Gunsmiths

High School

To become a skilled gunsmith, you will need a strong background in metallurgy, ballistics, welding, machining, chemistry, woodworking, and electronics. High school courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, drafting or mechanical drawing, blueprint reading, metalworking, and woodworking will provide some of that background.

Postsecondary Training

Some people learn the trade of gunsmithing through an apprenticeship in a gunsmith's shop or in a firearms factory. This can take up to four years of study. Another approach is to take classes at one of approximately a dozen gunsmithing schools around the country. These schools require prospective students to be high school graduates and may require entrance exams.

Two types of educational programs are available. Some schools offer gunsmith diplomas after you complete a specified amount of classroom and shop instruction. Other schools require two years of course work and grant an associate's degree. Some of the subjects taught at these gunsmithing schools include algebra, trigonometry, metallurgy, engineering drawing, machining, ballistics, physics, English, speech, and technical report writing. In shop classes, students learn welding, brazing, soldering, barrel fitting, small-parts design, custom stock-making, and heat treatment.

The U.S. military also gives basic training in arms maintenance to recruits and advanced training to specialists. Local recruiting offices can provide information about training opportunities in this field.