Gunsmithing Technology
Program Overview
Students have the option to pursue a Gun Repair Certificate tailored to train the graduate for counterwork and sales at retail outlets and sporting goods stores. Students may build upon the Certificate with more advanced courses and learn additional facets of the trade such as stockwork, barreling and chambering, and parts fabrication installation and adjustment. After completing an additional 44 credits (on top of the Certificate), Diploma graduates may work for established gunshops, manufacturers, or pursue their own businesses.
Program Plan
Gun Repair Certificate (24 credits)
COCP 1201 Microsoft Office Basics (2)
GSTP 1203 Metal Fusion (1)
GSTP 1205 Metal Fusion Lab (1)
GSTP 1212 Handgun Theory (2)
GSTP 1216 Handgun Lab (2)
GSTP 1215 Accessories Installation (3)
GSTP 1217 Firearms Business & ATF Regulations (1)
GSTP 1219 Hinge & Lever Theory (1)
GSTP 1221 Hinge & Lever Lab (2)
GSTP 1226 Pump and Self Loader Lab (3)
GSTP 1234 Pump and Self Loader Theory (2)
GSTP 1235 Heat Treating & Metallurgy (1)
GSTP 1245 Bolt Action Theory (1)
GSTP 1247 Bolt Action Lab (1)
PTCG 1225 Job Seeking (1)
Advanced Gunsmithing Diploma (44 additional credits)
ENGL 1276 College Composition (4)
GSTP 1207 Tool Design & Fabrication Theory (1)
GSTP 1209 Tool Design & Fabrication Lab (3)
GSTP 2233 Polishing & Bluing (3)
GSTP 2239 Metalsmithing (2)
GSTP 2256 Barrel and Chambering Theory (1)
GSTP 2257 Barrel and Chambering Lab (3)
GSTP 2259 Shotgun Smithing Theory (1)
GSTP 2261 Shotgun Smithing Lab (2)
GSTP 2263 Riflesmithing Theory (1)
GSTP 2265 Riflesmithing Lab (3)
GSTP 2267 1-Piece Stockmaking (3)
GSTP 2269 2-Piece Stockmaking (3)
MTTP 1208 Measuring Tools (1)
MTTP 1241 Introduction to CAD (3)
MTTP 1248 Machining Fundamentals I Theory (1)
MTTP 1249 Machining Fundamentals I Lab (3)
MTTP 1259 Machining Fundamentals II Theory (1)
MTTP 1260 Machining Fundamentals II Lab (3)
MTTP 1261 Introduction to CAM (2)
Course Outlines
For more specific information about this program's required courses, visit the Course Outlines page.
Important! Criminal History Requirements
Please be aware Gunsmithing Technology applicants must complete additional paperwork regarding criminal background checks to be accepted into the program. ALL applicants must complete the "PTC Checklist/Requirements Form." Additionally, applicants must complete a state form:
-- Minnesota residents
-- Wisconsin residents
-- All other applicants from other states
Tool List
Students within the gunsmithing program must acquire a comprehensive set of tools -- a requirement for the program. Since these tools are considered part of a student's required materials, financial aid covers the cost. Click here for the Gunsmithing Technology Master Tool List.
Cost of Program
To determine the cost of this program, visit the Tuition and Fees page.
Manufacturing Technology - Prototyping Gunsmith Diploma
The Manufacturing Technology - Prototyping Gunsmith program is an additional diploma students may pursue after completing the above Gun Repair Certificate and/or Gunsmithing Technology Diploma. The Manufacturing Technology - Prototyping Gunsmith program builds on skills developed in the completion of the Gun Repair Certificate and is designed to provide the student with additional machining skills and training in the technologies of rapid prototyping and the reverse engineering of conceptualized parts and/or tooling. For more information about this advanced diploma, visit the Manufacturing Technology - Prototyping Gunsmith program page.
Career and Employment Information
Gander Mountain, Cabela's, Big Sky Rifle Company and Dakota Arms are just a few organizations who have hired PTC gunsmithing graduates. Since the program's inception in 1980, the average job placement rate has held between 96 and 100 percent. Graduates are trained in diverse areas such as woodworking, machining, welding and business, and some graduates gain employment in these related fields.
For more information...
For more information, see this video clip from a 2003 episode of "Minnesota Bound," which highlights PTC's excellent gunsmithing technology program.
