NRA GUNSMITHING

For information about the NRA short-term gunsmithing classes please contact Alex Williams at 910-898-9744 or email williamsa4158@montgomery.edu.

SHOOTING INSTRUCTION:

Pistol Shooting Fundamentals with Gary Byerly (SS)*
Capacity: 12
This course, taught by a nationally-known IDPA and USPSA champion, will focus on the fundamental techniques necessary for fast and accurate handgun shooting. Topics will include proper grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger control. Other topics such as drawing from a holster, performing magazine changes, and controlling recoil will be discussed at length.
Pistol Shooting Fundamentals | 4/5, 7/12, or 10/11 | F | 9 AM - 6 PM | $149

Carbine Shooting Fundamentals with Gary Byerly (SS)*
Capacity: 12
This course, taught by a nationally known IDPA and USPSA champion, will focus on the fundamental techniques necessary for fast and accurate carbine shooting. The firearms platforms that will be focused on will be AR-15, AR-10, AK-47 and AK-74 style carbines. Topics will include proper grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger control. Other topics such as rifle manipulation, performing magazine changes, and controlling recoil will be discussed at length.
Carbine Shooting Fundamentals | 4/6, 7/13, or 10/12 | SA | 9 AM - 6 PM | $149

*(SS) Self supporting classes are non-refundable except in the case of cancellation by the college.

INTRODUCTORY LEVEL CLASSES:

AR-15 Armorer Course with Jacob Porter (SS)*
Capacity: 16
Our AR-15 armorer course is a comprehensive course covering the 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 of the AR15 platform.
AR-15 Armorer Course | 3/23-3/24, 6/1-6/2, or 9/7-9/8 | SASU | 9 AM - 6 PM | $205

Machine Gun 101 with Ronnie Beal (SS)*
Capacity: 12
This course will introduce students to the design, function, and history of machine guns. Several historically significant fully-automatic firearms will be presented, disassembled, and discussed. Function theory and mechanics will be the main focus of the class. Several of the classroom examples will be test fired on the MCC range on the last day of class. Cost includes a class lab fee for ammunition.
Machine Gun 101 | 3/5-3/9 or 5/7-5/11 | TWTHFSA | 9 AM - 6 PM | $399

Custom Polymer Grip Stippling with Olivia Clark
Capacity: 12
Learn how to professionally stipple polymer framed handguns. Instruction will include creating features like hard borders, undercuts, polishing, engraving and developing your own patterns. You will learn how to properly stipple by learning how to remove old texture, cutting in lines (hard borders), removing material on the trigger guard and polishing it beyond factory smooth to a mirrored finish. Everything that separates a novice stippler from a professional will be addressed in this 2-day class. Students will get to feel and see the difference between factory offerings, and custom professional quality work.
Custom Polymer Grip Stippling | 3/5-3/9 or 10/11-10/15 | TWTHFSA or FSASUMT | 9 AM - 6 PM | $201.60

Basic Gunsmithing Techniques with Jacob Porter
Capacity: 12
This course will provide students with a unique opportunity for students to learn to apply basic knowledge of firearms function to actual repair projects. Instruction will stress a comprehension of the basics of how firearms function on a mechanical level. Students will then be presented with broken firearms exhibiting common problems found within that particular model. This series of exercises will allow a real-world look at the steps of diagnosis and repair under the supervision of a professional gunsmith.
Basic Gunsmithing Techniques | 4/8-4/12 | MTWTHF | 9 AM - 6 PM | $201.60

Basic Repair: Understanding Basic Firearms Systems with Wayne Coley
Capacity: 12
A firm grasp of the mechanics of firearms systems is a key element of gunsmithing. This course will demonstrate how this knowledge can be used to diagnose and repair firearms. Instruction will include design and function theory of firearms as it pertains to repair or modification. Troubleshooting and critical thinking will be key components of the class. The instructor will assist students in understanding how various firearms systems function and how they are likely to malfunction.
Understanding Basic Firearms Systems | 5/10-5/14 | FSASUMT | 9 AM - 6 PM | $201.60

