As the largest College Gunsmithing Program in the United States, the curriculum at Montgomery Community College is designed to prepare students for new and existing jobs within the gunsmithing trade and firearms industry. Students learn to diagnose malfunctions, plan and execute the best methods of repair, as well as develop skills in machining. Further topics of instruction include blueprinting and tool making, metal finishing, stock making, and custom firearm modifications. Emphasis is placed on a strong foundational understanding of firearms as mechanical systems. As a very hands-on program, more than 70% of student time at MCC is spent in the lab, applying the theory learned in the classroom setting.
Facilities
The Gunsmithing classrooms and labs at Montgomery Community College are unmatched in the firearms training industry. The program occupies over 10,000 square feet of classroom and lab space that allows instruction on an immense variety of subject matter. Two complete machine shops house equipment ranging from lathes, milling machines, CNC milling machines, grinders, saws, etc. Metal finishing labs offer the ability to perform a multitude of finishes commonly utilized in the firearms industry. Traditional finishes such as bluing, Parkerization, and case hardening are taught, as are current industry standard finishes such as Cerakote. The MCC arms library, funded in large part by an endowed grant from Midway USA boasts roughly 350 firearms that can be used as classroom teaching aids. The classrooms offer ample work space and students are provided with large tool chests and lockers for storage of tools and materials. The campus boasts two shooting ranges: a 100-yard rifle range and a 50-yard pistol range.
The program’s faculty and staff are all professionally trained Gunsmiths who have worked in the firearms industry and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to students.
During the course of the two-year program of study, students will receive instruction on many facets of the gunsmithing trade. Machining, firearms repair, custom building of rifles and handguns, stock work, and in-depth study of modern sporting firearms are all key components of the curriculum. Students will build three custom rifles, a custom 1911 pistol, and work on a large variety of other firearm types.
Short-term classes
Many students choose to take advantage of further learning opportunities in the form of short-term Gunsmithing courses that the college offers. These classes are available throughout the year and cover a wide range of topics from basic to advanced. Shooting instruction and knife-making courses are even included in the comprehensive list of available courses.
Extracurricular Activities
Students may participate in the Gunsmithing and Shooting club activities. Range days, shooting instruction, and various trips are all standard activities for this club. The club organizes an annual field trip to Las Vegas for the SHOT Show, which is the largest firearms industry trade show. This trip allows students to get a first-hand look at the firearms industry and begin to make valuable contacts. As the campus is situated in rural NC near the Uwharrie National Forest, many students participate in hunting, target shooting, competitive shooting, and a variety of other outdoor pursuits.
Industry Affiliations
Montgomery Community College’s Gunsmithing program has long partnered with leading organizations and companies within the firearms industry to help further improve the quality of education to students. The National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Association, US Concealed Carry Association, Brownells, and Midway USA are just a few examples. Industry connections with companies such as Benelli, Remington, Leupold, Nighthawk, Ruger, FN, and the US Dept. of Energy all help to make sure that students at MCC receive both quality instruction and relevant information related to current products and processes within the field.
Employment After Graduation
Graduates from MCC can be found throughout the firearms industry in a wide range of roles. Many choose to start a business of their own. Small repair shops and custom gunsmithing businesses employ a large number of MCC alumni, while others find employment at large manufacturers such as Benelli or Beretta. Government agencies like the US Dept. of Energy and contractors performing work for the FBI and US Army have also sought MCC graduates.
SELECT ANY OPTION BELOW TO SEE A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO PROGRAM COMPLETION, ADMISSIONS, COSTS, FINANCIAL AID, AND MORE.
| PROGRAM OPTIONS | REQUIRED HOURS | PROGRAM COSTS |
|---|---|---|
| Associate in Applied Science Degree | 76 semester hours | Program Costs |
| Diploma | 42 semester hours | Program Costs |
| Basic Gunsmithing Certificate | 17 semester hours | Program Costs |
| Basic Gunsmithing Certificate Weekend Program | 17 semester hours | Program Costs |
| Gunsmithing Design & Repair Certificate | 16 semester hours | Program Costs |
| Gunsmithing Technology Certificate | 18 semester hours | Program Costs |
| Gunsmithing Refinishing Certificate | 12 Semester hours | Program Costs |
