by Updated on | $ Online Programs: $600-$1,000+ | $ $ Tuition Costs: $24,627+ | $ $ $ Tuition + Extra Expenses: $31,347+ |
In American history, guns have always been an important part of it, transforming them almost into the country’s cultural heritage.
And people who are extremely passionate about guns and decided to take that passion to another level can make a career out of it, gunsmithing.
What Is A Gunsmith?
Gunsmiths are professionals that have the expertise and knowledge to work with all kinds of guns and firearms.
These firearms professionals can repair and customize weapons, giving a second chance to old and damaged guns or creating a whole new trend in the industry.
Gunsmiths must have excellent metalwork and design skills to help clients fix or renovate their guns.
Earn your accredited, affordable Gunsmith career diploma online with Penn Foster in as little as 3 months!
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics, for gunsmiths, the median annual wage was $38,270 per year and $18.40 per hour.
What Are The Responsibilities/Duties Of A Gunsmith?
The typical duties and responsibilities of a gunsmith include:
- Maintaining accurate records of the nature of the work done on customers’ guns as well as customers’ gun details, such as gun serial number, gun type, caliber, and gauge.
- Inspecting customers’ guns to identify any mechanical problems.
- Designing and constructing guns according to customers’ specifications.
- Modifying or adapting factory-made guns to customers’ specifications.
- Repairing damaged gun components and fixing gun malfunctions.
- Replacing the barrels on existing rifles to change the caliber, correct accuracy problems, alter the overall rifle weight, or provide a customized look.
- Bluing gun barrels and various gun components to prevent rusting.
- Restoring old, dilapidated, or antique guns.
- Attaching optical sights, pistol grips, or recoil pads to various guns.
What Are The Cost Of A Gunsmith Program?
The cost of a gunsmith program can vary depending on the length of the program, level of specialization, the type of school and program, if you are an in-state or out-of-state student, the state the school is located in, and the materials needed.
The most popular gunsmith programs consist of professional certificates or associate’s degrees, but people often prefer to get the certificate as it is the fastest and cheapest option; an associate’s degree can take up to two years to complete, while a certificate takes up to one year.
The average tuition cost of Gunsmith programs is $24,627, and the average books and supplies costs are about $6,720, making a total average of $31,347.
There also exist online gunsmith program options, which can cost $600 to $1,000 and more.
The following price comparison shows the difference between online gunsmith programs and classic programs:
| School | Type of Program | Price |
| Murray State College | two-year associate in arts degree in gunsmithing | $4,134 for residents, $9,292 for non-residents, and $1,400 for books and supplies |
| Trinidad State Junior College | 60 weeks certificate in gunsmithing | tuition and fees are $6,617 and $4,000 for books and supplies |
| Ashworth College | 6 months online career diploma in gunsmithing | $809 |
| Penn Foster | online gunsmithing program | $765 |
CollegeTuitionCompare.com also provides a tuition comparison between renowned gunsmith programs:
| School Name | Tuition & Fees | Books and Supplies |
| Colorado School of Trades (Lakewood, CO) | $24,300 | $4,500 |
| M T Training Center (Grand Prairie, TX) | $21,500 | |
| Pennsylvania Gunsmith School (Pittsburgh, PA) | $28,080 | $8,940 |
Extra Expenses
- Aside from the tuition and fees, the books, supplies, rent, and food increase the average price of a gunsmith program depending on every individual case; for extra expenses, students may add an average of $9,000 annually.
- Students must also provide their own gunsmithing tools, which can cost around $3,000.
- In the USA, gunsmiths are regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and gunsmiths that want to do business with the public, need a Federal Firearms License (FFL) issued by the ATF.
What Are The Best Schools That Offer Gunsmith Programs?
The best Gunsmithing Schools and Programs are:
| School | Location | Type of Program | Duration | Price |
| Yavapai College Gunsmithing School Arizona | Prescot, Arizona | AAS degree in Gunsmithing | 24 months | $15,256 for Arizona residents, or $21,880 for non-residents |
| Lassen Community College | Susanville, northeast California | Associate in Science degree in General Gunsmithing or Firearms | 24 months or four semesters | |
| Trinidad State College | AAS degree in Gunsmithing or Gunsmithing Certificate | Two years | $18,000 | |
| Colorado School of Trades | Lakewood | Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Gunsmithing | 14 months | $10,000 |
| Pennsylvania Gunsmith School | Avalon | Master Gunsmithing program | 16 months | $22,102 |