Basic Mill Operation with Tim Sheffield
Capacity: 10
This class will provide students with an introduction to the operation of the Milling machine. Students will perform standard operations such as facing, drilling, edge finding, and cutting precision parts. Emphasis will be on safety and on operations that are relevant to the gunsmithing trade.
Basic Mill Operation | 5/13-5/17 | MTWTHF | 9 AM - 6 PM | $201.60

AR-15 Armorer and Customization with Dean Batchelder/Brownells (SS)*
Capacity: 12
The object of this course is to familiarize the student with the AR-15 platform.  Instruction will include function, disassembly of main and subgroups and reassembly, troubleshooting and function testing, proper use of specialized tools, and the installation of many aftermarket custom parts. Also covered will be some different cartridge offerings in the AR-15 format. The .308 AR will also be covered and the different manufacturers and the compatibility between them discussed. Students are encouraged to bring their own firearms as a whole rifle or in various states of assembly for completion during the class, and any parts they may wish to use to customize their rifle. The customization part of the course will be dependent on the firearm and parts that students supply.
AR-15 Armorer and Customization | 5/13-5/17 | MTWTHF | 9 AM - 6 PM | $200

Basic Lathe Operation with Chris Jackson
Capacity: 10
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.
Basic Lathe Operation | 5/15-5/19 | WTHFSASU | 9 AM - 6 PM | $201.60

Smith and Wesson M&P Customization with Ryan Flynn (SS)*
Capacity: 12
Smith and Wesson M&P course: This class will concentrate on the operation and customization of the M&P pistol design, original model and 2.0 both to be covered. Students will learn general maintenance, disassembly and reassembly, trigger tuning and aftermarket trigger installation, aftermarket barrel fitting, sight installation, and frame stippling. Machining of slide will be covered but not performed.
Smith and Wesson M&P Customization | 5/25-5/26 | SASU | 9 AM - 6 PM | $185

Basic Stock Checkering with Tim Carrick
Capacity: 12
Learn layout and hand-cutting of a standard point pattern stock checkering. Topics will include layout and hand-cutting of a fleur-de-lis pattern and recutting of existing patterns including stamped checkering. Repair of damaged checkering, as well as staining and finishing of completed checkering, will be examined.
Basic Stock Checkering | 7/22-7/26 | MTWTHF | 9 AM - 6 PM | $201.60

AK-47 Build with Mark Krebs (SS)*
Capacity: 12
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 from one of the most prominent AK builders in America! AK parts kits will be provided with the price of the class. Students must have a serialized receiver and be able to pass an ATF 4473.
AK47 Build | 8/5-8/9 | MTWTHF | 9 AM - 6 PM | $1200

Ruger Single Action Revolver with Hamilton Bowen (SS)*
Capacity: 12
Basic tuning theory, troubleshooting, simple custom modifications, and related metalworking techniques will be demonstrated and performed. This class is geared toward popular Ruger single-action revolvers. While the course is based on revolvers for field use, some alterations for other uses will be discussed as well.
Ruger Single Action Revolver | 8/12-8/16 | MTWTHF | 9 AM - 6 PM | $399

Restoration of Doublegun Stocks and Forends with Steve Westbrook
Capacity: 12
This course teaches the proper procedures to repair and refinish the wood on double-barrel shotguns. The instructor will guide the students through the complete process of disassembly of the gun into major components, removing old finish, drawing out damaging petroleum-based oils, sanding and steaming out dents and scratches, making necessary repairs, cleaning out old checking, applying a hand-rubbed stock-oil finish, and refitting the metal parts into the wood. The instructor will demonstrate the process at each step and assist the students on their individual projects. Using pictures of damaged stocks and forends, the instructor will show students the repair process for the most common problems encountered with the wood on vintage double shotguns. He will thereafter assist students in the repair of the specific problems with their guns.
Restoration of Doublegun Stocks and Forends | 8/12-8/16 | MTWTHF | 9 AM - 6 PM | $201.60

Build Your Own AR-15 with Jacob Porter
Capacity: 12
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.
Build Your Own AR-15 | 8/15-8/19 | THFSASUM | 9 AM - 6 PM | $201.60

*(SS) Self supporting classes are non-refundable except in the case of cancellation by the college.

