Do I need an FFL, a Federal Firearms License to be a gunsmith?

I would recommend that you have a Federal Firearms License if you're going to be taking in work, keeping it overnight or charging for the gunsmithing work you do, then you definitely should have an FFL. Now, it's not that hard to get a Federal Firearms License. And AGI provides you with a complete information package on how to get your FFL step by step when you enroll in our professional gunsmithing courses.

How complicated of a process is getting an FFL and do I need to have a Federal Firearms License to take AGI's courses?

So as long as your record is clean, you can get a Federal Firearms License, even working from your home. What you need to have is local license, a local business license then you apply for your Federal Firearms License. And they're not expensive and they only take about 90 days to get.

What category of Federal Firearms License do most gunsmiths apply for?

If you just want to do gunsmithing and you're not going to be manufacturing firearms, then a regular Type 1 license worked just fine. In fact, I would say that's what most people end up with. Now a Type 1 license is just a regular dealer's license. There is no special category just for gunsmiths.

Can I get a Federal Firearms License working from my home? And if I do, do I give up my rights?

In most cases, you can get a Federal Firearms License working from home, especially gunsmithing, because you're not going to have lots of traffic coming by and it's not a full on gun store. So as long as you can get a legal business license at your working out of your home, you can get a Federal Firearms License working out of your home.

What tools do I need to start gunsmithing? And don't I need a lot of expensive equipment to be a gunsmith, like a full machine shop with a big mill and a lathe?

The answer is no, you don't. You really can start gunsmithing with just some basic tools and one specific power tool.

As someone who does not have a great deal of experience with gun repair, at what point during my gunsmithing studies would I start attempting hands-on applications of the course material?

When you study the American Gunsmithing Institute's, professional gunsmithing course, you're going to be understanding how firearm systems work. And you'll be able to start applying this almost immediately. So when you're studying design, function, repair of handguns, you can work on handguns.

Is there a way that I can make some easy money while I'm just getting started gunsmithing?

Yes. A wonderful way for you to provide a real service to the community, to your customers, and to help you get your hands-on a lot more guns to on and to make some money is to offer professional gun cleaning services.

What type of business entity should I set up for my gunsmithing business?

You can run your gunsmithing business as a sole proprietorship, or you can set up a limited liability corporation, or an S corporation or a C corporation.

What separates a real gunsmith from a part-swapper?

When you understand those systems and how the system is intended to work, you'll be able to look at it, determine what is not working properly and then make the appropriate repair. So a part swapper is just someone that doesn't really understand that, or maybe thinks they do, but they're not sure.

What are the benefits of owning a gunsmithing business?

If you want to work at gunsmithing part-time, full-time or as a retirement income, your choice. You still have these benefits available to you. Some of those things are the ability to buy items at wholesale, therefore saving money on things you'd already be purchasing, the ability to deduct from your expenses as expenses from your taxes, things such as the internet, your truck, or car, gun range membership, tools, many of these different things that you would like to go spend money on anyway, suddenly become potential deductions, write offs.

Do I need gunsmithing insurance and do I get it?

Yes, I do recommend you get gunsmithing insurance.

How do I find customers and grow my gunsmithing business?

As an AGI professional gunsmithing student, if you take the master level course, we include a complete business success package.

What about the threat of gun control, won't that eliminate the need for gunsmiths?

Thankfully in the United States, we have a second amendment that protects our firearms ownership. However, even if there were more regulations placed upon individuals, making it harder for them to be able to buy firearms, that would mean they have all the greater need for a gunsmith.

What does the average gunsmith charge?

The average gunsmith charges on a piece work basis. That’s actually the best way for you to go because, the faster you get at solving a problem, doing a particular type of customer work, or repair or a cleaning, the more you get paid, but as far as what to charge per hour, that depends on your area of the country.

I live in a rural area, how can I find enough gunsmithing work?

One thing that's great about gunsmithing is you don't have to only do work for people that walk in your front door. You literally can have guns shipped to you from all over the country to do the work.

If I'm doing good gunsmithing and I need parts, where would I find them?

As an American Gunsmithing Institute student we're going to provide you sources that we have for gun parts from various different locations around the country, specific to the models of firearms you're working on.

How long has the American Gunsmithing Institute been teaching gunsmithing and doesn't the information get outdated?

The American Gunsmithing Institute has been teaching gunsmithing since 1993. The material does not become dated.

Do I need to be able to weld and machine to be a gunsmith?

If you want to optimize your capabilities and be able to work on a wide variety of fire arms, and customizing, and solving problems and so on, yes, you really should learn welding and machining.

