Gunsmith Programs in Little Rock, Arkansas

Becoming a Certified Gunsmith in Little Rock, Arkansas

A career as a certified gunsmith in Little Rock, Arkansas, offers a unique blend of craftsmanship, technical skill, and legal responsibility. Gunsmiths are highly trained professionals specializing in the repair, modification, customization, and maintenance of firearms. They may work with rifles, shotguns, pistols, or focus on specific niches such as restoration, engraving, or custom builds. The path to becoming a gunsmith involves completing formal training, gaining hands-on experience, and navigating complex licensing requirements at the federal, state, and local levels.

There are several educational pathways available, including certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees in gunsmithing. Some programs focus on general gunsmithing, while others offer specialized tracks in riflesmithing, shotgunsmithing, or pistolsmithing. Online and in-person programs are available, catering to both new students and those with machining or firearms experience. Understanding the steps to certification and the available local training options will help you launch a successful career in this respected trade.

About Little Rock

Little Rock, the capital city of Arkansas, is located along the Arkansas River and serves as the economic and cultural hub of the state. With a population exceeding 200,000, it is known for its historic neighborhoods, thriving arts scene, and landmarks such as the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site and the William J. Clinton Presidential Library. The city is home to diverse industries, excellent educational institutions, and a supportive environment for skilled trades. Learn more about the city’s resources and community programs by visiting the official Little Rock website.

Gunsmithing Training Programs in Little Rock, Arkansas

While Little Rock itself does not currently offer gunsmithing programs within city limits, aspiring gunsmiths have access to high-quality training options nearby and online. The most notable program in Arkansas is offered by Black River Technical College:

  • Black River Technical College (BRTC) – Pocahontas, AR
    Located approximately 150 miles northeast of Little Rock, Black River Technical College is Arkansas’s leading institution for gunsmithing education. BRTC offers a robust Gunsmithing Technology Program, including:

    • Associate of Applied Science in Gunsmithing Technology (AAS): A two-year degree providing comprehensive training in firearm repair, customization, machining, welding, and business fundamentals.
    • Technical Certificate in Gunsmithing Technology: A one-year program designed for students without prior machining experience.
    • Certificates of Proficiency: One-semester certificates focusing on Riflesmithing, Shotgunsmithing, or Pistolsmithing.
      The curriculum integrates hands-on skills with law enforcement perspectives, preparing graduates for careers in both commercial and law enforcement settings. Minimum age requirements apply: students must be at least 18 for rifle and shotgun programs and 21 for pistolsmithing.

  • Sonoran Desert Institute (Online Option)
    For those unable to commute, the Sonoran Desert Institute offers a DEAC-accredited Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing. This online program delivers foundational and advanced skills in firearms repair and modification, making it accessible to Little Rock residents.

  • American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) (Online Option)
    The American Gunsmithing Institute provides self-paced, video-based Certified Professional Gunsmithing courses. These programs cover the design, function, and repair of various firearm types and offer an alternative for those seeking flexible, remote learning.

  • Nearby Out-of-State Programs
    If you are interested in in-person instruction outside Arkansas, consider:

    • Montgomery Community College (Troy, NC) – Offers a two-year associate degree and NRA-approved short-term courses.
    • Trinidad State College (Trinidad, CO) – Renowned for its comprehensive summer and degree programs.
    • Murray State College (Tishomingo, OK) – Provides associate and bachelor’s degrees in gunsmithing technology.

These programs offer a range of credentials, from certificates to associate degrees, and combine classroom learning with extensive hands-on training.

Gunsmithing Employment Opportunities in Little Rock

Little Rock’s status as a regional hub makes it home to several major sporting goods retailers, firearm dealers, and custom gun shops. These businesses represent potential employers and valuable networking resources for new gunsmiths:

  • Fort Thompson Sporting Goods (West Little Rock)
    Fort Thompson is a well-established retailer offering firearms, ammunition, and accessories. Their service department provides gunsmithing and firearm repair, creating opportunities for certified professionals.

  • Guns Plus (Southwest Little Rock)
    Guns Plus is a local gun shop providing sales, transfers, and limited gunsmithing services. They frequently seek technicians with formal training and an FFL background.

  • Bullseye Guns & Range (Central Little Rock)
    Bullseye Guns & Range features a retail store and indoor shooting range. Their gunsmithing services include repairs and modifications, and they value certified applicants.

  • Academy Sports + Outdoors (West Little Rock)
    Academy Sports is a national chain with a local presence, occasionally hiring for firearm sales and support roles that benefit from gunsmithing expertise.

  • Custom Gunsmithing Shops
    Several independent gunsmiths and small shops operate in the Little Rock area, often seeking part-time or apprentice gunsmiths. Networking with these businesses can lead to on-the-job training or employment.

Prerequisites for Gunsmithing Programs

Admission requirements for gunsmithing programs in and around Little Rock typically include:

  • Minimum Age: Most programs require students to be at least 18 years old; pistolsmithing specializations may require a minimum age of 21.
  • Background Check: Applicants must pass a criminal background check to ensure eligibility for working with firearms.
  • Education: A high school diploma or GED is generally required for enrollment in gunsmithing certificate and degree programs.
  • Legal Eligibility: Students must be legally permitted to possess firearms under federal and Arkansas law.
  • Additional Requirements: Some programs may require demonstrated mechanical aptitude or prior machining experience, especially for advanced certificates.

Gunsmithing Certification Options

Certification as a gunsmith is achieved through education and, in some cases, by passing exams administered by professional organizations. Key certification and licensing steps include:

  • Federal Firearms License (FFL): To legally work as a gunsmith, especially if engaging in business or handling client firearms, you must obtain a Type 01 FFL from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This process requires meeting age, background, and business location requirements, as well as compliance with local zoning and notification of local law enforcement.
  • Professional Certifications: Organizations such as the American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) and the Professional Gunsmithing Association (PGA) offer recognized certifications upon completion of their training and exams.
  • Business Licensing: If you plan to open your own shop in Little Rock, you must secure a city business license and ensure your location meets all zoning requirements.
  • State Requirements: Arkansas does not require a state-level gunsmith license, but compliance with all federal and local regulations is mandatory.

Some gunsmithing activities, such as manufacturing new firearms or working with National Firearms Act (NFA) weapons (e.g., suppressors, short-barreled rifles), may require additional FFL types or ATF compliance.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a certified gunsmith in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a rewarding path for those passionate about firearms and skilled trades. Whether you choose a local college, online program, or an out-of-state institution, completing formal training and securing proper licensing are critical steps. The city’s supportive business environment, combined with Arkansas’s favorable regulatory climate, creates ample opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. Take the first step by researching programs, connecting with local employers, and reaching out to schools for details on enrollment. Your journey toward a respected and skilled profession begins today.

For more information about the occupational outlook for gunsmiths, consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ page on Metal and Plastic Machine Workers, which includes related job data.