RELOADING CLASSES:

Basic Metallic Cartridge Handloading with Frank Stephenson (SS)*
Capacity: 12
This is an extended version of the NRA Basic Metallic Cartridge Reloading course that will provide the basic knowledge, and skills, necessary for safely reloading metallic cartridges. Reloading experience is not necessary. Students will learn the fundamentals of metallic cartridge loading for both pistols and rifles on a single-stage press, with each step being covered in detail. Students will have the opportunity to load 50-100 rounds of ammunition.
Basic Metallic Cartridge Handloading | 3/3-3/4 | SUM | 9 AM - 6 PM | $185

Handloading for Precision Rifle with Frank Stephenson
Capacity: 12
This course will provide techniques for rifle reloading success, whether the goal is the production of more accurate hunting handloads, long-range precision ammunition, or benchrest quality loads. Techniques and equipment will be discussed. Ammunition will be loaded, and then tested on the range. Results will be analyzed and changes applied to loads to be re-tested for improvements in accuracy and consistency.
Handloading for Precision Rifle | 3/5-3/9 | TWTHFSA | 9 AM - 6 PM | $201.60

Bullet Casting with Pat Weaver (SS)*
Capacity: 12
This course will provide an in-depth look at the processes of casting lead bullets. Selection of molds and alloys, bullet styles, safety practices, and casting procedures will be covered exhaustively. Students will learn to cast their own lead bullets in a safe, professional manner in a controlled environment.
Bullet Casting | 5/24-5/26 or 10/11-10/13 | FSASU | 9 AM - 6 PM | $230

Basic Rifle Reloading with Billy Athay
Capacity: 12
The basis of this class will be to expound upon the reloading curriculum included within the Gunsmithing Program at MCC. In simple terms, this class will serve as instruction and practice in developing and perfecting a “load” catered specifically to each student’s individual rifle. The class will include a basic understanding of reloading terminology and practices, as well as the more intricate details and tooling associated with creating ammunition and perfecting a specific cartridge/projectile combination to best suit the student’s rifle.
Basic Rifle Reloading | 7/29 - 8/2 | MTWTHF | 9 AM - 6 PM | $201.60

*(SS) Self supporting classes are non-refundable except in the case of cancellation by the college.

FIREARMS FINISHING:

Muzzleloader Wire Inlay with George Suiter (SS)*
Capacity: 12
Wire and sheet metal inlay techniques: The student will learn the techniques for designing and inlaying decorative sheet metal and wire into wood, with several simple tools the student will make in class. Inlays were commonly used to decorate firearms of the 18th and 19th century.
Muzzleloader Wire Inlay | 4/1-4/5 | MTWTHF | 9 AM - 6 PM | $326.60 

Painted Finishes with Jacob Porter (SS)*
Capacity: 12
Spend a weekend at MCC learning the basics of the most popular firearms finish available in the industry, Cerakote. Topics will include surface preparation, application procedures, curing, and post-application treatment, as well as reassembly of the finished products. Students will supply their own firearm and Cerakote colors. Students are encouraged to choose firearms that are typically simpler for disassembly and reassembly like Glock pistols, AR-15 pattern rifles, and pump shotguns like the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500.
Painted Finishes | 4/27-4/28 or 9/14-9/15 | SASU | 9 AM - 6 PM | $205

Parkerizing and Alternative Finishes with Dean Batchelder/Brownells (SS)*
Capacity: 12
The object of this course is to introduce the student to the alternate methods of firearm finishes other than hot salts or rust bluing. Both Manganese and Zinc Parkerizing will be discussed and manganese will be demonstrated and available for students to use. Spray-on finishes will be covered and Brownells GunKote and Aluma-Hyde II will be provided, and Cerakote application will also be discussed  Students need to bring a firearm for Parkerizing or spray on refinishing and if time allows, a second firearm may be able to be completed. Please have the firearms totally disassembled before class begins.
Parkerizing and Alternative Finishes | 5/6-5/10 | MTWTHF | 9 AM - 6 PM | $200

