From the Desk of the CEO

Founded in 1949, Pennsylvania Gunsmith School was established to provide employment-focused training, including opportunities for veterans returning from World War II. Throughout its history, PGS has adapted its curriculum to reflect changes in the workplace, evolving technical requirements, and the needs of employers.

As educational technology and instructional methods continue to evolve, PGS remains committed to providing students with practical, relevant training that prepares them for the technical demands of the profession. Our approach emphasizes the development of hands-on skills, sound technical knowledge, and the ability to adapt to changing industry requirements.

The Employment Outlook for Gunsmithing

The U.S. firearms and ammunition industry continues to represent a substantial part of the national economy. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the industry generated an estimated $91.7 billion in economic impact and supported approximately 383,000 full-time-equivalent jobs across direct, supplier, and induced employment categories in 2024.

Although firearm purchasing and manufacturing activity have moderated from pandemic-era highs, the large existing population of privately owned firearms represents a potential source of ongoing demand for maintenance, repair, inspection, restoration, and other specialized services.

These industry trends provide a useful context for evaluating career opportunities in gunsmithing. However, employment prospects vary by location, specialization, experience, and business conditions. Prospective students should consider these factors alongside program-specific information about graduate employment, employer relationships, and career pathways.

At PGS, our continued focus is to equip students with practical technical competencies and a foundation for pursuing opportunities in gunsmithing and related fields. By maintaining relevant coursework and adapting instructional methods to changing workplace requirements, we aim to prepare graduates for the demands and opportunities of a changing industry.

Our commitment remains the same: to provide career-focused education that prepares students for the next stage of their professional lives.

-Bob Thacker, Pennsylvania Gunsmith School® (PGS)