Montgomery Community College is one of four schools in the nation to offer NRA approved, affiliated short-term gunsmithing courses. Classes are taught by nationally and internationally known gunsmiths and craftsmen who share their expertise in courses from basic to advanced techniques. Most classes combine a hands-on and lecture format and range from three days to two weeks in length.
MCC also offers a two-year associate degree program in Gunsmithing. Discover more about our quality facilities, experienced instructors, and comprehensive curriculum by clicking here.
The NRA short-term gunsmithing class schedule is posted below. Classes are added throughout the semester so check back often.
NRA Introductory Level Classes
While these classes are listed as introductory, do not mistake the high level of instruction that will be given. This simply means that prior experience is not a requirement.
Building and Using a Vacuum Table Press: Holsters and Beyond
This two-day, hands-on workshop introduces students to the design, construction, and use of a vacuum table press for custom fabrication. While the primary focus will be on crafting professional-grade Kydex holsters, the class will also explore additional applications in tool making, tactical gear, crafts, and small-scale manufacturing. Participants will learn step-by-step how to build their own functional vacuum press table using affordable materials and common shop tools. Instruction covers vacuum sources, table design, seals, and pressing techniques. Once constructed, students will practice using the press to mold holsters and other projects, gaining confidence in working with thermoplastics and related materials. By the end of the class, each participant will: Build a fully operational vacuum table press to take home, Learn the fundamentals of thermoforming Kydex and similar plastics, create a functional holster and additional sample projects, and explore extended uses of vacuum pressing for tool holders, knife sheaths, packaging trays, crafts, and more. This workshop is ideal for makers, hobbyists, gunsmiths, and small-business owners looking to expand their fabrication skills. No prior experience is requiredโjust a willingness to work with tools and materials in a hands-on environment. Instructor: Mark Garland
Building and Using a Vacuum Table Press | 7/30-7/31 | 8:30am-5pm | $146.60 | Register | Tool List
Basic Lathe Operation
This class will provide students with an introduction to the operation of the most common machine tool found in gunsmithing shops, the lathe. Students will perform standard operations such as turning, facing, drilling, reaming, and cutting precision threads. Emphasis will be on safety and on operations that are relevant to the gunsmithing trade. Instructor: Chris Jackson
Basic Lathe Operation | 8/3-8/7 | 8:30am-5pm | $201.60 | Register | Tool List
MCC AR15 Builders Guild
This course will supply students with the tools, knowledge, and techniques necessary to assemble a match quality AR-15 from components. Instruction will cover the function of the firearm, steps for proper assembly, tooling necessary for these tasks, and troubleshooting help. Alternate calibers, detailed malfunction diagnosis, and modifications for top level accuracy and reliability will be discussed at length. Detailed discussion will be devoted to the myriad of aftermarket components available for this platform. Students should take away a thorough understanding of this firearm system. Instructor: Jacob Porter
MCC AR15 Builders Guild | 9/18-9/20 | 8:30am-5pm | $146.60 | Register | Tool List
Bluing Techniques
This course covers both basic and some advanced principles of metal refinishing and bluing. Students will cover correct polishing using hand and mechanical polishing equipment and other surface prep techniques including media blasting. Emphasis will be placed on hot salt bluing. If time allows, rust bluing and nitre bluing will be demonstrated. Each student is limited to two firearms and must be single barreled shotguns and rifles. No severely rusted or pitted guns should be brought due to the limited time for the course. Instructor: Daron Todd
Bluing Techniques | 10/5-10/9 | 8am-5pm | $201.60 | Register | Tool List
Firearms Finishing
Basic KG Gunkote Application
KG Gunkote is one of the firearm-finishes available in the industry. Covered topics will include surface preparation, application procedures, curing, and post-application treatment. Students will supply their own firearm and KG Gunkote coatings. To maximize the emphasis on the coating process, students are encouraged to have the firearm disassembled before class. Glock pistols, AR-15 pattern rifles, and pump shotguns like the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 are good examples. Instructor: Gray Miller
Basic KG Gunkote Application | 2/21-2/22 | 8:30am-5pm | $146.60 | Register | Tool List
Reloading Classes
There are no upcoming reloading classes at the moment. Please check back soon for updates!
