10 Best Gunsmith Schools in Pennsylvania 2023

Victor Okoma

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If you’re looking for a nice place to study gunsmithing, Gunsmith Schools in Pennsylvania is the place to start. There are, however, only a few gunsmithing schools in Pennsylvania that have a good reputation for producing good students.

Although other universities and colleges in Pennsylvania offer gunsmithing programs, a high level of precision and craftsmanship is required to become a gunsmith.

To be a successful gunsmith, you must, therefore, have some knowledge of blacksmithing, metalwork, woodwork, or blacksmithing.

Pennsylvania gunsmith programs are available to help you master the craft of gunsmithing and become an expert in the field.

What is a Gunsmith’s Job?

Gunsmiths are talented craftspeople who create, modify, remodel, and fix a wide range of firearms. They might also do artistic thinking like metal engraving or fine woodworking.

The roles and responsibilities of gunsmiths differ slightly by area of expertise and company. Producers of firearms, military and security agencies, gun shops, and hardware stores are the main companies.

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Why Should you Pursue a Degree in Gunsmithing in Pennsylvania?

One of the best locations to learn about gunsmithing is Pennsylvania. Hands-on exercise and a fast-paced course are hallmarks of Pennsylvania 16 months of gunsmith school.

Schools like Pennsylvania Gunsmith College not only teach you how to become a gunsmith, but they will also help you gain consciousness and self-assurance in your abilities.

They implement both old and new methodologies to teach their candidates. They’re also forward-thinking, incorporating best practices into their training.

When you study gunsmithing in Pennsylvania, you’ll have a better chance of getting industry support during your training.

Is there any Place for Gunsmithing in Today’s World?

According to DegreeDirectory.com, the request for skilled gunsmiths is expected to remain stable in the near future.

According to the Department of Labor, repair and replacement jobs, including gunsmith jobs, are expected to grow progressively between 20010 and 2025.

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Is the Gunsmith’s Job Similar to that of an Armorer?

A gunsmith’s job is more proactive than that of an armorer. An armorer is in charge of replacing damaged parts, whereas a gunsmith is in charge of resetting guns to factory settings.

A gunsmith is someone who works on guns and refurbishes, reconfigures, designs, or creates them. An armorer, on the other hand, usually replaces only broken parts in classic firearms.

Gunsmiths restore well-used or regressed firearms to great condition by performing industrial repairs and refurbishments.

In Pennsylvania, How Much Does a Gunsmith make?

As shown by the Economic Research Institute (ERI), a gunsmith in Pennsylvania earns an estimated $43,982 annually and  $21 per hour.

The average annual salary, on the other hand, is between $32,618 and $53,468. According to Salary.com (as of June 28, 2021), the average gunsmith salary in Pennsylvania is $42,844, with a range of $37,254 to $49,096.

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How Much Does a Pennsylvania Gunsmithing School Cost?

In Pennsylvania, the average national university tuition for Gunsmithing is $21,500. The cost of living for people on campus in Pennsylvania ranges from $23,167 to $38,428.

Students can still choose to live off-campus and attend classes from their homes on a daily basis.

In Pennsylvania, the average cost to attend a gunsmithing school is $60,252. Students can, nevertheless, apply for loan aid to help ease the financial burden of attending a Pennsylvania gunsmith school.

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Top 10 Gunsmithing Schools in Pennsylvania

Here are the 10 best gunsmithing schools you can find in Pennsylvania today listed in no specific order:

1. Pennsylvania Gunsmith School

The Pennsylvania Gunsmith School is one of the state’s oldest gunsmith schools. It was established in 1949 in Avalon, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh.

In order to train its schemes, this school uses a mix of classical, advanced, and inventive techniques. The Pennsylvania Gunsmith School inculcates in its students self-belief, consciousness, and dignity.

Pennsylvania Gunsmith School program is structured to begin teaching interested students from the ground up.

2. Penn Foster Career School

It’s critical to check your province’s requirements before enlisting in a gunsmith training course with Penn Foster Career School.

This school also offers a three-month online gunsmithing career diploma. Learners have access whenever they want because online classes are flexible.

Penn Foster gunsmith academy is committed to delivering technical competence and training through its gunsmith faculty, which has over 30 years of experience.

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3. Yavapai College Gunsmithing School Arizona

Yavapai College’s gunsmithing program began in 1969 and has since grown to become one of Arizona’s leading gunsmith institutes.

The Higher Learning Commission has accredited this college, and it is one of the top five gunsmithing schools in the United States. Employers consider graduates of Yavapai Gunsmithing School to be among the best.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old or have served in the military to be considered for a position at Yavapai Gunsmith School.

You will understand how to set up and dismantle rifles and shotguns at Yavapai. You’ll also know how to measure steel and use various gunsmithing tools, as well as how to engrave, finish, and configure optics and other gun accessories.

