Packing List

As firearm training can be a time consuming and inherently dangerous affair, TBTG recommends its students properly prepare in order to mitigate any unnecessary and preventable issues. Additionally, having the proper equipment will allow you, the student, to appropriately participate in the training. If any of the listed equipment is not owned by the student, please notify your instructor so that special arrangements may be made, however it is incumbent upon the student to attempt to procure the required equipment prior to training. Please feel free to ask for any recommendations to discuss suggested options, as we understand that the market is saturated with new and old brands.

This is a list of requirements and suggestions, applicable for all our courses. Should there be something specific we require of you for one of our private instruction or clinics we will email you directly prior to the course, or accommodate you ourselves.


Mandatory Equipment:

  • Weapon Retention –

    • MUST HAVE sling for rifle; Recommend 2-point adjustable sling for rifle

    • For pistol courses, you MUST have a holster (Pistol 101 only exception). For all courses, besides the Concealed Carry Course, the holster must be outside the waist belt (OTW). Recommended that you have a sturdy belt that will bear weight.

  • Magazines – 

    • Suggested at least 4x magazines per weapons system

    • Preferred 7x magazines per system

  • Ammo – Suggested BRASS ammo. 

    • Recommend at least 400 rounds of ammunition for weapons you’ll be using for Intro/Beginner courses.

    • At least 500 rounds of ammo for more advanced courses.

If you purchase steel ammo, be aware that you may experience issues on the range. Level 1 courses typically shoot less than the more advanced courses. 

  • Magazine Retention Gear –

    •  Magazine carriers/pouches on either a Belt system, Chest Rig,
      Plate Carrier, or some kind of Load Bearing Equipment/Rig (LBE)

Should be able to carry at least 2x spare magazines for relative weapons on your gear/person (clothing pockets don’t count).

  • Personal Protective Equipment – 

    • ANSI Rated ballistic eye protection 

    • Hearing protection. In Ear or On Ear 

Electronic Hearing Protection highly recommended for ease of hearing instruction. We do not provide any protection.

  • Proper Clothing – 

    • MUST wear pants and proper closed toe footwear. 

    • Consider weather conditions for the day for proper cover and comfort from the elements.

Sandals are NOT permitted.

Mandatory Extras:

  • Water – 

    • Recommend at least a gallon of water, especially for the more advanced levels of classes where physical activity will be increased.

  • Food – 

    • Bring lunch and even some snacks to eat throughout the day. We will take a break for lunch, but depending on the location, students may not have the time to travel to get lunch. Try to keep your meal light. You know yourself best. Avoid anything to make you feel sluggish.

  • Pick Me Ups – 

    • Caffeine, Salts, or Sweets (like chips, jolly ranchers, or a red bull). We don’t want you crashing but we don’t want you to feel low energy. Again you know yourself best. Don’t consume anything that will hinder you. Just something to give you a little kick or a mood booster if the fatigue starts to set in.

  • Note taking materials – 

    • Paper and writing utensils; whatever your preferred method for recounting the instruction and lessons learned.

Suggested Equipment: 

  • Folding Chair -

    • These courses are conducted outdoors and contain periods of verbal instruction. A folding chair is an excellent comfort to have during this time so that you’re not standing for hours at a time.

  • Knee Pads – 

    • After hours of getting into, and out of, the kneeling and prone, you’re going to wish you had them.

  • Gloves – 

    • Mechanix gloves work well. Firearms get hot, especially when it’s 100 degrees out. Helps with coming into contact with other surfaces too.

  • Headgear – 

    • We will be outside all day, some form of head cover is suggested. Headgear should not impede your use of protective equipment.

  • Sunscreen and/or bug repellent.

  • Sharpie marker, staple gun, masking tape - 

    •  For range work on targets

  • Cleaning Gear and Lube – 

    • The Arizona dust and heat can dry up internals; lube and a bore rod can assist any issues students may have on the range.

  • Extra batteries –

    • Make sure any electronics are topped off or you have replacements if they go down or run out of power.