“My business would not have blossomed as much as it has without continuing my studies at SDI and improving the knowledge I had about firearms.”
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Welcome to The Gun Rack!
You’re telling me you haven’t heard of The Gun Rack? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
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SDI Graduate Feature: Billy Dwayne Johnson, Veteran and Weapons Instructor
The 1911 – I chose that because, one, the 1911, with having to hand-fit parts and everything, the way I looked at it, I wanted to do something I hadn’t done before, and I do enjoy shooting rifles … but I really enjoyed shooting and working on pistols.”
SDI Enrollment Application
Submit Your Application Thank you for your interest in Sonoran Desert Institute. Please select the appropriate button below to apply. Firearms TechnologyAPPLY NOW Associate of Science in Firearms Technology Certificate […]
Medal of Honor Highlight: Tony Stein
Cpl. Stein made no less than eight trips back to the beach for ammunition, carrying wounded comrades on his return treks…
Medal of Honor Highlight: Harold Agerholm
Angerholm, hearing of the attack on a neighboring battalion that was threatening to become overrun, volunteered instantly to…
Medal of Honor Highlight: Lewis Albanese
His ammunition exhausted, again Albanese had to resort to desperate hand-to-hand combat..
Black Powder 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 black powder firearms. We hope you enjoy […]
Thank You For Your Training Center Purchase!
Thank you for your purchase! Please allow 3 business days for SDI to process your Training Center course access. Current SDI Students and Graduates: To access your SDI Training Center […]
Seven Tips on How to Beat Online Learning Jitters
Distance learning has come a long way. From the days when Aristotle sent his exams to be graded by pigeon (probably) to the video cassette tape shipped to your doorstep, […]
Rental Fundamentals: How to Narrow Your New Firearm Search
A firearm is one of the few things in life that stands a reasonable chance of being in your family for 100 years. Few other things fit into that category […]
Armslist
100% Online – DEAC Accredited Program Features Building Foundations Orientations for online education so you can hit the ground running on your start date Learn What You Love Work on […]
Veteran-Founded Company has Conflict Recovery Down to a Tea
What do warriors drink? Muddy water that tastes like turpentine? Whiskey? Yes, and yes. But what was the beverage of empire? The vast, interminable Steppe? The patties and pagodas? You’ve […]
Breaking Down a Classic: The Tokarev TT-33
There’s a special way to put your hands on history, and that’s to collect vintage weapons. In the United States, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) has a […]
Faculty Careers
Faculty Opportunities Become a part of the faculty at Sonoran Desert Institute and experience the fulfillment of teaching what you know to others and the impact you can have on […]
AdPrecise
100% Online – DEAC Accredited Program Features Building Foundations Orientations for online education so you can hit the ground running on your start date Learn What You Love Work on […]
The Truth About Guns
100% Online – DEAC Accredited Program Features Building Foundations Orientations for online education so you can hit the ground running on your start date Learn What You Love Work on […]
This Week in Military History: Pearl Harbor, 79 Years Later
December 1941. For the last two years, a series of border wars between a newly militarized Germany and its neighbors on all sides- Poland, France, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, […]
USS Nevada Found by Maritime Archaeologists off Hawaiian Coast
A piece of U.S. Naval history was recently re-discovered off the coast of Hawaii: the sunken remains of the USS Nevada. State-of-the-art underwater search technology allowed a team made up […]
For Our Veterans
November 11th is the day set aside in the United States to honor the men and women who have served in the armed forces. Ceremonies are held in all sorts […]
USS Constitution Pike Drills Link History with Discipline
One of the things that distinguishes the United States Navy is a profound respect for history and tradition. As a fighting force that has protected the mainland and U.S. interests […]
Cover Fire from Air Crew Saves the Day in Afghanistan
German General Erwin Rommel, who was harried by British and American planes during the African campaign of 1942-43, wrote the following in his diary: “Anyone who has to fight, even […]
Japanese Self-Defense Force Fields New Rifle
The Japanese have become legendary for quality manufacturing, from cars and trucks designed and sold by Mitsubishi, Subaru, and Toyota to electronics by Sony and Toshiba. That technological know-how has […]
Here’s Why Constitution Day is the Biggest Holiday You’re Not Celebrating
The Fourth of July, or more properly Independence Day, is one of the biggest holidays on the American calendar. We mark it with parades, fanfare, fireworks, and of course, almost […]
SDI Training Center
MORE WAYS TO LEARN Whether you’re a business owner, future industry professional, or just a passionate student of the craft, SDI’s Training Center offers short, non-credit learning opportunities in targeted […]
Last Living Desert Rat Passes at 107
Jimmy Sinclair was born in 1912. At the time, the world population was an estimated 1.8 billion, the first television was 15 years away, and the Titanic made headlines around […]
What Guns Are Crushing Sales in a Record 2020?
