In operation since 1947, the Colorado School of Trades gunsmithing program is an 1,800-hour curriculum that can be completed in about 14 months. Approximately 1,500 hours of the program are lab-based, while the remaining 300 hours consist of classroom instruction. The program is organized into four main learning areas: basic courses, machine shop courses, stockmaking courses, and design and function courses. Students take classes like shop math, drill press operation, welding, engine lathe, ballistic handloading, stockmaking, trigger assemblies and business training. The Colorado School of Trades offers career placement assistance services for gunsmithing program graduates.
Colorado School of Trades
1575 Hoyt Street
Lakewood, CO 80215
800-234-4594
schooloftrades.com
The gunsmithing program at Lassen Community College began in 1945 as a community services and now offers two degree and four certificate programs. The two-year degree programs are: an associate degree in firearms repair and an associate degree in general gunsmithing. The certificate options include: a certificate in gunsmith machinist and metal finishing, a certificate in long guns, a certificate of in pistolsmith, and a certificate in riflesmith. The certificate course of study varies in length by program areas. According to Universities.com, the gunsmithing programs at the community college include course work in firearm function, design and repair; firearm laws and regulations; and skills like metallurgy, welding, machining and stock fabrication.
Lassen Community College
478-200 Hwy 139
Susanville, CA 96130
530-257-4211
lassencollege.edu
Montgomery Community College offers three gunsmithing options: a 76-credit associate's degree, a 42-credit diploma or a 12-18-credit certificate. There are four certificate options, including basic gunsmithing, design and repair, technology and refinishing. The gunsmithing curriculum, which is a combination of hands-on and classroom learning, equips students to refurbish firearms, evaluate and repair malfunctions, restore firearms and provide customized firearms services.
Montgomery Community College
1011 Page Street
Troy, NC 27371
800-839-6222
montgomery.edu
The gunsmithing curriculum at Murray State College is a two-year associate degree program. Students acquire skills and knowledge for gun repair and custom gunsmithing skills. The curriculum involves 76 hours of classroom and lab courses, such as firearms design, metal work, stockmaking, gun bluing, firearm repair, conversion of firearms, business math and gun store management.
Murray State College
One Murray Campus
Tishomingo, OK 73460
580-371-2371
mscok.edu
The Pennsylvania Gunsmith School offers a concentrated master gunsmithing program that students may complete in about 16 months. The program is based on hands-on learning in a shop setting. Students learn skills like metallurgy, filing and gauging techniques, hack sawing, firearm terminology, bluing techniques, trigger work, stock design, welding, barrel fitting, ballistics, custom alterations and gunsmith business operations.
Pennsylvania Gunsmith School
812 Ohio River Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15202
412-766-1812
pagunsmith.edu
Gunsmithing students at Pine Technical Institute have the option of a 26-credit certificate program or a 42-credit diploma program. The certificate program includes courses like metal fusion, handgun theory, accessories installation, ATF regulations, hinge and lever, pump and self loader, and metallurgy and bolt action. The diploma curriculum features more advanced classes, such as tool design and fabrication, bluing, metalsmithing, machining fundamentals, barrel and chambering, shotgun smithing, riflesmithing and stockmaking.
Pine Technical Institute
900 4th Street
Pine City, MN 55063
800-521-7463
pinetech.edu
Yavapai College offers a 31-credit gunsmithing certificate program or a 64-credit gunsmithing associate degree. Both programs include coursework in stockmaking, machine shop, rifle theory, metal refinishing, shotguns, handguns, rifle rebarreling and advanced machining. The programs include hands-on training in gun shop environments, as well as traditional classroom instruction. The degree program offers additional classes in small business management and master gunsmithing.
Yavapai College
1100 East Sheldon Street
Prescott, AZ 86301
520-776-2150
gunsmithing.org