Pistol Training - What you ACTUALLY Need to Spend

Published on March 21, 2026
Duration: 9:39

This guide breaks down the essential gear and associated costs for handgun training, emphasizing quality and smart spending. Speaker Brenton Sensenig, CMO of TA Targets, advises prioritizing a reliable firearm, holster, and training tools over excessive accessories. A basic setup can cost around $680, with a more complete package including optics and lights reaching $1,240. Ammunition and essential training aids like timers and protective gear add to the overall investment, with a comprehensive starter kit estimated at under $1,200.

Quick Summary

Handgun training costs can be managed by prioritizing essential gear: a reliable firearm like a Glock 19 ($600+), a quality holster ($80+), and training tools such as a shot timer ($130+), targets ($18+), and protective eyewear/earwear ($100+). A basic starter kit, including 1000 rounds of 9mm ammo ($250+), totals around $1,193, emphasizing smart spending over excessive accessories.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Training Cost Misconceptions
  2. 00:21Training Doesn't Have to Be Expensive
  3. 01:08Focus on Handgun Training
  4. 01:43Firearm Gear: Glock Setup
  5. 02:23Glock 19 Cost
  6. 02:32Red Dot Sight Advice & Cost
  7. 03:19Weapon Light Advice & Cost
  8. 03:45Holster Advice & Cost
  9. 04:07Handgun Gear Cost Summary
  10. 04:27Essential Training Tools
  11. 04:53Shot Timer Cost
  12. 05:05Targets & Data Collection Costs
  13. 05:56Steel Targets
  14. 06:20Ear and Eye Protection Costs
  15. 07:14Training Tools Cost Summary
  16. 07:31Ammunition Consumption & Cost
  17. 08:01Importance of Dry Fire
  18. 08:16Total Training Cost Summary
  19. 08:31Prioritize Training Over Gear Acquisition
  20. 08:53Conclusion & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the estimated cost for a basic handgun training setup?

A basic handgun training setup, including a Glock 19 ($600+), a quality holster ($80+), a shot timer ($130+), cardboard targets ($18+), and essential eye/ear protection ($100+), can start around $930 before ammunition. Including 1000 rounds of 9mm ammo ($250+) brings the total to approximately $1,180+.

What are the essential training tools recommended for handgun practice?

Essential training tools include a shot timer for performance tracking (e.g., PACT Club Timer, $130+), various targets for data collection (e.g., TA Targets cardboard, $18+), and vital personal protective equipment like quality eye ($25+) and ear protection ($75+).

Should beginners buy a red dot sight and weapon light immediately?

The speaker advises against immediately buying a red dot sight, suggesting initial practice with iron sights to build fundamental skills. A weapon light is also optional for budget training but recommended early if planned to avoid holster compatibility issues later.

How much ammunition is needed for initial handgun training?

For initial handgun training, budgeting for 100-200 rounds of 9mm per range day ($25-$50) is practical. Purchasing 1000 rounds in bulk typically costs $250-$300, offering better value over time.

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from TA Targets

View all →