7 Best Gunsmithing Schools in America
If you have a passion for weapons, you can turn that passion into an exciting career with the best gunsmithing schools in America.
Gunsmiths are professionals who specialise in building and repairing firearms. A bachelor’s degree in gunsmithing from one of the best gunsmithing schools in America provides you with the hands-on training and theoretical knowledge needed to enter this exciting field.
Many gunsmithing schools in America provide you with the training you need to become an expert in gun repairing or gun making, but which school should you go to?
Here are the top 7 list of the best gunsmithing schools in America.
Reasons you Should Attend Gunsmithing School in America
The following are some of the reasons you should attend a gunsmithing school, especially in the US:
- Lots of hands-on training
- Hands-on experience
- Getting up close and personal with firearms
- A future career opportunity
- Solid job prospects
- It’ll boost your confidence
1. Lots of hands-on training
There is no better way to learn how to do something than by doing it. On a typical day, you’ll spend at least three hours on the shop floor building guns, working with metal and wood, and fabricating parts. The rest of your day will be spent in the classroom learning about topics like safety practices and best practices for working with certain materials.
2. Hands-on experience
Gunsmiths are craftsmen who take pride in their work, so there’s never any question as to whether or not they’re skilled workers. But what distinguishes a talented gunsmith from an average one is often their experience in the field which can only be gained through hands-on work.
3. Getting up close and personal with firearms
Whether it’s putting together a rifle or refinishing a handgun, you’ll get to handle dozens of different models throughout your apprenticeship. You’ll also have access to some pretty cool tools that most people don’t get the chance to see in person!
4. A future career opportunity
Once you graduate, most employers won’t require much more than proof that you attended gunsmithing school and certification from the NRA before hiring you as an apprentice or journeyman gunsmith.
5. Solid job prospects
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow 22% in 2023 That means plenty of opportunities for new grads looking to enter this growing profession.
6. It’ll boost your confidence
Working with metal and wood might seem intimidating when you first start, but after six months under the tutelage of expert instructors, you’ll find that the skills you’ve learned are quite impressive—and even satisfying!
7 Best gunsmithing school in America
Many gunsmith schools offer instruction and training, but it is important to find the best one to fit your needs.
This process can be a difficult task, but it is worth the effort when you finally find the perfect school.
Below are the 7 best gunsmithing schools in America.
1. American Gunsmithing Institute
American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is the only school that teaches the entire gunsmithing process from start to finish. Students will learn how to build a firearm from scratch and produce firearms for law enforcement agencies and government agencies.
AGI also has one of the largest machine shops in the country, with more than $2 million worth of machinery.
The American Gunsmithing Institute was established over 20 years ago to train qualified individuals in all aspects of firearms construction, repair, and customisation.
There are no other schools that can teach you the full process of gunsmithing in such an expansive, intense course curriculum.
2. Montana Tech of the University of Montana
The Montana Tech of the University of Montana was founded as the first public engineering school west of the Mississippi River.
The university is well-known for its public land management, mechanical, and metallurgical programs.
It offers a degree in Gunsmithing that includes four semesters of coursework and hands-on instruction from professional machinists.
Aspiring gunsmiths can enroll anytime during the year but must be prepared to participate in an intensive two-week on-campus workshop before starting their courses.
3. Pennsylvania Gunsmith School
The Pennsylvania Gunsmith School is one of the best gunsmithing schools in America. It is located in Pennsylvania and has been offering quality training for more than 20 years.
The school offers students a wide range of courses to meet their needs, including gunsmithing, metalworking, woodworking, welding, and more.
The school’s main goal is to help students learn how to become professional gunsmiths who can provide high-quality services for their customers.
4. Michigan Gunsmith School
Another best gunsmithing school in America is The Michigan Gunsmith School. The school is a full-time, on-site program located in Michigan.
The program teaches students how to repair and rebuild firearms as well as manufacture new guns.
Students learn the skills of machinists, blacksmiths, and gunmakers to become skilled firearm technicians.
With hands-on experience and over 450 hours of instruction, this course teaches all aspects of this trade.
With such an intense focus on practical skills, students will graduate with invaluable knowledge for employment or opening their businesses.
5. Montana College of the Art and Craft
Montana College of Arts and Crafts is a small, private school that offers a two-year program for those who want to learn how to work with metal.
The school has been providing hands-on training in metalworking, jewelry design, and fabrication.
Students can specialize in one of four areas: metalsmithing, jewelry making, blacksmithing, or silversmithing.
At MCAC, students will have access to state-of-the-art equipment including hydraulic presses and lathes. Plus they’ll be taught by instructors with decades of experience in their respective fields.
6. West Virginia University Institute of Technology
This is another best gunsmithing schools in America and its program is designed to provide the student with a thorough understanding of how guns work, how to repair them, and how to make new ones.
Students can also earn their degree or certificate by taking individual classes on specific topics of interest.
A class on pistol-recoil operation explores the basics of shooting such as proper stance, aiming, and safety procedures.
The school also offers courses in firearm safety, weapon maintenance, and repair, forensic science, and more.
7. New Hampshire Institute of Art
New Hampshire Institute of Art is one of the best gunsmithing schools in America. It offers a variety of programs that will prepare you for a career as a gunsmith or firearms engineer.
The program at NHIAS is designed to give students the knowledge and skills they need to enter the field with confidence and success.
NHIAS offers many different courses for those interested in becoming a gunsmith or firearms engineer.
Courses include Basic Gunsmithing, Advanced Gunsmithing, Firearms Skills, and more. Students can choose from several different tracks including
- General Science and Engineering,
- Industrial Engineering,
- Mechanical Engineering,
- Electrical Engineering,
- Computer Science & Engineering, and more.
Students can also choose from a wide range of electives including
- Machine Shop Design and Fabrication
- Welding Technology
- Project Management
- Materials Science & Engineering
- Manufacturing Processes & Capabilities
- Project Management
- Quality Assurance Methods
- Statistical Process Control
- Safety Management Systems
- Quality Systems Management Systems
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Program
Best gunsmithing school in America: Conclusion
We’ve compiled a list of the top 7 best Gunsmithing schools in the United States. All of these schools offer courses that will give you a head start on your career and provide you with the skills needed to excel as a Gunsmith.