You know how it’s so frustrating when darn near every advertisement, podcast, and newscast leads off a segment with the phrase “in these uncertain times?” Well, here’s mine. In these […]
Gun Digest
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Firearms Info
SDI is an online school offering firearms-specific programs and courses. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about how to become a gunsmith or advance your skills in troubleshooting, armorer […]
FIREARMS INFO
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Welcome
Are you ready to learn how to be a gunsmith, how to operate a firearms business, or how to build a firearm from the ground up? We’re here to help! […]
Facebook Information
Are you ready to learn how to be a gunsmith, how to operate a firearms business, or how to build a firearm from the ground up? We’re here to help! […]
Gainful Employment
Gainful Employment Disclosures 2019 Advanced Gunsmithing Certificate This program is designed to be completed in 33 weeks. This program will cost $9,990 if completed within normal time. There may be […]
Making Firearms the Best They Can Be
A Driven Man It’s a treat for staff members at Sonoran Desert Institute to meet with students and graduates face-to-face. One of the great benefits of SDI is its intrinsically […]
Records Release
School Information: Sonoran Desert Institute 1555 W. University Dr., Ste 103 Tempe, AZ 85281 Phone: 480.314.2102 Toll Free: 1.800.336.8939 Fax: 480.314.2138
Honor Societies
SDI’s affiliations with honor societies give our students opportunities to go above and beyond during THEIR time as a student. Delta Epsilon Tau Honor Society (DETH) Delta Epsilon Tau is […]
Sig Sauer P320
Download Your Copy Our Sig Sauer P320 E-Book is simple and easy to read. Download today for fast, easy access. If you have questions, or wish to speak to a […]
Setting Up Your Gunsmithing Shop
Download Your Copy Our Setting up Your Gunsmithing Shop E-Book is simple and easy to read. Download today for fast, easy access. If you have questions, or wish to speak […]
Remington 700
Download Your Copy Our Remington 700 E-Book is simple and easy to read. Download today for fast, easy access. If you have questions, or wish to speak to a member […]
Outfitting For Accuracy
Download Your Copy Our Outfitting for Accuracy E-Book is simple and easy to read. Download today for fast, easy access. If you have questions, or wish to speak to a […]
Model 29
Download Your Copy Our Model 29 E-Book is simple and easy to read. Download today for fast, easy access. If you have questions, or wish to speak to a member […]
IWI Tavor
Download Your Copy Our IWI Tavor E-Book is simple and easy to read. Download today for fast, easy access. If you have questions, or wish to speak to a member […]
Hydrographic Coating
Download Your Copy Our Hydrographics Coating E-Book is simple and easy to read. Download today for fast, easy access. If you have questions, or wish to speak to a member […]
Hunting
Download Your Copy Hunting E-Book is simple and easy to read. Download today for fast, easy access. If you have questions, or wish to speak to a member of our […]
Gun Storage
Download Your Copy Our Gun Storage E-Book is simple and easy to read. Download today for fast, easy access. If you have questions, or wish to speak to a member […]
Gun Myths
Download Your Copy Our Gun Myths E-Book is simple and easy to read. Download today for fast, easy access. If you have questions, or wish to speak to a member […]
Glock 17
Download Your Copy Our Glock 17 E-Book is simple and easy to read. Download today for fast, easy access. If you have questions, or wish to speak to a member […]
FN Scar Rifles
Download Your Copy Our FN Scar Rifles E-Book is simple and easy to read. Download today for fast, easy access. If you have questions, or wish to speak to a […]
Firearm Sales
Download Your Copy Our Firearms Sales E-Book is simple and easy to read. Download today for fast, easy access. If you have questions, or wish to speak to a member […]
Derringer Pistols
Download Your Copy Our Derringer Pistols E-Book is simple and easy to read. Download today for fast, easy access. If you have questions, or wish to speak to a member […]
Custom Workbench
Download Your Copy Our Custom Workbench E-Book is simple and easy to read. Download today for fast, easy access. If you have questions, or wish to speak to a member […]
Military Student Resources
RESOURCES FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL, VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES Crisis Line Veterans, service members, and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 & Press 1, send a text message to 838255, or […]
Federal Premium Ammunition Steps Up With Material to Combat COVID-19
Gun owners across America know Federal Premium Ammunition for their cartridges and reloading equipment ranging all the way from .22 LR to .50 BMG. For hospitals in and around Anoka, Minnesota, […]
Student Consumer Information
Success Indicators Success measures for the Institute are evidence of student learning through the quantifying and monitoring of the instructional experience of SDI students. The academic assessment process provides the […]
Grading Policy
Grading Sonoran Desert Institute ensures each student displays a mastery of the knowledge and skills required for the student’s selected coursework. In order for SDI to accomplish this, SDI must […]
SDI’s May Webinar Threatens to Overtake Sky-High Attendance From Just Last Month
We do love our webinars here at SDI. It seems that our audiences do, as well. Thanks to Kip Carpenter, our very own Master Gunsmith, SDI saw near-record numbers […]
Academic Calendar
Semester Schedules SDI offers courses beginning each month for: Associate of Science in Firearms Technology Degree Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing Semesters are 16 weeks in length with courses […]
AR Basics: Barrel Twist Rates
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to explore one of the great questions of gun newbies (and some not-so-newbies) everywhere: What the heck is a barrel twist rate, and how does […]
History Buffs, Engage: U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum Makes Exhibits Available to All
There’s no sugarcoating it: The spread of the coronavirus has added stress to hundreds of millions of lives around the world. Many are compelled to stay at home in […]
SDI Webinar on Firearms Restoration Might Just Break The Audience Record!
