backstrap, my understanding is any pistol 45 caliber and smaller is just fine. I know one location that will rent you a Browning Buckmark 22 pistol if you wish. No you don't have to bring the gun you will carry. I haven't gone through the course yet but am kicking around the idea of doing so and when I do I'll qualify with a simiauto but intend to carry a revolver. I guess what has turned me off so far is thinking about 8 hours of my time doing something I've been doing for almost 60 years, not to mention the hours I've spent qualifying on a pistol range in the military. But, I guess if I have to then I have to. Just got to get off my butt and get it done.