Gunsmith
Career Diploma3 months
Whether you're looking to start on your path toward becoming a professional gunsmith or just want to refine your skills for your hobby, our online Gunsmithing classes can help you prepare to take the next step. With flexible, self-paced courses, you can build your industry knowledge and learn how to apply for a Federal Firearms License from home.
- Prepares students to work as a gunsmith or start their own business in the industry
- Students learn essential topics like gun safety, firearm assembly/disassembly, antique firearm restoration, customizing gun stocks, mounting telescopic sights, custom-loading ammunition, basic metalwork, metal finishing, and machine tool operation, as well as the history of rifles and handguns.
- Learn how to apply for your Federal Firearms License, which is a requirement to work with and sell firearms.
- Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.
Accredited
Online
Self Paced
Save up to $290Ends 5/14/2024
Cost of Program
$799
$1,089Save $290
or
$59/month, Start for as low as $20
Enroll NowRequest Info
1-800-275-4410(9AM - 9PM ET)
What You Will Learn
- How to identify and evaluate firearms by type, manufacturer, history, and physical characteristics.
- How to understand and comply with gun safety when handling firearms.
- Basic metallurgy and the welding process, including soldering, brazing, and heat treatment techniques.
- How to work in the firearms business, from sales and services and types of ownership to licensing requirements and seasonal issues.
Gunsmith Career Outcomes
Gunsmith
AVG SALARY*
$43,010/yr
NUMBER OF JOBS*
172,697
Our online Gunsmith Career Diploma program is designed by experts in the industry to help students prepare for a job in the field. You'll learn how to become a gunsmith, as well as learn skills essential to success in the role such as gun safety.
State Licensing Requirements
Licensing and/or certification requirements for jobs in certain fields are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered by your Penn Foster Program. You should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where you plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in your program.See the State Licensing pagefor contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.
Gunsmithing Career Diploma Curriculum
- 6 Courses
- 38.4 continuing education units
- 19 exams
Estimated completion time:
- Fast track = 3 months
- Average time = 6 months
With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.
In your online gunsmithing classes, you'll learn the skills and knowledge that are essential to working in the industry. Your lessons include:
- Identifying and Evaluating Firearms
- Rifles
- Handguns
- Metal Finishing
Show Full Curriculum
Gunsmithing Student Success Stories
Penn Foster’s Gunsmithing classes can help prepare you for the first step in your gunsmithing career. This program has helped recent graduates learn at their own pace, find new jobs, and start their own businesses. Learn more about Penn Foster graduates' experiences and how Penn Foster worked for them.
View Student Success Stories
John M.
Penn Foster Graduate, 2023
“It was a great gunsmith program. Excellent study resources and information.”
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Gunsmith Training Tuition
Our Gunsmith Training Program is meant to be affordable for your budget. With tuition payment plan options, you can choose which works best for your needs and get started today!
Option 1: Pay in full
Save up to $290Ends 5/14/2024
Cost of Program
$799
$1,089Save $290
- Best price. Best value.
- Pay the full cost today
- No monthly payments
Enroll Now
Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan
Save up to $90Ends 5/14/2024
Cost of Program
$999
$1,089Save $90
- Pay $59 per month
- Start for $20 down
- All major credit and debit cards accepted
Enroll Now
Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan
cost of program
$1,089
- Pay $59 per month
- Start for $49 down
- Mail your payments
Enroll Now
California residents please click herefor Required California Disclosures.
Need more info or ready to enroll?
Looking for more information on transfer credits, military benefits, or our refund policy? Find this information and more about tuition and enrollment here.
We're here to help. Call1-800-275-4410(9AM - 9PM ET)
Request Info
Our Proven Gunsmith Learning Model
Empowering you to reach your goals
Flexible
- No set start date
- No exam due dates
- Work when and where you want
Interactive
- Engaging digital study guides
- Easy to use eBooks
- Practical exercises
Connected
- 24/7 access to online resources
- Connect with students and alumni in our Penn Foster Group
- Engaging online student community
Supportive
- Expert instructors and Academic Advocates available by phone or email
- Robust learning resources
- Dedicated student services
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Gunsmith Training Program FAQs
What is the salary of a gunsmith?
The average annual salary for a skilled gunsmith can vary based on experience, location and other factors. Payscale reports the average pay of a gunsmith to be $43,010 per year.*
How long do you have to go to school to be a gunsmith?
Training to become a gunsmith with Penn Foster can be done around the schedule that works the best for you, though formal education isn’t necessary to secure a job in the field. However, documented and verified training as well as a high school diploma can help you stand out among other applicants when applying for open opportunities as a gunsmith.
Why is learning gunsmithing important?
With an estimated 393 million legally-owned firearmsin the United States, skilled gunsmiths are needed to repair, maintain and update parts for safety. With firearms, regular upkeep is necessary and gunsmiths are vital to keeping owners and others safe by using their knowledge to ensure all parts are in working order, without risk of faulty mechanics.
Do I need an FFA to become a gunsmith?
An FFA is also known as an FFL, which stands for Federal Firearms License. A gunsmith is required to have an FFL if they plan to profit or make a living buying, selling, and repairing firearms. The fee for obtaining an FFL is $200 and is good for 3 years. You may also be required to undergo a background check.
What skills do you need to become a gunsmith?
Gunsmiths work with small parts on a regular basis and must follow federal laws regarding firearms, meaning attention to detail is a must. An effective gunsmith is also one who is able to perform detailed metalwork, has a familiarity with various tools used in the field, and is interested in how firearms work from the inside out.
Sources:
*Payscale. "Gunsmith Hourly Pay." Accessed October 11, 2023.
"Firearm and Ammunition Industry Economic Impact." NSSF. Published March 16, 2021. Accessed October 11, 2023.
Statements found on Payscale are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.
About the Federal Firearms License
A Federal Firearms License, of FFL for short, is a national permit that allows you or a company to do business related to the making of firearms and ammunition. Laws and regulations on gun ownership vary from state to state. However, if you make a living from buying, selling or repairing guns, you are required under federal law to get a Federal Firearms License. The fee is $200 and the license is good for 3 years.
About the Federal Firearms License
A Federal Firearms License, of FFL for short, is a national permit that allows you or a company to do business related to the making of firearms and ammunition. Laws and regulations on gun ownership vary from state to state. However, if you make a living from buying, selling or repairing guns, you are required under federal law to get a Federal Firearms License. The fee is $200 and the license is good for 3 years.
On average, learners can complete their program in as few as 6 months. Faster learners, or those with more time to dedicate to their coursework, can finish in as little as 3 months. If you don’t have lots of time to dedicate to your program, that’s ok too! You can learn at the pace that works for you and your schedule. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.
