October 21, 2024

How Long Does it Take to Become a Gunsmith?

PA Gunsmith

Gunsmithing  can be  a rewarding profession.  Gunsmiths help firearm enthusiasts, law enforcement and the military  maintain and repair their firearms, or work with manufacturers to customize firearms.  They enjoy working with their hands and pay attention to detail.   They tend to be the type of individuals that are curious about how things work.  No two days are ever the same for a Gunsmith .

However, you can’t learn to be a Gunsmith  overnight. Before you start this journey, you need to understand how long it will take you to become a Gunsmith .

Career Pathways to Gunsmithing

A gunsmith refinishes, refurbishes repairs,  builds (which is assembling), and customizes firearms. Gunsmiths do not design, manufacture or prototype  guns from scratch, nor do they work on an assembly line putting together mass-produced guns. Instead, they work on individual firearms, using machinery and tools, and often providing high levels of customization.

There are several career paths for Gunsmiths. Many graduates work at Gunshops  that solely repair and customize firearms.   Some shops may sell firearms.   You can also work at a sporting goods store specializing in the gun department. Major firearm manufacturers employ gunsmiths in their custom shops; Gunsmiths  at makers of high-end firearms build custom guns of all types from start to finish, customizing to both company standards and customer preferences. Shooting ranges hire gunsmiths to maintain rental firearms and provide customization and repair services for customers. This might range from making or crafting a custom stock to simply troubleshooting. Law enforcement agencies also employ Gunsmiths  and, of course, the military, some at elite units such as Seal Teams. 

Last but not least, some Gunsmiths  specialize in restoring and preserving antique firearms for collectors, museums, or reenactors. They may also work on guns that are being used as props for movies.

You can also specialize in an area such as engraving guns, designing highly checkered and decorated stocks, or working with hunting guns. Note that while Gunsmith  and armorer are different things, some Gunsmiths  may work as armorers.  In a nutshell, an armorer is a parts replacer and typically will not repair, refurbish or customize guns.

As you can see, there are various opportunities for qualified Gunsmiths . 

Duration of Gunsmithing Program

At Pennsylvania Gunsmith School ® , our Master Gunsmithing Program ® is  16 months in length. This program includes 2496 clock hours primarily spent at the bench, although there are some lectures.   Hours at the bench equate to hands-on learning.  This is important in a career like gunsmithing.  When comparing programs ask how many of the clock or credit hours are at the bench and if there are general education courses.    Programs with general education courses will take away from bench time.  You will pay for classes you do not have to take to learn gunsmithing. Make sure you pick an accredited program.  One such agency is the Accrediting Commission  of Career Schools and Colleges,  

If you want to become a Gunsmith , it takes time. But if you have the passion and perseverance, you will find a career that can be rewarding to those that love to work with their hands and mind and earn a living at it. . If you want to become a Gunsmith , contact Pennsylvania Gunsmith School ® today and check out our Master Gunsmithing Program.