How to Become a Gunsmith
Gunsmiths make, modify, restore, or repair guns according to blueprints or customer specifications. Some gunsmiths work as general practitioners in the field while others work as specialists. Gunsmiths are often hired by hunters, collectors or sellers of firearms and gun owners who need weapons repaired or customized. Gunsmiths may open their own businesses or work for major firearms dealers. Gunsmiths must be fully and lawfully qualified to own firearms. Gunsmiths must love weapons and possess fantastic hand and eye coordination. Gunsmiths must also be detail oriented and follow safety precautions. Gunsmiths also must have great balance, sights, and grip to perform their job sufficiently.
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High school students interested in jobs as a gunsmith may prepare with courses like: physical education, business communication, English, mathematics, and even psychology. Students who participate in gun safety courses and enjoy hunting or shooting guns often fair well in careers as gunsmiths and perhaps increase chances of acceptance in future training programs.
A one year certificate program offered through a trade or vocational school, online career program, or community college allows students to gain skills and training necessary to become a gunsmith. Students enrolled in a career diploma program take courses like: ammunition and ballistics, gunsmith tools, identifying and evaluating firearms, and metalwork to expand educational training necessary to advance to higher degree programs.
An apprenticeship program allows students to skills and training necessary to work as a gunsmith in a hands on learning environment. Students participate in classroom training and a “hands on” experience with a qualified gunsmith to master basic skills necessary to advance to more difficult tasks. Apprenticeship programs are available through informal apprentice programs with gunsmiths or formal gunsmith apprentice programs offered through the Association of Gunsmiths and Related Trades (TAOGART). Prospective students must be at least 16 years old, possess a GED or High School Diploma, and be legally able to handle firearms. Apprenticeship programs generally consist of 8,000 training hours with other gunsmiths, within government agencies, or gun shops. Students learn how to operate machinery, customize firearms, repair firearms, assemble and disassemble firearms, design stock, and advance to polishing and bluing, checkering, revolversmithing, pistolsmithing, and shotgunsmithing. Students who successfully complete an apprenticeship program may advance to college level training programs or enter careers as gunsmiths within gun shops, private shooting ranges, or sporting goods stores.
A career diploma program offered through a trade or vocational school or online college, offers students the opportunity to learn basic and advanced gunsmithing techniques. Students participate in courses like: repairing and customizing guns, small business finance, double gun locking systems, bolt modification, misfire correction, barrel contouring, and specialized courses in: custom design, refinishing, gun engraving, or pistol-smithing. Students may advance to college degree training programs or entry level jobs as a gunsmith.
An associates degree program offered through a trade or vocational school or online college allows students to gain skills and training necessary for a career as a gunsmith. Students participate in courses like: introduction to firearms industry, basic gunsights, gun stocks course, gun polishing, refinishing, and engraving, machinery operation, advanced gun repair technology, custom rebuilding, shooting sports management, repairing and customizing firearms, creating custom ammunition, restoring valuable antique firearms, gun shop management, and business. Students in an associates degree program must complete a clinical experience to gain hands on experience, under the supervision of a qualified gunsmith, before gaining employment as a gunsmith.
All graduates of a gunsmith program may access certification programs offered by the Association of Gunsmiths and Related Trades (TAOGART.) TAOGART offers educational opportunities, apprenticeship opportunities, and valuable gunsmith specialty training relating to barrel and/or stock making and engraving.. TAOGART also coordinates consultations between professional gunsmiths, stock and barrel makers, and engravers throughout the United States and Internationally.
Students who wish to advance to higher college level degree programs must pursue a degree in a gunsmithing related field as the highest degree available is at an associate degree level.
