The art of gun making cannot escape the influence of technology and it is now done through the internet. Traditional universities are no longer the only way people can learn, as Online gunsmithing schools have opened doors to anyone who owns a computer and internet connection to learn the craft of making firearms, fixing them and even customizing them at the comfort of their homes. This is a convenience that does not require one to travel or change his or her time table to attend regular class since these programs are flexible and allow one to study at his or her own time.
Whether you are looking to sharpen your home collection or looking to make it a profession, the online gunsmithing schools offer the best in classes from basic repair to intricate procedures. Aspiring to build precision from anywhere? These online programs make it possible.
Best Online Gunsmithing Schools
For anyone who wants to become a gunsmith, there are various online schools that can offer assistance in this. Here are some options to consider:
1. American Gunsmithing Institute
This online school has professional gunsmithing classes whereby students learn about design, function, repairing of guns and modifying them. It allows you to learn and even have a job while being at home without much pressure.
Accreditation: National Rifle Association (NRA)
Courses: GUNSMITHING SPECIALTIES like Professional Gunsmith, Master Gunsmith or Custom Pistolsmith.
Format: Youtube clips, written instructions and practical exercises
Duration: Self-taught, 1-2 years
Cost: $2995-$4995
AGI provides practical gunsmithing training courses and is one of the best institutions for learning the practice.
2. Penn Foster College
Penn Foster has a career diploma in gunsmithing, which has practical exercises that involve ebooks and digital study materials. The program is also flexible and can be completed in as little as 3 months, depending on the student pace.
Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
Program: Gunsmithing Career Diploma program
Format: Books, e-books, articles, and online classes
Duration: Self-paced, 3-6 months
Cost: $599 to $799
Essentials of Gunsmithing through Penn Foster comprises the best and most affordable self-paced program with an emphasis on the career.
3. Modern Gun School
This trade school’s advanced gunsmithing program is self-paced, consists of hands-on projects and has 65 lessons in total.
Accreditation: America’s oldest and most respected gun rights advocacy organization, the National Rifle Association (NRA).
Program: Advanced Gunsmithing
Format: Offering fully online courses and numerous practical assignments
Duration: Independent working mode; usually it takes 1-2 years.
Cost: from $2495 upto $3495
Modern Gun School offers “enhanced gunsmithing” education with emphasis in technique.
4. Murray State College
Murray State College has an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Gunsmithing Technology that has classes in rebarreling, metal refinishing, and Computer Numerical Control operation
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Institutions of Higher Learning (HLC)
Program: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Gunsmithing Technology
Format: Online courses and hands-on project work
Duration: 2 years
Cost: $10,000-$20,000 per annum
Murray State College provides an associate of applied science degree in gunsmithing technology and has a major emphasis on the technical aspect.
5. Sonoran Desert Institute
SDI has a certificate course in Firearms Technology—Gunsmithing that includes areas such as the management of shooting sports, machining/manufacturing of firearms, as well as firearms inspection and diagnostics.
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges / (ACCSC)
Program: Firearms Technology—Gunsmithing Certificate
Format: Online classes, practical assignments
Duration: Flexible; it may take 12–18 months to complete.
Cost: $10 000 to $ 15 000
SDI has a well-developed program in gunsmithing supported by the principles of firearms technology and safety.
What You Can Expect from Online Gunsmithing Schools
Online gunsmithing schools have been established to provide the students with different courses which cover all the aspects of the course. These programs can generally be taken by beginners without prior knowledge, while they can also be useful to anyone who has some background knowledge related to the courses. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Foundational Courses in Firearm Safety and Mechanics
The basic and most important step that is taken in any kind of gunsmithing education is to learn about firearms and how they work. These ‘online gunsmithing schools’ usually start with lessons that deal with the components of a firearm, the operation of guns, and more importantly, the precautionary measures to be taken.
It is necessary to understand how to handle firearms in the first place so as to avoid putting yourself in a dangerous position and to make sure that any work carried out on a firearm is legal and safe. Typically, courses encompass federal, state and local laws regarding firearms and handling and storage practices.
2. Firearm Repair and Maintenance
After understanding the basic knowledge of guns, students normally progress to know how to manage and fix guns. This involves simple tasks such as cleaning and applying oil on the gun, as well as diagnosing the problem and making the necessary repairs. These are fundamental skills any person who wants to become a gunsmith needs to have since cleaning firearms is important to make sure they work as required for an extended duration.
Students in online gunsmithing schools get to learn how to disassemble, clean, repair and assemble firearms from detailed video tutorials, reading materials and, in some cases, even virtual simulations.
3. Advanced Machining and Tooling
An important characteristic of the gunsmith is his or her capability to modify and construct part of the guns. Machining and tooling is something that students discover in this section because these are necessary for creating custom modifications. Some of the usual tools that may be used by gunsmiths include lathes, mills, and other precision instruments for making new parts or building/rebuilding others.
While it might sound like a daunting idea to learn about machining in an online setting, most online gunsmithing schools incorporate graphics, images, diagrams, and videos that will help their students. Some programs also involve the facilities of local shops, where students can practice exercises and other assignments, making a connection between the online environment and real-life situations.
4. Customization and Restoration
Another important element that we have to mention is the possibility to customize firearms. Owners of firearms want to modify their weapons; it can be for reasons of performance or just to make the gun look better. Americans who wish to learn gunsmithing often attend online gunsmithing schools in order to take classes in customization like engraving, refinishing and even modifying stock, grips, and triggers, among other parts.
There is also restoration as a skill which is vital, particularly to the gunsmith who may be handling antique or perhaps vintage firearms. These courses equip the students with knowledge on how to reconstruct antique firearms that have been either misused or wrecked to their initial state and condition without altering their history.
5. Specialized Firearm Training
Certain online gunsmithing schools have more elaborate programs and may focus on particular models and types of firearms, including rifles, shotguns, or handguns or even black powder arms. These courses give concrete understanding of the specificities of the shooting and repair of each make and model of firearms, allowing the students to choose to focus on a specific area if they would like to.
Job Opportunities for Graduates of online gunsmithing schools
- Gunsmithing shops: A graduate of online gunsmithing school can Work in a retail or a custom gun shop to repair, modify or customize firearms.
- Firearm manufacturing: they can also work for firearm manufacturers; they inspect, fix or modify the firearms and ammunition.
- Law enforcement: Work as a firearms technician or armorer for law enforcement agencies by ensuring that the firearms delivered for use are in good condition as they maintain, repair and increase efficiency of the department-issued firearms.
- Self-employment: Start a private company for custom guns or gun customizing or become a traveling gunsmith.
- Firearm dealerships: Work for a company that sells firearms as a sales representative or a technician.
Conclusion
Through online gunsmithing schools, you have the flexibility to learn at a comfortable pace and gain experience from the comfort of your homes to actually convert your passion for guns into a rewarding and profitable career.
With the market demand for skilled gunsmiths rising more and more, this is the right time to join any of the online gunsmithing schools that are available. By the time you get the right training, you will be ready to start making precision firearms and other products in this ever-evolving industry.
