Either in a real-world environment, or during training, unless otherwise stated, I have used the range equipment featured on this list and equipment for firearms instructors!
For CQB live-fire training, I bought two of these wall dividers and created an improvised "hallway." They are excellent if there is minimal wind or you use them indoors!! Make sure that your hallway is WIDE to accommodate movement and to prevent the operator or their duty rig from leaning against it. Do not use them if you have a 5 MPH wind or greater. They will fall down and the fall will cause the wall to begin breaking apart. If there is 5 - 9 MPH wind, and if you still desire to use these walls, you can use the bottom of the sticks and insert them into a target stand for added stability. https://amzn.to/3S4kCbn
I have own about 12 of these target stands. I love how I can adjust the width of the stand and insert a stake into the legs during windy conditions at any outdoor range.https://amzn.to/4cxM0GT
I use this orange tape to help others identify a rifle or pistol in a safe condition. I recommend that the instructor show that the firearm has no magazine and I lock the slide back or pull the bolt back. I then wrap the grip with this tape. This tape comes off clean! https://amzn.to/3W2qGST
I use these dummy rounds to show my students how to clear different malfunctions. I do not suggest that you use spent casings to use as dummy rounds. You may be forcing an expanded casing into a barrel or you might introduce dirt or debris into the barrel. I also recommend that you purchase 3 dummy rounds per student, while keeping in mind the more you have, the more fluid the course of fire will be. Expect many of these dummy rounds to be lost on the range floor. https://amzn.to/4czQeOh
I use these chamber flags to show a clear chamber in my AR-15. You can also insert one into a pistol. These flags can be used to make optic adjustments and they can mount on a picatinny rail. I recommend chamber flags during class demonstrations or when you are leaving a firearm on a range bench. https://amzn.to/4cCFHSg
I use this tape to secure wood sticks when they snap or get shot up during range sessions. This tape has also helped me bind targets or equipment. Very tough tape! https://amzn.to/3Y0Axeq
A while back I was diagnosing a malfunction on a new Glock 47 Gen 5 when the extractor depressor plunger spring went "airborne." I ended up consulting with this mat to order the proper replacement part. The mat has generous space yet compact enough for the desk I was using. https://amzn.to/4f8Yir0
I purchased this gun cleaning rope in 2000 for my 9mm Sig Sauer P226. Nearly 24 years later, the rope began finally breaking apart! This is by far the most durable and long lasting gun cleaning tool in my disposal. You can supplement this cleaning rope for a gun cleaning brush. https://amzn.to/3xOzEer
I use these glue sticks to paste guns, knives, and non-shoot photos on a target. I also use this glue to paste on targets. I do not recommend that you staple targets. The end of the stapes create a liability during windy conditions or when the cardboard backers are in transit. https://amzn.to/4cByf9Z
This shirt protects my arms, the back of my neck, and my upper torso from the sun and other elements. https://amzn.to/3xPVE8I
For the price, these gloves have served me well while cleaning the numerous firearms in the inventory. While handling official documents, you don't want to live greasy fingerprints on them or have the smell of oils stuck on your hand the whole day. https://amzn.to/3SquXi7
As a firearms instructor, I often find students who need to borrow a Torx wrench to fasten the screws of an optic, laser, WML, or other firearm accessory. I found this kit very useful. https://amzn.to/4bCEeKy
I previously recommended glue sticks. I prefer to use the glue sticks because I don't have to inhale all the chemicals from the spray glue. Unfortunately, glue sticks will dry out or you will use them too quickly. For this reason, I like to have one of these available for an outdoor range. https://amzn.to/3VS3eaQ
Last year, our friend Randy purchased 100 of these IPSA cardboard backers and donated them. These backers are very sturdy. They double down as a scorable target and a cardboard backer. I highly recommend these for outdoor ranges. https://amzn.to/3y4GHj0
Every firearms instructor needs a quality gun cleaning kit. This kit is a classic for my 9mm pistols! https://amzn.to/3WhgVBD
Every time I give a low-light course, there is always at least one student who forgets a CR123 battery for their Surefire or Streamlight WML. I recommend buying a whole box of these and selling a battery (or two) to the forgetful student at $3 each. https://amzn.to/3zDMH2L
This is a great device that I use to stabilize my AR-10 bolt action or any other rifle I have to zero a target if I do not find a need to shoot in prone. The Hog Saddle must be connected to a sturdy tripod with the appropriate ball head connection. Between the ball head and Hog Saddle, you must attach an Arca Swiss plate (I bought the Sunwayfoto DP-60R 60mm QR Plate w 1/4" & 3/8" Screws Arca Swiss Plate).
