Gunsmith Programs in Las Vegas, Nevada

Becoming a Certified Gunsmith in Las Vegas, Nevada

Gunsmithing is both an art and a science—combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technical expertise to repair, customize, and build firearms. For those interested in joining this respected field, understanding the process of earning gunsmithing certification in Las Vegas, Nevada is essential. This guide explores what a gunsmith does, the available education paths, and the key regulatory and professional requirements you must navigate to start a successful career as a certified gunsmith in the Las Vegas area.

Gunsmiths specialize in the maintenance, repair, modification, and sometimes the design of firearms. Their work can involve everything from routine cleaning and safety inspections to intricate customizations, refinishing, and building firearms from scratch. Specializations within gunsmithing include pistolsmithing (handguns), riflesmithing, stockmaking, engraving, and advanced machining.

Aspiring gunsmiths can pursue several educational routes: formal degree or certificate programs at accredited colleges, short-term technical courses, or online training. These educational opportunities provide in-depth instruction in firearm function, ballistics, machining, metallurgy, woodworking, and legal compliance—each essential for success in the field.

About Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada, famed for its entertainment, cultural diversity, and dynamic economy, serves as the largest city in the state and a major hub for business and tourism. Located in Clark County, Las Vegas is home to iconic areas such as the Las Vegas Strip, Downtown Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Centennial Hills. The city’s official website provides resources for residents and businesses, including information on licensing and zoning—important for those planning to start a gunsmithing business. Las Vegas’s thriving firearms culture and proximity to major transportation routes make it an excellent location for pursuing a career as a gunsmith.

Gunsmithing Training Programs in Las Vegas, Nevada

While Las Vegas does not host a dedicated in-person gunsmithing school within city limits, residents have access to both online and nearby in-person programs. Below are top options available to Las Vegas-area students:

1. Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) – Online Program
Sonoran Desert Institute offers a fully online Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing. This 32-credit program covers firearms mechanics, ballistics, legal compliance, machining, maintenance, and modification. The flexible format allows students in Las Vegas to complete coursework at their own pace, with support from instructors and peers. SDI is approved for federal student aid and GI Bill benefits.

2. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) – Online Program
American Gunsmithing Institute provides self-paced, video-based gunsmithing certification courses. AGI’s programs range from basic to advanced master levels, with over 175+ hours of instruction in core courses, and up to 574+ hours for advanced training. Students learn firearms design, function, and repair, and the curriculum is accessible from anywhere in Las Vegas.

3. Lassen College – Susanville, CA (Approx. 460 miles from Las Vegas)
Lassen College Gunsmithing Program is the oldest gunsmithing school in the U.S. and offers an Associate in Science Degree and Certificates of Achievement. Students learn comprehensive firearms repair, machining, metallurgy, and stock fabrication. While located in Susanville, California, this program is a leading choice for those willing to travel or relocate for in-depth, hands-on training.

Additional options outside the immediate Las Vegas area include:

Each of these programs emphasizes practical skills and regulatory compliance, preparing graduates for immediate entry into the field.

Gunsmithing Employment Opportunities in Las Vegas

Las Vegas offers a range of employment prospects for certified gunsmiths, from major gun shops to custom firearm businesses and sporting goods retailers. Here are some of the best-known facilities in the city:

The Gun Store
The Gun Store (2900 E Tropicana Ave, Paradise neighborhood) is a well-established facility offering retail firearms sales, repair, and a shooting range. They periodically seek skilled gunsmiths for both repair and customer service roles.

Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops Las Vegas (8200 Dean Martin Dr, South Las Vegas) is a national retailer with a significant firearm department, employing gunsmiths for repairs, customizations, and customer support.

Discount Firearms + Ammo
Discount Firearms + Ammo (3084 S Highland Dr, Spring Valley) is a full-service firearms retailer with gunsmithing services on-site. They offer employment opportunities for skilled technicians and gunsmiths.

Range 702
The Range 702 (5999 Dean Martin Dr, Southwest Las Vegas) is one of the largest indoor shooting ranges in Nevada, offering gunsmithing services, firearm rentals, and training programs. They regularly hire gunsmiths and armorers.

These facilities are located in neighborhoods such as Paradise, Spring Valley, and near the Las Vegas Strip, providing easy access for residents throughout the metro area.

Prerequisites for Gunsmithing Programs

Before enrolling in a gunsmithing program, students typically must meet several prerequisites:

  • Minimum Age: Most programs require students to be at least 18 years old. Some positions involving firearms sales or FFL activities may require a minimum age of 21.
  • Education: A high school diploma or GED is usually required.
  • Background Check: Federal law prohibits individuals with certain criminal convictions or restraining orders, those adjudicated as mentally ill, or those with a history of substance abuse from handling firearms. Many programs and employers require a background check.
  • Legal Eligibility: Applicants must not be prohibited possessors under federal or Nevada law. This includes restrictions for felons, domestic violence convictions, certain mental health adjudications, and illegal residency status.
  • Compliance with State and Local Laws: Students and prospective gunsmiths must comply with all state and local firearms regulations, including any relevant business licensing or zoning requirements.

Gunsmithing Certification Options

Gunsmithing certification is not mandated by the State of Nevada, but reputable certifications greatly enhance employability and credibility. Key options include:

  • American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) Certification: AGI offers nationally recognized gunsmith certifications at several levels, from basic to master, upon completion of their online coursework and exams. See AGI’s official site for details.
  • NRA Gunsmithing Schools: The National Rifle Association partners with affiliated schools for short-term, in-person gunsmithing courses. Completion of these courses may result in specialized certifications recognized across the industry.
  • Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing: This 32-credit certificate is widely recognized and includes legal compliance, machining, and firearm mechanics.
  • Professional Gunsmithing Association (PGA): This industry group provides additional certifications and continuing education for practicing gunsmiths.

Federal Firearms License (FFL) Requirements

To operate as a gunsmith in any capacity involving the receipt or transfer of firearms, a Federal Firearms License (FFL) is required. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) issues several classes of FFLs, with the “Type 01” license most common for gunsmiths. The application process involves:

  • Submitting ATF Form 7 and associated fees
  • Passing a detailed background check and interview
  • Complying with federal, state, and local business licensing and zoning laws

The ATF’s Las Vegas field office provides local guidance on FFL applications and regulatory compliance.

For more information on the job outlook and industry data for gunsmiths, refer to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics page for Metal and Plastic Machine Workers, which includes related roles in the firearms manufacturing and repair industry.

Get Started Today

Pursuing a career as a certified gunsmith in Las Vegas, Nevada is a rewarding path that blends technical skill, craftsmanship, and legal expertise. Whether you choose an online program, attend a renowned gunsmithing school, or seek an apprenticeship, the right training and credentials can open doors to employment in gun shops, sporting goods stores, custom firearm businesses, and beyond.

Take the next step today—research your preferred schools, review their admissions requirements, and reach out through their official websites to request more information or begin the application process. With dedication and the right training, you can build a successful and respected career as a certified gunsmith in Las Vegas.