SDI Capstone Package

[@americanpatriot8354]

I start school with them on Monday, do you have any tips for someone starting the program? I’m trying to get into the firearms industry and build/design firearms, how has your experience with SDI been? If you have any advice or if you’d be willing to give any pointers I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks

[@CalebDowning]

That’s awesome man! My only real advice would be to really put in the time and soak up everything you can. It is possible to skim through the program and get good grades but come out having not really learned all that much. That’s the same with most schools though. But make sure you down as all the materials so you can print them off if you want to keep them for later. I also found out that you can usually get your computer to read aloud most of the articles and assignments. That helped me out, I’m more of an audio learner. I had one filler “science” class🤦‍♂️ If you have any of those classes just bare down and get it done. Lastly, just enjoy the class. There’s a lot of info and it’s really good stuff. Let me know how it goes for you 👍👍

[@americanpatriot8354]

Awesome man! I’m so excited and I want to learn everything and retain the knowledge. I’m definitely gonna print off everything I can that they have as well. I definitely need to look into the audible program you used because, it would help to hear the reading part when it comes to learning the reading material. What program did you use for the audible? Also, I’m really curious as to how long into the program do they send your tools and the capstone materials, can you tell me how long you were in school before they sent it out? All they’ve sent me so far was the first package with the cleaning kit in it. I’m really excited and can’t wait to get all those things so I’m very curious. Sorry for all the questions but, I’m about as excited as you were in the video when you got your stuff.

[@CalebDowning]

The audio I used was just the the build in program on my MacBook. You would just select the area you want to be read and then hit the read button. I can’t remember the key combination but it’s easy enough to look up. The tools: Those are sent at the beginning of their respective classes. For instance, the checkering tools were send before the class on wood work and carving and the capstone kit was only sent right before the capstone class began. Did you opt to get the books or the computer? That’s something I would have changed if I could go back. As far as I know, all the material is still accessible online rather you get the books or the computer. But in the end I didn’t use the computer they sent, I just used my MacBook. Having the physical books would have been nice 🤷‍♂️

[@americanpatriot8354]

Caleb Downing, thanks I’m like a kid at Christmas wanting to get everything and do as much as possible even though I know things will come in time. Also, I opted for the computer and didn’t think of how the books would have possibly been a better route. I’m gonna see if I can switch it up to the having the books instead, now that you helped me to see that it’d be an advantage to me. Thanks for explaining the audio thing,I’m gonna use that function to help. I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me and it’s cool to have talked to someone who’s been there done that so to speak.

[@CalebDowning]

It’s a great course man. And I thing you get some classes that I didn’t get, like kydex stuff. Good luck man, and hit me up if you have any more questions down the road.

[@davidbowman8962]

Just started with them this week. Can’t wait to finish and do this.

[@CalebDowning]

You’ll love it man. And your lucky, they added some classes that I wasn’t able to do. Enjoy it man!

[@kombatkat9067]

Can't wait to do my capstone project! I'm just finishing up my muzzleloader lab right now, only a few months to go.

[@CalebDowning]

He muzzleloader was a fun project 👍 what build did you choose for your capstone?

[@818tactical]

Most of this stuff is “Aero precision” bro what more can we ask for good stuff right there 😂 I thank you for this video I am looking forward into enrolling 🎉

[@CalebDowning]

Ya buddy 👊🏻

[@JeremyMetcalf-w2j]

It's DPMS now, AKA PSA.

[@cotajesus90]

looks like they supply the jug... i was under the impression that the student buys the jig. at least thats what i was told.

[@CalebDowning]

O yes, they supply the jig. It’s actually a pretty nice one. You’ll need a drill, vice, and some kind of router.

[@redraiderreloading7612]

Oh im sure you pay for it one way or another

[@adamcastillo1951]

I'm talking SDI courses now and yes we do pay for it, it is included in the tuition

[@redraiderreloading7612]

@@adamcastillo1951 how much are you paying for the course. Im looking into it, but not sure of it

[@adamcastillo1951]

@@redraiderreloading7612 I'm taking the advanced course not the associates and I'm using my VA education benefits and it cost around 9000

[@Randy_Savage_ohyeah]

Waiting on my AR10 to arrive any day...finishing up my last two classes starting next week.