I bought three of these Glock airsoft pistols for training. I have placed them in my trunk in the summer for weeks even considering the temperatures exceeded 120. Don't do this though as the seals can leakI've had these for almost two years and they still function great. . These are good for force-on- force training in CQB. You can also use them for different components in a firearms course. https://amzn.to/4bGkplq
I own 24 of these stakes for outdoor range activity and use them in conjunction with my recommended target stands. I've had them for 3 years. When the wind conditions are 9 MPH and above, I will use these heavy duty stakes. https://amzn.to/4cDCZMk
This is a pretty neat shooting mat that I used during my basic sniper course. I normally shoot in the desert so this mat serves as an excellent barrier from the red ants and dirt. My tripod legs fit perfect in the leg rest. I especially love how I can carry this as a backpack. There is always one student who forgets to bring a shooting mat or that later finds the neat for one. This would make a student's shooting experience with you so much better. https://amzn.to/4cBbB1x
This is my poor man's version of a measuring wheel! When I run operations at an unmarked outdoor range, or in open desert, this compact measuring wheel helped me distance my zero targets and it helped me determine where the 3, 5, 7, 15, 25, 50, and 100 yard line is at. https://amzn.to/3S54PsD
In the past, I've used my own money to buy targets from Action Target. The company allows me to present a variety of targets that will help with speed, accuracy, and target discrimination.
Hardware (screws and bolts) tend to back out or loosen over time. After I place blue Loctite on my holster screws and pistol optic screws, I will place paint markings on the screw or bolt head along with its platform. I usually use the silver and gold colors. https://amzn.to/462SU4u
I use these black markers to score targets. The bigger, the better! For darker targets, you can always use a white paint marker or a metallic marker https://amzn.to/3S1mQbe
I haven't bought these exact target pasters, but these appear to be of good quality. I use these to hide the bullet holes. Using these will save you time taking down and putting up targets that have brown, white, or dark colors. https://amzn.to/4cyUZaP
Over the years, I have gathered an ASP red gun and a Blue Ring training gun to demonstrate safe gun handling for a Sig 226 and a Glock 21. Although I do not own this version, the orange gun featured here deserves attention due to the ability to mount an optic and a WML. I do not recommend the version that has an optic molded into it because some students will bring red dot capable holsters and some non-red dot capable. Also, for an optic install, you will need to drill and tap your own screw holes. https://amzn.to/3S4TFnU
Throughout the years, I've purchased over 7 hearing protection muffs and aids. I even purchased a $830 NoizeBarrier TAC Headset from Otto designed for tactical operations. However, most range masters and firearm instructors do not need an $830 hearing protection muff. As a firearm instructor, you also have to keep in mind that there is always one person who "forget" their hearing protection. Yes, you can provide ear plugs, but THAT same forgetful person will have problems HEARING your course of fire unless they have electronic hearing. My recommendation is Walker's slim line of electronic hearing muffs that cost less than $60. https://amzn.to/3S4oIzY
I've owned the Pocket Pro II Timer Blue CEI-4700 since 2019 and have had no issues with it. Recently, this model was retired by Competition Electronics and replaced with a modernized and Bluetooth version called the CEI-4720. There are many courses of fire where a shot timer is required to demonstrate improvement. https://amzn.to/4czZkKF
Since 2000, I've purchased many of the the Shoot-N-C line of self-adhesive targets. They allow my students and I to receive instant feedback. https://amzn.to/3VWwcXb
I normally use the target zeros from T.Rex Arms. Click here to review more target opportunities from T.Rex.
Shaun Sundahl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising revenues by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For example, if you purchase items that you will use for range equipment or equipment for firearms instructors from my links, I will earn a commission as well.
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