For many people, working and using guns is a hobby.
If you’ve ever considered turning that hobby into a career, however, you may not know where to start.
If you’ve ever asked yourself “How do I become a gunsmith?” then you’re in the right place.
Getting started as a gunsmith is a relatively simple process and is even easier if you have some experience working with firearms already. Here are a few steps you should follow in order to work towards being a gunsmith.
Complete a Background Check
Because you will be working with firearms, many programs and employers will require a background check before you are hired. It’s important to do this first, as failure to pass a background check may mean you won’t be hired at all.
Although circumstances are different for everyone, things that may cause concern in a background check are if you are a convicted felon, have any restraining orders against you, or you were dishonorably discharged from the military.
Complete a Gunsmith Program
Enrolling in a gunsmith program is one of the best ways to gain the skills the necessary for becoming a gunsmith. Stratford Career Institute offers a distance learning Gunsmithing Course that you can complete at your own pace in as little as six months.
By enrolling in a gunsmith educational program, you can gain fundamental knowledge about working, repairing, and maintaining pistols and rifles, but also information about how to start your own gunsmithing business.
An educated gunsmith that is more well-rounded will offer more value and make you competitive in the market.
Get a Federal Firearm License
Many aspiring gunsmiths may have their own firearm license. But if you want to work as a gunsmith, you must get a federal firearm license (FFL). These licenses are sort of like a business license for gunsmiths specifically. They allow you to handle and keep the firearms for longer periods of time as you work on them.
After submitting your FFL application to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), it may take up to 60 days before your license is issued. As a part of this process, you will have to interview with an ATF officer and, if you are starting your own gunsmithing business, it will need to be inspected.
Because of the time it takes to obtain this license, it’s a good idea to submit the application as soon as possible after completing a gunsmithing course.
Get Real-World Experience
After completing a gunsmith program and obtaining your FFL, it’s time to get practical experience. Finding work with other gunsmiths who run their own businesses can not only lead to great professional relationships but also help you get the hands-on experience you might need to start out on your own.
If you can’t find a job right away, volunteering at local gun clubs and offering discounted services to friends and family can be a great way to practice what you’ve learned.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Stratford Career Institute’s Gunsmithing Course is a great way to start toward a career as a gunsmith. Enroll today!
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Loading...Become a Gunsmith
Do you have what it takes to become a gunsmith? Sign up for Stratford’s online class to get started!