The tasks of gunsmiths can vary, even on average workdays.
The rising popularity of gunsmithing and the surge in the number of people who are gun owners may lead some people to turn their hobby into a profession.
Gaining the intricate knowledge and the skills that gunsmiths need requires that they complete a gunsmith program.
The time that it takes to complete a program and earn a gunsmith certificate depends on things like the school that the person attends, the length of the gunsmithing program, and whether the person completes an advanced program.
Completing an advanced program may lead to greater job opportunities and a higher salary.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Gunsmith?
The length of time that it takes to become a gunsmith varies, based on the type of gunsmith career that students want to have, the education or training program that they choose, and the state and federal licensing regulations for gunsmiths.
Some students enroll in a basic gunsmith certificate program, while others choose to enroll in an advanced certificate program or a college degree program.
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Request InformationSponsoredMany students who plan to become gunsmiths enroll in a degree program because they want to turn their hobby into a career.
They may also want to advance their current skills in gunsmithing.
Choosing the Right Education Path
Choosing the right education path may be different for one person compared to someone else who wants to become a gunsmith.
Some people choose to complete a short-term basic gunsmithing program to start their career.
They may later choose to continue their education and earn an advanced certificate at the same school.
Students who want to increase their knowledge and learn the complex or more sophisticated aspects of gunsmithing may continue their education to earn a degree.
Completing a degree program takes more time, but may benefit the gunsmiths as they follow their path to meeting their career goals.
Complete a Gunsmith Certificate Program
Completing a gunsmith certificate program gives students the basic skills that they need to get started working as a gunsmith.
Some schools offer several gunsmith certificate program options.
American Gunsmithing Institute
The American Gunsmithing Institute offers a Certified Professional Level 1 Course.
The course consists of 175 hours of video instruction.
The self-paced program teaches students basic gunsmithing, including the skills that are related to the function, design, and repair of several types of guns.
The Certified Professional Level 2 Course consists of 255 hours of instruction.
It includes everything that students learn in the Level 1 course.
Students also learn to operate general machine shop equipment, how to re-barrel rifles, how to do advanced trigger jobs and many other skills.
The Professional Gunsmithing Master Level certificate course consists of 363 hours of gunsmithing training.
The program includes the welding course training, and several certifications, including Blueprinting Military Bolt Action Rifles, and Glock pistols. Students also learn how to operate a gunsmithing shop.
The Professional Gunsmithing Advanced Master Level program includes all the instruction that is provided in the other courses, and several advanced courses.
Some of the advanced courses include instruction in handguns and shotguns in the 574-hour program.
Sonoran Desert Institute
The Sonoran Desert Institute offers its Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing program over two 16-week semesters.
Some courses that students complete in the 32-credit program include Gunsmithing Tools Lab, Intro to Ammo and Basic Ballistics, and Firearms Finishing and Engravings.
The tuition charged to students varies based on the specific course.
Consider a Gunsmithing Degree Program
Searching for gunsmithing degree programs provides additional options for students who want to work as gunsmiths.
Yavapai College
Students who want to have options when considering the best gunsmith program that meets their goals may choose to enroll at Yavapai College.
The school offers a four-semester Gunsmithing Certificate program.
It also offers a short-term Gunsmithing Advanced Certificate program.
Yavapai College also offers a Gunsmithing – Associate of Applied Science program.
Students complete 67 credit hours of study over four semesters, which includes coursework and a gunsmithing practicum.
Explore Federal and State Regulations
Any person who engages in the dealing, manufacture, or importation of firearms needs to have a license.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) explains that any person who engages in repairing, refinishing, or customizing firearms must have a Federal Firearms License (FFL).
Anyone who wants to become a gunsmith needs to determine the specific type of Federal Firearms License that they need when engaging in a gunsmithing career.
They also need to explore the regulations of the state where they want to work as a gunsmith.
It is important that gunsmiths check the regulations for the state where they want to work, not where they currently live, or if they plan to move to a different state.
Gain Experience
Gaining experience allows gunsmiths to hone the skills that they learned in their education program.
Students who complete an internship or practicum may have better opportunities to get hired, compared to people who did not do an internship or a practicum.
People who gain experience working as a gunsmith will likely have more options available to them when they apply for jobs.
They may also earn a higher salary or have career advancement opportunities as they gain more experience.
Key Takeaways
How long it takes to become a gunsmith depends on several things, including the length of the education program that a student enrolls in and complying with licensing requirements.
The fact that there is a surge in the number of people who own guns is one reason that there is a greater need for qualified gunsmiths.
Following the right educational path means that students need to make the best choice for their career goals when considering gunsmithing programs.
Completing an internship or a practicum may lead to better job opportunities.
Another thing that can lead to better job opportunities is gaining gunsmithing experience.
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