Pine Technical College is a two-year public institution offering certificate, diploma and associate degree programs. Nearly 1,000 students attend the college. The gunsmithing programs are through the college's Industrial Technology Division. Students may start with the general gunsmithing program and earn either a certificate or diploma. A gunsmithing prototyping program is also available for those who complete the gunsmithing certificate.
Pine Technical College
900 4th St. SE.
Pine City, MN 55063
320-629-5100
pinetech.edu
Students begin with the gun repair certificate program, providing basics skills and training for jobs at retail outlets. The two diploma programs build upon the certificate program and prepare graduates for more advanced careers in the trade. Students in all gunsmith programs must purchase a comprehensive tool set.
The certificate program requires 26 credits hours. In addition to a job-seeking course and a course in computer literacy, students participate in a series of classroom and laboratory courses providing hands-on training in gunsmithing techniques. Topics include metal fusion, hinges and levers, soldering and brazing, metallurgy, pump and self-loaders, and bolt action.
The diploma program requires 42 credits in addition to the certificate program requirements. Students are introduced to more advanced theories and techniques. Courses cover polishing and bluing, barrel and chambering, shotgun and riflesmithing, machining, and piece stockmaking. Students also take college composition and an Introduction to CAD (computer-aided design).
The prototyping program also builds on the gun repair certificate program and requires an additional 44 credits. Students advance their machining skills and receive additional training in rapid prototyping and reverse engineering. Course topics include prototyping, reverse engineering, blueprint reading, CNC setup and programming, measuring tools and machining.
Those who complete the certificate program are prepared for counter jobs in retail establishments dealing in guns and firearms. After complete a diploma program, graduates are better prepared for advanced careers with gunshops and gun manufacturers providing repair work, restoration services or gun building and design. Since students learn skills such as woodworking, metallurgy and machining, they are also qualified for careers in those related fields.