SDI Returns to NRAAM in 2025 TEMPE, AZ [3.14.25] — Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) is excited to announce its participation in the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, set to […]
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Gunsmithing Quick Tips: Fix Light Strikes on Your Smith & Wesson Revolver
My Smith & Wesson 686 is one of my favorite guns to shoot. For one, it’s crazy accurate, and it’s much easier to shoot than any semi-auto gun. For another, […]
Gun Sleeper Picks: Smith & Wesson 686
Sometimes, a gun comes out of nowhere to become your favorite firearm. Maybe you weren’t expecting much from it, or you didn’t truly appreciate some features when you first picked […]
Sonoran Desert Institute Set for the NRA’s 2024 Annual Meeting & Exhibits
TEMPE, AZ [05/02/2024] — Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) is excited to announce its participation in the upcoming 2024 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, which will take place at Kay Bailey […]
This is SDI: Fulfillment & Shipping Department with Jeff Duchnowski & Joseph O’Connor
Working for an organization such as Sonoran Desert Institute is much like being on a professional football team. While the size of the teams differs greatly from one another, the […]
GRAD SPEAK: Holding Down the Fort with Robert Hinkle & Nick Johns
Near the banks of the Chattahoochee River, Fort Moore stands as a bustling hub of the U.S. Army. Dubbed the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, you can expect to […]
GRAD SPEAK: Breaking New Ground in The Golden State with L&L Gunsmithing
If you were to drive through the San Joaquin Valley in California, chances are you might stumble across a town called Merced. Known as the “Gateway to Yosemite,” it is […]
Filling In Your A&D Book
If you’re planning on running your own business in the firearms industry at some point in the future, you’re going to need to deal with the ATF at some point. […]
Tuition & Funding
Accreditation & Affiliates
Accreditation and Affiliates Sonoran Desert Institute has demonstrated the ability to meet criteria for academic and consumer rights standards from federal and state agencies as well as non-governmental agencies. These […]
Non-Discrimination & Non-Harrassment Policy
Substance Abuse Policy & Prevention
Scheduling & Substantive Interaction
Enrollment & Admissions Requirements
TAKE THE NEXT STEP TOWARD YOUR FUTURE BY ENROLLING AT SDI TODAY. You’ve done the research. You’ve selected the right program for you. All that’s left now is to finish […]
Military & Veteran Services
Military Student Support The SDI Military & Veteran Services department assists students in achieving academic, personal, and professional success. This includes advocacy and support for our military-connected students by offering […]
The 5 "W"s (And 1 "H") of Visiting Your Local Gun Store, Part 2
The local gun store is a sometimes strange, often wondrous place. It’s an amazing way to get your hands on products you might be interested in but can’t normally reach, […]
The 5 "W"s (And 1 "H") of Visiting Your Local Gun Store, Part 1
The local gun store is a sometimes strange, often wondrous place. It’s an amazing way to get your hands on products you might be interested in but can’t normally reach, […]
SDI Field Study Experience Was "Amazing"
The selected student was Mitchell Hill, who chose and was accepted for a Field Study at Aklys Defense in Baton Rouge, LA. Mitchell filled us in on his entire time […]
Choosing Your First Firearm: What to Know Before You Buy
Ask any gun owner about their first firearm and you’ll often hear more than just a make and model. You’ll get a story. A memory. Sometimes even a turning point. […]
Sonoran Desert Institute to Exhibit at GOALS 2025 – Booth 1310
Tempe, AZ – July 24, 2025 — Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI), a leader in online firearms and uncrewed technology education, is excited to announce its participation in the Gun Owners […]
Kristen Wilson-Day on The Gun Rack: Dry Fire, Industry Insight, and Training for Real Life
In a recent episode of The Gun Rack, SDI’s official podcast, hosts Christian Sequerra and Steve Ross sat down with Kristen Wilson-Day, competition shooter, firearms instructor, and marketing manager for […]