How long does it take to become a AGI certified gunsmith?

The answer to that is really up to you. The program was designed for you to be able to study at your own pace because everybody's life is different.

When I'm just getting started, how do I find guns to work on?

If you do not have your own, get a broken gun from a pawn shop or borrow one from a family member or friend.

Does the American Gunsmithing Institute offer any hands-on training?

The American Gunsmithing Institute was designed to allow you to fully understand design, function, repair, and then many aspects of customizing, machining, welding, et cetera, all from the comfort of your home you can study.

I'd like to enroll in the entire professional gun spinning course, but I'm not sure I can afford it all at once. What are my options?

You have several different options of how you can invest in the professional level course. One of the ways is through our Multi-Pay option. Another great way to do it is to line up a bunch of gunsmithing work that'll rapidly pay for it.

I'm afraid to work on customer's guns. What if I get in trouble and I'm stuck?

You don't have to worry about being stuck because not only do you have the videos to support you step by step on working that customer's firearms. You also have live support where you can contact AGI's instructors and they'll help you walk through a problem. And worst case scenario, you get yourself in a real bind, you can send that firearm to one of our gunsmiths. They'll repair it, they'll charge you for it, but they'll tell you what you did wrong and how to go about it correctly next time.

What are the different types of courses that AGI has available?

AGI has created a number of different courses to answer the needs different people have. So for example, we have armorer's level courses for people to maintain and understand their own firearms. And even to be able to potentially do some basic repairs. Remember an armorer is someone that's only qualified to do maintenance and swap out parts. A gunsmith can do all of that, but they also do repairs and repair parts, make parts and much more.

Do I need to be an apprentice working for another gunsmith before I take a gunsmithing course?

No, you don't have to work for another gunsmith as an apprentice before you take the gunsmithing course. In fact, I think you'd be well served to go through the American Gunsmithing Institute's training first.

Why do you think the American Gunsmithing Institute's teaching method is better than other gunsmithing schools?

The reason I think AGI's method is a better approach is from my own personal experience. You see, I went through gunsmithing school, spent two and a half years at gunsmithing school, and I learned from the disputed best and that was master gunsmith, Bob Dunlap. Well, the problem with that is most people can't just stop their life and go two and a half years at a gunsmithing school where you don't make any income. And you're spending money, both for living expenses and the cost of school and everything else.

Why do you think the American Gunsmithing Institute's teaching method is better than other gunsmithing schools?

These are people that are masters at their craft and have so much that they've contributed to the industry. You're going to be able to learn directly from them via video. And on top of all of that, we have an ongoing relationship with our students through the Gunsmithing Club of America. And this is a membership where you get continued access to the instructors, to other members, to other gunsmiths, a lot of additional videos, a lot of different support information.

Professional Gunsmithing Course - American Gunsmithing Institute

The Certified Professional Gunsmithing Courses

Become a Master or Professional Gunsmith with 3 options to suit YOUR needs and goals Pro-Level I, Pro-Level II or Master Gunsmith

The Professional Level 1 Course (shown above and instructed on more than 40 DVD’s),gives you everything you need to know to get started.

Request Info

Send Me an Info Kit & Free Video Lesson “How to Get Started in Professional Gunsmithing”.

What level of gunsmithing education are you seeking?

I am a Hobbyist and only want to work with my own guns.

I want to be a Professional Certified Gunsmith Part-Time / Full Time.

I want a retirement income within 3-5 years.

I am an FFL dealer / Gunsmithing is a potential add-on business opportunity.

Are you a veteran?

Check here if you are a veteran.

Disabled Veteran / Vocational Rehabilitation

Please only check this box if you are a Veteran with a Disability Rating or you will you be working with Vocational Rehabilitation or Workers Compensation to enroll in our program.

Request Mini-Lessons by Email
Yes, Send me FREE Gunsmithing Mini-Lessons by email. Every couple of days you will receive a email with a video or an article teaching you real Gunsmithing Tips, Tricks and Techniques in this valuable and interesting series.

Professional Gunsmithing Course - Level 1

Everything You Need To Know About Firearms Design, Function & Repair To Start A Gunsmithing Career.

The Level 1 course includes the core 108 hours of instruction in design, function and repair so you can start maintaining and repairing firearms immediately.

The course starts you off with a 5 hour introduction to the world of Gunsmithing, learning about special gunsmithing tools and how to use them, filing and stoning techniques, proper use of hand tools, firearms parts and proper terminology and descriptions, locking systems, action types, feed mechanisms, basic ballistics, cartridges and powders, different types and pressures, cartridge evolution, primer and bullet types, and so much more. Now you are prepared to get into the meat of the course, learning the design, function and repair of pistols and revolvers, shotguns, .22 rimfire rifles and centerfire rifles.