[@CalebDowning]

Awesome man👍😃

[@tstan9713]

Howd it go? Im headed into week 17, really loving it. Id love to see the final product, i can't decide between the 1911 and ar10

[@bigfro12]

@@tstan9713 I'm in the same boat I have 3 classes left, and it a toss up between the AR10 or the 1911.

[@CalebDowning]

Are they offering the PCC option for y’all yet? That couple be pretty sweet too 🤔

[@pyrowolf681]

Question, I have the same AR from the school and got some optics on it. Any upgrade suggestions you recommend after 5 years? Like any internal upgrades or parts you’d want to swap for better performance?

[@CalebDowning]

The best upgrade that I’ve made on my AR builds was the Rifle Speed Modular Gas Control. Basically that’s Rifle Speed’s adjustable gas block. It’s pricy but it’s a tool-less adjustment and works exceptionally well. If you shoot suppressed then it’ll completely change your shooting experience for the better.

[@weedXD38]

Wow!! Looks cool, Rock On!! :-)

[@CalebDowning]

I’m definitely excited about it. I’ve never really used many Aero parts before.

[@tstan9713]

Do they ever end up sending a working gun stand/vice?

[@maahghudah5064]

So how does it work finishing out a 80% in school? Don't you need a FFL to finish off a 80%? Or do you get to fill out the Paperwork so upon completion you have your ffl?

[@CalebDowning]

It is currently legal for individuals to build their own firearms. If you live in a free state then you can finish out an 80% into a firearm without paperwork or license.

[@maahghudah5064]

@@CalebDowning I have more questions but I will leave it at that because 2a is under fire and I don't want to ask a follow-up question that will give them even more of a reason to try and take our firearms away. Thank you I just wanted to make sure everything is legit. Thanks 😊

[@redraiderreloading7612]

How do you like the school and classes. Im 50 years old and wanting to take the class. So ill have something to do when i retire.

[@CalebDowning]

I loved the classes. If you are wanting to shore up your knowledge of firearms or start from scratch, SDI is good to go. It looks like they have added some classes from when I finished 👍 And the school folks are amazing. Anytime I needed something from them they were easy to contact and very quick to help.

[@redraiderreloading7612]

@@CalebDowning what classes did you take . If you don't me asking what did the schooling costs

[@CalebDowning]

sdi.edu/firearms_technology/ I took their Associates program. I added a link to their site with all the updated classes. I think the overall cost was about $6-7k

[@nateholly3484]

What kind of salary could be expected in this field?

[@CalebDowning]

I’m doing this as a side job/hobby and so I don’t make enough money to even mention. According the internet, you should be able to make $30k starting out. If your working for yourself then your gonna have to factor in all your overhead costs(electricity, rent, taxes, etc...)

[@dholbert74]

Was told I couldn’t do a build since I’m in NY. Even though I already have my 07 FFL. Was considering SDI. Not sure now.

[@CalebDowning]

That is strange 🤔

[@Txm8de]

I appreciate your video. I’m looking to enroll at SDI. How do you rate the course work? Did you go in person or just online? Thanks in advance.

[@CalebDowning]

This is the only gunsmith school I have gone to so it’s hard to rate it against anything else. For someone that is familiar with firearms but still fresh on the smithing portion, I’d rate it pretty high. If someone already had a solid grasp on the subject and had former gunsmith training then this would be more considered remedial training. It all depends on what you put into it though. If you came away actually grasping all the material that was presented then you’d be well on your way. If you just try to pass the classes then your probably just wasting your time. All the classes are online so you are going to have to self motivate. If I had the choice to do it again, I’d do it in a heartbeat.

[@gb8641]

Did you ever do anymore vids on this school?

[@CalebDowning]

I did one or two but not many. My plan was to do a short review on each one of their classes in the Associates program but I got distracted and got busy with the classes themselves and other projects. “The pathway to Hell is filled with good intentions” right? 🤦‍♂️

[@gb8641]

Caleb Downing just curious because I am considering their program, did you complete it?

