I give the bare minimum equipment requirements for a given class on the registration page, but many people don’t know what to bring to a firearms training class. This is especially true if it’s your first time attending a shooting course. The below list probably doesn’t cover everything, but it is a good starting point for most firearms courses. Certain courses will require additional specialized gear, but this list should set you up for success. It’s important to come prepared for your training. Lack of preparation slows things down for everyone else. Most instructors will have some equipment available to help students and if you have doubts on what to bring, ask questions in advance.
Gun – goes without saying. For a pistol course, a full or mid-size gun is better than a micro compact. If you’re shooting all day, the small guns will wear you out much faster. Nothing wrong with shooting more than one gun so bring what you want.
Backup Gun – if you have one, bring it. Guns break and you don’t want to miss out on training because a gun went down. Just make sure you have the correct holsters for each.
Holster (s) – Kydex or leather. Nylon is terrible and most instructors don’t allow it. Get a quality holster for training and daily carry. The Blackhawk Serpa (or any other active retention holster where you use your index finger to release the locking mechanism) is also a poor choice and banned by some instructors.
Magazines – at least 3 magazines, 5 or more is better (depends on capacity).
Magazine pouches (2-3) – depends on the course, but for training, it’s pretty much a requirement.
Gun belt – lots of options here. You can use a duty belt, competition style setup or your EDC, but the belt needs to be a purpose built gun belt, not your church leather belt. If you’re carrying a gun and multiple magazines all day, the belt needs to help carry the load.
Ammunition – most classes give a round count and this is the minimum to bring. Always bring extra so you can shoot more on a given drill if you want. I generally recommend an additional 25% as a baseline.
Eye protection – Dark and clear lenses. Shooting conditions vary, good to have both.
Ear protection – electronics are highly encouraged and REQUIRED for some classes. As with many things, you get what you pay for.
Hat
Small towel – dry your hands, wipe away sweat, cover your gun if rainy/misty weather, etc,
Lens cloth – keep your optics clear
Extra batteries – for ear pro, optics, etc. Batteries always die when we need them most!
Small tool kit/multi tool – A good tool set is great to keep in your range bag. You’ll likely need to adjust optics, tighten screws on a holster, mag pouch, optic, etc.
Cleaning kit – always good to have a basic cleaning kit on hand and definitely bring one to a multi day shooting course
First Aid Kit – most ranges/instructors will have a decent kit. Bring your own to take care of the most basic injuries or cuts. A tourniquet and the knowledge on how to use them is smart too.
Gun oil
Appropriate clothing – I generally recommend pants if you don’t know the range or if you’ll be getting on the ground. If it’s cold, bring lots to stay warm (hat, gloves, layers). Shooting while cold sucks. If it’s hot and sunny, long-sleeve performance shirts are great. Bring extra clothing, especially if you sweat a lot. Good shoes and extra socks.
Sunscreen & bug spray
Notebook & pen
Chair – every range is different, but smart to have one with you.
Plenty of water/electrolytes – obviously depends on weather conditions, but a good shooting course will typically be somewhat physically demanding.
Lunch & snacks (bring healthy food, not junk!) – many classes don’t provide an opportunity to leave for lunch (too far from restaurants).
Decent range bag – need a place to put all this stuff. A top loading bag is better than just a random backpack. Makes things more accessible and easier to organize. Again, lots of options out there.
I’m sure I’ve missed a few things, but this list should set you up for success. When in doubt, ask the instructor ahead of time. We spend good time and money attending a shooting course so it’s best to be as prepared as possible. Most instructors and other students are always ready to help you out if they can, but it’s better to have and not need than to need and not have.
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