9 Best Free Online Gunsmithing Courses

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Learning gunsmithing at home is possible with the availability of online courses most of them are free for people searching for the best free online gunsmithing courses to start learning from the comfort of their homes.

Gunsmithing is an untapped area of learning that presents a variety of career opportunities for people who have undergone the required gunsmithing training and have acquired certification in gunsmithing.

Thank goodness for the provisions made by different gunsmithing colleges and their eagerness to provide free courses on how to handle firearms, maintenance, and a lot more. However, how long it takes to learn gunsmithing varies from one gunsmithing school to the other.

In this article, we’ll show some amazing schools that teach gunsmithing as well as explore the different jobs in the field. This way, you have all the information necessary to find the perfect school and start your own journey through gunsmithing.

List of free online gunsmithing courses and how to apply

1. Penn Foster Career School

Penn Foster Career School is one of the world’s best gunsmithing schools. With over 75 years of experience in distance learning, Penn Foster Career School has the resources and expertise to help you succeed in your chosen career.

Penn Foster Career School offers an accredited Gunsmithing program that can be completed online in as little as four months. This program includes comprehensive courses on firearm safety, operation, maintenance, and repair; firearms history; firearms law; and gunsmithing business practices. You’ll also have the opportunity to complete an externship to gain real-world experience.

When you graduate from Penn Foster Career School, you’ll be prepared to take the National Rifle Association’s Certified Firearms Instructor Exam2 and start your new career.

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According to Penn Foster Career School, an average salary of a gunsmith is $40,486/annum with over 150,000 job opportunities.

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2. Sonoran Desert Institute

Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) currently does not offer free gunsmithing courses or programs.
“The Sonoran Desert Institute is one of the world’s best gunsmithing schools” We do not make this claim. However, Sonoran Desert Institute is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

  • The Sonoran Desert Institute is located in Tempe, Arizona.
  • SDI offers classes in an online format only, with no on-campus classes.
  • Sonoran Desert Institute faculty bring years of industry-specific experience to the student experience.
  • A staffed shop is not available to students.
  • Online tools, feedback and advice, and other means of instructor consultation on student tests and quizzes are provided.

Tools and equipment are provided by the Institute and included in the total program cost. These items are shipped to the student with other learning materials and will belong to the student. Students need to have access to a firearm for certain courses and may need additional supplies to complete certain projects.


Background checks are not a requirement for admission. However, prior to admission into SDI, all applicants must submit authorization for a background check. Applicants are subject to a background check prior to and/or during their program of study.

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3. American Gunsmithing Institute

If you want to make money as a part-time or full-time certified gunsmith, the America Gunsmithing Institute is here for you. There is no better place to start your education than the American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI). They offer several different gunsmithing courses that can be completed online or through their correspondence program.

AGI was founded in 1943 by Bob Dunlap, a gunsmith, and former US Marine. Since then, AGI has helped over 12,000 students complete their gunsmithing education. Their courses are designed for both beginner and experienced gunsmiths alike.

One of the great things about AGI is that they offer a money-back guarantee on all of their courses. So if you’re not satisfied with your course, you can get your money back.

To enroll in one of AGI’s courses, simply visit their website and choose the course that you’re interested in. Once you’ve paid for the course, you’ll receive access to all of the materials needed to complete it.

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4. Ashworth College

Get a career Diploma in gunsmithing with the Ashworth College affordable gunsmithing programs. Ashworth claimed that there are over 57,000 licensed gun dealers in the USA which guarantees ample job opportunities for every certified gunsmith.

Ashworth is located in Georgia, USA, and offers a comprehensive training program that covers all aspects of gunsmithing.

The school offers both online and on-campus classes, and students can choose to study at their own pace or take accelerated courses. The curriculum covers everything from firearms history and safety to repair and customization.

Ashworth graduates are well-prepared for careers in gunsmithing, and many go on to open their own businesses. The school also offers job placement assistance to help students find work after graduation.

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5. Modern Gun School

MGS Trade School provides top-notch gunsmithing classes online. Located in beautiful Southern California, Modern Gun School offers students the opportunity to learn from some of the best gunsmiths in the business. With experienced instructors and a well-equipped facility, Modern Gun School is the perfect place to start your gunsmithing career.

Modern Gun School offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of gunsmithing. From repair and maintenance to the custom gun building, students will receive a well-rounded education that will prepare them for a successful career in the firearms industry. In addition to classroom instruction, students at Modern Gun School will also have the opportunity to participate in hands-on training with real firearms. This practical experience is essential for any aspiring gunsmith and will give you the skills you need to succeed in this competitive field.