[@CalebDowning]

I did finish it and got my Associates 👍 I would say that if you want to learn more about firearms in general and would prefer to get an actual accredited degree out of it, then this school cannot be beat. I’d do it again in a heartbeat 👍 Well worth the money.

[@britteasterly1]

So if this is your capstone how do they grade it.

[@CalebDowning]

That is a good question 🤔 I’ll have to find that out.

[@Hunter-sf6dd]

How many hours a day do you spend doing school?

[@CalebDowning]

O it depends. I’d usual try and get my weeks work don’t in two days or so, but it probably averages out to like 1-2 hours a day.

[@Hunter-sf6dd]

Caleb Downing oh wow sweet 1-2 hours a day and I’ll get an associate degree I thought it was gonna be like a 7 hour day thing making it difficult to have a job aswell

[@CalebDowning]

It is possible to get your weeks work done in the weekend and not worry about it during the week. Keep in mind though, you’ll get out of it what you put in it.

[@SeanHavlik]

Were you required to pay for that? I was thinking about going to SDI, but now I wondering if it’s just a scam to sell gun parts and tools that most people probably already have. I don’t feel like anyone needs to go to college to build an AR with an 80... do you think this school is worth the money? Why did you choose SDI over other schools? Thanks.

[@CalebDowning]

So it depends on what your trying to accomplish. If you want to become the next world class gunsmith then you need to go study under an actual gunsmith in person. If you want to bolster your knowledge of firearms and gunsmithing in general, and get an accredited associates degree then I’d say go to SDI. That’s why I went with them. The 5D jig was something I purchased on my own but they did provide another companies jig that looked to be the equivalent in quality. You will need some basic tools(vise, drill, router...)but the other “smithing” tools will be provided by SDI.

[@SeanHavlik]

@@CalebDowning thanks for replying!

[@robertgreenberg4872]

I'm looking into signing up for the certificate course from SDI? What is your opinion of the course and what are you doing with it now?

[@CalebDowning]

I found the course to be very informative. You won’t come away from it being a grand master gunsmith but it’s gonna really boost your knowledge. Since they are accredited then if you are required to have an Associates for some position then this would be a great way to go. I am a gunsmith so having a degree just helps add to my resume and give my customers some peace of mind.

[@bananaman8691]

Does anyone know if the capstone build is covered by the gi bill.

[@CalebDowning]

That’s a great question. I was a reservist and didn’t have much active duty time so they only covered a portion for me. Maybe others will chime in 🤔

[@chriswhitley9205]

hey man looking to inroll in sdi is it worth it?

[@CalebDowning]

I’m glad I did it. You won’t come out of it as a world class gunsmith but you will learn new things and sharpen some already learned skills. Everyone is different too. Some will learn better in person and others will learn just fine online by themselves. But to answer your question, yes, it was worth it to me 👍

[@JD92205]

It's a great start if you want to get into firearms or gunsmithing. Like Caleb said, you're not going to become John Browning. But it's a great start and I'm glad I did it

[@anthonymcreynoldsjr4766]

I did the .300 blackout AR 15. No lie it’s a sub MOA gun!

[@CalebDowning]

Nice dude 👍

[@Mountain_Man]

I found out today when I asked my counselor that the only calibers you can pick now are .223 for the AR-15, 308 for the AR-10, .45 for the 1911, and starting next week their is an option for a PCC in 9mm

[@anthonymcreynoldsjr4766]

What?!? That sucks! I have killed a few deer with my 300 BO. Does great!!!

[@Mountain_Man]

FatherSonFun 007 yea unfortunately. I also found out that a few years ago before they restructured when they didn’t have the accreditation they offered a class sponsored by Hornady. They would send you a big reloading press and all the other equipment and it was taught by people from Hornady. I was bummed to hear they stopped doing that.

[@anthonymcreynoldsjr4766]

K. Moore Semper Fi dang!!!!!! I just finished there Advance Gunsmithing Course Dec 2018. GI Bill was like $840 a month. And I got quite a bit of tools. I work for the Railroad so I’m not gonna start my own gun shop. But getting your GI bill for a rifle and only a few hours of work a week was nice. I’m going to finish up my associates so I can go ahead and get the rest of my GI bill $. Lol Semper Fi!