/Disassembly (4th Ed.) – ISBN-13: 978-1-4402-4771-2
  • Gun Digest Book of Rimfire Rifles Assembly/Disassembly (4th Ed.) – ISBN-13: 978-1-946267-70-2
  • Gun Digest Book of Revolvers Assembly/Disassembly (2011) – ISBN-13: 978-1-4402-1452-3
  • Gun Digest Book of Centerfire Rifles Assembly/Disassembly (4th Ed.) – ISBN-13: 978-1-946267-04-7
  • Gun Digest Book of Automatic Pistols Assembly/Disassembly (7th Ed.) – ISBN-13: 978-1-951115-50-0
  • Antique Firearms Assembly/Disassembly (5th Ed.) – ISBN: 0-87349-767-8

Important Notes:

Substitutions: If you choose to Source It Yourself, please ensure that any substituted items meet or exceed SDI’s listed specifications, especially for safety-critical components.

  • If a specific brand name is listed (such as Grace USA), SDI generally provides that brand, but you are welcome to source a tool of equal or better quality.

Materials List for FTH 202: Revolvers

This list includes all tools and materials required for the course. If you choose to Source It Yourself, make sure each item meets SDI’s specifications to ensure compatibility with course assignments.

When you choose SDI-Managed Materials, we send all required tools and materials directly to you. If you choose to source the tools and materials yourself, all substitutions must meet or exceed the specifications listed. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all tools are compatible with course assignments to avoid delays in coursework or the inability to complete assignments.

Most items in this course allow substitutions if you Source It Yourself, but SDI’s kit ensures compatibility from day one, removing the guesswork and potential delays.

FTT 202: Revolvers

  • Taurus 856 .38 SPL 2″ BK/BK 6RDS (No substitutions allowed)
  • 357 Magnum Go/NoGo Headspace Gauge
  • A-ZOOM Action Proving Dummy Rounds (.38 Special)
  • PermaBlue Bluing Compound (3 oz)
  • Small Caliber Cleaning Patches (2″, 100 count)
  • Dykem Layout Fluid (4 oz, Blue preferred)
  • Spyderco Ceramic File Set (400F, 4-piece)
  • Lyman Mechanical Trigger Pull Gauge
  • Dewey Cleaning Rod 38C 12″ (w/ Dewey 38/357/9mm Jag)
  • Spring Kit for Taurus 856 Revolver

Recommended Tools

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

PDFs (Provided by SDI for All Students)

  • Gunsmithing Pistols and Revolvers, 4th Ed., Krause Publications (2015)
  • Gun Digest Book of the Revolver, Krause Publications (2011)

Important Notes:

Substitutions: If you choose to Source It Yourself, please ensure that any substituted items meet or exceed SDI’s listed specifications, especially for safety-critical components.

  • For firearms and select precision parts, substitutions are not permitted (e.g., Taurus 856 .38 SPL). These items must match exactly as listed.
  • If a specific brand name is listed (such as PermaBlue or Spyderco), SDI generally provides that brand, but you are welcome to source a tool of equal or better quality.

Accuracy: This course includes specific firearm components. Accuracy is important to ensure proper fit and function. If you source parts independently, be sure they are fully compatible with SDI’s requirements to avoid delays or issues with assignments.

Materials List for FTH 212: Striker-Fired Pistols

This list includes all tools and materials required for the course. If you choose to Source It Yourself, make sure each item meets SDI’s specifications to ensure compatibility with course assignments.

When you choose SDI-Managed Materials, we send all required tools and materials directly to you. If you choose to source the tools and materials yourself, all substitutions must meet or exceed the specifications listed. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all tools are compatible with course assignments to avoid delays in coursework or the inability to complete assignments.

Most items in this course allow substitutions if you Source It Yourself, but SDI’s kit ensures compatibility from day one, removing the guesswork and potential delays.

FTH 212: Striker-Fired Pistols

  • PSA Dagger or third-generation Glock 19 (No substitutions allowed. Note: For SDI-Managed Materials, the PSA Dagger will arrive unassembled as a kit. If you choose to source it yourself, you will need to purchase the complete, assembled pistol.)
  • 9mm Luger Go/NoGo Headspace Gauge
  • Stippling Sheets
  • A-ZOOM Action Proving Dummy Rounds (9mm)
  • Woodburner / Soldering Iron
  • Rotary Tool Kit with Flex Shaft
  • Channel Liner Kit for Glock Pistols
  • Front Sight Tool for Glock
  • 9mm Lower Receiver Vise Block
  • Glock Armorer’s Half Slide Cover Plate
  • Polymer Pistol Grip
  • XS Sight R3D Sight Set (Orange) (No substitutions allowed)
  • Blue Loctite
  • Polishing Buffing Wheels Set
  • Flitz Polishing Paste (50g)
  • Third generation Glock 19 Power Springs (No substitutions allowed)
  • Glock Connector Gen 1–5 (No substitutions allowed) (fit-required, drop-in connectors are not acceptable)

Recommended Tools

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

Important Notes:

Substitutions: If you choose to Source It Yourself, please ensure that any substituted items meet or exceed SDI’s listed specifications, especially for safety-critical components.

