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Gunsmithing

A gunsmith is responsible for repairing, customizing, and building firearms by combining aspects of woodworking, metalworking and machining. One can pursue an associate's degree in gunsmithing through trade or community college, the curriculum of which includes general education course such as geometry and creative writing along with more degree specific classes such as stockmaking, gun repair and machining fundamentals. Certificate programs are also available, which provide much of the same coursework minus the general education requirements. Online courses can be taken as well, typically lasting between five months and a year and utilizing guides and kits provided prior to the start of the coursework.

Gunsmiths will make modifications to existing weapons, restore old and antique weapons, and perform customer requested alterations. An experienced and talented gunsmith will be able to construct custom firearms that often fetch high prices. Due to the multi-skill nature of gunsmithing, a gunsmith can also find work as a machinist, metalworker or woodworker.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Gunsmithing Schools

As the country’s largest gunsmithing school, the Colorado School of Trades is a private for-profit school located in Lakewood, Colorado that primarily offers programs in the field of gunsmithing. Founded in 1947 by John Snyder, the school offers an Associate of Occupational Studies degree in Gunsmithing.

The Associate of Occupational Studies degree in Gunsmithing offered by Colorado School of Trades is a program that accommodates a maximum of 160 students during the second Monday of each month. The program allows the instructors to focus on each student as the curriculum is based on projects and customers to ensure that students gain real-world experiences under the supervision of talented instructors. The Armorer’s Courses is a program where representatives from various companies visit the school to discuss information about certain platforms. Check the entire program overview at schooloftrades.edu.

Acceptance Rate

100

Tuition

$21,500 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Pennsylvania Gunsmith School® (PGS) is a private post-secondary educational institution in Avalon, Pennsylvania that was founded in 1949 to provide a superior education in gunsmithing and related fields. The programs aim to prepare students for entry-level positions in the field of gunsmithing, machine, and wood-working trades.

The Master Gunsmithing Program® at PGS is an intensive, 16-month program of study that begins with the basics of gun repair as it progresses to more detailed instruction on types of firearms and custom work. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills that can be helpful once they work in the field. Some of these skills are bluing and finishing, basic heat treating, machine work, custom stock making, rebarreling, and business and customer relations. Students are also required to build their portfolios in order to showcase their technical skills and abilities to their future employers. More information about the program can be seen at pagunsmith.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$27,144 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Montgomery Community College is a public community college that was chartered in 1967 as Montgomery Technical Institute. Based in Troy, North Carolina, it is a member of the North Carolina Community College System. The college aims to provide students life-long learning and stimulate personal and professional growth through various educational and research opportunities.

The Associate of Applied Science in Gunsmithing at Montgomery Community College is a program that aims to help students demonstrate the required knowledge and skills to refurbish metal and wood specifically applied in the firearms, to diagnose malfunctions, and to execute complex custom gunsmithing tasks. The coursework involves the manufacturing of gunsmithing trade tools, stock making, restoration of firearms, repair work, barrel work, and custom work. The courses in the program include Gunsmithing Tools, Barrel Fitting/Alteration, General Repair, Advanced Repair Technology, Current Gunsmithing Techniques, and Gunmetal Refinishing. The college also offers a Diploma in Gunsmithing which requires 48 semester hours to complete. View the two program options at montgomery.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

As the first community college in Colorado that was established in 1925, Trinidad State Junior College is a public community college with campuses in Trinidad and Alamosa. The college provides an affordable and accessible education to students within and beyond the state with a wide selection of degree programs in vocational fields such as Unmanned Aviation Systems, Nursing, Cosmetology, Welding, and Electrical Line Technician program.

Trinidad State offered the first gunsmithing courses which were developed into a two-year Gunsmithing program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree. The program is designed to train and educate students with the basic concepts and skills required to perform the functions of a professional gunsmith. Some of these competencies include gun repair, stock making, bench metal, and machining operations. The program also includes specialized courses like revolversmithing, checkering, competitive rifles, pistolsmithing, and shotgunsmithing. Other programs in the gunsmithing field offered by the college are Custom Pistolsmithing Certificate, Gunsmithing Fine Arts Certificate, Gunsmithing Technician Certificate, NRA Firearms Safety Instructor Certificate, Brownell's Am Firearms Tech Instructor Certificate, and Small Arms Level I Certificate. See the entire details of each program option at trinidadstate.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Formerly called Pine Technical College on its founding in 1965, Pine Technical and Community College (PTCC) is a public community college located in Pine City, Minnesota. It is one of the 31 state universities and community colleges under the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. The college is known for its academic programs that aim to innovate and contribute to society.

