AMMUNITION AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

AMMUNITION

Quality factory ammunition is required.

Full metal jacket type of ammunition is acceptable.

Remanufactured and steel-cased ammunition is strictly prohibited.

Any ammunition that become a continued problem will be pulled from the firing line for obvious safety concerns.

Please invest in quality ammunition. 

BELTS

Your belt should be stiff and fit your holster. A "dress belt" or similar style fashion belt is not suitable for any of our courses; they tend to be too flimsy and as such, are unsafe. We recommend a quality gun belt meant for supporting a gun and holster combination.

EYE PROTECTION

Your eye protection needs to be impact resistant.

If you wear prescription glasses, they will need to be impact resistant, or you will need to wear impact-resistant safety glasses over them. Visual acuity at the front sight is SUPER important and is essential for success in our Precision Pistol course. If you wear reading glasses to see things up close consider an occupational or "top" bifocal.

We advise that you have some type of lens cleaner, preferably one with an anti-fogging property.

FIREARMS

Please bring a good quality handgun that would be suitable for self-protection and/or concealed carry. Keep in mind that you will be firing between 200 - 500 rounds depending on the course you are taking, so ultra-lightweight firearms, though suitable for concealed carry, are not a good choice for class use. Consider bringing a second handgun if you have one in the event there is a mechanical issue with your primary.

For our defensive pistol skills class, please bring a practical, concealable firearm that you would realistically carry for self-defense. Common options include compact or subcompact models such as the Glock 19 or Sig Sauer P365. 

Please arrive at your course with your firearm clean, well functioning and properly lubricated.

Please do not bring:

Race guns or competition guns, as they are not designed for concealment or practical self-defense.

Pocket pistols, which often lack the reliability and capacity needed in a defensive situation.

FIREARM MAINTENANCE

Bring a cleaning kit(s) for your firearm(s), including quality lubrication. Each night during our multi-day courses, it is STRONGLY ADVISED that you field strip your firearm and wipe out the crud. This does not have to be a detailed cleaning. Apply a fresh coat of lubrication. This should only take you a few minutes each evening. This will assist in your firearm running properly during the course. Your firearm will get hot and then cool down. Dust or dirt accumulation may cause problems. Be proactive in keeping your firearm(s) in a functioning state.

FIRST AID KITS

If you have an IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit), please bring it with you.

If you do not have one, DO NOT buy one specifically for this course.

Please have a simple first aid kit that has Band-Aids and medical tape for small cuts or blisters.

If you have any medical training above Basic First Aid and CPR, please make a staff member aware of this as soon as possible.

HEARING PROTECTION

Muff-type electronic (active) hearing protection is required.

Bring extra batteries for your active hearing protection.

In ear protection is allowed under your muff-type protection but is NOT acceptable as standalone protection.

HOLSTERS

You will need a belt and holster for your handgun.

No cross-draw, small of the back, Serpa Blackhawk (or similar styles with trigger finger retention devices), pocket, ankle, thigh, fanny pack or shoulder holsters are permitted.

Appendix carry is permitted for Defensive Pistol Skills and Refresher Courses. If you a beginner, an appendix holster is NOT recommended.

The Threat Management Institute reserves the absolute right to deny the use of any holster or other equipment that we believe to be unsafe.

Your holster should be specific to your handgun and not an inexpensive nylon or cloth holster that fits a wide range of handguns.

Inside-the-waistband holsters should not crush or flatten once your handgun is drawn. This will assist in holstering your handgun. It is safe and a non-negotiable requirement.

Outside-the-waistband holsters tend to work well for these courses.

Shooting from concealment is required for Defensive Pistol Basic and Advanced Courses and is optional for the others Courses.

We STRONGLY advise that you DRYFIRE train with your belt, holster and firearm selection prior to arrival at any course. A MINIMUM of 250 draw stroke and holstering presentations with the clothing you will be wearing in the course is highly recommended. More is better. The small amount of time required to achieve this goal is small but the payoff in terms of safety and efficiency can not be understated. DO THIS.

MAGAZINES AND MAGAZINE POUCHES

For most of our courses, you will need a magazine pouch(es) to carry your magazines on your belt. Exceptions are noted below***

You should have a MINIMUM of three (3) magazines for your pistol and/or three (3) speedloaders if you are using a revolver.

If you have more than three (3), please bring them.

You will need a magazine pouch(es) and/or speedloader holders.

Bring either two (2) individual magazine pouches/speedloader holders or one (1) double magazine pouches and speedloader holder.

***MAGAZINE REQUIREMENTS FOR DEFENSIVE PISTOL COURSES:

Because of how the course of fire is structured, please note the following equipment requirements

You should have a MINIMUM of three (3) magazines for your pistol.

You will need a minimum of thirty-six (36) rounds in your magazines for each String of Fire.

If your magazines do not hold a minimum of twelve (12) rounds, you will need more than three (3) magazines.

Magazines will be filled to capacity. 

OTHER EQUIPMENT

Feel free to bring other comfort items such as a folding chair, small folding table, and cooler. Also, bring a garbage bag with you each day to police up your trash. Plan on taking your full garbage bag with you at the end of each day unless a dumpster is available at the range. It is our responsibility to leave the range in the same or better condition than we found it.

Sunblock with high SPF, insect repellent with DEET, and lip balm are good additions to your shooting bag.

The range will most likely have portable toilets. It is encouraged to bring hand sanitizer and/or wipes. Lead wipes such as “D-Wipes” are also suggested. A roll of paper towels as well as a hand towel will be useful.

Consider bringing an UpLula Loader or other style of magazine loader. Former students have expressed GREAT appreciation for these thumb savers.

Bring note taking material. On the range, note pads and more than one pen is suggested. In the classroom, laptops are allowed. Absolutely no recording devices are allowed for any Threat Management Institute Course. You will need a pen with black, non-water soluble ink to complete the paperwork.

There are kneeling positions in some of our courses. Wearing knee pads is acceptable but not required.