As many of you know, Sonoran Desert Institute works hard to ensure that their students, grads, and even prospective students are kept up to date in the firearms industry. One […]
Medal of Honor Highlight: James Hendrix, the Second Miracle of This World
The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest, most prestigious decoration awarded to those servicemen and women for gallantry and bravery in combat above and beyond the call of duty. […]
SDI is A Veteran Supportive Campus
There are over 400 educational entities in the state of Arizona. Of those, only 35 are Veteran Supportive Campuses. On October 22nd, SDI joined those ranks. With our high military […]
This Is How We Can Celebrate Our Veterans Today
If you count all of its various iterations, Veterans Day has been a portion of the American pantheon of holidays for 101 years. How is it, then, that so few […]
SDI Thanks Our Veteran Employees
What is a veteran? On the surface, a veteran is someone who has served in the military, but they are much more than that. Veterans are heroes, modern-day warriors, and […]
Massive Gun Manufacturer Quits Long Guns for Civilians
In a move that has proven shocking to many, Colt, one of the best-renowned firearms manufacturers the world over, has decided to make the drastic move to stop selling long […]
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions and Their Answers, According to the ATF, Part 2
When it comes to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, folk in the firearms community tend to have very strong opinions — their actions can drastically affect the […]
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions and Their Answers, According to the ATF, Part 1
When it comes to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, folk in the firearms community tend to have very strong opinions. There’s good reasons for that — their […]
Congressional Medal of Honor Given to Living Iraq War Veteran for Very First Time
The only Medal of Honor yet given to a living veteran of the Iraq War has now been awarded. Staff Sergeant David Bellavia, now age 43, had already received a […]
SDI President Traci Lee Elected To DEAC Board of Directors
SDI’s commander-in-chief recently got some well-deserved accolades! On April 22, 2019, the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, DEAC, elected Sonoran Desert Institue’s president Traci Lee to its Board of Directors on […]
Remembering Memorial Day: Posthumous Medal of Honor Recipient Jared C. Monti
This Memorial Day, we thought it an appropriate way to honor the fallen by highlighting a posthumously-awarded Medal of Honor recipient, Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti. To quote directly […]
10 Rules You’ll Want to Consider at Your Local Gun Show
Most of us within the gun industry have been to more than our fair share of gun shows — they’re fun, a great way to pick up that one thing […]
Sonoran Desert Institute Faculty Hightlight: Master Gunsmith Kip Carpenter
For some, gunsmithing is a job. For others, a hobby. But for Kip Carpenter, it is a way of life. The ever-savvy gunsmith is a master of his trade and […]
Medal of Honor Highlight: Ed “Too Tall” Freeman and the Battle of Ia Drang
The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest, most prestigious decoration awarded to those servicemen and women for gallantry and bravery in combat above and beyond the call of duty. […]
Medal of Honor Highlight: Thomas Hudner, Korea’s First Nominee
The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest, most prestigious decoration awarded to those servicemen and women for gallantry and bravery in combat above and beyond the call of duty. […]
SDI’s New Headquarters Grand Opening a MASSIVE SUCCESS!!
As most probably know, Sonoran Desert Institute moved headquarters to 1555 W University Dr Ste 103, Tempe, AZ, punctuated with an official grand opening event March 2. What some of our remote SDI […]
Know Your Firearms History: The German PAK 40 [WITH VIDEO]
As Americans, we are lucky to live in the age in which we do. Sure, we have a mess of problems, but we have made a lot of exciting concepts […]
Meet the New Military-Centered Netflix Series You’re Going to Have to Watch
As most are aware, the wildly popular streaming service Netflix has recently ramped up their production of original films, shows, and mini-series. This is largely thanks to their quest to […]
WATCH: Army Tests Out Hawkeye 105 mm Howitzer
The United States Army recently tested out the Hawkeye 105 mm Howitzer mobile artillery system, developed by the Mandus Group, and man — it looks sweet. How do I know […]
British Army to Cerakote Entire Infantry’s “Weapons Fleet”
Militaries evolve constantly, even if some would argue that they don’t change rapidly enough to reflect the times. Most of the time, that manifests itself in tiny changes that accumulate […]
Following up with SDI’s scholarship recipients!
