Gunsmith Programs in Plano, Texas
Becoming a Certified Gunsmith in Plano, Texas
For those passionate about firearms, mechanical precision, and craftsmanship, a career as a gunsmith offers the chance to blend technical skill with creative problem-solving. Gunsmiths are skilled professionals who repair, modify, customize, and maintain firearms, serving everyone from hunters and sport shooters to law enforcement and collectors. In Plano, Texas, aspiring gunsmiths can pursue several educational pathways, ranging from hands-on training programs to flexible online courses. This guide explores how to become a certified gunsmith in Plano, details local and regional training options, outlines employment opportunities, and explains the steps toward official certification.
About Plano, Texas
Plano is a dynamic city in the heart of Collin County, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. Known for its excellent schools, thriving corporate presence, and diverse neighborhoods like Legacy West, Downtown Plano Arts District, and Willow Bend, Plano offers a supportive environment for launching a skilled trade career. The city maintains a strong commitment to business development and public safety, making it an appealing destination for those entering the firearms industry. To learn more about the city, visit the official Plano website.
Gunsmithing Training Programs in Plano, Texas
While Plano itself does not currently host dedicated full-time gunsmithing schools, several reputable programs are available nearby and online, offering both in-person and remote learning opportunities.
1. MT Training Center — DeSoto, TX (Approx. 35 miles from Plano)
The MT Training Center in DeSoto is one of Texas’s leading hands-on gunsmithing schools. Its comprehensive program includes 1,540 clock hours of instruction, covering firearm safety, basic and advanced gunsmithing, machine shop operation, and specialized firearm repair techniques. The program is available in two formats:
- Day schedule: 44 weeks
- Evening schedule: 62 weeks
Students benefit from a low student-to-instructor ratio (10:1) and a curriculum designed to prepare graduates for immediate employment or business ownership. The program boasts an 82.4% completion rate and an 80% employment rate among graduates, according to Texas Workforce Commission data for 2023-2024.
2. Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) — Online
The Sonoran Desert Institute offers a nationally accredited online Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing. This 32-credit-hour program is completed over two 16-week semesters and covers topics such as firearms mechanics, federal firearms law, ballistics, maintenance, troubleshooting, and business planning. SDI’s online format is ideal for working adults or those seeking flexibility, and students receive hands-on kits for practical skill development at home.
3. Penn Foster College — Online
Penn Foster College provides a self-paced, online Gunsmith Career Diploma program. The curriculum covers firearms repair, customization, accurizing, stock fitting, and antique restoration. Course costs start at approximately $59 per month, making it an accessible entry point for many. The program includes instruction on ammunition reloading and business basics, supporting those who aim to run their own shop.
Additional Notable Programs Outside Texas
For those interested in relocating or seeking the gold standard in gunsmithing education, Trinidad State College in Colorado and Lassen Community College in California both offer renowned associate degree programs and NRA-approved coursework.
Gunsmithing Employment Opportunities in Plano
Plano and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area feature a robust market for trained gunsmiths. Employment can be found in gun shops, sporting goods stores, and custom firearms workshops. While Plano itself has a limited number of full-service gunsmith shops, several reputable establishments are easily accessible:
1. DFW Gunsmithing — Dallas, TX (North Dallas area, approx. 20 miles from Plano)
DFW Gunsmithing offers comprehensive repair, customization, and restoration services for handguns, rifles, and shotguns. With a reputation for quality and expertise, this shop often seeks skilled professionals for gunsmithing and customer service roles.
2. Texas Gun Experience — Grapevine, TX (approx. 30 miles from Plano)
Texas Gun Experience is a large, modern facility featuring a retail store, indoor shooting range, and a full-service gunsmith shop. They frequently post job openings for gunsmiths, range officers, and sales associates.
3. Cabela’s – Allen, TX (approx. 10 miles from Plano)
The Allen location of Cabela’s, a national sporting goods retailer, includes a firearms department and occasionally hires gunsmiths or firearm service technicians. The company offers competitive benefits and opportunities for advancement.
4. Plano Pawn Shop — Central Plano
While primarily a pawn shop, Plano Pawn handles firearm sales and may offer limited gunsmithing services. They sometimes seek staff with firearms expertise.
Prerequisites for Gunsmithing Programs
Before enrolling in a gunsmithing program, applicants should be aware of standard entry requirements:
- Minimum age: 18 years (some programs and federal licensing require 21)
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- Background check: Required for most in-person programs (disqualifies those with felony convictions or certain misdemeanors)
- English proficiency: Ability to read, write, and understand course material
- Legal eligibility: Must be legally permitted to possess firearms under federal and state law
For those pursuing a Federal Firearms License (FFL), applicants must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and have no felony convictions or other disqualifying factors.
Gunsmithing Certification Options
Certified gunsmiths in Texas typically earn credentials through recognized national organizations rather than state licensing. The most common pathways include:
- Federal Firearms License (FFL): Required for any commercial gunsmithing activity. Most gunsmiths apply for a Type 01 Dealer in Firearms license, which authorizes repair, modification, and retail sales. Learn more at the ATF FFL Guide.
- American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) Certification: AGI offers extensive video-based courses leading to professional certification in various specialties, including 1911 Pistolsmith, AR-15 Riflesmith, and Master Gunsmith.
- Professional Gunsmithing Association (PGA): The PGA provides continuing education, professional standards, and networking opportunities for certified gunsmiths.
- NRA Gunsmithing Schools: Programs certified by the National Rifle Association are recognized for their rigorous standards and industry acceptance.
Federal Requirements: Any gunsmith who operates as a business must obtain an FFL from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). For certain activities, such as manufacturing or working with NFA items (e.g., silencers, short-barreled rifles), additional licensing is required. Comprehensive information is available from the ATF.
Get Started Today
A career as a certified gunsmith in Plano, Texas, offers a blend of technical challenge, creative satisfaction, and business opportunity. With strong regional demand and accessible training options, now is an excellent time to start your journey. Whether you choose a hands-on program near Dallas or a flexible online course, taking the first step toward certification will open doors to a rewarding profession. Contact a school today through their website to request information and begin your path to becoming a skilled, certified gunsmith.
For more details on job outlook and career statistics, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics Gunsmiths Page.