Gunsmithing Technology - Murray State College

Concurrent Enrollment

Murray State College’s gunsmithing program was started in 1979 and provides training in custom gunsmithing and gun repair. Students develop the basic knowledge and skills needed to become professional gunsmiths. The two-year program teaches all aspects of building and repairing firearms.

Students visit several different firearm manufacturers and various gun shows during their time at MSC. They also have the opportunity to receive on-campus training from firearm manufacturers to obtain additional certifications. Historically, MSC gunsmithing advisors and instructors receive up to three job requests for each student who graduates from the program. All graduates can be placed in employment if open to relocating.

Gunsmithing is a very popular program. Only 20 to 30 students are chosen to enter the program each year and applications should be sent early specifying the year of entry. All classes start in Fall with students being chosen by the gunsmithing department committee the previous March. Acceptance is not automatic; each student is chosen on their own merit.

NRA Summer Course ProgramMuray State College also has a summer program offering short courses in gunsmithing, machine shop, and L.E.A.S. Armorer classes. These one- to two-week courses are only offered in the summer program. A listing of these NRA courses and a link to register is published each November on the gunsmithing page of the Murray State College website. Each class costs $300 plus lab fees, (if applicable).

Gunsmithing Technology

How much will it cost?Students in the gunsmithing technology program will pay approximately $160 per credit hour and take between 15 and 18 credit hours per semester. The estimated complete program cost for tuition, books and laboratory fees is around $14,500.

How long will it take?• 70 credit-hour program

including 46 credit hours of gunsmithing courses

• Four full-time semesters

• Leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree in gunsmithing

Required Courses• Business Math• Technical Math /College Algebra • Basic Firearm Maintenance• Gun Bluing• Gunsmithing Theory I, II• Bench Metal Work• General Metals• Machine Tool Practices• Machine Metal Work I• Blueprint Reading• Riflesmithing• Technician Development • Metal Finishing• Repairing of Firearms I, II• Applied Repair Techniques• Gun Store Management• Stockmaking I• Pistolsmithing• Shotgunsmithing

Your Map to SuccessSteps on the path to earning your MSC Degree

Freshman Year/First Year Sophomore Year/Second Year

Areas of Study

Salary Potential

Murray State College, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other Federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, handicap, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, student financial aid, and educational services.

For More Information, Contact:Murray State College Outreach/Student Services 580-387-7137 [email protected] mscok.edu

From Here, Go Anywhere

• Metalwork• Firearm

Maintenance• Firearm Repair• Metal Finishing• Ballistics• Blueprint Reading

• Stockmaking• Pistolsmithing• Shotgunsmithing• Rilesmithing• AutoCAD• CNC Machining• Gun Bluing

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for maintenance and repair workers including gunsmiths was $17.02 per hour or $35,400 per year in 2017. The actual salary of a gunsmith can vary depending on geographic location or educational level of workers. The average starting wage for graduates of the MSC Gunsmithing program is $13 to $30 per hour.

Meet with your academic advisor to make sure you have a clear path to your graduation goals and are planning to take the correct progression of classes.

Make sure to double check that you are taking the correct prerequisite and general education classes so you will be prepared for higher-level classes.

Network with your peers and build experience for your resume by joining student organizations and getting involved on campus and in the community.

Meet with your academic advisor to make sure you are still on track to reach your graduation goal.

Review program and testing requirements to assure all are being met or are within reach.

Complete required graduation application at the beginning of your final semester.

Explore possible job opportunities with potential employers and prepare resume documents.

Employment Opportunities• Firearms sales• Gunshop owner/manager • Firearms manufacturers • Gun shop gunsmithing • Custom-built firearm specialist• Military armorers

• Law enforcement armorers• Firearms factory representative• Engineer

• Gun Designer/Manufacturing