What Does It Take To Become A Gunsmith?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Because gunsmiths often retain possession of clients’ firearms for more than a day, they are required by federal law to have a federal firearms license. … In order to become a gunsmith, prospective workers must

pass a background check, complete a gunsmith training program, and obtain a federal firearms license

.

What kind of education do you need to be a gunsmith?

Training Required

Apprenticeship or postsecondary courses, diploma or associate’s degree
Key Responsibilities Inspect, repair and clean weapons; provide training on firearm use; maintain inventory of weapons and accessories Licensure Federal firearms license is required to build or sell firearms

How much does a gunsmith make?

Nationally, a gunsmith is paid

around $31,910 each year

. It’s less than many other professions, but the good thing is that the amount can increase over the years. In order to earn more, you need to practice as much as you can.

Is a gunsmith a good career?

Gunsmithing careers give you exciting opportunities to work with firearms in different ways. In the course of your work, you may find yourself creating, repairing,

customizing

and designing a variety of guns. Careers in gunsmithing can prove rewarding and fascinating.

Can you become a gunsmith online?

If you wish to pursue a career as a gunsmith, the only required education is

a high school diploma or equivalent

. Online programs for gunsmiths are generally offered at for-profit schools and are available fully online, therefore, students are required to complete hands-on training in their homes.

Are gunsmiths in demand?

Job Outlook

The demand for qualified gunsmiths is

projected to be steady in the coming years

, according to DegreeDirectory.com. The Department of Labor states that maintenance and repair jobs, including gunsmith positions, are projected to gradually increase between 2008 and 2018.

Can I make a living as a gunsmith?

How Much Do Gunsmiths Earn? Before you head down this path, you should also know that being a gunsmith pays decently, but you’re never going to get rich doing it. The

average salary for a gunsmith is between $39,935 and $43,280

as of 2020.

Is gunsmithing illegal?


Possession of machine guns by private citizens is illegal under federal law

. … When making the sale, HUNGERFORD did not complete any of the required paperwork or conduct a background check as required by federal law.

Is there a gunsmithing degree?

Gunsmithing Programs

As stated above, certificate and associate degree programs for gunsmiths are

typically found through trade schools and community colleges

. Some certificate programs are offered through continuing education programs at specific institutions.

Do gunsmiths run background checks?

A gunsmith

is not required to

complete a National Instant Criminal System (NICS) background or an ATF Form 4473 check if a firearm is returned to the person from whom it was received because the law states that this is not a transfer of that firearm.

Is gunsmithing a dying profession?


Classical fine gunsmithing is a dying art

and there is demand for it, but I believe there is a huge field of modern gunsmithing work to be taught. Fiberglass stocks, aluminum chassis, CNC slide cuts etc. are a huge part of the modern gunsmithing market but were very much a rarity (or altogether absent) in school.

How much money do gun shop owners make?

Expected Lifetime Earnings: $1,586,424. The whole making-money portion of this job mostly depends on your salesmanship skills, as well as the type of weapons you sell. Averaging

around $38,000 per year

, weapon sellers aren’t exactly rolling in it (source).

How much do military gunsmiths make?

Average U.S. Army Gunsmith yearly pay in the United States is

approximately $60,324

, which is 53% above the national average. Salary information comes from 3 data points collected directly from employees, users, and past and present job advertisements on Indeed in the past 36 months.

How long is gunsmithing school?

Many vocational schools offer a certificate program in gunsmithing which can be completed in as

little as six months

. Community colleges provide associate degree programs; these degree programs tend to be more comprehensive and usually take one to two years to complete.

How much does online gunsmithing school cost?

The tuition fee for the online gunsmithing program is

$754

. Upon graduation, students receive a one-year Silver Membership in the Gun Club of America ($299.50 value).

Can I make money with an FFL?

Use your FFL to make money as many ways as you can. With your federal firearms license, there are multiple ways you can create revenue selling firearms. As a business, you want to make money as many ways as you can. … A smart decision would be

to sell online or traveling to gun shows

.

Jasmine Sibley
Author
Jasmine Sibley
Jasmine is a DIY enthusiast with a passion for crafting and design. She has written several blog posts on crafting and has been featured in various DIY websites. Jasmine's expertise in sewing, knitting, and woodworking will help you create beautiful and unique projects.