4. Colorado School of Trades

The Colorado Gunsmithing School was established in 1947 in Lakewood, Colorado, close to Denver. For more than seven decades, the school has been known for its unique approach to each student’s program.

The Colorado School of Trades is the best option if you are passionate about guns and want to go beyond the traditional educational boundaries.

Nearly every single reputable gun shop in the United States employs graduates from the Colorado School of Trades.

The Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Gunsmithing is awarded to students who complete their gunsmithing program at the Colorado School of Trades.

5. Trinidad State College Gunsmithing School

The Gunsmithing Program at Trinidad State College is among the most creative in the United States.

The program lasts two years, and students graduating from Trinidad Gunsmithing School have an average employment rate of over 80%.

They also follow a really well curriculum that guarantees graduates gain fundamental to advanced knowledge, giving them an advantage over other gunsmithing students.

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6. Lassen Community College

Lassen Community College must be mentioned when discussing gunsmithing schools. The school was established in 1945 and is one of the country’s oldest gunsmithing schools.

Susanville is the home of Lassen Community College, which is located in Northeast California. The school accepts a total of 22 students into their college gunsmithing program each academic session.

Lassen offers a four-semester gunsmithing program that lasts 24 months.

7. Stratford Career Institute

With years of experience, Stratford Career Institute offers one of the most extensive online gunsmithing programs available.

People can earn an Associate of Science credential in firearms technology or a certificate in Firearms Technology from Stratford Career Institute.

Stratford Career Institute offers a variety of learning options. As a result, students have the freedom to study whenever they want.

Every week, students are expected to socialize with their instructors and other online learners as part of their learning assignments.

The program for obtaining a certificate in Firearms Technology is a 16-week semester course split into two sessions.

8. Modern Gunsmith School (MGS) Trade School

Advanced Gunsmithing Courses and Basic Gunsmith Repair Courses are both available at MSG Trade School. Students who prefer to study at their own pace can take advantage of their online courses.

MGS Trade School is a DEAC and MSA-accredited gunsmithing school with post-9/11 and Montgomery GI Bill affiliations.

One of the largest gunsmith schools is Modern Gunsmith School. It’s also one of the oldest gunsmith schools in the country, with a reputation for excellence in a variety of areas.

9. American Gunsmithing Institute

The American Gunsmithing Institute is the industry leader in self-paced firearms training. They provide the best video-delivered gunsmith courses available, allowing students to respond to any part of the training from any location at any time.

The academy has an A+ BBB rating and is accredited under the California Private Postsecondary Education Act (CPPEA) of 2009, which went into effect on January 1, 2010.

A professional gunsmithing certificate from the American Gunsmithing Institute can be obtained in as little as 90 days. Students will also receive 180 hours of course instruction, which will cover both basic and advanced gunsmithing.

10. Sonoran Desert Institute

The Sonoran Desert Institute was founded in 2000 with the goal of providing students with the opportunity to study a variety of gunsmithing and armorer topics.

SDI is nationally accredited and offers a variety of online courses aimed at different types of students. SDI offers two types of gunsmithing programs.

Pupils can always choose to take only specific courses and take part in only particular classes.

SDI is appropriate for both those who want to pursue a career in gunsmithing and those who want to pursue gunsmithing as a hobby.

Is it Possible to Take your Gunsmithing Classes Online?

On-campus gunsmithing programs have requirements that online gunsmithing programs do not. Online courses cover a variety of theoretical core concepts in lethality, ammunition, blacksmithing, various types of weapons, and basic tool use.

Gunsmithing online programs are typically offered by for-profit colleges and are completely online, so applicants must pass hands-on instruction in the comfort of their own homes.

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How Much Time Will it Take me to Become a Certified Gunsmith?

Meet with an industry operations investigator (IOI) from the ATF in your area for a face-to-face interview. The ATF will notify you of the scheduled interview in advance.

During the meeting, the IOI will confirm that all of the information on your application, including zoning data, are right. He’ll also ask you questions to see if you’ve ever committed a willful violation of the Gun Regulation Act.

Lastly, wait for your license to arrive in the mail. The IOI will alert the ATF that it is secure to release your license when your interview is concluded.

A gunsmith associate degree or certificate can be completed in two years or less, but it often takes years of training for gunsmiths to attain the expertise needed to open their own industries.

In Pennsylvania, What Body Accredits Gunsmithing Schools?

The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges accredited the Pennsylvania Gunsmith school in 1985.

The Master Gunsmith Course SM was replaced with the Master Gunsmith Program due to accrediting body requirements.

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Conclusion

Gunsmithing is a fascinating career path that necessitates a great deal of dedication and hard work. Gunsmiths make a good living and have hands-on experience with various types of firearms.

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