Gunsmith Programs in Santa Ana, California

Becoming a Certified Gunsmith in Santa Ana, California

Gunsmithing is a specialized trade that combines mechanical skill, precision machining, and a deep knowledge of firearms and regulations. In Santa Ana, California, individuals interested in becoming a certified gunsmith encounter a unique pathway—one that blends technical education, federal and state licensing, and rigorous local compliance. Whether you aim to repair, customize, or manufacture firearms, understanding the requirements and available educational options is essential for a successful start in this profession.

This guide covers what a gunsmith does, the types of gunsmithing education paths, local school options, employment opportunities, licensing requirements, and certification pathways. By following the steps outlined here, you can confidently pursue a career as a certified gunsmith in Santa Ana, California.

About Santa Ana

Santa Ana is the county seat of Orange County and one of the largest cities in Southern California. Known for its historic downtown, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to major attractions like Disneyland and the beaches of Newport and Huntington, Santa Ana offers a dynamic place to live and work. The city is home to neighborhoods such as Floral Park, West Floral Park, and the Civic Center area. For more information about Santa Ana, visit the official city website.

Gunsmithing Training Programs in Santa Ana, California

Aspiring gunsmiths in Santa Ana face a unique challenge: there are currently no gunsmithing schools within the city itself. However, several reputable programs are available nearby and online, offering a range of options for formal education and certification.

Lassen Community College (Susanville, CA)

  • Distance from Santa Ana: Approximately 550 miles north (about 9 hours by car)
  • Program: Associate in Science Degree in Firearms Repair, Certificates of Achievement in Gunsmith Machinist and Metal Finisher, and Firearm Repair
  • Overview: Lassen Community College operates California’s only accredited, on-campus gunsmithing program. Established in 1945, it provides hands-on training in a modern machine shop. Courses cover firearm design, function, regulations, machining, metal finishing, stock fabrication, and more. Summer NRA classes and specialized armorer courses are also available.
  • Lassen Community College Gunsmithing Program

American Gunsmithing Institute (Online)

  • Distance: Accessible from anywhere in Santa Ana
  • Program: Professional Gunsmithing Courses (certificate programs at various levels)
  • Overview: AGI is a nationally recognized online gunsmithing school. Programs include over 175 hours of video instruction, self-paced courses, and certification options. Students learn firearm repair, design, and function, with optional business development modules and industry mentorship.
  • American Gunsmithing Institute

Closest Out-of-State Campus: Murray State College (Tishomingo, OK)

  • Distance from Santa Ana: About 1,300 miles east (primarily an option for those willing to relocate)
  • Program: Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees in Gunsmithing Technology
  • Overview: Murray State is recognized for its comprehensive gunsmithing programs, including a Bachelor’s degree—the first of its kind in the nation. The curriculum covers advanced gunsmithing techniques, machining, and firearm business management.
  • Murray State College Gunsmithing Program

Note: Because there are no in-person gunsmithing programs in Santa Ana or Orange County, most local students enroll in Lassen Community College or pursue online education through AGI. Some may choose to relocate for comprehensive programs in states like Oklahoma or Colorado.

Gunsmithing Employment Opportunities in Santa Ana

Santa Ana and the greater Orange County region offer several potential employers for trained and certified gunsmiths, including gun shops, sporting goods stores, and custom firearm businesses. Here are some of the notable options:

RifleGear (Fountain Valley, CA – about 10 miles from Santa Ana)

  • Overview: RifleGear is a large firearms retailer and gunsmithing service provider serving Orange County. They offer sales, custom firearm builds, repairs, and upgrades.
  • Employment: Jobs range from sales associates to gunsmithing technicians and customer service roles. The facility is located in the Fountain Valley neighborhood near the Santa Ana River.
  • RifleGear Careers

Turner’s Outdoorsman (Multiple OC locations, including Fountain Valley and Orange)

  • Overview: Turner’s is a major chain of sporting goods stores specializing in firearms, ammunition, and accessories. They frequently hire for positions including gunsmiths, sales, and range staff.
  • Employment: Opportunities include retail sales, gunsmithing, and management roles.
  • Turner’s Outdoorsman Careers

OC Guns (Costa Mesa, CA – about 7 miles from Santa Ana)

  • Overview: OC Guns is a local gun shop providing firearm sales, transfers, and basic gunsmithing services. The shop is located in the Costa Mesa area.
  • Employment: Positions occasionally open for gunsmith apprentices, sales staff, and administrative roles.
  • OC Guns

While these businesses are not located directly in Santa Ana, they are within commuting distance and are among the primary employers for gunsmiths in the region.

Prerequisites for Gunsmithing Programs

Before enrolling in a gunsmithing program or seeking employment in the field, prospective students and professionals in California must meet several prerequisites:

  • Minimum Age: Most programs and employers require applicants to be at least 18 years old (some positions may require 21+ for specific firearms handling).
  • Education: High school diploma or GED is usually required. Some college-level math or science coursework is recommended.
  • Background Check: Applicants must pass a criminal background check to handle firearms, as required by both federal and California law.
  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE): California mandates a COE for anyone working as a firearms dealer, gunsmith, or employee handling firearms. This process includes fingerprinting and a state/federal background check.
  • Federal Firearms License (FFL): Obtaining an FFL is necessary for anyone who will engage in the business of repairing, manufacturing, or selling firearms.
  • Other Requirements: Local business licenses and compliance with city and county zoning laws are also required before starting a business or working professionally.

Gunsmithing Certification Options

Certification for gunsmiths is achieved through a combination of formal education, federal and state licensing, and industry-recognized credentials:

  • Formal Education Certificates: Completing a program at Lassen Community College or an accredited online provider like AGI results in a certificate or associate degree, which is recognized by employers and professional organizations.
  • Federal Firearms License (FFL): Required for anyone engaging in gunsmithing as a business. Most gunsmiths apply for a Type 01 (Dealer) or Type 07 (Manufacturer) FFL. See ATF FFL information.
  • California Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Issued by the California Department of Justice, certifying the holder’s legal eligibility to possess and work with firearms. Application must be submitted via California Firearms Application Reporting System (CFARS).
  • National Certifications: Organizations like the American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) and Professional Gunsmithing Association (PGA) offer industry-recognized certifications.
  • Federal and State Compliance: Some gunsmithing activities, especially manufacturing, require additional compliance such as registering with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and maintaining rigorous records.

It’s important to note that California does not have a state-issued “gunsmith license”—certification is based on a combination of education, FFL, COE, and local business permits.

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

Get Started Today

Pursuing a career as a certified gunsmith in Santa Ana, California, is a journey that combines technical skill, regulatory knowledge, and a passion for firearms. With a clear understanding of the educational requirements, licensing steps, and local opportunities, you can confidently take your first steps in this rewarding profession.

Contact a school today to learn more about their programs, and be sure to follow all steps for licensing and certification. Your path to becoming a respected gunsmith in Santa Ana starts with the right education and a commitment to compliance and craftsmanship.