Bare Minimum Training Belt: Essential Gear for Budget-Friendly Firearm Training
Introduction: One of the most common questions we receive is, “What do I need to bring to training?” If you’re new to tactical training or on a tight budget, it’s important to invest smartly without sacrificing essential safety or creating bad training habits. Here’s a straightforward, affordable setup—approximately $220.50—for anyone getting started with serious firearm training.
The Essentials
Belt: Basic Inner/Outer Riggers Belt with Cobra Buckle
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Price: $30.00
A sturdy belt is foundational. This basic riggers belt provides dependable support, keeping your holster and magazine pouches firmly secured. When reaching for your firearm, you’ll find it exactly where it should be, allowing for a consistent, swift draw without unwanted movement from the holster.
Holster: Safariland Solis ALS Concealment OWB Holster
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Price: $85.50
This affordable holster offers essential retention suitable for dynamic physical activity. Practicing with the ALS retention mechanism builds good habits and prepares you for more advanced gear down the line.
Magazine Pouch: Blade-Tech Signature Double Mag Pouch
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Price: $35.00
Having magazine pouches is critical. Without them, you’ll waste valuable range time retrieving mags from your bag, preventing effective reload and malfunction drills. This Blade-Tech pouch is robust, secure, and easy on your budget.
Optional but Recommended Gear
Dump Pouch: KRYDEX Roll-Up Drawstring Magazine Utility Pouch
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Price: $20.00
A convenient addition that helps manage magazines and miscellaneous items during training. This roll-up pouch offers ample storage while remaining compact when not in use.
Tourniquet: CAT Combat Application Tourniquet
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Price: $30.00
Highly recommended for basic trauma care readiness. Keeping a tourniquet accessible is wise even in basic setups, ensuring you are prepared for emergencies.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Hearing Protection: Walker’s Razor Electronic Muffs
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Price: $50.00
Reliable hearing protection is mandatory for any firearm training. Electronic muffs allow clear communication while protecting your hearing.
Eye Protection: Walker’s Carbine Frame Shooting Glasses
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Price: $20.00
Ballistically rated, wrap-around glasses are essential when shooting steel targets. Regular glasses aren’t sufficient, as fragments can still cause injury.
Conclusion
This setup provides everything needed—at a total cost of around $220.50—to safely and effectively begin tactical firearm training without overspending. With this solid, affordable foundation, you’re ready to engage in meaningful practice and skill-building.