gunsmith school

I’ve got a buddy looking for a good gun smithing school in the mid west area. Any ideas guys?

Pine Technical College in Pine City, MN has a well-regarded program.

http://www.pinetech.edu/academics/catalog-and-programs/industrial-technology/gunsmithing-technology

IMO, if he’s going to do it, be serious about it and go all the way to the full diploma level, not just the technician level certificate. A real, qualified gunsmith is getting to be a rarity and if he achieves this degree and can do high-quality work, he can look forward to excellent employment prospects and good wages.

But it isn’t easy and demand for these programs is high right now. Technical college enrollment has skyrocked in the last 5 years and many programs have gotten very selective. Gaining admission is not a slam-dunk like it used to be and just liking to play around with guns isn’t going to cut it. A real gunsmith is also a trained machinist, and in today’s CNC world, that means a combination of math and computer skills. It’s a technical-technical degree.

One thing to be aware of with gunsmithing programs: Having certain criminal convictions on one’s record makes them a no-go. Understand the requirements up front if this could be an isssue and don’t assume it’s just a “no felony convictions” rule.

Also, like auto mechanics, etc, tool purchases are mandatory and part of the program.

Good luck. I hope he goes ahead with it, IMO it has a lot of potential for a good living.

Grouse

I have a friend who is going to be starting at Pine City soon. He’s pretty pumped.

I am currently in my first semester at the Pine Tech College enroled in the gunsmithing program. I’m going for the gunsmithing diploma and also planing to take the extra classes to become a certified machinest. During the tour they showed me an addional program that was added recently of “advanced gunsmithing” or something of that nature beyond the gunsmithing diploma but was too new of a program for any feedback. The gunsmith dipoloma is roughly 68 credits so I plan to be at school for a while. It’s a specfic program so very few generals.

It is about time you joined here brother , lots of info that will interest you in the shooters test bench forum. Welcome to Ido!

Welcome to IDO Scotty!!! You have set some very high goals for yourself, But I know you very well and you will succeed for sure See you soon

Welcome Scotty! I’m looking forward to the day when you can make me a one of kind ScottyH!