Gunsmith Programs in Overland Park, Kansas

Becoming a Certified Gunsmith in Overland Park, Kansas

Exploring a career as a certified gunsmith in Overland Park, Kansas, offers a rewarding path for those interested in firearms mechanics, repair, and customization. A gunsmith is a skilled technician who repairs, modifies, restores, and customizes firearms for clients ranging from hunters and collectors to law enforcement. As the firearms industry evolves, so do the educational paths available to aspiring gunsmiths. These include certificate programs, associate degrees, short-term courses, and specialized online training. Specializations can range from precision rifle work and historical restoration to custom pistol builds or armorer certifications for specific firearm platforms.

Understanding the steps to become a certified gunsmith, including training, certification, and local opportunities, is essential for anyone considering this profession in Overland Park, Kansas.

About Overland Park, Kansas

Overland Park, located in Johnson County, is one of the largest cities in Kansas and part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. Known for its suburban neighborhoods, thriving business districts, and cultural landmarks such as the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, the city offers a supportive environment for small businesses and skilled trades. The city’s official website, opkansas.org, provides valuable information on local regulations, business licensing, zoning, and community resources. Overland Park’s proximity to major highways and its robust local economy make it an excellent location for launching a gunsmithing career.

Gunsmithing Training Programs in Overland Park, Kansas

While Overland Park itself does not have dedicated gunsmithing schools, several reputable options are available in the surrounding region. Here are the closest programs to Overland Park:

1. Johnson County Community College (JCCC) – Continuing Education, Overland Park, KS

Location: Central Overland Park
Program Description: While JCCC does not offer a full gunsmithing program, it provides related courses in machine technology, welding, and metalworking, which serve as valuable foundational skills for future gunsmiths. Students often use these courses to prepare for specialized gunsmithing certificates elsewhere.
Website: JCCC Continuing Education

2. Flint Hills Technical College – Gunsmithing Program, Emporia, KS

Distance from Overland Park: Approximately 90 miles southwest (about 1.5 hours by car)
Program Description: Flint Hills Technical College offers a comprehensive Gunsmithing Program that covers firearm repair, modification, and basic manufacturing. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training in gun repair, stock refinishing, and safe firearm handling.
Website: Flint Hills Technical College Gunsmithing

3. Colorado School of Trades – Gunsmithing Program, Lakewood, CO

Distance from Overland Park: Approximately 600 miles west (about 8.5 hours by car)
Program Description: For those seeking an immersive, nationally recognized program, the Colorado School of Trades offers a 14-month gunsmithing program focused on hands-on experience in all aspects of firearms repair and customization. Graduates earn a diploma that is highly respected within the industry.
Website: Colorado School of Trades Gunsmithing

Note: Many aspiring gunsmiths in Overland Park begin their training with local machining and metalworking courses, then pursue specialized gunsmithing programs at regional colleges or through accredited online providers.

Gunsmithing Employment Opportunities in Overland Park

Overland Park and the greater Kansas City area support a variety of employment options for certified gunsmiths. Employment settings include gun shops, sporting goods stores, firearms manufacturers, and custom gunsmithing businesses. Here are a few notable organizations:

Centerfire Shooting Sports

Location: 875 North Jan-Mar Court, Olathe, KS (South of Overland Park)
Description: A full-service indoor shooting range and firearms retailer offering gun sales, repairs, and firearm customization. Centerfire frequently seeks qualified gunsmiths for on-site work.
Employment Info: Centerfire Shooting Sports Careers

Frontier Justice

Location: 800 NE Jones Industrial Drive, Lee’s Summit, MO (about 30 minutes east of Overland Park)
Description: This destination retailer combines a modern shooting range with a comprehensive gun shop and gunsmithing services. The company often has openings for gunsmiths and firearm technicians.
Employment Info: Frontier Justice Careers

Cabela’s Kansas City

Location: 10300 Cabela Drive, Kansas City, KS (north of Overland Park)
Description: As one of the nation’s premier sporting goods chains, Cabela’s employs gunsmiths for firearm sales, maintenance, and warranty services. Opportunities may be available in their gun library or repair departments.
Employment Info: Cabela’s Careers

These employers are located in easily accessible areas around Overland Park, including neighborhoods such as Olathe, Lee’s Summit, and Kansas City. Private, independent gunsmithing shops and custom firearm builders are also found throughout Johnson County and nearby communities.

Prerequisites for Gunsmithing Programs

Before enrolling in a gunsmithing program, it’s important to understand the typical prerequisites:

Minimum Age: Most programs require students to be at least 18 years old; some require 21 if working directly with firearms.
Education: A high school diploma or GED is generally required.
Background Check: Students must be legally able to possess firearms under federal and state law. This often includes a criminal background check.
Legal Eligibility: Federal law (and Kansas law) prohibits certain individuals—such as those convicted of felonies—from possessing or working with firearms.
Additional Requirements: Some programs may require proof of residency, identification, or completion of prerequisite courses in machining or metalwork.

Meeting these requirements is vital for progressing through gunsmithing training and securing employment in the field.

Gunsmithing Certification Options

Gunsmithing certification in Kansas and nationwide is typically obtained through recognized educational institutions or national organizations. Here are the primary certification pathways:

School-Based Certificates and Diplomas: Completing a program at an accredited school (such as Flint Hills Technical College or Colorado School of Trades) results in a certificate or diploma in gunsmithing.
National Organizations: The American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) and the Professional Gunsmithing Association (PGA) offer additional certification programs and continuing education for gunsmiths.
Federal Firearms License (FFL): Any gunsmith engaging in the business of repairing, modifying, or building firearms for others must obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL), specifically a Type 01 Dealer/Gunsmith license, from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Specialized Armorer Certifications: Manufacturers such as Glock and Smith & Wesson offer armorer courses with certificates for specific firearm platforms.
State Licensing: Kansas does not require a state gunsmith license, but local business requirements and zoning laws in Overland Park must be followed.

Obtaining an FFL requires passing a background check, complying with all state and local regulations, and maintaining strict records of firearm transactions. For more details on occupational outlook and wage statistics for gunsmiths, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics page for Metal and Plastic Machine Workers, which covers relevant data for gunsmithing careers.

Get Started Today

Pursuing a career as a certified gunsmith in Overland Park, Kansas, is a practical and rewarding goal for those passionate about firearms and skilled craftsmanship. Begin by exploring local and regional training programs, ensuring you meet all prerequisites, and planning for the necessary federal licensing and local compliance. With the right education and dedication, opportunities in the gunsmithing field are within reach. Take the first step by contacting a school today and moving forward on your path to becoming a certified gunsmith.