NRA Advanced Classes I
(Machining experience not required for these classes but a working knowledge of the subject matter is helpful.)
Advanced Metal Engraving
Designed for those that have completed โMetal Engraving 101โ this course will expand on the knowledge already gained. Additional engraving techniques will be taught, and students will be engraving personal items such as belt buckles and lighters. Instructor: Sam Cherry
Advanced Metal Engraving | 7/27-7/31 | 8:30am-5pm | $201.60 | Register | Tool List
Ak-47 Build
The focus of this course is the most popular and widespread rifle in the world; The AK pattern rifle. Students will build, Modify and Accurize an AK47 rifle. Theory and common malfunctions will be expounded upon. Learn tips and tricks to build the best AK you can!ย AK parts kits will be purchased separately from the instructor. Students will have several options they may purchase from the instructor.ย Students must have a serialized receiver and be able to pass an ATF 4473. Instructor will have these for purchase as well.ย Instructor: Dennis Pendry
AK-47 Build | 10/26-10/30 | 9am-5pm | $201.60 |ย Registerย |ย Tool List
NRA Advanced Classes II
(Machining experience is required for the following classes.)
Tapered Sleeve Full Recoil Commander Pistol Build
Prerequisite: Attended a basic 1911 build class or have built a 1911 type pistol as part of the curriculum at a gunsmithing school. Students will be guided through the entire process of building their own precision THREADED TAPERED SLEEVE, FULL RECOIL COMMANDER 1911 type pistol. Students will receive instruction in techniques, procedures, proper use of tools/jigs, and theory required to build an exceptionally reliable and accurate 1911 Commander pistol. They will then apply these methods, under supervision, to build their pistol. Class lectures will cover troubling shooting and in-depth discussions on the function and the why of specific methods and modifications of the 1911 pistol. At the end of the course, each student will have built and test-fired their 1911 pistol and will have been provided with various informational papers and a build checklist. Students will be required to purchase a โkitโ provided by the instructor. This kit will provide all the parts required, less sights and grips, in order to keep the class instruction standardized and to prevent excessive time spent fixing and modifying substandard parts. The parts in the kit will be sourced from several quality manufacturers and will include a Nighthawk, EGW, GEM, BarSto, and Kart Precision barrel. Students will receive a letter that details options and procedures for ordering and payment for their kit. Out-of-state residents will be required to coordinate with an FFL in their state of residence to receive and transfer the frame to them. The instructor will prove the kits plus NC sales tax. If you want to explore boundaries, contact me. BUILD KITS MUST BE ORDERED AND PAID FOR NO LATER THAN 1 JUN 25 (Sooner is better!) to ensure timely receipt of parts. After 1 JUN 25, I will have a limited quantity of baseline kits available. Instructor: Tim Davis.
