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.
Welcome Packet
(usually delivered during week 5 or 6)
Provided
- SDI Gun mat
- SDI Keychain
- SDI Sticker
- SDI T-shirt
Course Names and Requirements
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, 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 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 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, adhesive promoter wipe, nitrile gloves, scuffing pad, dust mask
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 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 bases (2), 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 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)
FTE 231
Provided Textbooks
- Machining and Manufacturing of Firearms, ISBN 978-1-945697-25-8 (Digital Copy)
FTE 240
Provided Textbooks
- Shooting Sports Management, ISBN 978-1-945697-16-6 (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)
Firearms Technology Electives
(Choose 1)
FTE 209
Provided Textbooks
- The Pistol Caliber Carbine, ISBN 978-1-945697-40-1 (Digital and Print Copies)
- GunDigest Book of Tactical Weapons Assembly/Disassembly, ISBN 978-1-4402-3603-7 (Digital Copy)
Provided Tools
SDI AR-9 Build Kit*, AR Wrench, 1 ⅛” crow’s foot wrench
*CA/NY Compliant options available
Required Tools
Work bench or sturdy table, torque wrench, center punch or center drill, Nylon or plastic-tipped and brass hammer combo, roll pin starter set, roll pin punch set, anti-seize lubricant, bench vise
Recommended Tools
Hex wrench (both metric and standard), slotted screwdriver set, bench block, ball peen hammer, lower AR vise blocks, pivot pin detent installation tool, reaction rod (in lieu of upper receiver action block), needle nose pliers, shop lighting, padded vise jaws, padded mat, collapsible buttstock tool (if needed), breaker bar, caliper, strap wrench, trigger guard roll pin installation tool
FTE 210
Provided Textbooks
- AR-10 Advanced Armorer, ISBN: 978-1-945697-35-7 (Digital and Print Copies)
Provided Tools
SDI AR-10 build kit*, Armorer’s wrench
*CA/NY Compliant options available.
Required Tools
Work bench or sturdy table, ft. lbs. torque wrench, center punch or center drill, nylon or plastic-tipped and brass hammer combo, roll pin starter set, roll pin punch set, anti-seize lubricant, and bench vise
Recommended Tools
Hex wrench (both metric and standard), slotted screwdriver set, bench block, ball peen hammer, lower AR vise blocks, pivot pin detent installation tool, reaction rod (in lieu of upper receiver action block), needle nose pliers, shop lighting, padded vise jaws, padded mat, collapsible buttstock tool (if needed), breaker bar, caliper, strap wrench, trigger guard roll pin installation tool, in. lbs. torque wrench, bolt removal tool, level (bubble or digital)
FTE 211
(Course temporarily unavailable due to supplier delays)
Provided Textbooks
- 1911 Advanced Armorer, ISBN 978-1-945697-36-4 (Digital and Print Copies)
FTE 215 Kit
Provided Textbooks
- AR-15 Advanced Armorer, ISBN 978-1-945697-34-0 (Digital and Print Copies)
Provided Tools
SDI AR-15 build kit*, AR wrench
*CA/NY compliant options available
Required Tools
Work bench or sturdy table, ft. lbs. torque wrench, center punch or center drill, nylon or plastic-tipped and brass hammer combo, roll pin starter set, roll pin punch set, anti-seize lubricant, and bench vise
Recommended Tools
Hex wrench (both metric and standard), slotted screwdriver set, bench block, ball peen hammer, lower AR vise blocks, pivot pin detent installation tool, reaction rod (in lieu of upper receiver action block), needle nose pliers, shop lighting, padded vise jaws, padded mat, collapsible buttstock tool (if needed), breaker bar, caliper, strap wrench, trigger guard roll pin installation tool, in. lbs. torque wrench, bolt removal tool, level (bubble or digital)
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 (Print Copy)
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.
- American Government Roots and Reform, ISBN 978-0-13-391548-8 (Digital Copy)
- Basic Ballistics, ISBN 978-1-945697-05-0 (Digital Copy)
- SDI Guide to Projectiles, ISBN 978-1-945697-37-1 (Digital Copy)
- Reloading for Handgunners, ISBN 978-1-4402-1770-8 (Digital Copy)
- Advanced Ballistics, ISBN 978-1-945697-06-7 (Digital Copy)
- The Practical Guide to Reloading, NO ISBN (Digital Copy)
- Business Math: 10 Edition, ISBN 978-0-13-345442-0 (Digital Copy)
- Business Essentials: 10 Edition, ISBN 978-0-13-301120-3 (Digital Copy)
- 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)
- Principles of Environmental Science: 9th Edition, ISBN 978-1-26-021971-5 (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.
Welcome Packet
(usually delivered during week 5 or 6)
- SDI drone mat for programs in the School of Unmanned Technology
- SDI Sticker
- SDI Coozie
Course Names and Requirements
UAS 101: Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Fundamentals
Provided Textbooks
- Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems, ISBN 978-0-42934-749-8 (Digital Copy)
- Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Guide – Exploring Designs, Operations, Regulations, and Economics, ISBN 978-1-61954-396-6 (Digital Copy)
Provided Tools/Equipment
Small programmable drone kit with space pads and spare propellers and batteries, remote controller for drone, remote controller for flight simulator, scientific calculator
Required Tools/Equipment
Smartphone, measuring device (such as tape measure or yardstick)
UAS 202: Aviation Management
Required Tools/Equipment
Scientific calculator (included in UAS 101)
UAS 231: UAS Flight Test & Evaluation Part 1
Required Tools/Equipment
Scientific calculator (included in UAS 101)
UET 101: Introduction the Engineering Technology
Provided Textbooks
- Introduction to Engineering Technology 8th Ed., ISBN 978-0-13-284011-8 (Digital Copy)
Required Tools/Equipment
Scientific calculator (included in UAS 101)
SYS 201: UAS Systems Engineering Management
Provided Textbooks
- Systems Engineering Management 5th Ed., ISBN 978-1-11-922532-4 (Digital Copy)
Required Tools/Equipment
Scientific calculator (included in UAS 101)
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)