It is our belief that you can’t fix it unless you really understand how it works. Many so-called gunsmiths simply throw new parts at a problem until they hope it is fixed. We teach the why and the how. When you fix a gun, you’ll know you really fixed it.

Complete Testing and Certification:

As you complete the Introduction to Gunsmithing section and each of the other sections (Pistols and Revolvers, Shotguns, .22 Rimfire Rifles and Centerfire Rifles), you will take a written multi-choice examination to test your knowledge. If you answer 80% or more of the questions correctly, you will become certified for that portion of the course and receive a handsome framed and personalized certificate. A certificate is given for each section.

Certification from the American Gunsmithing Institute is more than just a badge of honor. Many companies will allow our graduates access to restricted parts.

In addition to the 108 hours of design, function and repair instruction in the Level I Course, you will also receive these additional bonuses:

Glass Bedding Rifle Stocks for Accuracy DVD with kit
Buying and Collecting Used Guns Without Getting Burned DVD
Professional Gun Cleaning: Secrets DVD
The Official History of Smith & Wesson Firearms DVD
Stock Refinishing DVD
Super Tuning the Factory Rifle DVD
Set of “Jack First” 3 Volume 2,000-page Parts Schematics Catalogs
Gunsmithing FFL (Federal Firearms License) How-to Audio CD and application starter kit, including forms, tags and book
One year of Gun Club of America Silver Level Membership including the GunTech monthly instructional DVD magazine
One year of continuing education through Webcast classes
Ongoing technical support from Professional Gunsmiths by telephone and e-mail
and more!

“I recently completed a mail order gunsmithing course. Their entire action bedding section can be summarized as follow the instructions in the Brownell’s Action Bedding Kit. In contrast, your video course (#SGBV Stock Bedding) took me step-by-step through the entire process with each step clearly demonstrated. My first attempt looked very professional. Thanks AGI.”

Jack Herber, San Bernardino, CA.

Professional Gunsmithing Course - Level 2

This Advanced Course Takes You To The Next Level By Adding To Your Skills

By enrolling in the Professional Gunsmithing Level 2 Course, you will accelerate your learning process and be a more competent gunsmith, able to work faster and provide more services. You will learn how to operate a lathe and a mill, rebarrel and customize rifles, refinish firearms, get advanced certifications and more.

You get everything included in the Level 1 Course plus:

Certified Cowboy Action Armorer Course with testing, certification and patch
Custom Barrel Bolt Action Rifles DVD
Understanding, Selecting & Buying Rifle and Pistol Scopes DVD
Building the Custom Mauser Rifle DVD
Professional Gunsmithing Metal Finishing DVD
Professional Trigger Jobs and Systems DVD
Case Hardening and Heat Treating DVD
Making Coil & Flat Springs DVD
Certificate for one week of small group hands-on in-classroom training with Master Gunsmiths Bob Dunlap or Ken Brooks (good for 3 years)

Learn sitting by the side of the master… a Day at the Bench with Bob Dunlap

What if you could spend a day at the bench looking over a master gunsmith’s shoulder as he explains, not only what he is doing, but also what he is thinking as he works through a series of real repairs.

After learning complete design, function and repair as part of the Professional Level 2 Course, you will have the rare opportunity to get inside the mind of Bob Dunlap and understand exactly how he thinks through a gunsmithing problem. This training will take your professionalism to the next level. You will spend the equivalent of an entire day looking over Bob’s shoulder as he works on everything from a Luger Pistol to an Italian copy of a Winchester ‘73.

He talks to you about his thought process, how to diagnose problems and ways to make the fastest repairs. This is very “hands-on” additional training. Bob also shares with you his philosophy on setting up a shop and how to move efficiently. You, too, will have the ability to rapidly analyze problems and apply the most direct solutions. This is 4-1/2 hours of additional instruction packed with exclusive insider information.

You also get the complete machine shop course with materials and shop manuals

To expand your Gunsmithing knowledge and ability to make repairs, this course also teaches you the next set of skills you will want to learn—general machine shop knowledge and how to operate a mill and lathe. You’ll learn how to completely set up and operate the lathe, vertical mill and other shop equipment. Containing over 30 hours of instruction on DVD, Master Riflesmith and Machinist Darrell Holland will instruct you in everything you need to know to be able to walk up to any one of these machines and start making parts. This is an extremely valuable addition to any gunsmith’s set of skills.

