Gunsmithing school

['88Scrat]

I was watching a rerun of "Sons of Guns" the other day and it was mentioned that Vince (I don't think he works at Red Jacket anymore) was the only certified, as in got a certification proving it, gunsmith in the shop.

This struck me as odd cause I did not realize there was such a thing. I always thought that the only education needed to be a gunsmith was maybe an interest in guns and skills with a machining equipment and perhaps welding skills.

I have 2 questions:

1. Where are these schools located?
2. What is the certification of a gunsmith? I assume its similar to an ASE certification for an auto mechanic but I don't know.

 

[Nathan]

There are gunsmithing schools and you can graduate from them. You will get a certificate from them. I'm not sure this is the only way to become a gunsmith.

 

[bamaee04]

There are several of them out there. I have been researching it myself, and I am really considering doing it. I am already an FFL dealer, so this is a logical next step for doing at least some of the basic jobs. It appears that this as well as many other skilled trades are in decline, so I think it is a good time to jump in on it...

 

[aarondhgraham]

What is the certification of a gunsmith?
I assume its similar to an ASE certification for an auto mechanic but I don't know.

Certification.

That's a touchy term my friend,,,
An ASE Certified technician actually took a test,,,
That test was created with the cooperation of auto manufacturers.

In reality any "school" can issue a certificate of completion,,,
Legally that makes he holder "certified".

For example,,,
I went to two saddle making schools,,,
I received a certificate from each of the schools,,,
But only one of the schools had standards that are industry approved.

In a sense I am twice certified,,,
But only one of those certifications has any value.

If the gunsmith school adheres to some set of nationally recognized standards the certification has some actual value.

If there are no standards other than what the school sets,,,
Not a lot of inherent value in that certification.

I'm glad you brought up ASE,,,
That is an example of nationally recognized industry standards.

I have a Master's Degree in Occupational Education,,,
I can open the Aarond H. Graham School of Holster Making,,,
And I will set goals and measurable objectives to master at each level,,,
When you graduate from my fictional school I will certify you as a Master Holster Maker.

You then get to judge whether that certification is worthwhile or pure bunko.

I have seen and continue to find schools who offer certifications that are absolutely worthless,,,
Primarily because they either don't adhere to established industry standards,,,
Or there simply aren't any industry standards for the trade.

Aarond

.

 

[Dfariswheel]

In gunsmithing, the only certification that has any real meaning is one from a top gunsmithing school.
These have meaning because the schools have an industry-wide reputation for turning out professional gunsmiths with proven skills.

Since there are no formal standards for gunsmithing skills, you can print out a "certification" on your printer that has as much value as one from a internet or mail order "school".

The schools with the best reputation in the industry are Colorado Schools of Trades and Trinidad Junior College.
A degree or certification from either will get you a serious interview anywhere.
Several others also have good reps.

Here's the list of American schools. Some are better then others:

Colorado School of Trades
1575 Hoyt Street
Lakewood, CO 80215
Phone: 800-234-4594

Lassen Community College
P.O. Box 3000
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: 530-257-4211

Modern Gun School
80 North Main Street, P.O. Box 846
St. Albans, VT 05478
Phone: 800-493-4114

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

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

Trinidad State Jr. College
600 Prospect
Trinidad, CO 81082
Phone: 800-621-8752

Yavapai College
1100 East Sheldon Street
Prescott, AZ 86301
Phone: 520-776-2150