You should give some thought to becoming a gunsmith if you are well-versed in the rules governing the use of firearms and have some experience working with machines. Gunsmiths are highly skilled technicians who are accountable for the construction, maintenance, and repair of a wide variety of firearms. The trade of gunsmithing calls for a varied range of abilities, including proficiency in woodworking and metallurgy, an aptitude for mechanical work, and even some knowledge of mathematics and science.
Although many people who are interested in firearms pursue gunsmithing as a hobby, it is entirely possible to make a profession with these talents if one so chooses. Those who work as gunsmiths have the opportunity to serve a wide range of customers, including those who purchase firearms for hunting, shooting sports, and other outdoor activities, as well as those whose professions require them to work with firearms in the criminal justice system. Let’s take a look at the groundwork that must be laid before you can call yourself a gunsmith.
Educational And Skills Development
It might take anything from six months to two years to finish the majority of the gunsmithing programs that are offered at colleges and trade schools. Students that enroll in these programs acquire knowledge in areas such as mechanics, the design of firearms, and even chemistry and ballistics. The course covers a variety of topics about firearms, including self-loaders, triggers, self-loading mechanisms, and hinges and levers. These schools also include more advanced metalworking methods including metallurgy, soldering, and reverse engineering, amongst others. Students of gunsmithing have hands-on experience diagnosing and fixing problems with firearms, in addition to reviewing the appropriate protocols for gun safety.
Featured Schools
Check out online for a list of schools that have been granted accreditation to see if there is a gunsmithing program offered near you. If you are having trouble locating a school that is located near you, you might want to consider enrolling in a gunsmithing program that is offered online. You will be needed to complete a weapons background check to be admitted to any of the educational options that are available to you.
The highest level of education that can be obtained in the field of gunsmithing is an associate’s degree, which can be earned at either a community college or a technical college. Gunsmiths who are interested in pursuing a higher level of education at a university can pursue other fields of study, such as criminal justice.
Licensing
When gunsmiths work on a handgun, they typically keep control of it for more than a day while they make repairs. Because of the critical nature of their work, gunsmiths are obliged to get a license from the Federal Firearms Commission (FFL). To be eligible for an FFL, a person must be at least 21 years old and satisfy several regulations about the safe storage of firearms. In addition to this, before the issuance of your license, you will be required to go through an interview with a field agent.
Opportunities For A Career
After getting a license and schooling, gunsmithing offers many employment paths. Online or classroom learning can acquire these certificates. If you’re thinking of opening a business, you should look for a specific market to serve. Gunsmiths can build stocks, engrave, and make custom firearms. Some gunsmiths specialize in rifles or pistols, while others do general work. Depending on your profession, customers will include hunters, sportsmen, and criminal justice workers. Your weapons experience may influence your choice of specialty. If you prefer working for an established company to starting your own, you have many options. Gun makers, sports goods dealers, and gun stores employ many gunsmiths.
As shown, skilled gunsmiths have many job opportunities. If you like working with your hands, like firearms and want to enhance your carpentry and metalworking skills, gunsmithing may be for you. To decide if gunsmithing is right for you, research local schools’ offerings.