Backfire
Gun Content That Performs
SDI Webinar with Civilian Tactical See how one of the largest firearms creators builds content that gets results. What This Webinar Delivers Civilian Tactical breaks down the real methods behind […]
Handgun Specialist Materials Fee
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. […]
Celebrate Dads and Grads: Gear, Goals, and Getting to the Range
It’s that time of year. Summer is here, the ranges are calling, and it’s officially Dads and Grads Season. Whether you’re shopping for a father who loves firearms or celebrating […]
Gunbroker
Guns.com
Battle Arms Development
Battle Arms Development Company Description At Battle Arms Development, we don’t just build firearms — we redefine them. Since 2009, our Henderson, Nevada-based team has pioneered over 60 U.S. patents […]
Drone Soccer
Your Guide to Success at SDI: Skills, Support, and Strategies
Starting a fully online program is a big step. Whether you are balancing school with work, family, or other responsibilities, success at Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) begins with having the […]
Cappy Army
Justin Taylor
Firearms Tech – Bing
Uncrewed Tech – Bing
Hollywood Guns
Houston Jones
World War Wisdom
SDI YouTube – Learn More
Sonoran Desert Institute Receives 2024 HIRE Vets Medallion Award from the U.S. Department of Labor
December 6, 2024 – Tempe, AZ – Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) is proud to announce it has been awarded the Gold HIRE Vets Medallion, a distinguished honor recognizing employers who […]
Regular Guy Training
Angry Cops
Parler
Habitual Linecrosser
Rumble
Sonoran Desert Institute Announces Launch of Associate of Science in Uncrewed Technology Program
Tempe, AZ — [10.03.24] — Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) is excited to announce the launch of its new Associate of Science in Uncrewed Technology (ASUT) program, a cutting-edge addition to […]
ARMANET
Banana Ballistics
Washington Gun Law
Sonoran Desert Institute Welcomes XS Sights to Industry Partner Program
SDI is is pleased to announce a new partnership with XS Sights.
Gun Owners of America
NAAGA
American Outlaw
Do It With Dan
Blue Jean Operator
Gunmen
XS Sights
XS Sights Contact: Website Company Description XS Sights, based in Fort Worth, Texas, specializes in manufacturing high-quality tritium night sights for a variety of firearms, including pistols, shotguns, rifles, and […]
Taking An Inside Look at SDI’s Firearms Selection Process
Every gunsmith knows that the importance of quality tools cannot be overstated. Recognizing that, Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) meticulously selects one of the most important tools for each of their […]
GRAD SPEAK: Realized Resilience with Patrick Samples
“The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.” – Thomas Edison I couldn’t pin down when the great inventor had made […]
Sauer 38H Pistol: One of My Coolest Pistols
Over the last few years, my uncle and I have started up a new tradition for the holidays: we hit our local shooting range. He’s got a few cool guns […]
Sonoran Desert Institute To Attend XPONENTIAL 2024
SDI looks forward to contributing to and learning from the discussions at XPONENTIAL 2024, ensuring its academic programs remain at the forefront of industry developments. Tempe, AZ [04/20/2024] – Sonoran […]
SA Laser
Sa Laser Company Description SA Laser, a US-based, veteran-owned company founded in 2012, specializes in providing high-quality laser engraving machines and comprehensive training with an emphasis on firearms customization and […]
2024 Handgun March Madness
It’s that time of year again. After a month of lamenting the end of football season, the sports deities gifted us with a replacement: March Madness. As sports fans, SDI’s […]
Lever Gun Renaissance
So far, we’ve had several interesting storylines developing in the gun world this year (like two states adopting Constitutional Carry laws). But by far one of the least expected — […]
What to Look For in a Gun Appraisal
This past Christmas, my uncle gave me perhaps the greatest holiday present I’ve ever received. While we were on a trip to his local range (shoutout to the awesome folks […]
Louisiana Firearms
