Online Gunsmithing Schools
The following schools offer accredited online gunsmithing degrees.
Trade Requirements: Mechanic, Metalworker and Woodworker
To pursue the entirety of this trade, a gunsmith must possess skills as a mechanic, a metalworker, a woodworker, and an artisan; they must be knowledgeable in shop mathematics, ballistics, and chemistry; and be capable of working accurately and precisely. Those who are self-employed in small gunsmith shops must also possess skills as small business operators; work effectively with a wide variety of customers; and remain abreast of, and comply with federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and requirements. Due to the great breadth of subject matter to be mastered, many gunsmiths specialize in only a few of the skills required of the general gunsmith. Alternatively, some gunsmiths learn many of the skills of the trade, but only apply them to a few weapon types (only pistols, shotguns, or (pre-1964 Model '94 Winchester Lever-Action Rifles; for instance).
Ashworth College is a respected, worldwide leader in lifestyle-friendly education. We offer more than 75 globally accredited college, career and high school programs that let you live your life today while preparing for a better tomorrow.
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The majority of the world's firearms in civilian hands are located in the United States of America. By the law of Supply and Demand, the bulk of business for practicing gunsmiths is also in the United States of America, where, due to the nature of the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution, firearms ownership is not a privilege subject to the whims of the local Governments and Military, but a right guaranteed to all law-abiding citizens. Likewise, hunting and sport shooting is not a privilege restricted to the "Wealthy and Privileged", but is a sport enjoyed by millions of law-abiding citizens. The trade of gunsmithing in the United States therefore, runs the gamut of those "Smiths" that do this as a part-time job or hobby, to those whose level of craftsmanship and skill rival that of their European and Continental cousins. Indeed, some US Gunsmiths were either trained in the European Guild/Apprentice system or have studied in the US under master gunmakers who were. It may range from the back room of a gunshop or sporting goods store, to firms that cater to individuals to whom money is no barrier to their wishes.
ICS offers over 50 quality, affordable, home study programs designed to give you the skills you need for a new career in today's fastest growing fields.
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The first and highest responsibility of all legitimate Gunsmiths is to ensure their occupation, no matter if it is conducted from that individual's home as a part-time endeavor, or as a proprietor or employee of a top-line gunmaking or customizing establishment, is conducted in strict accordance with the laws covering their occupation. In the United States of America, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms is the primary federal agency overseeing all legitimate businesses that deal with firearms.
Distance learning is the fastest growing educational method for adults looking for a convenient and affordable way to train for new careers, qualify for promotions, and earn more money. With 16 million students enrolled since 1890, Penn Foster College is the world's largest and most respected distance learning institution. Choose from over 20 distance learning programs. Penn Foster College offers accredited distance education Associate Degree programs designed to give you the skills you need for a new career in the fast-growing fields of business, health care, technology, criminal justice, and education.
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The BATF is in charge of the licensing of all legitimate firearms dealers and Gunsmiths in the US that regularly engage in business with the public. The issuance of a Federal Firearms License (FFL) involves a thorough background investigation and an inspection of the Gunsmith's premises by an Agent of the BATF. The fee for a FFL is currently $200.00 (for 3 years). The BATF requires all gunsmiths to record all repairs, noting the serial numbers, type of firearm, caliber or gauge, and full particulars of the owner, with an accepted form of Identification to be presented and recorded in the records. Gunsmiths are required to maintain these records in a permanent, non-alterable form. The BATF inspects the premises of all licensed gunsmiths, with unannounced visits at periodic intervals. The BATF is granted the power by the US Government to initiate the prosecution in US Federal Court of gunsmiths that willfully omit or violate these provisions.
Punishment can range from losing their FFL (and therefore the privlege to engage in any firearms-related business), to fines and in severe cases, such as conspiring to supply the criminal element with black market weaponry, or imprisonment in a Federal prison. Many Gunsmiths also sell firearms, and all sales require extensive recording of the transaction (again in permanent form) and a background check of all prospective purchasers. This is performed through submittal of the prospective purchaser's name and identification particulars to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), a computerized system, with human operators dealing directly with the inquiring Dealer/Gunsmith. The sale MUST be fully approved for it to take place. The NICS system is operated by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Local Laws
Another responsibility the Gunsmith must bear in mind is compliance with local and regional laws regulating sales (if they also sell firearms) and the types of firearms regulated in their area. Generally, they cannot undertake the repair of a firearm they believe is illegally held by a person not permitted to own a firearm (a convicted felon, for instance) or one that otherwise violates the laws in which the owner resides. Although the Second Amendment of the US Constitution was recently reaffirmed by the United States Supreme Court to mean the ownership of a firearm by a law-abiding and qualified citizen of the United States is a fundamental right guaranteed under US law, the ownership of firearms in the US is still governed by innumerable local laws. These individual laws and regulations vary greatly from state to state, county to county, city to city, and potentially across all jurisdictional lines. Note that these laws may change frequently, particularly as new administrations take office, as court cases are decided, and as existing legislation is enacted. |
