Are you considering a career as a gunsmith but not sure where to start?
Gunsmiths are in charge of constructing, repairing, and customizing firearms.
They can work in retail shops or work independently.
You also must be licensed to work as a gunsmith.
But where should you start?
This guide will provide you with a list of training programs offered online.
In addition, information about certification costs and everything else you need to know to jump-start your career.
The 7 Best Online Gunsmith Training Programs
Get CertifiedEarn your accredited, affordable Gunsmith career diploma online with Penn Foster in as little as 3 months!
Request InformationSponsored1 Penn Foster College
Penn Foster College has been around for more than 100 years.
It is known for being one of the oldest online learning colleges in the country.
They are accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Additionally, they are accredited by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.
The gunsmith program offered at Penn Foster lasts about three months and is completely remote.
Tuition for this program is just $839 and prepares students to work as gunsmiths.
Students will learn a variety of topics, including:
- Antique firearm restoration
- Firearm assembly/disassembly
- Customizing gun stocks
- Basic metalwork
- Machine tool operation
- Custom-loading ammunition
- Mounting telescopic lights
This online program is extremely flexible, giving you the ability to complete it at your own pace.
Contact Information
- Address:
- Phone:
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Ashworth College
The program that is offered at Ashworth College is an online beginner handgun course and is perfect for those who are new to guns and looking to become gunsmiths.
It is a program that teaches students everything they need to know about handguns.
Ashworth College is located in Georgia and is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
It has more than 300,000 students and alumni and has had its doors open since 1987.
Projects that students will partake in are designed to give students a feel of what it’s like to actually work as a gunsmith.
The program teaches various techniques, including repairing, disassembling, troubleshooting, and more.
The program costs anywhere from $559 to $699 per month, depending on your payment preference.
Payment plans are available for just $49 a month.
By the time students have completed this program, they should have a good understanding of basic gunsmithing techniques.
Students should also qualify to take the federal or state firearms or armorers test.
Contact Information
- Address:
- Phone:
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Modern Gun School
Whether you’re interested in making a career out of being a gunsmith or just as a hobby, Modern Gun School offers a flexible online program.
You have the option to start the program at any time, starting in either basic or advanced gunsmithing.
Modern Gun School has been around since 1946 and offers various lessons on a range of topics, including selling firearms, basic firearms, and much more.
They are accredited by the DEAC and the MSA.
The program costs $1,442 for full upfront payment, or $1,542 for monthly payments.
The programs are all self-paced, so students have the flexibility of moving at a speed that works for them.
In the basic program, students will learn gun repair techniques, how to properly adjust, clean, and tune different firearms, and much more.
There are a total of 31 lessons and 4 hands-on projects in this program.
For the advanced program, students will cover everything from the basics to the business side of gunsmithing.
There is a total of 65 lessons and 7 hands-on projects in this program.
Contact Information
- Address:
- Phone:
- Website: Visit School Website
4 American Gunsmithing Institute
American Gunsmithing Institute is one of the most well-regarded online gunsmithing schools in the country.
Whether you’re looking to become a gunsmith or just want to learn about gun safety, the school offers a program to meet your needs.
They have been around since 1993 and were originally established by gunsmiths.
You can earn a certificate in as little as 90 days.
But, rest assured, you will still need to receive 108 hours of course instruction, where you will learn about the basic techniques of gunsmithing.
Their professional gunsmith course and certification cost anywhere between $5,000 and $15,000.
Here are some of the programs offered here:
- Professional Gunsmithing Level 1
- Professional Gunsmithing Level 2
- Professional Gunsmithing Master Level
- Professional Gunsmithing Advanced Master Level
- Practical Gunsmithing
- Locksmithing
- Machine Shop
- Welding
Contact Information
- Address:
- Phone:
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Sonoran Desert Institute
Sonoran Desert Institute was established in 2000 and offers remote learning options for those interested in gunsmithing and armoring.
The school is nationally accredited by DEAC and offers a variety of courses.
There are two main programs offered here, even though you have the option to benefit from individual classes if you are looking to learn certain specialized areas of gunsmithing.
One of the main programs offered is a 60-credit hour program where you will receive an Associate of Science in Firearms Technology degree once completed.
The second option is to enroll in the firearms technology gunsmithing certificate program, which is 32 credit hours.
Students will learn everything from firearms technology to sights, optics, and accuracy.
Tuition depends on the credit hours per semester.
So you may pay as little as $360 per credit hour or as much as $530 per credit hour.
For example, the Associate of Science in Firearms Technology degree program takes two years to complete and costs a total of $21,600.
The certificate in firearms technology program costs a total of $11,520 and takes a total of eight months to complete.
Additional coursework includes:
- Intro to Ammo and Basic Ballistics
- Custom Kydex Labs
- Firearms Inspection and Troubleshooting
- Developing a Business Plan
Contact Information
- Address:
- Phone:
- Website: Visit School Website
6 Stratford Career Institute
Another option for a home study program for gunsmithing is offered through Stratford Career Institute.
The school is privately owned and has been around since 1991.
They offer a variety of home training programs to students around the country.
They have over a million students enrolled and have an excellent reputation for offering at-home career training.
Their gunsmithing course cost a total of $524.50.
You can make monthly payments if you wish.