In the Lathe section, you will learn how to select a lathe, complete set up, tool geometry and grinding tool bits, how to turn diameters and cut threads, boring, reaming, feed rates, using dial indicators and precision measuring devices, material selection and more.

In the Vertical Milling section, you will understand how to bore, fly cut and set up work along with special fixtures. You will know how to calculate cutting speeds and feed rates for various materials and how to use an X, Y & Z digital readout to insure precision location of holes and edges

The General Shop techniques section covers how to efficiently set up your shop and how to use all the support and measuring equipment. Also explained and demonstrated is how to use the popular combination lathe/mill machines.

The complete Machine Shop Course comes with test materials and projects, along with certification. Includes books, prints and other materials.

Master Gunsmithing Course

This Is The Course The Majority Of Our Students Choose To Enroll In.

It will provide you with the knowledge and additional advanced skills and techniques, including welding, that will enable you to become a master of your craft.

With the Master Level Course, you will receive certifications as a 1911 Pistolsmith, Glocksmith and AR-15/M4 Riflesmith, plus training on how to be successful in the gunsmithing business.

You get everything included in the level 1 & 2 courses plus:

Complete Welding Course and materials (22 hours)
Certified 1911 Pistolsmith Course with testing, certification and patch
Certified Glocksmith Course with testing, certification and patch
Certified AR-15/M4 Riflesmith Course with testing, certification and patch
How to Rebarrel, “Blueprint”, and Tune Military Mauser Rifle Actions DVD
How to Build a Semi-Auto G-3, HK-91 & CETME Rifle DVD
and more!

The Business Success System Information Package Includes:

6 CDs. Interviews with American Gunsmithing Institute instructors and “How-to” information on shop set-up, flow, problem solving, traps to avoid and more
Exclusive Gunsmithing First Ever Flat-rate Job Book (so you will immediately be the expert and know with confidence how much you should charge for your work)
“Tax Secrets That THEY Don’t Want You To Know About” Audio CD. You would pay more than $1,000 to get the advice revealed on this CD from a CPA or tax attorney, IF they would even tell you!
Marketing Manual teaches you different ways to market your business including information on how to use direct mail to generate business, news releases, yellow page ads and more to bring you customers
The Secret Life of Bob Dunlap “Inside Bob’s Head” (4 DVD set!): Learn about how Bob became a Master Gunsmithing Instructor, understand how his unique thought process works and how you can apply the same methods to making successful repairs
2 certificates for a 1/2-hour telephone consultation with Master Gunsmith Bob Dunlap (good for 2 years)
Business Success Tool Kit Series: Contained in this 12 Audio CD Mini Series are the core secrets to operating ANY Successful And Profitable Business. Hosted by the American Gunsmithing Institute’s President and businessman Gene Kelly, along with Professional Business Coach April Palmer
2 weeks of hands-on in-classroom advance training certificates with American Gunsmithing Institute’s instructors (good for 3 years)

Enhanced Master Gunsmithing Course

This “Turnkey” Gunsmithing Business Will Add Even More Specialized Skills, Including A Complete Set Of Tools.

If you want to get started in gunsmithing immediately and possess all the information available plus a complete turn-key set of tools, this is the course for you.

A number of our students wanted everything they needed for doing complete gunsmithing repairs and basic customizing in a small home-size shop, without them having to spend a lot of money or shop around in dozens of different stores.

So, we interviewed our top Master Gunsmithing Instructors, and they recommended the tools that we include in this package. If you really want to get started fast without breaking the bank, this course will really help you accomplish that goal.

In addition to everything included in the Level 1, Level 2 and Master Gunsmithing Courses, the Enhanced Master Gunsmithing Course includes:

Expansion Modules: (additional 100 hours of fully-indexed firearms training and reference DVDs)
- Pistols – over 65 additional handguns are covered in depth
- Rimfire Rifles – dozens of additional models are covered
- Shotguns – over 30 additional shotgun models and systems
Design, Function and Repair Live Courses – a series of classes that were recorded
Complete DVD library of 58 different Armorer Courses
Personalized Gunsmithing website – help jump start your business 3 different weeks of hands-on in-classroom training certificates with American Gunsmithing Institute’s instructors (good for 3 years)

Plus, you get our complete tool package.

With the Enhanced Master Gunsmithing Course, you also get our complete tool package including a benchtop mini-lathe, belt and disc sander, benchtop grinder, drill press, Foredom® Hand Grinder, and all the handtools you need to set up your shop.