Gunsmith Programs in Kansas City, Missouri

Becoming a Certified Gunsmith in Kansas City, Missouri

Pursuing a career as a certified gunsmith in Kansas City, Missouri offers a pathway into a skilled trade that combines mechanical expertise, problem-solving, and a deep appreciation for firearms craftsmanship. Gunsmiths are professionals who repair, modify, customize, and maintain firearms, ensuring their safety and functionality for a diverse clientele. The journey to becoming a certified gunsmith involves choosing the right education path, understanding local and federal regulations, and developing both technical and business skills.

Prospective gunsmiths can choose from several education paths, including formal gunsmithing programs at technical colleges, online certifications, and apprenticeship opportunities. Many specialize in areas such as firearm customization, restoration, or working with specific firearm types like shotguns, rifles, or handguns. This guide outlines the steps and resources available for individuals seeking gunsmithing certification in Kansas City, Missouri, and provides insight into local training programs and employment opportunities.

About Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri, is the largest city in the state, renowned for its rich history, thriving arts scene, and iconic landmarks such as the National WWI Museum and Memorial and Union Station. The city, situated along the Missouri River, offers diverse neighborhoods including Downtown, the Crossroads Arts District, and Brookside. Residents and visitors enjoy a blend of urban amenities and Midwestern hospitality. For more information about the city, visit the official Kansas City website.

Kansas City’s central location and robust transportation infrastructure make it a strategic hub for a variety of industries, including firearms retail and manufacturing. Its proximity to both Missouri and Kansas also expands education and employment options for aspiring gunsmiths.

Gunsmithing Training Programs in Kansas City, Missouri

While Kansas City itself does not host a large number of dedicated gunsmithing schools, several reputable programs are available locally and within driving distance. Here are the most accessible options for Kansas City residents:

1. Penn Foster (Online Program)

  • Location: Accessible anywhere in Kansas City
  • Program: Gunsmith Career Diploma
  • Overview: Penn Foster offers a flexible, self-paced online gunsmithing program. Students learn gun safety, firearm assembly and disassembly, stock finishing, and engraving through video instruction and interactive coursework. The program can be completed in as little as three to six months.
  • Tuition: $939 (pay in full) or $1,139 with monthly payment plans.
  • Highlights: Ideal for individuals balancing work or family commitments who want to start their gunsmithing journey from home.

2. Trinidad State College (Trinidad, Colorado – approx. 640 miles from Kansas City)

  • Location: Trinidad, Colorado
  • Program: Gunsmithing Degree and NRA Short-Term Courses
  • Overview: Trinidad State is one of the nation’s most respected gunsmithing schools, offering both a two-year associate degree and specialized short courses. The program covers all major areas of gunsmithing with extensive hands-on training in classroom and workshop settings.
  • Highlights: Trinidad State’s program is affiliated with the NRA and known for its rigorous, project-based curriculum.

3. Murray State College (Tishomingo, Oklahoma – approx. 420 miles from Kansas City)

  • Location: Tishomingo, Oklahoma
  • Program: Gunsmithing Technology AAS and BAT Degrees
  • Overview: Murray State offers both an Associate of Applied Science and the nation’s first Bachelor of Applied Technology in Gunsmithing Technology. The curriculum includes hands-on training in stockmaking, metal finishing, CNC machining, and firearms repair.
  • Highlights: State-of-the-art facilities and industry partnerships provide students with excellent job placement rates and advanced technical skills.

Note: If you are unable to relocate, online programs such as those from Penn Foster or the American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) are practical alternatives and widely recognized in the firearms industry.

Gunsmithing Employment Opportunities in Kansas City

Kansas City’s active firearms community supports a range of employment options for certified gunsmiths, including retail gun shops, sporting goods stores, and custom gunsmithing operations. Here are several notable local employers:

Frontier Justice (Lee’s Summit, MO – Metro Kansas City Area)

  • Website: Frontier Justice Careers
  • Overview: Frontier Justice is a premier firearms retailer and indoor range offering retail sales, gunsmithing, training, and custom services. The facility is known for its professional team and comprehensive firearms services.
  • Neighborhood: Lee’s Summit (Southeast Kansas City Metro)

Cabela’s Kansas City (Kansas City, KS – Village West area)

  • Website: Cabela’s Careers
  • Overview: Cabela’s is a national chain specializing in hunting, fishing, and outdoor gear. The Kansas City location offers gunsmithing services, firearm sales, and employment opportunities in the firearms department.
  • Neighborhood: Village West (Kansas City, Kansas, just across the state line)

The Powder Horn Guns & Sporting (Downtown Kansas City)

  • Website: Powder Horn Guns & Sporting
  • Overview: A locally owned gun shop specializing in sales, repair, and custom firearms work. They offer a wide range of services and often seek skilled gunsmiths for their team.
  • Neighborhood: Downtown Kansas City

These employers serve the greater Kansas City area and may offer part-time or full-time positions for gunsmiths, firearm sales associates, or custom shop technicians. Each facility provides opportunities to apply technical skills in a professional retail or workshop environment.

Prerequisites for Gunsmithing Programs

Before enrolling in a gunsmithing program, applicants should be aware of the following typical prerequisites:

  • Minimum Age: Most programs require students to be at least 18 years old; some may require applicants to be 21, especially if handling handguns.
  • Education: A high school diploma or GED is generally required for admission to most gunsmithing schools or community college programs.
  • Background Check: Because gunsmiths work with firearms, students and employees must be legally eligible to possess firearms under federal and state law. Some programs or employers may conduct criminal background checks.
  • Additional Requirements: Certain programs may require proof of residency, submission of application essays, or letters of recommendation. Prospective apprentices may need to pass an interview or skills assessment.

Gunsmithing Certification Options

Certification is not mandated by the State of Missouri, but it provides credibility and can improve employment prospects. Key certification options include:

  • American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI): AGI Certification Programs offer comprehensive online courses for professional gunsmiths, including specialized armorer’s certifications.
  • NRA Gunsmithing Schools: Four schools in the U.S., including Trinidad State and Murray State, offer NRA-affiliated programs.
  • Professional Gunsmithing Association (PGA): A national organization supporting continuing education and professional standards.
  • Federal Firearms License (FFL): Gunsmiths who engage in the business of repairing or modifying firearms for others are required by federal law to obtain an FFL from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

It is important to note that operating as a professional gunsmith without an FFL can result in severe penalties. The FFL application includes background checks and compliance with federal regulations. For more information about employment prospects, review the job outlook for metal and plastic workers, including gunsmiths, on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

Get Started Today

Kansas City offers a strong foundation for those interested in a gunsmithing career, with access to reputable online programs, regional hands-on training, and a variety of local employment opportunities. Whether you choose a traditional college program or a flexible online certification, the path to becoming a certified gunsmith begins with a commitment to quality education and compliance with all legal requirements.

Take the first step toward your future in firearms craftsmanship—reach out to a local school or program today to request information and begin your training.