GRAD SPEAK: Forming a Foundation of Success with Maurice Ligon
Having grown up in a family of truckers, Maurice Ligon knows a thing or two about journeys. Not only the kind that traverse the various highways and byways that spread […]
Pew View
Classic Firearms
2024 Firearms Resolutions
Every January, many of us reassess our lives and look at how we can make things better. For some of us, that means eating better. For others, it means hitting […]
2023 Firearms Stocking Stuffers
The holidays are a great time of year. In my family, all of the aunts, uncles, and cousins meet up at my grandmother’s house to eat dumplings before that one […]
Sonoran Desert Institute Receives 2023 HIRE Vets Medallion Award from the U.S. Department of Labor
[11/21/23] – U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie A. Su recognized Sonoran Desert Institute (listed as Trade Training Company, LLC.) as one of the 859 recipients of the 2023 HIRE […]
Black Friday Gun Deals 2023
Do you have a gun or accessory you’ve been eyeing for as long as you can remember? Now might be the time to bite the bullet. Black Friday sales are […]
Johnny Q
Riskey Chriskey
Ballistic High-Speed
Dirty Civilian
ND Filters: A Vital Tool In Combating Harsh Light
We recently talked about how utilizing DJI’s AE Lock helps you mitigate lighting changes during a shoot. But say that you’re in a situation where the light source is very […]
AE Lock on DJI Drones: A Cinematographer’s Ally
When using your drone as a cinematographer, it is imperative that you master control over your lighting. Luckily, DJI has incorporated a feature that helps you with just that. Kyle […]
Industry Event
SDI 2023 MVS
Navigating Through Signal Loss with DJI Drones
If you have ever flown a drone, there’s a decent chance that you’ve dealt with the dreaded prospect of signal loss. When faced with this situation, it’s crucial for you […]
GRAD SPEAK: Learning For a Lifetime with Phoy St. John
When we sat down to chat with Phoy St. John, a recent graduate of Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI), his dedication, passion, and hunger for knowledge were evident. Phoy, a resident […]
How to Clean a Revolver
A nice revolver is like a watch It has a ton of small parts that all need to work together at the same time to make the gun go bang. […]
Columbia War Machine
Preston Stewart
SDI Grad on the AR-10
Image courtesy of Le-boulanger The AR-10 is like the AR-15’s older, bigger brother. Chambered in 7.62 NATO, the AR-10 actually spawned the AR-15’s design. Since the two are so closely […]
AR-15 Barrel Length and Velocity Test
Once you get into building your own AR-pattern guns, you’ll start to ask yourself some questions. And one of the biggest queries among AR-15 builders is how barrel length can […]
Reviewing Drone Videography Tips From Stay Gold Visuals
Image courtesy of Robert Myers DJI is about as close as it gets to a household name in the drone world. There’s a reason for that. According to some sources, […]
Brandon
SDI – Training Center
Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) offers the following online programs designed to help you reach your goals, no matter where you are in your career. We welcome students from all stages […]
Daniel Defense Case Study
How Daniel Defense Uses SDI For Their Firearms Training “We were having conversations like ‘this is getting to be a lot.’ A lot of people need to get recertified, do […]
Donut Operator
D-Day: Anniversary 2023
It’s perhaps the single best-known day in American military history. D-Day has lived in the annals of American military lore ever since it occurred, standing as a testament to the […]
The Well Armed Woman
Babylon Bee
“Choosing Your Silencer” Webinar Thank you!
Thank you for joining us! We’re so glad that you’ve chosen to spend your time with us learning a little more about silencer/suppressor options and what you should look […]
Top Shot Dustin
Nuance Bro
Corporate Training
“We were having conversations like ‘this is getting to be a lot.’ A lot of people need to get recertified, do we teach a 1-day class? Do we travel to […]
Memorial Day 2023 – How To Commemorate the Day
“This is the day we pay homage to all those who didn’t come home. This is not Veterans Day, it’s not a celebration, it is a day of solemn contemplation […]