Gunsmith Programs in Denver, Colorado

Becoming a Certified Gunsmith in Denver, Colorado

Embarking on a career as a certified gunsmith in Denver, Colorado, offers an engaging blend of mechanical skill, craftsmanship, and regulatory compliance. Gunsmiths are skilled professionals who repair, modify, customize, and restore firearms to ensure their safe and reliable operation. The path to becoming a certified gunsmith in Denver involves navigating federal, state, and local regulations, pursuing specialized education, and developing hands-on expertise in areas such as firearm repair, machining, and custom work. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the steps, local educational programs, employment opportunities, and certification processes relevant to aspiring gunsmiths in the Denver area.

About Denver, Colorado

Denver, Colorado, known as the Mile High City, serves as the vibrant capital and most populous city of the state. With a thriving metropolitan area, Denver is recognized for its cultural attractions, diverse neighborhoods, and proximity to the Rocky Mountains. Key landmarks include the Denver Art Museum, Union Station, and the historic LoDo (Lower Downtown) district. For more information about the city and its resources, visit the City and County of Denver official website.

Gunsmithing Training Programs in Denver, Colorado

While Denver itself does not currently offer dedicated, campus-based gunsmithing degree programs, individuals in the city have access to several reputable options within Colorado and surrounding states. Below are the most accessible programs for Denver residents:

Trinidad State College – Gunsmithing Program (Trinidad, CO – ~200 miles south of Denver)

Trinidad State College Gunsmithing Program
Located in Trinidad, Colorado, Trinidad State College is nationally recognized for its comprehensive gunsmithing programs. Established in 1947, the program offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Gunsmithing and a certificate, emphasizing hands-on training in firearms repair, machining, and custom work. Students learn advanced skills in bench metal, stockmaking, and firearm conversion, with opportunities for NRA-affiliated summer courses and specialized electives.

Sonoran Desert Institute – Online Gunsmithing School

Sonoran Desert Institute Firearms Technology Programs
The Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) offers accredited online programs in firearms technology, including an Associate of Science in Firearms Technology and a Certificate in Firearms Technology—Gunsmithing. These programs are ideal for Denver residents seeking flexible, self-paced training. SDI’s curriculum covers firearm design, repair, ballistics, and compliance, making it an accessible option for students balancing work and education.

American Gunsmithing Institute – Distance Learning

American Gunsmithing Institute
The American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) provides online, video-based gunsmithing courses ranging from entry-level repair to advanced master certification. AGI’s courses are tailored for both hobbyists and aspiring professionals, with a focus on firearm function, troubleshooting, and business skills. The self-paced structure is well-suited to Denver residents unable to relocate or commute long distances.

Note: The closest in-person degree program is at Trinidad State College, approximately 3.5 hours south of Denver. Online and hybrid programs through SDI and AGI provide flexible alternatives for those based in the metro area.

Gunsmithing Employment Opportunities in Denver

Denver’s metropolitan area supports a range of businesses related to firearms, offering employment opportunities for trained gunsmiths. Key employers and facilities include:

  • Bristlecone Shooting, Training & Retail Center
    Bristlecone Shooting Center Careers
    Located in Lakewood, just west of Denver, Bristlecone is a premier indoor shooting range, retail gun store, and training facility. The center offers gunsmithing, firearm sales, and training services, employing skilled technicians and instructors.

  • Colorado Gun Broker
    Colorado Gun Broker
    Situated in Arvada, northwest of Denver, Colorado Gun Broker is a large retailer with an in-house gunsmithing shop. The facility employs certified gunsmiths for firearm repair, customization, and restoration services.

  • Bass Pro Shops (Denver Area)
    Bass Pro Shops Careers
    As a national outdoor retailer in the Denver metro area, Bass Pro Shops offers employment for gunsmiths and firearm specialists, particularly in their firearms department and on-site gunsmithing services.

These employers are distributed throughout the Denver area in neighborhoods such as Lakewood, Arvada, and Northeast Denver, providing a range of environments from specialty shops to large sporting goods retailers.

Prerequisites for Gunsmithing Programs

Before enrolling in a gunsmithing program, applicants should be aware of several common prerequisites:

  • Minimum Age: Most programs require students to be at least 18 years old before beginning coursework, particularly due to state and federal laws regarding firearm possession.
  • Education: A high school diploma or equivalent (GED) is typically required.
  • Background Checks: Programs and employers may require background checks, especially for those handling firearms or seeking federal licenses.
  • Legal Eligibility: Students must be legally eligible to possess firearms under federal and Colorado law.
  • State-Specific Requirements: Colorado’s new Firearms Dealer Division requires annual training for dealer employees who handle firearms, beginning July 1, 2025.

Gunsmithing Certification Options

Certification is a key component for professional credibility and legal compliance as a gunsmith. While Colorado does not issue a state-specific gunsmith license, certification is typically earned through national organizations and compliance with federal and state regulations. Key considerations include:

  • Federal Firearms License (FFL):
    To operate as a gunsmith or open a gunsmithing business, individuals must obtain a Federal Firearms License (Type 01 for gunsmiths), issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). FFL applicants must complete background checks, submit fingerprints, and comply with zoning/local ordinances.

  • State Firearms Dealer Permit:
    Effective July 1, 2025, gunsmiths operating as dealers in Colorado must also obtain a Colorado Firearms Dealer Permit through the Department of Revenue. This permit has a $400 fee (subject to change) and is valid for three years, with annual training requirements for employees.

  • Professional Certification:
    Organizations such as the American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) and Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) offer certificates upon successful completion of their programs. While not legally required, these credentials demonstrate technical competence and are valued by employers.

  • Other Compliance:
    Some gunsmithing activities, such as manufacturing or significant modifications, may require additional FFL types (e.g., Type 07 for manufacturing). All gunsmiths must maintain detailed acquisition and disposition records and comply with state and federal laws.

For detailed occupational data, review the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics page for Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, which includes gunsmiths.

Get Started Today

A career as a certified gunsmith in Denver, Colorado, is both rewarding and dynamic, offering opportunities in repair, customization, and firearm safety. With strong demand in both retail and specialty markets, certified gunsmiths play a vital role in the community. Begin your journey by reaching out to a reputable gunsmithing school, reviewing program prerequisites, and preparing for the hands-on training and regulatory requirements ahead. Take the next step and contact a school today to start building your future in this specialized trade.