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 take place at Georgia World Congress Center 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 on April 24-27, 2025 in Atlanta, GA. “The NRA […]
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, it’s crazy reliable, and has only ever had one malfunction. Unfortunately, it was a pretty big malfunction. I noticed that sometimes, my revolver wouldn’t go […]
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 it up. On the SDI content marketing team, we call these “sleeper picks.” One of my biggest gun sleeper picks is the Smith & Wesson […]
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 Hutchison Convention Center on May 17-19, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. “This year’s meeting promises to be another exceptional gathering of like-minded firearm enthusiasts, and we […]
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 principle remains similar. Think of each department within the organization as a different position group, and they each have different roles and responsibilities from the […]
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 see everyone from basic training recruits to Army Rangers regiments. Every year, nearly 80,000 soldiers will be trained at Fort Moore. As you can imagine, […]
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 also home to the only gunsmith shop within 50 miles. L&L Gunsmithing, which was founded by two SDI graduates, has already seen measurable success. Within […]
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. And when you do, you’re going to want to ensure you’re up to date with all your FFL paperwork. Some of that paperwork is going […]
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 standards ensure quality education through sound financial operations, approved programs of study, qualified instructors, and approved recruitment and admissions policies. Reviews and renewals of accreditation […]
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 the enrollment agreement. SDI offers convenient monthly start dates for new students, so right now is always the best time to enroll. Step 1: Submit […]
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 outreach, networking, and personalized assistance. Military & Veteran Services embraces the following values (SIGHT): Satisfaction – We will strive to provide exceptional customer service that […]
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, and often their used inventory is unbeatable in diversity and price. Recently, we broke down the “Who,” “What,” and “When” of visiting your local gun […]
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, and often their used inventory is unbeatable in diversity and price — I’m a sucker for antiques, myself. We’re going to take a moment or […]
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 there, and also let us know that he received a job offer upon completion of the Field Study. Joe Meaux, the owner of Aklys Defense, […]
SDI Team The SDI staff and faculty consists of qualified individuals with varied backgrounds, all working together to build meaningful relationships with our students. Executive Team Traci Lee President / Chief Executive Officer Chris Caraway Chief Operating Officer Jeff Lagasse Chief Financial Officer Jennifer McInnis Chief Marketing Officer Jamie Carson Online Campus President Jeff Steinberg […]
Sonoran Desert Institute Attending the NRA Annual Meeting in Houston Visit SDI at Booth 517 If you’re heading to the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, make sure to stop by and say hello. Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) will be at Booth 517, and our team will be there throughout the weekend to talk […]
Sonoran Desert Institute is heading to Las Vegas for SHOT Show, and we’re looking forward to connecting with students, graduates, and industry partners in person. January 20–23, 2026Booth #70955 | Caesars Forum | Las Vegas If you want a preview of what SDI is looking forward to at SHOT Show and why this event matters […]
PHOENIX, AZ — [10/29/2025] — Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI), a DEAC-accredited online school specializing in firearms and uncrewed technology education, has announced curriculum updates to its Associate of Science in Firearms Technology and Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing programs to ensure continued alignment with industry standards. Launching January 2026, these revisions reflect the next […]
For most people, a drone is something that hovers above the ground, snapping pictures or conducting land surveys. For Collin Taylor, it is a starting point. As the co-founder of Revolute Robotics, Collin and his team have built something few thought possible: a machine that can both roll across the ground and take to the […]
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. For many, that first gun marks a rite of passage, a new layer of responsibility, or the spark of a lifelong hobby. Whether inherited, purchased […]
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 Advocacy and Leadership Summit (GOALS), hosted by Gun Owners of America. The summit takes place August 9–10, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee, and SDI will be […]
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 Laser Ammo. The conversation covered everything from dry fire training to women in the firearms industry, and how Kristen’s journey has shaped the way she […]
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 his success on YouTube and social media. With over 3 million subscribers and more than a billion views, he shares what it takes to plan, […]
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 […]
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 a graduate with big goals, now is the perfect time to give a gift that speaks to their passion. From practical range gear to the […]
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 in lightweight, ambidextrous AR platforms, setting new standards in innovation and performance. 100% Made in the USA, we engineer everything in-house — from precision components […]
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 right tools and strategies. At SDI, we combine hands-on projects with flexible online learning to help you build real-world skills in firearms technology and uncrewed […]
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 excel in recruiting, hiring, and retaining America’s veterans. The HIRE Vets Medallion Program, authorized under the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans […]
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 its educational offerings designed to meet the uncrewed systems industry. Building on the feedback from its Certificate in Uncrewed Technology – Aerial Systems (CUTAS), SDI […]
SDI is is pleased to announce a new partnership with 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 revolvers. They also offer gunsmithing tools and accessories such as sight pushers and optic mounts. Known for their robust, CNC-machined products that ensure visibility and […]
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 firearms technology students: the firearm itself. I recently had the privilege of discussing this process with Jarred McNeely, Chief Academic Officer and Dean of the […]
“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 this claim, nor could I determine the context for such a quote. Maybe he was speaking from his own experience or was observing where some […]
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 that we shoot together, like a lever-action rifle chambered in .32 Winchester Special (I had never heard of it before, either). But by far one […]
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 Desert Institute (SDI) will be joining more than 7,500 of the world’s top experts in autonomous technology at this year’s XPONENTIAL 2024. XPONENTIAL™ brings together […]
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 compliance. Their product range includes fiber & CO2 lasers, laser welders, and a variety of parts and accessories designed for efficiency and precision in engraving, […]
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 marketing team wanted to include March Madness brackets on our content schedule. Of course, as a gunsmithing school, we also had to make our brackets […]
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 — and most awesome — plotlines is the lever-action gun renaissance. Seemingly out of left field, we’ve got companies that aren’t normally associated with lever guns […]
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 and facility at White Birch Armory in Dover, NH), he surprised me with a Sauer & Sohn 38H that his father had brought back from […]
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 across the fabric of our nation, but the kind of long travels most everyone endures throughout their lives. Before each person can arrive safely at […]
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 the gym. And for a smaller part of the population, it means deciding on your firearms resolutions. Firearms Resolutions for 2024 I’ve actually been thinking […]
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 uncle shows up late with a different woman than last year. One of the hardest things I need to do every year is shop for […]
[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 Vets Medallion Award during a virtual award ceremony presented by the U.S. Department of Labor. Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) earned the gold award after applying […]
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 some of the biggest you’ll see all year, and in the firearms industry, it’s no different. Let’s look at some of the best deals for […]
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 consistent but also very harsh. In that case, your best bet might be using ND filters. Luckily, Kyle from Stay Gold Visuals is here to […]
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 from Stay Gold Visuals explains the ins and outs of AE Lock and how to properly apply it. What Is AE Lock? AE Lock, or […]
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 to have a plan in place to prevent damage or total loss of your drone. Luckily, DJI drones offer different options to ensure a safe […]
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 of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is also something of a trailblazer, as he is one of the few students who’ve attended SDI to have graduated from […]
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. And that can’t happen if those parts are dirty. There are few things that suck more than a dirty revolver, but never fear. SDI’s chair […]
