Gunsmith

Career Diploma 3 months

Take Gunsmithing Classes Online

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

Cost of Program

$839

$1,139 Save $300

$59/month, Start for as low as $20

Request Info Enroll Now

1-800-471-3232 (9AM - 9PM ET)

gunsmith inspects rifle scope in workshop.

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.

Full Program Goal & Outcomes

Gunsmith Career Outcomes

Gunsmith

AVG SALARY*

$46,391/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

384,000

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 page for 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.”

Looking for skilled trades training for your workers?

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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

Cost of Program¹

$839

$1,139 Save $300

Best price. Best value.
Pay the full cost today
No monthly payments

Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Cost of Program¹

$1,049

$1,139 Save $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 program¹

$1,139

Pay $59 per month
Start for $49 down
Mail your payments

Enroll Now

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
Learning Resource Center and digital library

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 $46,391 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 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.

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 November 12, 2024.

"Firearm and Ammunition Industry Economic Impact." NSSF. Published March 16, 2021. Accessed November 12, 2024.

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.

Disclaimers:

¹ Depending on where you live, you may be charged taxes in addition to the total cost of your program.