Potential students have the opportunity to turn their hobby into a career in one of these Top Online Schools for Gunsmithing Programs! Whether individuals intend to pursue a diploma, certificate, or degree program, these four institutions will provide an extensive education in the assembly, maintenance, cleaning, repair, and customization of all types of firearms.
Students will also develop a well-founded understanding of the safety, laws, and regulations that govern the buying, selling/distribution, and usage of firearms in the United States. These programs fully certify students in gunsmithing and give them the knowledge to sit for any federal or state licensing exams/procedures.
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Check out our “Things to Consider” section:
Is there job security in Gunsmithing?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for individuals in this type of profession is on a decline. However, as long as individuals continue to buy guns, the need for proper manufacturing and careful regulation will exist.
What sort of salary can I earn as a Gunsmith?
The average salary for a Gunsmith, according to the BLS, depending on their position of employment and years of experience, is $36,690 per year, as of May 2019. Gunsmithing is included in the “Metal and Plastic Machine” category on the BLS website.
Where can I find a job as a Gunsmith?
Acquiring an education in gunsmithing grants opportunity for employment at gun repair shops, target ranges, sporting goods stores, or for law enforcement agencies and the military. In addition, many Gunsmiths are self-employed.
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METHODOLOGY
In developing this list, OnlineSchoolsCenter.com chose not to list the schools in an ordered way, but instead, highlighted four of the very best programs, all of which have their own unique strengths. These schools were chosen for several factors that put them ahead of other online programs, due to their:
- Nature of the coursework focused on Gunsmithing and related materials,
- Degree of thoroughness and skills set,
- Complexity of the curriculum offering knowledge necessary to excel in the field of Gunsmithing,
- Offers programs with 100% online availability,
- Provides sufficient financial aid availability,
- Offers an education that gives students more than just classroom experience,
- Prepares students for the workforce and/or entrepreneurship as a self-employed Gunsmith.
For more information, see our Methodology page!
You may also want to check out the most lucrative trade school programs!
SONORAN DESERT INSTITUTE
Program Standouts:
The Sonoran Desert Institute has been educating students at a distance in the gunsmithing profession since 1921. Since its establishment by a WWI field artillery officer, it has become an internationally recognized online school that offers multiple distinguished degree programs in the firearms discipline.
Campus Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission; Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education; National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements
Tuition and Fees:
- $20,080 full program—Associate of Science in Firearms Technology tuition
- $10,630 full program—Advanced Gunsmithing Certificate tuition
- $1,250 full program—Ballistics and Reloading Certificate tuition
- $595 not including $295 per credit hour—Firearm Technology Individual/Optional Courses tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and state grants; federal and alternative loans; institutional and alternative scholarship opportunities; military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: unavailable
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official high school or GED transcripts, and a statement of eligibility in handling firearms.
Program Options:
- Associate of Science in Firearms Technology
- Advanced Gunsmithing Certificate
- Advanced Armorer Courses
- Ballistics and Reloading Certificate
Degree Outcomes:
Upon completion of any one of these fine programs, graduates are able to diagnose the impediments of correct firearms operation and formulate appropriate repair strategies, as well as complete any other maintenance, installations, or otherwise complex tasks involving firearms. Glowing student reviews profess the esteemed level of education gained from attending this online school.
LEARN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SONORAN DESERT INSTITUTE’S ONLINE ADVANCED GUNSMITHING CERTIFICATE
PENN FOSTER CAREER SCHOOL
Program Standouts:
One of the oldest and largest online schools in the country, Penn Foster Career School has been providing gunsmith training to aspiring gunsmiths for over 30 years, and today offers an online Gunsmith Career Diploma. The curriculum leads students through a comprehensive approach to gunsmithing, within which dedicated faculty members are constantly available.
Campus Location: Scranton, PA
Accreditation: Penn Foster Career School is regionally accredited for non-degree granting postsecondary programs by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; Nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, and accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Tuition and Fees: Penn Foster offers a quality education at an affordable price. They offer flexible monthly payment plans with 0% interest! Penn Foster Career School is also approved for veteran’s education benefits!
Acceptance Rate: unavailable
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit transcripts representing an educational level of at least the 8th grade and must be at least 17 years of age.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Identifying and Evaluating Firearms
- Customizing Gun Stocks
- Ammunition, Reloading, and Basic Ballistics
Degree Outcomes:
This online school gives students the training to access serious discipline in a safe and educated manner. Upon graduation, alumni can apply for employment at gun repair shops, sporting goods stores, and target rages, as well as firearms manufacturers, law enforcement agencies, and the military. Coursework also helps students prepare to sit for the Federal Firearms License exam.
LEARN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PENN FOSTER CAREER SCHOOL’S ONLINE GUNSMITH CAREER DIPLOMA
MODERN GUN SCHOOL
Program Standouts:
The Modern Gun School provides an advanced Gunsmithing Course comprised of 65 lessons involving DVD and online classes. Students are instructed by highly educated master gunsmith mentors. This online school has trained hundreds of students and provides well-accredited firearms curricula for those pursuing mastery of the trade (as well as for hobbyists!).
Campus Location: Wilmington, DE
Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Tuition and Fees:
- $1,999 with Plan A (full payment); $2,099 with Plan B (higher monthly payments); 2,199 (lower monthly payments)—tuition
Types of Aid: Need-based grants and loans; private scholarship opportunities; various payment plans with low monthly payments.
Acceptance Rate: unavailable
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, a completed Enrollment Agreement, the initial program down payment (part of tuition), and official high school or GED transcripts. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Basics of Stock Finishing & Refinishing
- Gunology
- Buying & Selling Firearms
Degree Outcomes:
Upon completion of this extensive online course, graduates have the knowledge and skill to work independently, start their own business, or secure a position in a gun repair shop. This online school gives students not only a broad education but supplies them with numerous hands-on projects to increase their experience levels before entering the workforce with a new trade.
LEARN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE MODERN GUN SCHOOL’S ONLINE BASIC AND ADVANCED GUNSMITHING OPTIONS
ASHWORTH COLLEGE
Program Standouts:
Upon completion of this refined online program, graduates receive a one-year Silver Membership in the highly respected Gun Club of America ($299.50 value)—a national fraternity for firearm enthusiasts. This career diploma program teaches practical, hands-on techniques for troubleshooting, disassembling, repairing, and reassembling a variety of firearms.
Campus Location: Norcross, GA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Tuition and Fees:
- $9,500—tuition
Types of Aid: Low tuition costs; various highly affordable monthly payment plans that start as low as $49/mo; family tuition discounts; student referral bonuses; periodic savings opportunities.
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Admission Requirements:
None unless otherwise specified from individual students.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Common Rifle Gunsmith Tasks
- Modifying Revolvers and Pistols
- Customizing for Appearance and Accuracy
Degree Outcomes:
Ashworth students receive personalized career guidance throughout their education and beyond, and are prepared to sit for any federal, state, or local government licensing exams. Graduates go on to work in firearm manufacturers, rifle clubs, firearm dealerships, hunting and sports shops, and more.
LEARN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ASHWORTH COLLEGE’S ONLINE GUNSMITHING DIPLOMA
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For more details on Gunsmithing, click on a link to find the answer to your inquiry:
What does a career in Gunsmithing entail?
What kind of education do I need to be a Gunsmith?
Where can I work as a Gunsmith and what kind of salary can I earn?
What areas of specialization are available in Gunsmithing?
Should I work an apprenticeship while earning my online certificate in Gunsmithing?