This program was designed to help people gain the necessary knowledge to work toward a career as a gunsmith.
Here are some of the courses offered in this program:
- Rifle Cleaning
- Finishes
- Bedding
- Gunsmithing the S&W Revolver
- Advanced Tools
- Recoil Reduction
- LLC structures
The program can be completed in just six months, although students have up to two years.
Contact Information
- Address:
- Phone:
- Website: Visit School Website
7 Penn Foster Career School
Not to be confused with Penn Foster College, Penn Foster Career School is located in Scranton, PA, and offers online programs worldwide.
There are several programs students can enroll in here.
They have been around for several decades and are also known for being one of the most popular schools for online gunsmith programs.
Penn Foster Career School offers students a gunsmith career diploma program to take advantage of.
It was created to help students develop the knowledge and skills required to work as a gunsmith.
The program consists of hands-on training, various learning materials, and videos.
Students will learn assembly and disassembly, engraving, and stock finishing.
The program allows students to move at their own speed.
There are various payment plans offered as well through the school.
The program costs $59 and can be completed in just three months.
Contact Information
- Address:
- Phone:
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 | Penn Foster College |
|
#2 | Ashworth College |
|
#3 | Modern Gun School |
|
#4 | American Gunsmithing Institute |
|
#5 | Sonoran Desert Institute |
|
#6 | Stratford Career Institute |
|
#7 | Penn Foster Career School |
What Courses Are in an Online Gunsmith Program?
Whether you are enrolled in a short or long training degree program, gunsmithing programs cover a curriculum that tends to be hands-on.
Many of the course topics covered in these programs are:
- Firearm Restoration- This allows students to learn methods for restoring and preserving different types of weapons.
- Woodworking- Students will learn how to work with wood used for firearm grips and stocks.
- Machining and Metalworking- Students will learn all about modifying and crafting various parts of firearms.
- Firearm Design and Functionality- This course helps students understand how firearms work and function.
Additional courses include:
- Customizing
- Antique Restoration
- Master Armorer Certification
- Advanced Gunsmithing
- Sights and Scopes
- Business Skills
Can You Earn a Gunsmith Certificate Completely Online?
It is possible to earn a gunsmith certificate entirely online by enrolling in an online gunsmith program.
Some of these online programs are offered through various schools, such as:
- Penn Foster
- American Gunsmithing Institute
- MGS Trade School
Online programs for gunsmithing are a convenient way to learn everything there is to know about firearms to help you succeed as a gunsmith.
You will cover topics including assembling and disassembling, engraving, stock finishing, firearm safety, and more.
There are online programs that include hands-on projects through simulations so that students can have a more sensible experience.
However, if you are serious about receiving your gunsmith certificate online, be sure that you are self-disciplined, as online learning requires you to be able to manage your time effectively.
You should also choose a school that is accredited so that your certificate will be recognized by employers.
Also, keep in mind that certain programs may require students to pass a background check before enrolling.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Gunsmith Certificate Online?
Online gunsmith programs usually take anywhere from six to eight months to complete.
If you are interested in receiving an associate’s degree in gunsmithing, you will be in school for about two years.
At a minimum, you will need to have a high school diploma or GED.
Furthermore, some online programs allow you to study at your own pace.
This allows you to finish much faster or slower, depending on how much time you put into it.
But, there is something else to keep in mind.
Even though online training will help you get a jump start on your career, you will also need experience through on-the-job training.
This is essential if you are considering starting your own business.
Finally, it’s recommended for gunsmiths to receive their Federal Firearms License.
A license isn’t required to work in hunting or sporting goods shops, but it is needed if you choose to operate independently.
How Much Does an Online Gunsmith Certificate Cost?
Online gunsmithing programs can vary depending on the school and program you enroll in.
There are online programs that offer full tuition options where you may pay a $200 registration fee and $1,559 for the program.
Or you can get on a payment plan and pay $1,790 total spread out over monthly installments, with a down payment.
Programs offered through Penn Foster cost between $839 and $1,089.
And don’t forget to factor in the cost of an FFL license, which costs about $200.
Here’s a breakdown of factors that affect the costs associated with online gunsmith programs:
- Payment Plan- Many online schools offer payment plans, including monthly installments, which can have an impact on the total tuition.
- School- Depending on the school and program, tuition will differ.
- Materials- There are some online schools that include the cost of online resources and textbooks in the tuition, while others charge separately.
- Program length- If you enroll in a program that offers hands-on projects or more advanced courses, the total tuition cost will be more.
Summary
Gunsmithing online programs are available for those interested in either becoming a gunsmith or learning more about it as their hobby.
Various schools, including Penn Foster College, Ashworth College, Modern Gun School, and several others, offer gunsmith programs and courses to suit your needs.
The cost of these programs can start at just $839, but can be as high as $22,000, depending on whether you enroll in a certificate program or an associate’s degree program.
These programs can take as little as a few months up to two years to complete, with the majority of them being self-paced, allowing you to spend as little or as much time on them.
Programs can be completely earned online with simulations in place to ensure students still receive hands-on training.
Regardless, you will still need to consider gaining more experience through on-the-job training if you are considering becoming a business owner shortly.
It’s a great career to have if you are passionate about firearms, repairing, and modifying them.
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