Since 1980, the top rated Gunsmithing and Firearms Technology program at PTCC has been offered to students in preparation for entry to the workforce as professional gunsmiths. The program has a Diploma and an Associate of Applied Science degree options. Some of the courses in the said programs are Firearm Finishes, Riflesmithing, Pistolsmithing, Barreling and Chambering, and Gunsmith Welding and Metallurgy. Students also have the option to take a Firearms Technician Skills Certificate which trains graduates for advanced skills like stockwork, and parts fabrication installation and adjustment. For more details about the program, go to pine.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) is a community college in Torrington, Wyoming that was founded in 1968. With more than 8,000 students, the college prioritizes student success to help them achieve their goals and enrich society through their respective fields. The college also has a satellite campus in Douglas, Wyoming which offers Nursing, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Gunsmithing.

Available at Douglas campus, the Gunsmithing degree at EWC leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree which prepares students to create, reproduce, maintain, repair, and modify firearms using specialized hand tools and machines as stated in blueprints or custom specifications. The program provides comprehensive instruction and hands-on training on the processes and tools used in the gunsmithing trade. At the end of the program, students are able to properly use special gunsmithing tools and techniques, know proper firearms parts and terminology, demonstrate welding techniques, create and implement a business plan for setting up a business, and exhibit skills needed to perform professional gun cleaning and stock development and refinishing. Inquire about the program at ewc.wy.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Established as Person County Technical Institute in 1970, Piedmont Community College (PCC) is a public two-year community college with campuses in Roxboro and Yanceyville, North Carolina. It is among the 58 colleges in the North Carolina Community College System. The college embraces learning-centered philosophy, economic development, accessibility, and social responsibility through its academic programs.

The Gunsmithing course at PCC is a diploma program designed for students who want to learn the skills needed to refurbish metal and wood used in firearms, diagnose malfunctions, do repairs and maintenance, and accomplish complex custom gunsmithing tasks. The curriculum covers the manufacturing of tools used in the gunsmithing trade, restoration of firearms, stock making, barrel work, repair work, and custom work. To learn more about the program, visit piedmontcc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

As part of the Iowa Valley Community College District, Marshalltown Community College (MCC) is a public community college based in Marshalltown, Iowa. The college has a second campus called Iowa Valley Grinnell which is situated in Grinnell. With more than 55 academic programs, the college specializes in manufacturing, agriculture, arts and communication, business, engineering, health sciences, and criminal justice.

Offered at the Iowa Valley Grinnell campus, the Gunsmith Technology degree at MCC is an Associate of Applied Science degree program that equips students with the technical knowledge and skills required to create, repair, maintain, and modify firearms using specialized hand tools and machines based on blueprints or customer specifications. The 2-year program provides students with highly sophisticated training in state-of-the-art Gunsmith Tech Repair Shop and Gunsmith Lab that was sponsored by Brownell to prepare students to become professional gunsmiths in various gun shops, gun manufacturers, sporting goods stores, or in their own businesses. See the entire list of program requirements at mcc.iavalley.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Offering affordable, high-quality education and training, Yavapai College is a public community college with 6 campuses across Yavapai County, Arizona. Founded in 1968 at its Verde Valley Campus, the college now has locations in Prescott, Prescott Valley, Clarkdale, Chino Valley, and Sedona that offer dozens of degrees and certificates in various fields.

The Gunsmithing certificate program at Yavapai College offers several options for students who want to work as professional gunsmiths in the firearm and metal industries. Students may choose to enroll in the program leading to either Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, Advanced Certificate, and Certificate. The programs aim to teach students how to safely operate traditional and specialized hand and machine tools used in the gunsmithing trade. Some of the courses in the AAS program are Apprentice Gunsmithing, Basic Engraving, Professional Firearms Engraving, CNC Machine Operator, and Basic Welding. Learn more about the programs at yc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

With nearly 3,000 students, Lenoir Community College (LCC) is a public community college with its main campus in Kinston, North Carolina. The college has multiple satellite campuses in the Greene and Jones counties that offer more than 150 on-campus and online degrees, diplomas, and certificates which can be taken full-time or part-time.

Offering several degrees and certificates in the field of gunsmithing, LCC aims to help students gain the knowledge and skills needed to refurbish metal and wood used in firearms, diagnose malfunctions, do repairs and maintenance, and accomplish complex custom gunsmithing tasks. The Associate of Applied Science in Gunsmithing covers technical skills such as manufacturing of tools used in the gunsmithing trade, restoration of firearms, stock making, repair work, barrel work, and custom work. The college also offers certificates in Basic Gunsmithing Skills, Intermediate Gunsmithing Skills, and Advanced Gunsmithing Skills. To know more about the programs, visit lenoircc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) is a public community college with two campuses located in Kalispell and Libby, Montana. With more than 50 career and technical programs, the college has been promoting excellence in lifelong learning and leadership with a focus on student success and community needs since its founding in 1960.

