Gunsmith Programs in Phoenix, Arizona

Becoming a Certified Gunsmith in Phoenix, Arizona

Gunsmithing is a respected skilled trade that combines mechanical expertise, craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of firearms. Certified gunsmiths repair, modify, and build firearms for clients ranging from hunters and collectors to law enforcement agencies. For those in Phoenix, Arizona, becoming a certified gunsmith involves a structured pathway that includes formal training, hands-on experience, and compliance with both federal and local regulations. This guide explores the education paths, certification options, and employment opportunities available, offering practical information for anyone interested in pursuing a gunsmithing career in Phoenix.

About Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is the capital and largest city in Arizona, known for its thriving metropolitan area, rich cultural heritage, and proximity to outdoor recreation. Home to iconic locations such as South Mountain Park, the Roosevelt Row Arts District, and the historic downtown, Phoenix offers a dynamic setting for career growth in skilled trades and technical professions. The city’s official website, phoenix.gov, provides additional resources about city services, neighborhoods, and business regulations relevant to aspiring gunsmiths.

Gunsmithing Training Programs in Phoenix, Arizona

Local Gunsmithing Schools and Programs

While there are no gunsmithing degree programs located directly in Phoenix, residents can access several high-quality options within Arizona and nearby states. The closest and most prominent in-state program is at Yavapai College in Prescott, approximately 100 miles north of Phoenix.

Yavapai College – Gunsmithing Program

  • Yavapai College Gunsmithing
    Located in Prescott, Yavapai College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Gunsmithing as well as a Gunsmithing Certificate. This program features 2,500 hours of hands-on training in a state-of-the-art facility, covering firearm repair, custom builds, and business skills. Students complete core gunsmithing courses, electives in engraving and machining, and general education classes. The AAS program takes four semesters to complete, and the certificate can be earned in about two years. Tuition for in-state students is approximately $13,595 for the degree or $10,526 for the certificate.

Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) – Online Certificate in Firearms Technology: Gunsmithing

  • SDI Certificate in Firearms Technology
    Based in Arizona, SDI provides a flexible, online certificate program focused on gunsmithing fundamentals, firearm mechanics, machining, and legal compliance. The program consists of 32 credit hours over two 16-week semesters, including both theory and hands-on components completed at home.

American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) – Online Professional Gunsmithing Courses

  • AGI Gunsmithing Courses
    AGI offers a range of self-paced online courses, from basic certification to advanced master gunsmithing. The core Professional Gunsmithing course covers over 175 hours of video instruction and includes access to digital schematics and business resources. Course costs range from $997 to $14,997, depending on the level and specialization.

Additional Nearby Programs

If in-person instruction is preferred, students may also consider programs in neighboring states:

  • Colorado School of Trades (Lakewood, CO – approx. 860 miles from Phoenix): Offers a 14-month Associate of Occupational Studies in Gunsmithing with extensive lab facilities and high job placement rates.
  • Trinidad State College (Trinidad, CO – approx. 800 miles from Phoenix): Features NRA-affiliated intensive gunsmithing courses, including specialized short-term programs.

Gunsmithing Employment Opportunities in Phoenix

Phoenix supports a robust firearms industry, with numerous gun shops, sporting goods stores, and custom gunsmithing businesses—many of which offer employment for certified gunsmiths.

Bear Arms Firearms

  • Bear Arms Firearms
    Located in North Phoenix, Bear Arms is a full-service gun shop offering firearm sales, repairs, and customization. They frequently seek experienced gunsmiths for service and repair roles.

The Hub

  • The Hub
    With a location in Central Phoenix, The Hub is a large firearms retailer and range offering gunsmithing services, firearm sales, and training. Career opportunities may include gunsmithing, sales, and armorer positions.

Sportsman’s Warehouse

  • Sportsman’s Warehouse Careers
    With multiple Phoenix-area locations, Sportsman’s Warehouse is a national retailer of firearms and outdoor equipment. Certified gunsmiths are often hired to support firearm maintenance, repair, and customer service.

Additionally, Phoenix is home to smaller custom shops, law enforcement agencies with armorer positions, and regional manufacturers who value certified gunsmiths for technical support and product development.

Prerequisites for Gunsmithing Programs

To enroll in most gunsmithing programs, applicants typically need to:

  • Be at least 18 years of age (some programs prefer 21+).
  • Hold a high school diploma or GED.
  • Pass a criminal background check, particularly for programs that handle functional firearms.
  • Demonstrate legal eligibility to possess firearms under federal and state law.
  • Meet any additional requirements set by the specific school, such as prerequisite math or technical courses.

Working as a gunsmith professionally also requires compliance with federal and local regulations, which may include additional background checks and licensing for certain activities.

Gunsmithing Certification Options

While Arizona does not require a state-specific gunsmithing license, professional certification enhances credibility and job prospects. Common certification pathways include:

  • Completion of a recognized gunsmithing degree or certificate program, such as those offered by Yavapai College or SDI.
  • Certification through national organizations. The American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) and Professional Gunsmithing Association (PGA) offer industry-recognized credentials.
  • Federal Firearms License (FFL): Gunsmiths engaged in repairing, modifying, or manufacturing firearms for others must obtain a Type 01 FFL Dealer License from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The application includes a background check, local zoning compliance, and a $200 fee for the initial 3-year license.
  • Specialization and Continuing Education: Many gunsmiths pursue additional certifications in armoring, engraving, or advanced firearm systems, often through short courses or manufacturer-sponsored programs.
  • Compliance with State and Federal Law: Arizona generally follows federal regulations, but gunsmiths must still adhere to Arizona Revised Statutes Title 13 regarding firearms and any applicable city or county ordinances.

Get Started Today

If a career as a certified gunsmith in Phoenix, Arizona appeals to you, now is an excellent time to take the first step. Begin by exploring accredited gunsmithing programs, reaching out to local schools, or contacting online providers to find the best training fit. With dedication and the right education, you can build a rewarding career—serving Arizona’s hunting, sporting, and firearms communities. For more information about job prospects, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics outlook for Metal and Plastic Machine Workers, which includes related data for gunsmiths.
Start your journey today by connecting with a school, requesting information, and planning your path toward certification and a promising future in gunsmithing.