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Bob’s intent was to preserve and pass on this exclusive set of skills and methods of analysis to the next generation of Gunsmiths.
The American Gunsmithing Institute was established in 1993, by Gunsmiths, to preserve the Gunsmithing Arts and to teach the Design, Function, and Repair philosophy and critical thinking skills required that enable an individual to become a real Gunsmith and safely repair, maintain, and customize firearms.
We have created a training system that is superior to a campus based Gunsmithing School, because we are able to teach Firearms Design, Function, Repair (D,F,&R) and advanced Customizing, more clearly and quickly. Using a systematic video course of instruction with close ups and cutaway firearms to make the instruction seamless and crystal clear. Anyone who does not understand D, F, &R is simply a “parts swapper,” not a Gunsmith. American Gunsmithing Institute Graduates do understand D, F, & R and are Certified Gunsmiths.
AGI is also able to train our students in a greater number of skills and disciplines, in a shorter period of time, at a significantly lower cost, all without the student having to leave their home, or quit their job and move to attend a campus-based school. A clear career advantage.
I‘m a current student of AGI. It was the style of training that drew me to AGI. For me, it’s like having my own personal instructor with me whenever I study. I really appreciate that I can study at my own pace, and if life’s events happen, I can step away and then come back when things have settled down. Since there is no pressure or deadlines, I can relax and go a little slower through a harder section to allow myself to fully understand the information. I did a lot of looking before I decided on AGI, and when I did my research, it kept bringing me back to AGI. All in all, I’ve been very pleased with AGI, and there is so much more than just the courses. The forum and website are filled with quite a bit of additional information that becomes a huge resource to assist you as you are studying and when you move on to a career in gunsmithing.
The AGI Design, Function, and Repair school of gunsmithing is a proven system. I was worried when I first got into this business. I have gotten to be more confident in my abilities because of how they teach. They make you think through the problem. I have enjoyed this journey. I am currently in the Master Gunsmith Course. Their customer service is top notch as well. Anytime I have had questions they have answered them.
As I near retirement age I was searching for something to keep me busy and provide a post-retirement supplemental income. I am an avid shooter, a machinist by trade and have worked in the ammunition industry for over 20 years. AGI checked all of the boxes as far as learn at your own pace, large variety training topics and a great reference library I can use when I need it. The training courses are detailed and thorough and the instructors are knowledgeable in their field. I have completed my Master’s level course, launched my own business, acquired my FFL and I am slowly building my niche in the vast firearm market and securing my future. Thank You, AGI!
AGI is top notch with regard to the education that they provide. I have been a student for over 10 years and continue to learn from them. The student help is outstanding. With their help I have formed a Gunsmithing business. Thank you AGI
AGI has done a good job of preserving the tradition of gunsmithing and also making it relevant to the always changing landscape of the firearms industry. They have something for all levels of interest. Whether you are looking to learn about just a single personal firearm, or want to launch a full service shop, AGI can help. Their people are very helpful and very responsive. I highly recommend AGI.
I have always loved working on guns. From cleaning my granddads shotgun after turkey hunting to being the unit armorer. Now I’m living it. Love this course and felt it was an important milestone for a new start at a career after leaving corporate America. Thank you so much Gene and the AGI team for making this the least stressful of courses I have taken.
Great program so far. Coursework is informative and in depth. You can tell Gene, Ken, and all the instructors are true gun guys and have a passion for the industry. Getting to learn from Bob is a great opportunity, as his knowledge was immense (big thanks to Gene for making this possible). The exams are NOT an easy “correspondence” and challenge you to know the course material. I feel confident having the ability to venture out into the business with the ability to apply what I’ve learned to provide a QUALITY and valuable service to customers. If you are hesitant of whether you’ll be getting great instruction, DON’T be. AGI is the real deal! One of the best things I’ve ever decided to do.
The advanced master class is just what I needed! I have always been a gun enthusiast and now to know the design, function and repair of all firearms systems is priceless. It goes beyond that! From making my own tools, parts and much more, I am well equipped to tackle anything firearm related with confidence. I would recommend anyone wanting to gunsmith for hobby or business to utilize this institute of knowledge if you want the best. Invest in yourself with AGI ~ MR GUN MASTER
As a recent retiree from the Marine Corps, I was on the lookout for a meaningful and practical career path. This gunsmithing course has truly exceeded my expectations. Not only does it provide a comprehensive curriculum, but it also offers a wealth of resources and tools that are essential for building a successful business. Despite dealing with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), I found the course incredibly accommodating and supportive. The instructors are knowledgeable and understanding, and the course structure is designed to ensure that anyone can thrive. Additionally, my experience working at a gun store beforehand really helped me grasp the practical aspects of the trade. I’m confident that this training will help me launch and sustain a successful gunsmithing business. For those who are living in 2A restrictive states this course will also apply to the guns that you do have available to you, so it wouldn’t be a situation where you take the course and then you’re out of luck.
After doing some research on schools I contacted AGI and enrolled. I have to say after six months, I am already living the dream. I haven’t finished school yet and already have a thriving business. I followed the advice on starting my business, getting an FFL and building the business. In more than one class segment they warn you about not getting so busy you don’t have time to get the education done. Well, I got my FFL and established my business in October 2025. It is now January 2026, and I am slammed with work. I recently semi retired as a first responder after 36 years and wanted to find something I could do at my own pace and on my own schedule. I love firearms and am now living my dream of becoming a gun smith. At AGI you will learn design, function and repair. Using this basic philosophy I have been able to fix guns I have never seem before. If you are passionate about firearms and want to make a living fixing them, I recommend AGI. The staff at AGI are amazing!