Tapered Sleeve Full Recoil Commander Pistol Build | 9/14-9/25 | 8:30am-5pm | $256.60 | Register | Tool List
10/22 Accurizing
This class will focus on modifying the extremely popular factory Ruger 10/22 rifle for improved accuracy and function. These modifications would be suitable for both Appleseed events and NRL 22 events. This is a machining intensive course that will utilize the vertical milling machine, surface grinder and engine lathe to complete the chosen modifications. These modifications will include bolt head spacing, firing pin mods, chamfering the rear of the bolt, factory barrel setback, muzzle crowning, machining the receiver for a clean out hole, drilling/tapping for 8-40 scope base holes, bolt release mods and trigger work. The student will use the covered techniques and procedures to produce a reliable and accurate 10/22 that will be test fired on the MCC range. NOTE: This class will be limited to 10/22โs chambered for .22LR only. Instructor: Len Fagen
10/22 Accurizing | 2/20-2/22 | 8:30am-5pm | $146.60 | Register | Tool List
Custom 1911 Pistol Build
Students will be guided through the entire process of building their own precision 1911 type pistol. Students will receive instruction in techniques, procedures, proper use of tools/jigs and theory required to build an exceptionally reliable and accurate 1911 pistol. They will then apply these methods, under supervision, to build their pistol. Class lectures will cover troubling shooting and in-depth discussions on the function and the why of specific methods and modifications of the 1911 pistol. At the end of the course, each student will have built, and test fired their 1911 pistol and will have been provided with various informational papers and a build checklist. Students will be required to purchase a โkitโ provided by the instructor. This kit will provide all the parts required, less sights and grips, to keep the class instruction standardized and to prevent excessive time spent fixing and modifying substandard parts. The parts in the kit will be sourced from several quality manufacturers and will include a Nighthawk, EGW, and Kart Precision barrel. Students will receive a letter which details options and procedures for ordering and payment for their kit. Out-of-state residents must coordinate with an FFL in their state of residence to receive and transfer the frame to them. The instructor will provide the kits at cost plus NC sales tax. BUILD KITS MUST BE ORDERED AND PAID FOR NO LATER THAN 1 April 26 to ensure timely receipt of parts. After 1 MAR I will have a limited quantity of baseline kits available. Instructor: Tim Davis
Custom 1911 Pistol Build | 6/15-6/26 | 8:30am-5pm | $256.60 | Register | Tool List
AR15 Tool Making
This course serves as an intermediate level machining class that improves studentsโ skills on lathes and mills, while also making useful gunsmithing tools and fixtures. Instruction will include lathe and mill techniques as well as tool uses. Students will be given blueprints for specific AR tools as well as being able to reverse engineer some common tools and fixtures. Basic lathe and milling machine skills are required. Instructor: Jacob Porter
AR15 Tool Making | 8/10-8/14 | 8:30am-5pm | $201.60 | Register | Tool List
Armorers Courses
AR-15 Armorers Courseย
This AR-15 armorerโs course is a two-day comprehensive course covering the operation and maintenance of this popular platform. Topics of discussion will include assembly/disassembly, cycle of operations, nomenclature, gas system, barrel twist and length, barrel replacement, aftermarket parts and modifications, ballistic issues, brands, cleaning and maintenance, sights/optics, headspace, firing pin protrusion, along with service and repair.ย Instructor: Jerry Perkinsย
AR-15 Armorers Courseย | 8/15-8/16 | 8:30am-5pm | $146.60 |ย Registerย |ย Tool Listย
AR-15 Armorers Courseย | 11/21-11/22 | 8:30am-5pm | $146.60 |ย Registerย |ย Tool Listย
Level I Tavor Armorer Course
This course is designed to familiarize Law Enforcement, Industry Professionals, and civilians in the basic maintenance, breakdown, and conversions for the Tavor SAR & X95. Students will attend 2 days of training for the SAR & X95. There are 2 types of certifications. โCertificate of Completion of the Tavor /X95 Armorers courseโ which would be for civilians who do not have FFLโs and โCertified Armorerโ for personnel who possess a valid FFL. Instructor: David Dickson
- As a participant you will be given a brief history on the design, features and operability of the Tavor models
- Your instructor will go over in detail field disassembly, reassembly, part identification and function checks as well as the principle of operation
- Left-to-Right & Right-to-Left Conversions will be taught, practiced, and tested
- Basic repairs for commonly broken parts
- 9mm Conversions will be taught, practiced, and tested on the SAR and X95
- In addition to the hands-on SAR and X95 tests, there will be a written exam at the end of the course
- Students will have access to discounts on IWI products and a discount on one weapon system
- *The student should arrive with a basic understating of gas operated, semi-automatic rifle systems and how they are field stripped. Not necessarily the Tavor, but any common system such as the AK or AR.
*Level I Tavor Armorer Courseย | 7/17-7/18 | 8:30AM-5PM | $300 |ย Registerย
*Level I Tavor Armorer Courseย | 10/17-10/18 | 8:30AM-5PM | $300 |ย Registerย
*(SS) Self supporting classes are non-refundable except in the case of cancellation by the college.