Gunsmith Programs in Grand Prairie, Texas

Becoming a Certified Gunsmith in Grand Prairie, Texas

Exploring a career as a certified gunsmith in Grand Prairie, Texas opens the door to a profession that blends mechanical expertise with a passion for firearms. Gunsmiths are skilled professionals who inspect, repair, modify, and even create firearms, serving hunters, sport shooters, collectors, and law enforcement. The field offers various paths, from hands-on training in traditional workshops to modern online gunsmithing programs.

In Texas, becoming a gunsmith involves more than just honing technical skills. The process requires navigating federal regulations, selecting the right education, and understanding local business requirements. Whether your goal is to work in a custom shop, start your own business, or join a major firearms manufacturer, the journey begins with the right information and training.

Types of Gunsmithing Education Paths and Specializations

  • Certificate Programs: Ideal for those seeking foundational skills quickly, these programs often focus on basic repair, maintenance, and safety.
  • Associate Degrees: Two-year programs offer comprehensive education in firearms technology, machining, metalworking, and business.
  • Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training: Learning from experienced gunsmiths provides practical knowledge and industry insights.
  • Online Training: Flexible, self-paced programs for those who need to balance education with other commitments.
  • Specializations: Gunsmiths may focus on custom fabrication, historical restoration, precision competition firearms, or refinishing and engraving.

Each pathway offers unique advantages, and the right choice depends on your career goals, learning style, and available resources.

About Grand Prairie, Texas

Grand Prairie is a thriving city in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, spanning Dallas, Tarrant, and Ellis counties. Known for its diverse neighborhoods such as Dalworth Park, Oak Hollow, and Westchester, Grand Prairie features renowned attractions like Lone Star Park, Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, and the Grand Prairie Premium Outlets. Its central location offers residents and businesses easy access to major highways, making it a strategic hub for commerce and skilled trades, including the firearms industry.

The city’s Business Services and dynamic economy create an ideal environment for aspiring gunsmiths to launch their careers or establish independent shops.

Gunsmithing Training Programs in Grand Prairie, Texas

While there are no gunsmithing schools located directly in Grand Prairie, several reputable programs are available nearby and online, providing both hands-on and flexible learning opportunities.

1. MT Training Center – DeSoto, Texas (Approx. 20 miles from Grand Prairie)

  • Program: Gunsmithing Training Program
  • Overview: The MT Training Center offers a comprehensive gunsmithing program designed for students seeking hands-on experience. The curriculum covers firearm repair, refinishing, custom work, and machining. Day and evening classes are available, accommodating students with diverse schedules. The program spans 44 weeks (day) or 62 weeks (evening), totaling 1,540 instructional hours, and features a 10:1 student-to-instructor ratio for personalized learning.
  • Location: DeSoto, TX (short drive southeast of Grand Prairie)

2. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) – Online

  • Program: Professional Gunsmithing Course
  • Overview: AGI provides video-based, self-paced gunsmithing courses that can be completed entirely online. The curriculum ranges from basic repair to advanced gunsmithing and business management skills, with certification options. Courses are taught by Master Gunsmiths and include exclusive cutaway firearm demonstrations. Tuition ranges from $997 to $14,997, depending on the depth of training selected.
  • Format: 100% online and flexible

3. Penn Foster – Online Gunsmith Career Diploma

  • Program: Gunsmithing Training Program
  • Overview: Penn Foster’s accredited online program covers firearm assembly, repair, and safety. Students learn at their own pace through interactive coursework and digital study materials. The program can be completed in as little as three months, with tuition starting at $939 when paid in full.
  • Format: 100% online, self-paced

Other Notable Regional Programs

If you are open to relocating or commuting, consider these respected programs:

  • Colorado School of Trades (Lakewood, CO): Renowned for its immersive, hands-on gunsmithing education (Learn more).
  • Montgomery Community College (Troy, NC): Home to the nation’s largest college gunsmithing program (Learn more).
  • Trinidad State College (Trinidad, CO): Offers a two-year, NRA-endorsed gunsmithing degree (Learn more).
  • Murray State College (Tishomingo, OK): Offers a unique Bachelor of Applied Technology in Gunsmithing (Learn more).