Metal Engraving with Jesse Houser
Capacity: 12
This class is designed for beginning, intermediate and advanced engravers using traditional hammer and chisel, bruin, and power assist tools. Students will be exposed to a variety of current engraving tools and techniques. This ten-day class will be taught at an individual level. Students are supplied with an engraving vice and workbench but are required to bring additional tools, supplies, and projects.
Metal Engraving | 7/22-8/2 | MTWTHFSASU | 9 AM - 6 PM | $256.60

Restoration of Fluid-steel and Damascus-steel Shotgun Barrels with Steve Westbrook
Capacity: 12
This course teaches the proper procedures to recondition barrels of side-by-side shotguns, including fluid steel and Damascus steel barrels.  Approximately half the time would be spent on metal preparation, including correct procedures for filing and sanding to base metal; raising dents; removing pits from the exterior of barrels; honing bores; and, as desired, opening chokes. The remainder of the course time would be focused on using the slow-rust-blue process to refinish fluid steel barrels, and for Damascus steel barrels the traditional process of bluing (or browning) and etching.  As time permits, the Belgian rust-blue process may also be taught.
Restoration of Fluid-steel and Demascus-steel Shotgun Barrels | 8/5-8/9 | MTWTHF | 9 AM - 6 PM | $201.60

Water Transfer Printing "Hydrographics” with Jay Byrum
Capacity: 12
This course will cover all the basics and techniques necessary to produce professional quality hydrographic coatings on firearms. Topics will include an introduction to the water transfer process, sample exercises, surface preparation. Further instruction will cover the actual dipping process, top coatings, and finishing options. Advanced techniques such as masking, touch-up, and double dipping will also be covered. Students will provide projects for coating.
Water Transfer Printing "Hydrographics” | 8/5-8/9 | MTWTHF | 9 AM - 6 PM | $201.60

*(SS) Self supporting classes are non-refundable except in the case of cancellation by the college.

ADVANCED CLASSES I:

(Machining experience not required for these classes but a working knowledge of the subject matter is helpful.)

Smith and Wesson Double Action Revolver with Mark Dye
Capacity: 12 *Waitlisted*
This course will provide an overview of custom work commonly performed on Smith and Wesson K, L, and N frame revolvers. Action tuning and timing of these revolvers for competition or field use will be examined in detail. Also included in the class is instruction on barrel installation, shortening, and various sight installations. Advanced topics such as caliber conversions and metal finishing theory will be discussed if time permits.
Smith and Wesson Double Action Revolver | 3/5-3/9 | TWTHFSA | 9 AM - 6 PM | $201.60

Precision Barrel Fitting for Auto-loading Pistols with Irv Stone III (SS)*
Capacity: 12
This course will offer students an opportunity to learn about precision fitting of barrels from one of the premier makers of pistol barrels in the firearms industry. Theory and methodology will be covered for precision fitting of barrels for 1911 style pistols, Glocks, S&W M&Ps, as well as Springfield XD pistols. Students will fit barrels to their own pistol(s).
Precision Barrel Fitting for Auto-loading Pistols | 5/7-5/10 | TWTHFSA | 9 AM - 6 PM | $499

Glock Customization with Irv Stone III (SS)*
Capacity: 12
This course will offer students an opportunity to learn advanced Glock customization techniques from one of the top Gunsmiths in the industry! Techniques for barrel fitting, trigger work, reliability modifications, sight installations, and many common customization practices will be taught.
Glock Customization | 5/11-5/14 | SASUMT | 9 AM - 6 PM | $249

Rebuild: Clay Target Shotgun with Laurence Pylinski (SS)*
Capacity: 12
This class will cover custom gunsmithing work commonly performed on shotguns for competition skeet, trap, and sporting clays. Topics include the rebuilding process to revitalize a Clay Target Shotgun to its former glory. Also included will be a detailed analysis of trigger, ejector, and safety systems used on over/under shotguns.
Rebuild: Clay Target Shotgun | 7/8-7/12 | MTWTHF | 9 AM - 6 PM | $399

M1A/M1 Garand Accurizing with Isaac McCaskill
Capacity: 12
This class will provide the information necessary to build a national match grade M1A or M1 Garand. Re-barreling, trigger jobs, stock bedding, as well as gas system and sight modifications will all be examined in detail.
M1A/M1 Garand Accurizing | 9/12-9/16 | THFSASUM | 9 AM - 6 PM | $201.60

ADVANCED CLASSES II:

(Machining experience is required for the following classes.)

