Gunsmith Programs in Jacksonville, Florida

Becoming a Certified Gunsmith in Jacksonville, Florida

A career as a certified gunsmith in Jacksonville, Florida, offers the opportunity to blend technical expertise with a passion for firearms. Gunsmiths are skilled professionals who repair, modify, and customize firearms for clients ranging from hunters and sport shooters to collectors and law enforcement agencies. The path to becoming a certified gunsmith involves a combination of technical training, compliance with federal and state laws, and local business licensing. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the steps required to enter this respected trade, outlining educational pathways, certification options, and employment opportunities specific to the Jacksonville area.

About Jacksonville, Florida

Located in Northeast Florida, Jacksonville is the largest city by area in the contiguous United States and a hub of commerce, culture, and outdoor activity. With neighborhoods such as Riverside, San Marco, and Arlington, the city boasts a rich history, a vibrant arts scene, and easy access to premier hunting and shooting destinations. For more information on Jacksonville’s resources, regulations, and community life, visit the City of Jacksonville official website.

Gunsmithing Training Programs in Jacksonville, Florida

While Jacksonville does not currently host dedicated gunsmithing degree programs within city limits, several renowned institutions offer comprehensive training within a reasonable distance. Additionally, flexible online programs provide accessible options for local residents.

1. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) – Online

  • Location: Remote/Online
  • Program Details: AGI offers structured video-based programs for all skill levels, from beginner to master gunsmith. The curriculum covers firearm function, repair, machining, and advanced customization techniques. Courses include over 175 hours of instruction, a digital reference library, and optional hands-on training workshops.
  • Cost: Programs range from $997 to $14,997, with installment plans available.
  • Website: American Gunsmithing Institute

2. Montgomery Community College – Troy, North Carolina (Approx. 400 miles from Jacksonville)

  • Location: Troy, NC
  • Program Details: Recognized as the largest college-level gunsmithing program in the U.S., Montgomery Community College offers a two-year Associate Degree and a variety of NRA-affiliated short-term courses. Students train in a 10,000+ square foot facility with access to modern equipment and on-site shooting ranges.
  • Website: Montgomery Community College Gunsmithing

3. Colorado School of Trades – Lakewood, Colorado (Distance for reference: out-of-state, but nationally recognized)

  • Location: Lakewood, CO
  • Program Details: The school offers a 14-month, hands-on Associate of Occupational Studies in Gunsmithing. The curriculum emphasizes real-world experience with customer firearms, machining, stock making, and business practices.
  • Website: Colorado School of Trades

Note: While the closest in-person programs are outside Florida, online and hybrid formats make professional gunsmithing education accessible to Jacksonville residents.

Gunsmithing Employment Opportunities in Jacksonville

Jacksonville features a dynamic firearms marketplace, with opportunities for certified gunsmiths at retail gun shops, sporting goods stores, and custom firearm businesses.

  • Shooters World Jacksonville

    • Location: Southside (4865 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32246)
    • Description: A state-of-the-art indoor shooting range and retail center, Shooters World offers gunsmithing services, firearms sales, rentals, and training. Employment opportunities span sales, gunsmithing, and instruction.
    • Website: Shooters World Careers

  • Green Acres Sporting Goods

    • Location: Northside (1701 Lane Avenue N, Jacksonville, FL 32254)
    • Description: This established retailer offers firearms, archery, fishing, and hunting supplies, with in-house gunsmithing and repair services.
    • Website: Green Acres Sporting Goods

  • Jacksonville Clay Target Sports

    • Location: Arlington (12125 New Berlin Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32226)
    • Description: One of the oldest sporting clay facilities in the country, this club employs gunsmiths for firearm maintenance and supports a community of shooting enthusiasts.
    • Website: Jacksonville Clay Target Sports

Custom shops and independent gunsmith businesses may also thrive, especially with proper certification and business licensing.

Prerequisites for Gunsmithing Programs

Most gunsmithing schools and training programs require:

  • Minimum Age: 18 years or older (some federal licensing steps require 21+)
  • Education: High school diploma or GED
  • Background Check: No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal history
  • Legal Status: U.S. citizenship or legal residency
  • Compliance: Ability to comply with all federal, state, and local firearm laws

For hands-on training or apprenticeships, some employers may require additional background screenings or references. Federal licensing as a gunsmith (FFL) mandates fingerprinting and a thorough ATF background investigation.

Gunsmithing Certification Options

While Florida does not require a state-level gunsmith license, professional certification enhances credibility and employment prospects.

  • Federal Firearms License (FFL):

    • Required for anyone performing gunsmith activities as a business.
    • Type 1 FFL (Dealer in Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices) is the standard for gunsmiths.
    • Application includes ATF Form 7, a $200 fee (for 3 years), fingerprint cards, photographs, and a background check.
    • Processing time is typically 60 days and includes an in-person ATF interview at your business location.
    • Learn more about FFL requirements

  • Professional Gunsmith Certification:

  • NRA Short-Term Certification:

  • Local Business Tax Receipt:

    • Required for all Jacksonville businesses, including home-based gunsmithing operations.
    • Obtainable through the Duval County Tax Collector.

  • Zoning Compliance:

Note: Operating as a gunsmith without the necessary FFL is a federal offense. Always ensure compliance with all ATF, state, and local requirements.

Get Started Today

Jacksonville offers a supportive environment for aspiring gunsmiths, with strong demand for skilled professionals and access to comprehensive training—both online and in-person. If you are ready to take the next step, research the programs above, gather your documentation, and contact a school to begin your journey. With diligence and the right preparation, a rewarding career as a certified gunsmith awaits.

For additional information about the occupational outlook for gunsmiths and related careers, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics profile for Metal and Plastic Machine Workers.