Advanced Gunsmithing, Certificate - GSMA
This certificate is designed for students who have completed the Introduction to Gunsmithing certificate. Advanced metal finishing, custom barrel fitting, modern stock refurbishing and manufacture, rifle and shotgun trigger and firing mechanisms, design and function of handguns will be the emphasis of this certificate. Safety in the shop environment and the completion of Gunsmithing projects using schematics and specialized hand and machine tools will be required. Students should be capable of working on various firearms and understand the procedures required before attempting the specialized work involved. During the hands-on shop class, the student will also be working on a final project that will be completed in the second semester of the certificate program. Upon completion of the certificate, the student should have gained the knowledge and confidence to set up a Gunsmithing shop or become employed by a company that requires this type of skill.
Criminal Record Checks for Gunsmithing Students
Criminal Record Check: Students in specific Gunsmithing programs are required to have a criminal background check and be eligible to receive a concealed weapon permit. These are conducted by an outside agency at the student’s expense. Pending criminal charges or convictions may make the student ineligible for enrollment, participation in courses or taking the examinations.
Requirements
| Courses | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Course Information | ||
| GSM 103 | Gunsmithing III | 4 |
| GSM 120 | Basic Stockmaking | 3 |
| GSM 122 | General Repair | 3 |
| GSM 220 | Rifle Stockmaking | 4 |
| GSM 221 | Advanced Repair Technology | 3 |
| GSM 222 | Handgun Technology | 3 |
| GSM 223 | Gunsmithing Techniques | 3 |
| GSM 225 | Checkering | 3 |
| Subtotal | 26 | |
| Total Hours | 26 | |
Graduation Plan
NOTE: Students MUST complete the Introduction to Gunsmithing Certificate program before they will be allowed to enter the Advanced Gunsmithing Certificate program.
Please contact Program Coordinator for a semester-by-semester graduation plan if starting this program in Spring or Summer terms.
Fall Start
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| GSM 120 | Basic Stockmaking | 3 |
| GSM 220 | Rifle Stockmaking | 4 |
| GSM 223 | Gunsmithing Techniques | 3 |
| GSM 225 | Checkering | 3 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| GSM 103 | Gunsmithing III | 4 |
| GSM 122 | General Repair | 3 |
| GSM 221 | Advanced Repair Technology | 3 |
| GSM 222 | Handgun Technology | 3 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Total Hours | 26 | |
Application and Advising
If you are ready to start your education, there are a few simple steps involved in enrolling at Piedmont Technical College.
Advising Information
The following information provides a guide for advisors who are helping students enroll in this program.
Program Notes
- Gunsmithing programs are not approved for international students. Students must complete the Introduction to Gunsmithing Certificate before being eligible to sign up for the Advanced Gunsmithing Certificate program.
- All courses for both certificates are co- and pre-requisite. This means no courses can be taken individually, and all courses in a semester must be passed before a student can enroll into the next semester or certificate.
- Required notes for the Advanced Gunsmithing Certificate are available in the college bookstore: Advanced Gunsmithing GSM-A. Notes are covered by financial aid.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Purpose Statement
This certificate is designed for students who have completed the Introduction to Gunsmithing Certificate. Stock making, refinishing, repair, checkering, advanced metal finishing, trigger and action mechanism modification, handgun, rifle and shotgun design-function and repair is the emphasis of this certificate. Safety in the shop environment is expected and required. Students should be capable of observing, analyzing and utilizing their skill sets to work on the various firearm types they will encounter in a shop environment. They must also understand the procedures required before attempting specialized work orders. Upon completion of the certificate(s), the student should have gained the knowledge and confidence to establish and maintain a gunsmithing shop or become employed by a company that requires these skills.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Apply theoretical knowledge gained in class to complete metal working projects to blueprint requirements.
- Setup and safely operate all machine tools required for project completion.
- Maintain the personal discipline to complete projects on time.
- Use technology in the machine shop to model on-the-job requirements.
- Use applicable tooling correctly during various machining operations.
- Exhibit mastery of National Rifle Association’s safety procedures throughout the curriculum.