Meeting Gunsmithing Demand
Why and where to increase your gunsmith education.
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At least 5.4 million people purchased a firearm for the first time in 2021. Nearly 30 percent of all firearm purchases that year went to new gun owners. That’s a 10 percent decrease from the 40 percent of first-time gun buyers in 2020 when more than 21 million background checks were conducted for the sale of a firearm then and over 8.4 million of those estimated to be for those buying a firearm for the first time.
According to a National Shooting Sports Foundation survey of retailers:
Nearly 47 percent of first-time gun buyers in 2021 inquired about training and 43 percent signed up for training.
Nearly 23 percent of retailers indicated that first-time gun buyers in 2020 purchased another firearm in 2021.
Over 33 percent of first-time gun buyers in 2021 were women.
44 percent of retailers saw an increase of African-Americans purchasing firearms in 2021.
Nearly 40 percent of retailers saw an increase of Hispanic-Americans purchasing firearms in 2021.
Over 27 percent of retailers saw an increase of Asian-Americans purchasing firearms in 2021.
Over 18 percent of retailers saw an increase of Native-Americans purchasing firearms in 2021.
Nearly 14 percent of retailers saw an increase of Native-Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders purchasing firearms in 2021.
Gunsmith Video Series
As more people take up shooting as a hobby or for self-defense, the demand for skilled gunsmiths has increased.
Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) is an online school that helps students learn the skills and techniques they’ll need to be successful in the firearms and unmanned technology industries. SDI is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). Their programs offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything from basic maintenance to advanced customizations. Two examples:
SDI offers online programs to help students achieve their goals. The Certificate in Firearms Technology is an overview of gunsmithing techniques and practices, shooting sports management, and more in a 32-credit-hour program. The Associate of Science in Firearms Technology is a 60 credit-hour comprehensive degree program. It offers SDI students the opportunity to gain a complete understanding of firearms technology and how to navigate the unique and exciting firearms industry. Course topics cover AR-10/AR-15 and other Modern Sporting Rifle Topics. Pistol caliber carbines. Advanced ballistics. Gunsmithing work with wood, steel, and Kydex. Shooting sports and shop management.
Schools to start or continue your gunsmithing career
SDI is far from the only school offering gunsmithing programs. Here’s some to get you started.
Gunsmith Service Directories
https://directory.usacarry.com/places/category/gunsmiths/
http://www.goal.org/gunsmiths.html
gunsmiths.regionaldirectory.us
Gunsmith Schools and Courses In-person, resident, and distance-learning options.
https://www.usprecisiondefense.com/g/Gunsmithing-Schools/
Yavapai College Gunsmithing School
http://www.gunsmithing.org
1100 East Sheldon Street
Prescott, AZ 86301
Phone: 520-776-2150
Colorado School of Trades
http://www.schooloftrades.com
1575 Hoyt Street
Lakewood, CO 80215
Phone: 800-234-4594
Trinidad State Junior College
http://www.trinidadstate.edu
600 Prospect
Trinidad, CO 81082
Phone: 800-621-8752
Sonoran Desert Institute
8767 E. Via de Ventura, Ste 126
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
844/238-0165
admissions@sdi.edu
sdi.edu
Lassen Community College
P.O. Box 3000
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: 530-257-4211
http://www.lassencollege.edu/academics/programs/gunsmithing/Pages/default.aspx
American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) offers remote courses via DVD
http://www.americangunsmithinginstitute.org
Modern Gun School
800-493-4114
info@mgs.edu
1000 N. West Street #1200, Wilmington, DE 19801
mgs.edu
Montgomery Community College
1011 Page Street
P.O. Box 787
Troy, NC 27371
Phone: 800-839-6222
Murray State College
One Murray Campus
Tishomingo, OK 73460
Phone: 580-371-2371
Pennsylvania Gunsmith School
812 Ohio River Blvd.
Avalon
Pittsburgh, PA 15202
Phone: 412-766-1812
http://www.pagunsmith.edu
Piedmont Community College
1715 College Drive
P.O. Box 1197
Roxboro, NC 27573
Phone: 336-599-1181
Pine Technical Institute
900 4th Street
Pine City, MN 55063
Phone: 800-521-7463
Penn Foster
1-800-840-0513
http://www.pennfoster.edu
Phoenix State University
http://www.e-psu.com/gunsmith.html
http://www.becomeagunsmith.com
mail@zpsu.com