Last updated on July 27th, 2024
If you’re planning on attending one of our Defensive Rifle Classes, it is important you bring the proper gear to a defensive rifle class. Some gear such as a slings 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. By the way, if you haven’t signed up yet, check our calendar for upcoming Defensive Rifle Training Classes.
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’ll usually carry or use for home defense. This applies to your rifle 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 Rifle Class
- Defensive Rifle (AR15, AK47, mini-14, etc…)- Leave the precision rifles, competition rifles and trophy guns at home. This class is for defensive training with your home defense rifle.
- Spare magazines or speed loaders – Bring at least two spare magazines. The general rule of thumb “more is better” applies here. If two spare magazines is good, why not bring 3, or 4? Don’t forget to label your mags with your name, initials, or other marking so you know which mags are yours.
- Magazine pouch – a magazine pouch, magazine holster, or some method for storing spare magazines is recommended. While you can loosely placing spare magazines in your pocket, it 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. Read your email for exact ammo counts.
- 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!
- If your gear requires any proprietary tools such as sight adjustment tools, please bring those tools with.
- 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 for Defensive Rifle Training
- 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 usually 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/or elbow pads for zeroing the rifle.
- Batteries for anything electronic. If your ear protection or sights are electronic, bring batteries.
The rule, one is none and two is one, applies here. Wouldn’t it suck if your defensive rifle 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 other gear, or shooting glasses, or whatever. It’s always an excellent idea to bring backup gear to any training class!
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.
Walker Razor Electronic Hearing Protection. [Gear Review] [Available on Amazon]
Vickers Sling by Blue Force Gear [Available on Amazon]
April 2025

Critical Rifle Skills – Defensive Rifle 1 – Apr 13, 2025
Aurora Sportsman Club – Waterman, IL
April 13, 2025
09:00 a.m. – 05:00p.m. CST
Learn the Critical Rifle Skills. The class you NEED if you have a rifle for defense of home or homestead.
Original price was: $200.00.$185.00Current price is: $185.00.