Introduction to Gunsmithing, Certificate - GSM7
This certificate will introduce the novice gunsmith to the hand tools, blueprint reading skills, schematic understanding, basic machine tool operations and the nomenclature used in Gunsmithing. Emphasis is placed on safety in the shop environment and the completion of Gunsmithing related projects from blueprints using hand and machine tools. Upon completion, students should be able to read and work from blueprints and schematics using hand and basic machine tool setups. 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. Students interested in this program will be required to undergo a criminal background check before enrolling.
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
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.
| Courses | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Course Information | ||
| GSM 101 | Gunsmithing I | 4 |
| GSM 102 | Gunsmithing II | 4 |
| GSM 104 | Advanced Gunmetal Finishing | 4 |
| GSM 105 | Gunsmithing Welding | 2 |
| GSM 106 | Gunsmith Safety | 1 |
| GSM 107 | Gunsmith Machine Tool Technology | 4 |
| GSM 121 | Barrel Fitting/ Alteration | 3 |
| GSM 230 | Business for Gunsmiths | 3 |
| Subtotal | 25 | |
| Total Hours | 25 | |
Graduation Plan
Contact John Littlefield for start dates.
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.
Fall Start
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| GSM 101 | Gunsmithing I | 4 |
| GSM 104 | Advanced Gunmetal Finishing | 4 |
| GSM 106 | Gunsmith Safety | 1 |
| GSM 230 | Business for Gunsmiths | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| GSM 102 | Gunsmithing II | 4 |
| GSM 105 | Gunsmithing Welding | 2 |
| GSM 107 | Gunsmith Machine Tool Technology | 4 |
| GSM 121 | Barrel Fitting/ Alteration | 3 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Total Hours | 25 | |
Spring Start
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Hours | |
| GSM 101 | Gunsmithing I | 4 |
| GSM 104 | Advanced Gunmetal Finishing | 4 |
| GSM 106 | Gunsmith Safety | 1 |
| GSM 230 | Business for Gunsmiths | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Summer Semester | ||
| GSM 102 | Gunsmithing II | 4 |
| GSM 105 | Gunsmithing Welding | 2 |
| GSM 107 | Gunsmith Machine Tool Technology | 4 |
| GSM 121 | Barrel Fitting/ Alteration | 3 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Total Hours | 25 | |
Summer Start
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer Semester | Hours | |
| GSM 101 | Gunsmithing I | 4 |
| GSM 104 | Advanced Gunmetal Finishing | 4 |
| GSM 106 | Gunsmith Safety | 1 |
| GSM 230 | Business for Gunsmiths | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Fall Semester | ||
| GSM 102 | Gunsmithing II | 4 |
| GSM 105 | Gunsmithing Welding | 2 |
| GSM 107 | Gunsmith Machine Tool Technology | 4 |
| GSM 121 | Barrel Fitting/ Alteration | 3 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Total Hours | 25 | |
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
Prospective students should apply to the college as early as possible. Gunsmithing is a currently a very popular program.
The Gunsmithing program offers two program options. Please speak with the Gunsmithing Program Director to determine which program best suits your goals:
- Gunsmithing Certificates:
- Introduction to Gunsmithing
- Advanced Gunsmithing
- A.A.S., Major in General Technology, Gunsmithing
Students must complete the Introduction to Gunsmithing certificate before being eligible to enroll in the Advanced Gunsmithing Certificate program. All courses for both certificates are co- and pre-requisites. This means no courses can be taken individually, and all courses must be passed before a student can advance/enroll into the next semester or certificate.
Students in specific Gunsmithing programs are required to have a criminal background check and must be legally eligible to acquire and possess a firearm. Students are required to have both a state and NCIC check to apply to the program. These checks 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. These checks must be done within two (2) months of a student’s start date. The Gunsmithing program will coordinate this check with incoming students. A current concealed weapon permit (CWP) from any state can be used in lieu of the background check. (Please contact Program Director Jerry Capone if student has a CWP from another state.)
Students are required to take the placement test to enter this program unless they hold a college degree. All students must have a high school diploma or GED.
Gunsmithing certificates are not approved for international students.
Students must attend the Gunsmithing Orientation. Students must read and sign the Gunsmithing Program's policy on Safety and Security during orientation.
Students must have all the tools, supplies, books and class notes prior to orientation. Students may use their own tools and equipment or purchase these items from the school. NOTE: Students who do not have all the required items will be withdrawn from the Gunsmithing program, and may re-register for classes in a future semester.
Safety glasses are required in the shop areas at all times for all students. Students with prescription lenses must have shatter-proof lenses with side shields.
Students must purchase their project rifle from the Gunsmithing program. For current fee/cost, please contact the gunsmith program director.
Required books, notes and other tools and supplies:
- Books: Students are required to have the following books for the Introduction to Gunsmithing Certificate. Both are available at the college bookstore and covered by financial aid.
- Gun Digest Book of Illustrated Gun Drawings
- Introduction to Gunsmithing GSM7.
- These are for the entire Introduction to Gunsmithing Certificate, not by the course, and may be covered by financial aid.
- Other tools and supplies: The Program Director will provide details.
- Firearm and related supplies for the Project Rifle are supplied by the Gunsmithing program and costs/fees are covered by financial aid. For more details regarding the Project Rifle, please contact the Program Director.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Purpose Statement
This certificate will introduce the novice gunsmith to the hand tools, blueprint-reading skills, schematic understanding, machine tool operations and the nomenclature used in gunsmithing. Emphasis is placed on safety in the shop environment and the completion of gunsmithing-related projects from blueprints, using hand and machine tools. Upon completion, students should be able to read and work from blueprints and schematics, using hand and basic machine tool set-ups. During the hands-on shop classes, the student will also be working on their major project, a bolt action rifle, which will be started in the second semester of this certificate program.
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 operations.
- Exhibit mastery of National Rifle Association’s safety procedures throughout the curriculum.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of resume writing and business and marketing planning.