Gunsmithing Employment Opportunities in Grand Prairie

Grand Prairie and the wider Dallas-Fort Worth area are home to several firearms-related businesses, providing potential employment and apprenticeship opportunities for certified gunsmiths.

Major Gun Shops and Firearms Businesses

1. Cabela’s – Fort Worth

  • Location: North Fort Worth, near Interstate 35W
  • Description: A leading retailer of sporting goods, firearms, and outdoor equipment. Cabela’s features a large gun library and offers gunsmithing services, making it a potential employer for trained gunsmiths.

2. DFW Shooting Sports

  • Location: North Richland Hills (approx. 25 miles northeast of Grand Prairie)
  • Description: One of the largest gun stores in North Texas, specializing in firearms sales, accessories, and gunsmithing services. Known for its knowledgeable staff and extensive inventory.

3. Texas Gun Experience

  • Location: Grapevine (approx. 20 miles north of Grand Prairie)
  • Description: A state-of-the-art indoor shooting range and firearms retailer offering gunsmithing, firearm rentals, training, and custom services. The facility frequently hires certified gunsmiths for in-house work.

Local Businesses and Neighborhoods

  • Grand Prairie hosts several FFL dealers and smaller gun shops, particularly along Belt Line Road and Main Street. While many focus on retail, some provide repair and customization services.
  • Nearby Arlington and Irving also feature reputable gun shops and ranges, broadening local employment options.

For the latest employment opportunities, check the career sections on each business’s official website or inquire directly about apprenticeships and gunsmithing positions.

Prerequisites for Gunsmithing Programs

Before enrolling in a gunsmithing program or pursuing certification, prospective students should be aware of the following typical requirements:

  • Minimum Age: Usually 18 years old for enrollment; 21 years old for Federal Firearms License (FFL) eligibility.
  • Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent is generally required.
  • Background Check: A clean criminal record is essential. Felony convictions and serious misdemeanor offenses typically disqualify applicants.
  • Legal Eligibility: Must be legally permitted to possess firearms under federal and Texas law.
  • Physical and Mental Capability: Ability to perform detailed mechanical work and sustain attention to safety.
  • English Proficiency: Ability to read and write English for coursework and federal licensing paperwork.

Some programs may require additional assessments or entrance exams, such as the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test.

Gunsmithing Certification Options

National Certification and Professional Organizations

Gunsmithing certification is typically awarded by national organizations or through completion of accredited programs:

  • American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI): Offers Professional Gunsmith Certification for graduates of its comprehensive courses.
  • Professional Gunsmithing Association (PGA): A national body for ongoing professional development (check directly for current programs).
  • Gunsmithing Club of America (GCA): Membership-based community offering advanced video training and resources (GCA Website).
  • American Custom Gunmakers Guild (ACGG): Recognizes master-level achievement in custom gunmaking (ACGG Membership).

Federal Requirements: Federal Firearms License (FFL)

Any gunsmith who intends to work professionally (engaging in repair, modification, or sale of firearms) must secure a Federal Firearms License (FFL) from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The most common types for gunsmiths are:

  • Type 01 FFL: Dealer in firearms other than destructive devices (includes most gunsmiths)
  • Type 07 FFL: Manufacturer of firearms other than destructive devices (if you plan to manufacture or assemble guns)

Key steps for FFL application:

  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Submit ATF Form 7 with the required fee ($200 for Type 01; $150 for Type 07)
  • Pass thorough background checks
  • Complete an in-person interview with an ATF Industry Operations Investigator

FFL holders must adhere to strict record-keeping, secure storage, and compliance with federal, state, and city regulations.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a gunsmithing career in Grand Prairie, Texas is both exciting and achievable with the right preparation. Whether you prefer hands-on, in-person instruction or the flexibility of online learning, excellent gunsmithing programs are accessible to fit your needs.

Take the first step by researching the schools listed above, reviewing their program requirements, and reaching out for more information. Completing a reputable training program and earning your FFL are essential milestones on your path to becoming a certified gunsmith.

Connect with a program today and start building a rewarding career in the firearms industry.

Explore the Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook for related metal and plastic machine workers to understand employment trends and long-term prospects for gunsmiths and tradespeople.