Gunsmith Programs in Fort Worth, Texas

Becoming a Certified Gunsmith in Fort Worth, Texas

Gunsmithing is a respected trade in Fort Worth, Texas, combining mechanical expertise, craftsmanship, and strict regulatory compliance. A certified gunsmith repairs, customizes, and maintains firearms, serving everyone from private collectors to law enforcement. If you are interested in joining this skilled profession, understanding the local training paths, certification options, and job prospects is essential. This guide explores what it takes to become a certified gunsmith in Fort Worth, including available educational programs, employment opportunities, prerequisites, and the steps to certification.

About Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth is one of Texas’s largest and most historically significant cities, located in Tarrant County. Known for its Western heritage, world-class museums, and the bustling Fort Worth Stockyards, the city features diverse neighborhoods such as Downtown, Near Southside, and West 7th. Fort Worth’s strong ties to hunting, sporting, and firearm traditions make it an ideal location for those pursuing a career in gunsmithing.

Gunsmithing Training Programs in Fort Worth, Texas

While Fort Worth itself does not currently host a dedicated on-campus gunsmithing school, there are several reputable programs in Texas and surrounding states accessible to local residents. These programs offer a mix of hands-on and online training to prepare you for a successful gunsmithing career.

1. MT Training Center – DeSoto, TX (Approx. 45 miles from Fort Worth)

  • MT Training Center Gunsmithing Program
    Located in DeSoto, just south of Dallas, MT Training Center provides a comprehensive Gunsmithing Training Program. The curriculum covers firearm disassembly, repair, modification, machining, and shop safety. The program spans 44 weeks (day) or 62 weeks (evening), with a 10:1 student-to-instructor ratio for personalized instruction.

2. Sonoran Desert Institute (Online, National)

  • Sonoran Desert Institute – School of Firearms Technology
    SDI offers online programs including an Associate of Science in Firearms Technology and a Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing. Courses cover firearm repair, ballistics, custom work, and business management, providing flexibility for working students or those unable to attend campus-based programs.

3. Penn Foster Career School (Online, National)

  • Penn Foster Gunsmith Career Diploma
    Penn Foster’s self-paced online program covers firearm assembly, customization, safety, and the basics of Federal Firearms License (FFL) requirements. The program is accessible and affordable, making it a strong option for students balancing other commitments.

Programs Nearby but Outside Fort Worth

These programs offer hands-on training, advanced coursework, and industry-recognized certifications for those seeking to specialize in gunsmithing.

Gunsmithing Employment Opportunities in Fort Worth

Fort Worth’s active firearms and sporting culture supports a range of employment opportunities for certified gunsmiths. Below are several local employers and facilities where gunsmiths may find work or gain experience:

1. Defender Outdoors Shooting Center (Northside)

  • Defender Outdoors
  • A premier indoor shooting range and retail store offering firearms sales, repairs, and gunsmithing services. Defender Outdoors provides employment for skilled gunsmiths and technicians in both customer service and repair roles.

2. Cabela’s Fort Worth (Northwest)

  • Cabela’s Fort Worth
  • As a leading outdoor retailer, Cabela’s employs gunsmiths for firearm maintenance, cleaning, and customer consultation. Their large customer base offers exposure to a variety of firearm types and repair needs.

3. Shoot Smart (North Fort Worth)

  • Shoot Smart
  • A full-service shooting range and gun shop with locations in Fort Worth, Shoot Smart offers firearm sales, training, and gunsmithing services. Opportunities exist for certified gunsmiths in both repair and customer education roles.

These businesses are located in some of Fort Worth’s busiest commercial districts, providing opportunities to interact with a broad clientele and gain valuable industry experience.

Prerequisites for Gunsmithing Programs

Admission requirements vary by program, but most reputable gunsmithing schools and training centers in Fort Worth and beyond include the following prerequisites:

  • Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old; some programs require 21, especially for FFL eligibility.
  • Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent is typically required. Some online programs accept students with an 8th-grade education if they pass an equivalency test.
  • Background Check: Applicants must pass a criminal background check, as federal law prohibits felons and certain other individuals from working with firearms.
  • Legal Eligibility: No felony convictions or serious misdemeanors; must not be a fugitive from justice.
  • Physical and Mental Capacity: Ability to perform detailed, hands-on mechanical work safely.

Additional requirements may include basic English proficiency, proof of residency, and, for some programs, letters of recommendation or a personal essay.

Gunsmithing Certification Options

Professional certification in gunsmithing is typically obtained through completion of an accredited gunsmithing program or by passing exams from recognized national organizations. In Texas, certification is voluntary but highly recommended for career advancement.

  • American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI):
    AGI Certification offers professional gunsmith credentials through comprehensive online coursework and testing.

  • Professional Gunsmithing Association (PGA):
    The PGA provides certification and professional development for gunsmiths nationwide.

  • Federal Firearms License (FFL):
    Most gunsmiths need a Type 01 FFL, regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This license allows gunsmiths to legally repair, modify, and transfer firearms.

  • NRA Certified Training:
    The National Rifle Association endorses select schools and offers short courses in specialized gunsmithing skills.

No state-level license is required in Texas, but compliance with all federal and local laws is mandatory. For certain activities, such as manufacturing or dealing in firearms, additional FFL types and regulatory requirements may apply.

Get Started Today

Starting a career as a certified gunsmith in Fort Worth, Texas, offers a unique blend of technical skill, artistry, and strong job prospects. Whether you choose in-person or online gunsmithing programs, the path to certification is clear and achievable. Explore the options listed above, ensure you meet all prerequisites, and take the next step by contacting a school or program today. Your future as a professional gunsmith in Fort Worth awaits.

For more information about the job outlook for gunsmiths and related occupations, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics page for Metal and Plastic Machine Workers.