Gunsmith Programs in Glendale, Arizona

Becoming a Certified Gunsmith in Glendale, Arizona

The path to becoming a certified gunsmith in Glendale, Arizona, is both rewarding and multifaceted. Gunsmiths are skilled tradespeople who design, build, repair, and modify firearms, blending mechanical expertise with craftsmanship. Whether your goal is to work at a local gun shop, start your own business, or specialize in custom firearm builds, the journey begins with the right education and certification. This guide explores educational paths, certification options, and local opportunities, providing answers to the most common questions about gunsmithing in Glendale, Arizona.

About Glendale, Arizona

Glendale, Arizona, is a thriving city in the Phoenix metropolitan area, renowned for its historic downtown, sports venues like State Farm Stadium, and vibrant neighborhoods such as Arrowhead Ranch and Westgate. Residents enjoy an active lifestyle, with close proximity to the Westgate Entertainment District and Desert Diamond Arena. For more information about the city and its services, visit the official City of Glendale website.

Gunsmithing Training Programs in Glendale, Arizona

Glendale does not currently have a dedicated gunsmithing school within city limits. However, aspiring gunsmiths have access to several reputable programs within Arizona and nearby states, as well as highly respected online options.

1. Yavapai College Gunsmithing Program (Prescott, AZ – Approx. 110 miles from Glendale)

  • Yavapai College Gunsmithing Program
  • Located in Prescott, Yavapai College offers one of the nation’s most comprehensive gunsmithing programs. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree features 2,500 hours of hands-on instruction covering rifle, shotgun, and handgun repair, custom work, and firearm design. Certificate and advanced certificate options are available for those seeking focused skills. The program is accredited and FAFSA-eligible. Contact: (928) 717-7777 or [email protected].

2. Sonoran Desert Institute (Online, based in Tempe, AZ)

  • Sonoran Desert Institute – Firearms Technology Programs
  • SDI offers distance learning programs including an Associate of Science in Firearms Technology and a Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing. Courses are DEAC-accredited, flexible, and military-friendly, making them ideal for students who need to balance education with work or personal commitments.

3. American Gunsmithing Institute (Online)

  • American Gunsmithing Institute
  • AGI provides a range of online courses, from basic certificates to advanced master-level programs. Training includes video instruction on firearm repair, customization, machining, and legal compliance.

While not physically located in Glendale, these programs are accessible to residents and provide comprehensive preparation for a career in gunsmithing.

Gunsmithing Employment Opportunities in Glendale

While Glendale itself may not be home to large firearms manufacturers, several reputable gun shops, sporting goods stores, and custom gunsmithing businesses operate in the area and the greater Phoenix region.

1. Sportsman’s Warehouse (Phoenix, AZ – Deer Valley neighborhood)

  • Sportsman’s Warehouse Careers
  • A well-known retailer for sporting goods and firearms, offering positions in sales, firearms compliance, and sometimes gunsmithing services.

2. Cabela’s (Glendale, AZ – near Westgate)

  • Cabela’s Careers
  • This national sporting goods chain features a wide range of firearms and often hires employees with firearm knowledge for sales or gunsmithing roles.

3. Bear Arms Firearms (Scottsdale, AZ – Approx. 25 miles from Glendale)

  • Bear Arms Firearms
  • A respected local shop providing firearm sales, gunsmithing services, and custom work. Offers employment opportunities for skilled gunsmiths.

Networking with these businesses, as well as exploring opportunities at local ranges and firearm retailers, can open doors for internships, apprenticeships, and employment.

Prerequisites for Gunsmithing Programs

Before enrolling in a gunsmithing program in Arizona, you typically must:

  • Be at least 18 years old (some programs and positions require 21+ for handgun work)
  • Possess a high school diploma or GED
  • Pass a background check (as required by federal law)
  • Be legally eligible to own and work with firearms under federal and state law
  • Some programs may require proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency
  • For hands-on programs, completion of foundational math and English coursework may be needed

Federal law prohibits individuals with certain criminal convictions, dishonorable military discharges, or restraining orders from working with firearms.

Gunsmithing Certification Options

Gunsmithing certification is most commonly achieved through completion of an accredited educational program and, if opening a business or working independently, obtaining a Federal Firearms License (FFL).

  • Federal Firearms License (FFL): Required for anyone engaging in the business of repairing, modifying, or selling firearms. Application is through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and typically includes background checks, fingerprinting, and an interview.
  • Professional Certification: Institutions like the American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) and Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) offer professional certification upon successful completion of their programs.
  • Professional Organizations: Membership in organizations such as the Gunsmithing Club of America can provide ongoing education, networking, and professional recognition.
  • Federal and State Laws: Arizona does not require state licensing for gunsmiths beyond standard business licensing, but local business licenses and zoning compliance are mandatory for shops in Glendale.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a gunsmithing career in Glendale, Arizona, can be both fulfilling and lucrative. With robust educational options and a supportive regulatory environment, now is an excellent time to begin your training. Contact a local or online gunsmithing school to learn more about program requirements, costs, and application deadlines. Taking the first step today could lead to a rewarding future as a certified gunsmith.

For further information on the job outlook for gunsmiths and related trades, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational outlook page for Metal and Plastic Machine Workers.