Last year, Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) awarded three students with scholarship opportunities for the Paul Jackson First Responder Scholarship, the EANGUS Scholarship, and the SGT Michael Beckerman Memorial Scholarship. Throughout […]
SDI’s wild crazy summer is just getting started!
Busy, busy, busy! That is how the schedule was for Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) in May of 2018, and June does not look much different. There have been weightlifting competitions, […]
Meet Ramsey Atieh, SDI’s New Advisory Council Member
Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) has made a new addition to its Advisory Council! Ramsey Atieh is currently president of American Business & Technology University, and while he has already been […]
SDI Webinar: Nick Koumalatsos, “Ok I found my passion. Now What”
If you missed our webinar this month, have no fear. We have it all posted right here. Guest speaker: Nick Koumalatsos Topic: “Ok I found my passion. Now What?” What […]
Finding Success in Online Education: By Mike Petronella
Taking online classes in the comfort of your own home can sound too good to be true. Too good to be true? Not so fast. This situation can be ideal, […]
SDI Attends Nashville Sporting Clays Tournament
It’s not every day that you have an opportunity to help a charity like the Ronald McDonald House. It’s also not every day that you get to spend a day […]
SDI Is Ready For A Busy October
Lots of people, lots of firearms, and more than a little fun. October is shaping up to be a great month for Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI). Here’s why you should […]
The Raider Project
You served your country for four or more years in the military, traveling with a group of men and women you considered family. You left your home after high school […]
SDI is Keeping Busy
With first place medals and record turnouts, the Sonoran Desert Institute team was busy in March. Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) is constantly traveling the country, whether it’s to help, inform, recruit, […]
SDI’s Hardwick Goes the Distance. Twice!
Actions always speaks louder than words, and Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) Teaching Assistant and Quality Control Specialist Troy Hardwick personally honored the brave men and women of our U.S. Armed […]
SDI Recognizes Veterans Day
Our veterans deserve our heartfelt thanks today and every day. This Veterans Day, SDI is making a donation in honor of each of its 16 team members who has served […]
SDI Attends IraqVeteran8888 Range Day
There’s no better way to promote firearm technology education than in the field and being one-on-one with gun owners and supporters of our Second Amendment rights. Recently, Sonoran Desert Institute […]
SDI Announces Student Ambassadors
At SDI, we’re proud to have absolutely amazing students. Many are serving or have served in our military, many juggle jobs and families while they study, and all of our […]
Sonoran Desert Institute Partners with Taurus Holdings for Field Study Program
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI), an industry leader in providing accredited and accelerated distance learning, is pleased to announce a new Field Study partnership with one of the […]
SDI-Sponsored Eusebio Wins at the 2016 Steel Challenge, Sets World Record
Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) congratulates world speed shooting champion KC Eusebio for winning the 2016 Steel Challenge World Speed Shooting Championships and setting a new world record. The event gathered […]
SDI Represents at 2016 Deerassic Classic
The Deerasic Classic Giveaway and Outdoor Expo is an annual event held in Cambridge, Ohio. This unique weekend is more than the average gun show. The massive two-day event includes raffles, prize giveaways, vendor booths, food and drinks, stage shows, celebrities, and much more. The prizes include vacations, firearms, vehicles, side-by-sides, and cash! SDI’s own Garett Bischoff was at this year’s event and had a lot to say about the experience.
SDI ADVISORY BOARD SPOTLIGHT: RAY VAUGHN
It’s been said that knowledge gained through experience is superior and more useful than bookish knowledge, and there are few individuals who exemplify that more than Ray Vaughn of Jonesboro, […]
KC Eusebio and the Infinity Open
All of us at Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) wish to congratulate SDI-sponsored professional shooter KC Eusebio for his first-place win at the Infinity Open, recently held at the CCC Tactical range in Cresson, Texas. Eusebio smoked the competition, winning the Open Division by 99 points.
The Infinity® Open is a test of all shooting skills and this year welcomed more than 200 competitors. Every shooter must shoot Weak Hand, Strong Hand, On the Move, and from difficult positions. As they like to say at the Infinity Open, the winner will be the shooter who can do it all!
SDI Proudly Introduces the Beckerman Memorial Scholarship
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI), an industry leader in providing accredited and accelerated online learning, is proud to announce a new academic scholarship to assist active duty military […]
SDI Unveils Paul Jackson First Responder Scholarship
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI), an industry leader in providing accredited and accelerated online learning, is proud to announce a new academic scholarship to assist active duty military […]