  • No substitutions are allowed for specific items, such as the PSA Dagger Kit and Glock-specific parts (e.g., XS Sight R3D Sight Set, Glock Spring Kit, Glock Trigger Connector). These items must be sourced exactly as listed.
  • For all other items, substitutions are allowed, but they must meet the size, function, and quality requirements of the original tool or part.

Accuracy: This course is parts-intensive, and accuracy is critical to successful completion. The PSA Dagger Kit and Glock-specific components are tightly regulated for fit and function. When sourcing items independently, ensure all parts meet SDI’s standards to avoid delays in completing your assignments.

SDI’s Kit Advantage: Choosing SDI-managed materials removes the guesswork and ensures all components are guaranteed to work together from day one, minimizing potential delays and ensuring compatibility with course assignments.

Materials for FTH 223: Hammer-Fired Pistols

This list includes all tools and materials required for the course. If you choose to Source It Yourself, make sure each item meets SDI’s specifications to ensure compatibility with course assignments.

When you choose SDI-Managed Materials, we send all required tools and materials directly to you. If you choose to source the tools and materials yourself, all substitutions must meet or exceed the specifications listed. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all tools are compatible with course assignments to avoid delays in coursework or the inability to complete assignments.

Most items in this course allow substitutions if you Source It Yourself, but SDI’s kit ensures compatibility from day one, removing the guesswork and potential delays.

FTH 223: Hammer-Fired Pistols

  • SAR USA B6 or CZ 75B (No substitutions allowed)
    • IMPORTANT: Some older or variant versions of the listed firearm may use slightly different disassembly and assembly procedures than those illustrated in the course. You are responsible for learning any model-specific differences and ensuring your work meets assignment standards. If you’re unsure about a procedure or compatibility, contact your instructor for guidance before submitting the assignment.
  • Electronic Digital Caliper
  • Reduced Power Spring Kit for the SAR USA B6 (also compatible with K2, B6, P8L, 2000, CM, and K12) or CZ 75B Pistols (No substitutions allowed)
  • SAR B6 or CZ 75B Hammer (No substitutions allowed)
    • IMPORTANT: SAR B6 and CZ-75B hammers are not interchangeable. You must buy the hammer specific to the pistol you own. If you’re unsure which part fits your model, contact your instructor before purchasing.
  • SAR B6 or CZ 75B Sear (No substitutions allowed)
    • IMPORTANT: SAR B6 and CZ-75B sears are not interchangeable. You must buy the sear specific to the pistol you own. If you’re unsure which part fits your model, contact your instructor before purchasing.

Recommended Tools

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

Important Notes:

Substitutions: If you choose to Source It Yourself, please ensure that any substituted items meet or exceed SDI’s listed specifications, especially for safety-critical components.

  • No substitutions are allowed for specific firearm parts, such as the SAR USA B6 (10 round), SAR B6 Hammer, and SAR B6 Sear. These parts must be sourced exactly as listed.
  • Substitutions are allowed for Electronic Digital Vernier Caliper (0–6″) and similar measuring tools, provided they meet or exceed the functionality and quality of the original tool.

Accuracy: This course focuses heavily on specific firearm components, and accuracy is crucial. Some parts, like the SAR USA B6 firearm parts and spring kits, are essential for proper functioning with the platform. Please ensure the components meet SDI’s requirements to ensure compatibility with course assignments.

SDI’s Kit Advantage: Choosing SDI-managed materials removes the guesswork and ensures all components are guaranteed to work together from day one, minimizing potential delays and ensuring compatibility with course assignments.

Final Note

Whether you choose SDI-Managed Materials or decide to source the tools and materials yourself, it’s important to make the decision that best fits your needs. SDI’s materials fee is designed to make your learning experience seamless and keep you focused on your coursework, not sourcing parts.

If you choose to source materials yourself, ensure that every item matches SDI’s exact specifications—this includes firearm models, tool types, and part tolerances.

Using incorrect or incompatible self-sourced tools or components may delay your progress or prevent successful completion of course assignments. SDI is not responsible for compatibility issues in this regard.

Need more information or ready to enroll? Visit our CFTHS program page or contact admissions for further assistance.

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