Build or Refine Your Gunsmithing Skills​

Penn Foster College has offered gunsmith training for over 30 years. With our affordable Gunsmith training program, you can gain gunsmithing knowledge and skills online, studying at a pace that's right for you.​ Throughout your training, you’ll have access to our dedicated faculty to receive expert instruction. You'll also receive helpful wall charts, manuals, two NRA Firearms Assembly guides, and information about applying for a federal firearms license. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to complete a comprehensive Brownells' practical exercise on the way to your Gunsmithing career diploma.

In addition to learning from our experienced faculty members, you will receive a reference library that includes industry-standard resources for gunsmiths. You'll get access to the largest gunsmith tool company with Brownells tool catalog, plus the NRA-issued disassembly guide. Near the end of your program, you will learn how to apply for your federal firearms license, so you can be confident moving forward with your gunsmithing skills.

In the Penn Foster College Gunsmith Program, you'll cover topics such as gun safety and 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.

Q. What is the salary of a Gunsmith?

A. The average annual salary for a skilled gunsmith can vary based on experience, location and more. Payscale reports the average hourly pay of a gunsmith to be $16.66 per hour, with a yearly salary of around $39,653.²

Q. How long do you have to go to school to be a Gunsmith?

A. Training to become a Gunsmith with Penn Foster can take as little as 3 months, though formal education isn’t necessary to secure a job in the field. However, documented and verified training can help you stand out among other applicants when applying for open opportunities as a Gunsmith.

Q. Why is learning Gunsmithing important?

A. With an estimated 393 million legally-owned firearms in 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.

Q. Do I need an FFA to become a Gunsmith?

A. 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.

Q. What skills do you need to be a Gunsmith?

A. 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.