Gunsmith

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

Save up to $200 Ends 11/26/2024

Cost of Program

$939

$1,139 Save $200

or

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

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

gunsmith inspects rifle scope in workshop.

What You Will Learn

  1. How to identify and evaluate firearms by type, manufacturer, history, and physical characteristics.
  2. How to understand and comply with gun safety when handling firearms.
  3. Basic metallurgy and the welding process, including soldering, brazing, and heat treatment techniques.
  4. 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*

$43,010/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

172,697


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
quote icon

John M.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2023

“It was a great gunsmith program. Excellent study resources and information.”

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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

Save up to $200 Ends 11/26/2024

Cost of Program1

$939

$1,139 Save $200

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

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Cost of Program1

$1,139

  • 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

California residents please click here for Required California Disclosures.

Need more info or ready to enroll?

Looking for more information on transfer credits, military benefits, or our refund policy? Find this information and more about tuition and enrollment here.

Tuition & Payment Options

We're here to help. Call 1-800-471-3232 (9AM - 9PM ET)

Request Info

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
  • Engaging online student community

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 $43,010 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.