Gunsmith Programs in Anchorage, Alaska

Becoming a Certified Gunsmith in Anchorage, Alaska

Gunsmithing is a skilled trade that blends craftsmanship, mechanical engineering, and a deep respect for firearm safety and history. A certified gunsmith repairs, modifies, designs, and customizes firearms, serving hunters, sport shooters, collectors, and law enforcement. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a gunsmith in Anchorage, Alaska, understanding the educational paths, certification requirements, and local career opportunities is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know about becoming a certified gunsmith in Anchorage, including training options, prerequisites, certification, and employment prospects.

About Anchorage

Anchorage stands as Alaska’s largest city, with a population of approximately 291,000. Nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet, Anchorage is renowned for its outdoor recreation, strong hunting culture, and robust firearms community. It serves as the economic and cultural hub of Alaska, with neighborhoods such as Midtown, Downtown, South Anchorage, and Spenard offering a blend of urban amenities and access to the state’s wilderness. For more information about Anchorage, visit the official city website.

Gunsmithing Training Programs in Anchorage, Alaska

Local Options

Currently, Anchorage itself does not have a traditional on-campus gunsmithing program. However, aspiring gunsmiths in Anchorage can access a variety of online and distance learning options, as well as programs in nearby states. Here are the top options available:

1. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI)

  • Location: Online (serving Anchorage residents)
  • Website: AGI Gunsmithing Courses
  • Program Overview: AGI offers comprehensive online gunsmithing programs, including Certified Professional Gunsmithing Courses. Training ranges from basic repair to advanced custom work, with over 175 to 574+ hours of video instruction. The curriculum covers firearm design, repair, ballistics, metalworking, and legal compliance. Students study at their own pace, with programs typically completed in 6-12 months. Costs range from $997 to $14,997, depending on the chosen course.

2. Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI)

  • Location: Online (nationally accredited, serving Alaska)
  • Website: SDI Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing Certificate
  • Program Overview: SDI’s Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)-accredited program includes a 32-credit-hour curriculum delivered over two 16-week semesters. The program emphasizes hands-on learning with provided tools and materials, covering firearms mechanics, ballistics, machining, maintenance, modification, and legal responsibilities.

3. Trinidad State College – NRA Gunsmithing Summer Program

  • Location: Trinidad, Colorado (approx. 3,000 miles from Anchorage; available as an intensive summer program)
  • Website: Trinidad State Gunsmithing
  • Program Overview: Trinidad State offers a respected NRA-affiliated summer program, with courses ranging from three days to two weeks. Subjects include machine shop work, bluing, barreling, and specialized armorer courses. While travel is required, this program is a popular option for Alaskans seeking in-depth, hands-on training.

Note

If you’re seeking in-person instruction, the closest campus-based programs are located outside Alaska, primarily in the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain states. Many Alaskans begin their training online and travel for advanced workshops or certifications.

Gunsmithing Employment Opportunities in Anchorage

Anchorage’s active hunting, sport shooting, and law enforcement communities support a variety of firearms-related businesses. Here are some of the top employers and facilities for certified gunsmiths in Anchorage:

1. Alaska Custom Firearms

  • Neighborhood: Midtown Anchorage
  • Website: Alaska Custom Firearms
  • Overview: A veteran- and minority woman-owned custom shop, Alaska Custom Firearms offers gunsmithing, training, and custom firearm builds. The shop’s owner is a certified master gunsmith and NRA instructor, and the facility supports local youth shooting sports programs.

2. Wild West Guns

  • Neighborhood: Midtown/Spenard
  • Website: Wild West Guns Anchorage
  • Overview: Known for custom rifles and unique firearms, Wild West Guns is a nationally recognized shop offering gunsmithing jobs and apprenticeships. The shop specializes in Alaskan hunting firearms and custom gunsmithing solutions.

3. Sportsman’s Warehouse (Anchorage)

  • Neighborhood: Midtown Anchorage
  • Website: Sportsman’s Warehouse Careers
  • Overview: As a major sporting goods retailer, Sportsman’s Warehouse provides employment for gunsmiths in both sales and repair roles. The store offers a wide selection of firearms, accessories, and outdoor equipment catering to Alaska’s hunting community.

Additional opportunities may be found at local gun shops, firearms retailers, and through independent practice as a licensed gunsmith.

Prerequisites for Gunsmithing Programs

Before enrolling in a gunsmithing program or seeking certification in Anchorage, applicants should be aware of the following prerequisites:

  • Age: Minimum age is typically 18, but 21 is required for Federal Firearms License (FFL) applications.
  • Education: High school diploma or GED is required.
  • Background Check: Applicants must pass a background check, with no felony convictions or legal prohibitions on firearm possession.
  • Legal Eligibility: Must not be subject to restraining orders or other legal conditions that bar firearm handling.
  • Other Skills: Strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and comfort with math and measurement are essential. Courses in algebra, physics, drafting, woodworking, and metalworking are highly recommended.

Gunsmithing Certification Options

While Alaska does not require a state-specific gunsmithing license, the following steps are necessary to become a certified gunsmith:

1. Complete Formal Training

2. Obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL)

  • All gunsmiths engaged in business must obtain an FFL, issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
  • Application requires fingerprints, a background check, and ATF approval of your business premises (home-based FFLs are legal in Anchorage with proper zoning).
  • The most common license type for gunsmiths is the Type 01 Dealer in Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices.

3. Pursue Industry Certifications

4. Comply with State and Local Business Licensing

5. Continuing Education

  • Stay current with firearm laws, safety, and technology through ongoing training, NRA courses, and industry seminars.

For more about gunsmith employment and outlook, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ page for Metal and Plastic Workers, as gunsmiths are grouped under this occupation.

Get Started Today

Anchorage offers a unique environment for aspiring gunsmiths, with access to online training, a supportive firearms community, and a strong local market. Whether you are starting your education, looking to change careers, or aiming to open your own shop, now is an excellent time to pursue gunsmithing certification. Take the next step by researching the programs listed above and reaching out to a school directly through their official contact forms. Your journey toward a rewarding career as a certified gunsmith in Anchorage, Alaska, starts today.