Research colleges and technical schools that offer courses in gunsmithing. A student must be 21 years of age or older, should have a high school diploma or GED, hold a valid driver's license, and must meet requirements necessary to obtain a class I Federal Firearms License (FFL). Both males and females may apply. Classes must be taken in metalwork, soldering, welding, stock making, finishing, barrel-fitting, and polishing and bluing techniques. Most schools offer the opportunity to specialize in pistol smithing, custom design, and master engraving.
Consider attending a gunsmithing program at a college or trade school that teaches all the essential techniques required to become a qualified gunsmith. Make sure that the school you choose offers classes in hacksawing, filing and gauging techniques, barrel fitting, simple ballistics, and hand loading. A good gunsmithing program will also teach basic business practices and courses on how to run your own gunsmithing business.
Understand what is involved in the gunsmithing trade before applying for admission at a trade school or college. Seek training from accredited facilities that can teach you the inner workings of a firearm and the vital components necessary for its correct operation. Choose a school with a hands-on program along with guided instruction from highly qualified instructors. Most training programs are one year in length and teach how to become efficient in all areas of gun repair and customization.
Decide which aspect of gunsmithing interests you. It you only want to clean guns, mount scopes, or swap barrels, there are many books out there to assist with this. If you want to repair and customize rifles and handguns for customers, the opportunities are bountiful. You may choose to specialize in certain types of firearms or become an expert in relic firearms. Many gunsmiths own gun shops or work in firearms manufacturing plants. Still others work in the military or in sporting goods stores. You are only limited by your ambition and experience. Pay for gunsmithing averages $12 to $16 per hour.