Bolt Action Threading and Chambering with James Messer (SS)*
Capacity: 9
Learn precision action work, threading, chambering, and other accurizing techniques from a top benchrest gunsmith and competitor. Threading and chambering will be done utilizing the “between centers method”. The primary objectives for this class will center on action trueing, threading and chambering. Bedding methods will also be discussed.
Working knowledge of lathe operation is required.
Bolt Action Threading and Chambering | 5/7-5/11 | TWTHFSA | 9 AM - 6 PM | $499 

Precision Barrel Fitting for Auto-loading Pistols with Irv Stone III (SS)*
Capacity: 12
This course will offer students an opportunity to learn about the precision fitting of barrels from one of the premier makers of pistol barrels in the firearms industry.  Theory and methodology will be covered for precision fitting of barrels for 1911 style pistols, Glocks, S&W M&Ps, as well as Springfield XD pistols. Students will fit barrels to their own pistol(s).
Precision Barrel Fitting for Auto-loading Pistols | 5/7-5/10 | TWTHF | 9 AM - 6 PM | $499 

Factory Bolt Action Accurization with Ryan Flynn (SS)*
Capacity: 12
This course will explore procedures that can be used to improve the accuracy of factory Remington Model 700 rifles.  Students’ factory rifles will be shot to establish a basis of accuracy.  The rifles will then be subjected to a battery of accurizing techniques and re-shot to measure improvement. Topics will include setting back and re-chambering of factory barrels, action truing, crowning, bedding, scope mounting, and trigger tuning.
Lathe experience is required for this class.
Factory Bolt Action Accurization | 7/22-7/26 | MTWTHF | 9 AM - 6 PM | $399

Remington 700 Precision Barreling with Len Fagan (SS)*
Capacity: 9
Learn how to build a precision Remington 700 (or 700 clone) barreled action. Receiver truing, bolt truing, barrel chambering, barrel fitting, and muzzle crowning will be fully covered. The student will chamber their match barrel utilizing the “through the lathe headstock” method. Upon completion, their barreled action will be shot for accuracy. Loaner chassis will be available.
Working knowledge of the metal lathe and mill are required.
Remington 700 Precision Barreling | 7/29-8/2 | MTWTHF | 9 AM - 6 PM | $499 

Alternate Caliber AR Large Chassis with Len Fagan (SS)*
Capacity: 10
This course details large chassis AR-10/LR-308 rifle alternate caliber conversions such as .243, 6.5 Creedmoor and .358 Winchester. Precision barrel chambering, proper assembly and gas tuning will be fully covered. Upon completion, the student will have fully machined their barrel and assembled a functioning rifle that has been range tested.
Working knowledge of the metal lathe and mill are required.
Alternate Caliber AR Large Chassis | 8/5-8/9 | MTWTHF | 9 AM - 6 PM | $449 

Custom 1911 Pistol Build Class with Tim Davis (SS)*
Capacity: 12
In this 10-day class, 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 various informational papers and a build checklist.  Students will be required to purchase a “kit” provided by the instructor.  This kit will provide all the parts required, less sights and grips, in order to keep the class instruction standardize 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 frame, slide, 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 will be required to 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.
Custom 1911 Pistol Build | 8/5-9 & 8/12-16 | MTWTHF | 9 AM - 6 PM | $699 

Suppressor 101 with Ronnie Beal (SS)*
Capacity: 12
This class will take students through the necessary steps to build their own legal suppressor. A portion of class time will be devoted to laws and regulations regarding suppressors and other NFA items. Suppressor design theory will be explored in detail. Students will have the opportunity to build a legal suppressor.
IMPORTANT: Students must have an approved ATF Form 1 in order to register for this class.
Lathe experience is required.
Suppressor 101 | 10/11-10/15 | FSASUMT | 9 AM - 6 PM | $399

*(SS) Self supporting classes are non-refundable except in the case of cancellation by the college.