Students can choose from a Gunsmithing degree, diploma or certificate in a daytime, evening, or weekend program.
The Gunsmithing curriculum at Montgomery Community College is designed to prepare the student 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.
More than two-thirds of class time is spent in the shops applying what is learned in the classroom.
Because of the school’s NRA affiliation, students can take advantage of NRA short-term gunsmithing courses taught by nationally-known experts. Firearms manufacturers such as Smith & Wesson, Sig Arms, Glock, Beretta USA and Sturm Ruger have all brought their armorers schools to MCC.
Facilities
The gunsmithing labs and classrooms comprise 9,000 square feet of student workspace including:
Woodworking shop
- Two machine shops with 13 milling machines, 23 high-speed precision metal lathes, surface and pedestal grinders
- Metal refinishing room with buffers, sanders and immersion bluing, Parkerizing, nickel plating and color case hardening facilities
- State-of-the-art paint shop with two paint booths and large curing oven for applying Cerakote and other firearms finishes
- Three spacious classrooms with individual work stations, Kennedy roller cabinets, and locker facilities for each student
Welding Shop
- Five-position, 100-yard outdoor firing range for use in test firing, chronographing, reloads and bench rest shooting
- The Midway USA Arms Room is endowed through a generous donation from Midway USA. The endowment provides funds for annual updates to the program’s firearms inventory, ensuring that students receive instruction on the most comprehensive, up-to-date firearms inventory possible. Recently, the Brownells Labs have been completely refit through donations provided by Brownells, Incorporated. In addition, the Brownells family provides a number of gunsmithing scholarships for the program.
- MCC’s Gunsmithing instructional staff has a combined total of over 60 years of gunsmithing teaching and professional experience. Students leave the program with 24 custom gunsmithing tools and 3 custom rifles they build themselves including a custom 1911. In addition, students annually travel to the SHOT Show held in Las Vegas to make career contacts and gather job prospects.
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 |