Enrolling in Modern Gun School is easy! Just fill out an application form and submit it along with your transcripts and test scores. Once your application has been reviewed, you’ll be contacted by an admissions advisor who will help you complete the enrollment process. So don’t wait any longer, apply today and take the first step towards a rewarding career as a gunsmith!

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6. Colorado School of Trade

Colorado School of Trade is one of the world’s best gunsmithing schools. Located in Denver, Colorado, the school offers a two-year program that prepares students for careers in the firearms industry.

The school’s curriculum covers all aspects of gunsmithing, from firearms history and safety to machining and metalworking. Students also receive training in customer service and business management. Upon graduation, students are prepared to work in gun shops, pawn shops, sporting goods stores, and firearms manufacturers.

Interested students can apply online or by mail. Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED, as well as passing scores on the ACT or SAT. For more information on the Colorado School of Trade’s gunsmithing program, visit their website below:

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7. Lassen Community College

Lassen Community College (LCC) is located in Susanville, California, and offers an Associate of Science degree in Gunsmithing. The LCC Gunsmithing program is a two-year program that prepares students for careers in the firearms industry.

LCC’s Gunsmithing program is accredited by the National Association of Trade and Technical Schools (NATTS) and is recognized by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

The curriculum at LCC covers all aspects of firearms maintenance, repair, and customizing. Students will learn how to disassemble and reassemble guns, identify and correct malfunctions, perform basic metallurgy, stock making, checkering, engraving, and more.

graduates will be able to find employment with gunsmiths, firearm manufacturers, law enforcement agencies, the military, or as self-employed gunsmiths.

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8. Murray State College

Murray State College’s gunsmithing program was started in 1979 and provides training in custom gunsmithing and gun repair. Students develop the basic knowledge and skills needed to become professional gunsmiths. The two-year program teaches all aspects of building and repairing firearms.

Students visit several different firearm manufacturers and various gun shows during their time at MSC. They also have the opportunity to receive on-campus training from firearm manufacturers to obtain additional certifications. Historically, MSC gunsmithing advisors and instructors receive up to three job requests for each student who graduates from the program. All graduates can be placed in employment if open to relocating.

Gunsmithing is a very popular program. A maximum of 30 students are chosen to enter the program each year and applications should be sent early specifying the year of entry. All classes start in the Fall (August start) with students being chosen by the gunsmithing department committee in April/May. Acceptance is not automatic; each student is chosen on their own merit.

Pending rulemaking, including amendments to ITARS, is restricting access to firearms by non-citizens in the United States, therefore, applicants must be a citizen born in the United States to apply to the program. 

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9. Trinidad State Junior College

The Gunsmithing School at Trinidad State College has a long tradition of excellence. The first gunsmithing courses were designed and offered at Trinidad State in 1947 by P.O. Ackley. Since that time the program has developed into a two-year Gunsmithing Degree program that is designed to train individuals with the basic concepts and skills needed by a professional gunsmith. Coursework at the basic and advanced levels includes bench metal, machining operations, gun repair, and stock making. A wide variety of specialized courses such as checkering, revolver smithing, competitive rifles, shotgun smithing, and pistol smithing are also offered.

Our affiliation with the National Rifle Association assures students that the TSC Summer NRA program is high quality. For nine glorious weeks, the finest craftsmen and artists from the Gunsmithing world gather in Southern Colorado to offer hands-on courses to students from all over the nation. Come enjoy the tradition. Immerse yourself in Excellence.

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Gunsmithing FAQs

A lot of people have asked so many questions about gunsmithing programs, training, certification, and licenses. We will answer the most frequently asked ones.

Do gunsmiths make good money?

Yes, gunsmiths make a good amount of money, the average salary of a gunsmith is $50,000/year and there are over 70,000 licensed gun dealers looking for certified gunsmiths.

What skills are required for gunsmithing?

Most of the skills required for gunsmithing are technical and they include skills like; welding, grinding, soldering, polishing, and filing of firearms, etc.

What is the difference between a Gunsmith and armorer?

A gunsmith is a person who has the technical know-how to design and make guns from scratch whereas an armorer is someone who is capable of replacing worn-out parts of a firearm.

Over to you.

You too can become one of the most famous gunsmith!

Now that you’ve seen the best online gunsmithing schools, we hope that you find this post helpful in starting your gunsmith career.

Feel free to share this post with anyone out there looking for a gunsmith apprenticeship or the best free gunsmithing courses online to learn from home.

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