Last updated on October 9th, 2023
Whether you are planning to attend the USCCA Defensive Shooting Fundamentals or the Alpha Koncepts Defensive Pistol class, it is important you bring the proper gear to a defensive pistol class. Some gear such as a holster and spare magazines may seem obvious. And while some gear will vary from class to class, let’s talk about the most common gear you should bring to the class.
One of the best learning experiences in a defensive shooting class is being able to “prove your gear”. Therefore it is always best to bring what you usually carry. This applies to your gun and accessories. Let’s find out if it actually works! The most important thing you can do, before attending any class, is read the confirmation emails and make sure to bring every item on the list. This gear list is just a reference and may be incomplete when compared to the confirmation email.
Essential Gear for a Defensive Pistol Class
- Defensive handgun – Leave the competition pistols and trophy guns at home. This class is for defensive training with your concealed carry pistol or home defense pistol.
- Spare magazines or speed loaders – If you are bringing a semi-automatic pistol to your defensive class, bring at least two spare magazines. However, if you are bringing a revolver, bring at least 3-speed loaders. The general rule of thumb “more is better” applies here. If two spare magazines is good, why not bring 3, or 4?
- Magazine pouch – a magazine pouch, magazine holster, or some clip for storing spare magazines is recommended. Loosely placing spare magazines in your pocket is not ideal, as you will immediately find out.
- Typically for an 8 hour day, we recommend not less than 500 rounds of ammunition. It’s better to have more than you need, rather than not enough ammo.
- A good thick belt and pants with belt loops. Please don’t show up with yoga pants or sweat pants that aren’t capable of carrying the weight of the gun. This is important!
- Eye and ear protection is a must. For ear protection, we recommend electronic hearing so you may better hear the commands of the instructor. Don’t forget spare batteries!
- A safe holster. It’s not a bad idea to bring an extra outside the waistband holster too. Please do not bring soft floppy leather holsters or generic one size fits all nylon holsters, as many of these holsters are unsafe. Kydex and molded plastic holsters are HIGHLY recommended.
- Pen and notebook – bring some method for taking notes.
- A state-issued ID card – that is if you want the instructor to sign your certificate.
Additionally Recommended Training Gear
- Closed-toe shoes – you don’t want hot brass falling between your toes. Have you ever done the “brass dance” if not, you don’t shoot often enough!
- A baseball cap or hat with a brim – you don’t want hot brass falling into your glasses.
- A high neck shirt similar to a crew neck. V neck shirts tend to allow hot brass to burn your chest.
- Water – Usually water shall be provided in Alpha Koncepts training classes. However, we always recommend students bring their own hydration.
- Lunch – Sometimes lunch is provided. But sometimes not. Be sure to check your confirmation email(s).
- Snacks – Even if lunch is provided, you might want a little extra. Training can be hard work!
- Chair – Sometimes you just want to sit where you want to sit.
- Umbrella – Not only can this keep the rain off your back, but the sun too.
- Weather appropriate gear – a rain jacket if it might rain. An extra sweater if it is cooler weather. Just use common sense.
- Sunscreen and bug spray – for outdoor classes.
- Lubrication – A CLP type lube can’t hurt if your firearm starts to foul-up.
- A shooting mat, knee pads, and elbow pads – We will get started on the groundwork in Alpha Koncepts Defensive Pistol 3.
The rule, one is none and two is one, applies here. Wouldn’t it suck if your defensive pistol broke halfway through class and you had to sit out the rest of class? It’d be equally as bad if that happened with your holster, or shooting glasses, or whatever. It’s always an excellent idea to bring backup gear to any training class!
Always remember the old saying, one is none and two is one. If you think you might need a backup, you probably do.
Some Brands & Products We Trust
Below is a list of some of the brands and products that we trust. If you’re unsure what to purchase, it may be worth checking out.
NeoMag pocket magazine clip. [Gear Review] [Available on Amazon]
Walker Razor Electronic Hearing Protection. [Gear Review] [Available on Amazon]
Safariland GLS OWB Holster. [Gear Review] [Available on Amazon]
Vedder IWB Holster. [Available at Manufacturer]
Nexbelt Kydex lined concealed carry belts. [Available at Amazon] [Available at Manufacturer]
Hanks Steel Core Concealed Carry Belt. [Gear Review] [Available on Amazon]
Alpha Koncepts Defensive Pistol Training | USCCA Defensive Shooting Fundamentals