The Associate of Applied Science in Firearms Technologies at FVCC is a hands-on program that combines comprehensive lecture and real-world training experiences to prepare students in becoming professional gunsmiths. Through the courses, students are able to understand the design and function of firearms, as well as demonstrate techniques in gunsmithing, metal finishing, and stock finishing. The college also offers a Firearms Technologies Certificate program which provides an in-depth understanding of firearms theory, function, and repair, and techniques in metal and stock finishing. Inquire about other program details at fvcc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

With campuses in Tishomingo and Ardmore, Murray State College (MSC) is a public community college that serves ten counties in southeastern Oklahoma. With more than 3,000 annual students, the college aims to provide extensive academic and research opportunities for student learning and professional success which leads to community enhancement.

The Gunsmithing program at Murray State was first offered in 1979 is an Associate of Applied Science degree program that provides instruction and training in custom gunsmithing and gun repair. The 2-year program equips students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to become professional gunsmiths through courses in all aspects of building, modifying, and repairing firearms. The courses in the program include Gun Bluing, Gunsmithing Theory, Bench Metal Work, Machine Tool Practices, Machine Metal Work, Blueprint Reading, Riflesmithing, Repairing of Firearms, Gun Store Management, and Pistolsmithing. Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to visit different firearm manufacturers and attend various gun shows as well as receive on-campus training from manufacturers where they can acquire additional certifications. Check the entire list of program requirements at mscok.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Piedmont Technical College (PTC) is a public two-year community college with campuses in each of the seven counties within South Carolina. Established in 1966, the college offers a wide variety of career studies and training in Abbeville, Greenwood, Edgefield, McCormick, Laurens, Newberry, and Saluda counties as well as through the college’s online platform.

Offered at the Greenwood campus, the Associate of Applied Science in General Technology with a concentration in Gunsmithing at PTC School of Industrial Technology is a program that provides comprehensive education and training for students who want to start their own business or to get employed at major firearm manufacturers. Students who want to start a business can enroll in the Entrepreneur program which offers courses and training in accounting, marketing, and business management. On the other hand, those who are interested to work for firearm manufacturers can take either the Machine Tool Technology or Welding program. In all programs, students receive instruction and training in the use of basic hand tools, precision instrument usage, blueprint reading, stock refinishing, welding, metal treatment, and lathe and mill theory. As they progress, students have the opportunity to carve, inlet, shape, and finish a wooden and synthetic stock for the firearm they created. The school also offers certificates in Introduction to Gunsmithing and Advanced Gunsmithing. To learn more about the programs, visit ptc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

With more than 280 academic programs, Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) is a public two-year, community college located in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Founded in 1961 as Fayetteville Area Industrial Education Center, the college serves Fayetteville and Cumberland Counties in North Carolina and is also a part of the North Carolina Community College System.

The Associate in Applied Science in Gunsmithing at FTCC is one of the programs under the Engineering & Applied Technology area. The 5-semester program covers the manufacturing of tools used in the gunsmithing trade, restoration of firearms, repairs, barrel installation, and custom work. Some of the courses in the program are Machine Shop Basic, Barrel Fitting/Alteration, Handgun Technology, Gunmetal Refinishing, and Current Gunsmithing Tools. Students will be able to use the college’s state-of-the-art Machine Shop with modern manufacturing capabilities as well as separate refinishing laboratories for bluing, Parkerizing, painting, and color case hardening. The college also offers a Basic Gunsmithing Skills certificate which lasts for 2 semesters. More information about the program is available at faytechcc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Employment Opportunities for Gunsmiths

An experienced gunsmith may also choose to open his or her own store. The regulations for store ownership will vary by state, as will the amount of time a customer may have to wait to purchase a firearm. Regulations may extend to the amount and type of customization that is acceptable for firearms, and any individual who chooses to enter into such a business should become familiar with local, state and federal laws governing their business. As laws may change in a given year, remaining up to date on gun policy and regulation should be a priority for a store owner.

Potential employers for gunsmiths include:

  • Military
  • Law Enforcement
  • Sporting Goods Stores
  • Firearms Manufacturing Plants

The demand for gunsmiths in the United States is limited, though there is a small market for those interested in custom made firearms and modifications. Individuals entering the field will often participate in apprenticeships with professionals before moving on with their own career. The average salary for a gunsmith is approximately $39,590 per year, with the top 10% averaging $57,750 a year and the bottom ten percent bringing home just over twenty-five thousand dollars a year on average.

 

Top Employers of Gunsmiths

  • Machine Shops 29,160
  • Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturers 12,780
  • Metalwork Manufacturers 11,140
  • Metal Products Manufacturers 10,320
  • Aerospace Manufacturers 10,200

States with the Highest Employment of Gunsmiths

  • Ohio 13,490
  • California 11,430
  • Texas 11,150
  • Pennsylvania 11,030
  • Wisconsin 10,560

Top Paying States for Gunsmiths

  1. Washington $60,780
  2. Vermont $51,110
  3. North Dakota $48,030
  4. Massachusetts $47,090
  5. Connecticut $46,410

Those who are interested in gunsmithing may also want to consider machine shop technologist, machining, welding, and metallurgical engineering. For additional research, you can visit the AGI or the American Gunsmith to learn more about the trade and employment opportunities.

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