Gunsmith Programs in Boise, Idaho

Becoming a Certified Gunsmith in Boise, Idaho

Considering a career as a certified gunsmith in Boise, Idaho opens doors to a skilled trade rooted in craftsmanship, mechanical expertise, and a commitment to firearm safety. A gunsmith is a professional who repairs, modifies, designs, and maintains firearms. Their work ranges from basic maintenance and repair to intricate customizations and restoration of historical weapons. Specializations within the field include custom gun building, engraving, stockmaking, and armorer services for specific firearm types.

Aspiring gunsmiths in Boise can pursue various education paths, including formal training through college programs, hands-on apprenticeships, or flexible online courses. This guide explores the process of becoming a certified gunsmith in Boise, Idaho, outlines training opportunities, certification requirements, local employment options, and provides resources to help individuals embark on this rewarding career.

About Boise, Idaho

Boise, the capital city of Idaho, sits along the Boise River and is recognized for its dynamic downtown, access to outdoor recreation, and growing tech sector. As the largest city in the state, Boise features neighborhoods like the North End, Downtown, and Southeast Boise, each offering their own unique character. The city’s official website, City of Boise, provides residents and visitors with information on local events, business resources, and community services. Boise’s proximity to mountain ranges and public lands makes it a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, which has fostered a strong local interest in sporting goods and firearms.

Gunsmithing Training Programs in Boise, Idaho

While Boise itself does not currently host a dedicated gunsmithing degree program, individuals interested in gunsmithing have several high-quality options within Idaho and in neighboring states. Here are the closest and most relevant programs available to Boise residents:

1. North Idaho College Workforce Training Center (Post Falls, ID; approximately 375 miles from Boise)

  • Program: AR-15 Armorer Course
  • Description: North Idaho College offers hands-on armorer courses, including the AR-15 Armorer (32 hours) and Shotgun Armorer 101 (18 hours, held at the Sandpoint Annex). These courses cover assembly, disassembly, troubleshooting, and customization, providing a certificate upon completion. Students must be 18 years or older.
  • Distance: Approximately 6 hours by car from Boise.

2. Lassen Community College Gunsmithing Program (Susanville, CA; approximately 470 miles from Boise)

  • Program: Gunsmithing Degree and Certificates
  • Description: Established in 1945, Lassen offers an Associate in Science Degree in Firearms Repair and certificate programs in Gunsmith Machinist and Metal Finisher. The curriculum includes firearm design, repair, metalworking, and stock fabrication.
  • Distance: Roughly 8 hours by car from Boise.

3. Trinidad State College (Trinidad, CO; approximately 950 miles from Boise)

  • Program: Gunsmithing Degree and Summer NRA Program
  • Description: Trinidad State offers a comprehensive two-year Associate Degree in Gunsmithing and hosts a prestigious nine-week summer NRA program. The curriculum covers machining, gun repair, and custom firearm work.
  • Distance: About 14 hours by car, but some short-term programs may be worth the trip for intensive hands-on training.

Online Programs

For those unable to travel, reputable online options include the American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI), which offers self-paced video courses and certification in professional gunsmithing. AGI’s programs can be completed in as little as six months, depending on the pace.

Gunsmithing Employment Opportunities in Boise

Boise’s strong outdoor and sporting culture supports several employment avenues for certified gunsmiths. Here are key businesses and facilities where gunsmiths may find opportunities:

  • Independence Indoor Shooting (Official Website) – Located in Meridian, just west of Boise, this facility provides a modern indoor shooting range, firearm sales, and training services. While they do not always advertise gunsmithing positions directly, they occasionally seek experienced firearms professionals for maintenance and customer service roles.
  • Buckhorn Gun & Pawn (Official Website) – Situated in Boise’s Bench neighborhood, Buckhorn Gun & Pawn offers firearms sales, transfers, and basic gunsmithing services. Certified gunsmiths may find employment or opportunities for business collaboration here.
  • Cabela’s Boise (Cabela’s Careers) – Located in Boise Towne Square, this national sporting goods retailer includes a firearms department and occasionally posts openings for gun technicians and gunsmiths.

Additionally, Boise is home to smaller custom gun shops and independent gunsmiths serving the community. Networking with local shops or attending regional firearm trade shows can help identify further employment or apprenticeship opportunities.

Prerequisites for Gunsmithing Programs

Admission requirements for gunsmithing programs typically include:

  • Minimum Age: Most programs require students to be at least 18 or 21 years old.
  • Education: A high school diploma or GED is usually necessary.
  • Background Check: Because training involves working with firearms, background checks may be required, especially for programs affiliated with federal or state agencies.
  • Legal Eligibility: Students must be legally permitted to possess firearms under federal and Idaho law.
  • Additional: Some programs may require proof of residency, completion of prerequisite courses (e.g., basic metalworking), or letters of reference.

For Boise and Idaho, there is no separate state-level gunsmith license, but federal background checks and compliance with all firearm laws are mandatory.

Gunsmithing Certification Options

Certification as a gunsmith is primarily recognized through completion of accredited training programs or through national organizations. Here are the main options:

  • Federal Firearms License (FFL): Anyone intending to operate a gunsmithing business, even from home, must obtain a Type 01 FFL from the ATF. The application includes fingerprinting, background checks, business zoning verification, and a $200 fee (renewed every three years at $90).
  • American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI): AGI offers Professional Gunsmith Certification upon completion of their core or advanced programs.
  • National Rifle Association (NRA): NRA Gunsmithing Schools provide certificates for completion of their short-term and degree programs.
  • Professional Gunsmithing Association (PGA): PGA offers certification and continuing education for gunsmiths.
  • Apprenticeship: Formal apprenticeships, like those coordinated by the Association of Gunsmiths and Related Trades, combine hands-on experience with classroom instruction and may culminate in a certificate of completion.

It’s important to note that Idaho does not require a state-level gunsmithing certificate, but all gunsmiths must comply with federal laws and secure an FFL before handling firearms commercially.

For more details on job outlook and wage statistics for gunsmiths, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics page for Metal and Plastic Workers, which includes gunsmiths.

Get Started Today

A career in gunsmithing combines craftsmanship, problem-solving, and a passion for firearms. Boise residents have access to excellent training options within Idaho and through online programs, as well as employment opportunities in local shops and retailers. Taking the first step by contacting a school or apprenticeship sponsor can set you on the path to a rewarding and respected profession. Begin your journey by researching programs and reaching out to admissions offices or local employers to learn more about how to enroll and what to expect from your gunsmithing education.