Gunsmith Programs in Salt Lake City, Utah

Becoming a Certified Gunsmith in Salt Lake City, Utah

Considering a career as a certified gunsmith in Salt Lake City, Utah? This guide will walk you through the essential steps, from understanding what a gunsmith does to exploring local education options, certification requirements, and employment opportunities. Gunsmiths are skilled tradespeople who repair, modify, design, and build firearms. Specializations within the field include custom gun building, firearm restoration, engraving, machining, and armory work for law enforcement or military contracts.

There’s no single path to becoming a professional gunsmith. Some enter the field via formal education, such as certificate or associate degree programs, while others pursue on-the-job apprenticeships or comprehensive online training. The right path depends on your career goals, preferred learning style, and local opportunities.

About Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, Utah’s capital, offers a dynamic environment for aspiring gunsmiths. Nestled against the Wasatch Mountains, Salt Lake City is known for its outdoor recreation, vibrant downtown, and historic districts like Sugar House and The Avenues. As the state’s largest metropolitan area, the city is home to diverse neighborhoods and serves as a hub for industry and education. For more about the city, visit Salt Lake City’s official website.

Gunsmithing Training Programs in Salt Lake City, Utah

While Salt Lake City does not currently have an in-person, accredited gunsmithing school within city limits, residents have several reputable options both online and in nearby states.

1. Sonoran Desert Institute (Online, Accessible from Salt Lake City)

  • Location: Online; headquarters in Tempe, Arizona
  • Program: Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing
  • Overview: SDI’s online program offers comprehensive training in firearm design, function, repair, and customization. The curriculum covers pistols, revolvers, shotguns, and rifles, and includes industry resources like a digital schematics library and an FFL starter kit.
  • Duration: Two 16-week semesters (self-paced)
  • Cost: Varies; financial aid and GI Bill options available
  • Ideal for: Students seeking a flexible, accredited online program with strong industry connections.

2. Colorado School of Trades (Lakewood, CO – Approx. 8 hours from Salt Lake City)

  • Location: Lakewood, Colorado
  • Program: Gunsmithing Program
  • Overview: This hands-on, accredited program offers a 14-month Associate of Occupational Studies in Gunsmithing. Students receive intensive training in bench metal work, machining, repair, and stockmaking. The school is known for high job placement rates and a focus on real-world skills.
  • Duration: 14 months
  • Cost: Contact school for details
  • Ideal for: Students seeking in-person, hands-on training with access to industry-standard equipment.

3. Trinidad State College (Trinidad, CO – Approx. 9 hours from Salt Lake City)

  • Location: Trinidad, Colorado
  • Program: Gunsmithing AAS Degree
  • Overview: Renowned for its tradition and excellence, Trinidad State offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science in Gunsmithing. The curriculum combines technical skills with specialized coursework, such as competitive rifle accuracy and alternative metal finishes.
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Cost: Contact school for current tuition rates
  • Ideal for: Students committed to a comprehensive, immersive gunsmithing education.

Note: No in-person gunsmithing schools currently operate within Salt Lake City itself. The programs listed above are the closest options for Utah residents, with flexible online or out-of-state formats.

Gunsmithing Employment Opportunities in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City supports a thriving community of gun shops, sporting goods stores, and firearm manufacturers where certified gunsmiths may find employment or apprenticeship opportunities.

Gallenson’s Gun Shop

  • Location: Downtown Salt Lake City
  • Website: Gallenson’s Gun Shop
  • Overview: Established in 1916, Gallenson’s is one of Utah’s oldest and most respected firearms retailers. They offer new and used firearms, ammunition, and gunsmithing services.
  • Employment: Inquire directly about gunsmith or technician positions; roles may include repair, modification, or custom work.

Smith & Edwards

  • Location: North Salt Lake (Bountiful area)
  • Website: Smith & Edwards
  • Overview: A large outdoor and sporting goods retailer with a dedicated firearms department, offering sales, service, and occasional gunsmithing.
  • Employment: Visit their careers page for current openings in the firearms department.

Impact Guns

  • Location: South Salt Lake
  • Website: Impact Guns
  • Overview: A comprehensive gun store featuring a wide selection of firearms, accessories, and an on-site gunsmithing department.
  • Employment: Check their website for job opportunities or inquire in person about gunsmithing positions.

Many local shops also offer apprenticeship or part-time opportunities for new gunsmiths. Networking with these businesses can be an effective way to gain practical experience post-certification.

Prerequisites for Gunsmithing Programs

Before enrolling in a gunsmithing program, applicants typically need to meet the following requirements:

  • Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
  • Minimum Age: Usually 18 years old (21 for some programs handling handguns)
  • Background Check: Required for handling firearms, especially during supervised training or as part of an apprenticeship
  • Legal Eligibility: Must not be prohibited from possessing firearms under federal or Utah law
  • Application Materials: May include transcripts, personal statement, and, for some programs, letters of recommendation

Federal and state regulations require background checks for anyone working with firearms. Some programs may have additional requirements, especially for students planning to work on campus with live firearms.

Gunsmithing Certification Options

While Utah does not issue a state-specific gunsmithing license, certification is available through industry-recognized organizations and is often preferred by employers and customers.

National Certification

  • American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI): Offers Professional Gunsmith Certification through comprehensive online coursework and exams.
  • NRA Gunsmithing Schools: The National Rifle Association partners with select colleges to provide hands-on certification programs. Information is available at NRA Gunsmithing Schools.
  • Professional Gunsmithing Association (PGA): Recognizes gunsmiths who meet professional standards in training and ethics.

Federal Firearms License (FFL)

Any gunsmith who repairs or modifies firearms for others must have a Federal Firearms License (Type 01 Dealer in Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices) from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

  • Application: Involves background checks, business location verification, and a fee.
  • Renewal: Every three years
  • Important: FFL holders must adhere to recordkeeping and security protocols set by the ATF.

For certain specialized activities, such as manufacturing firearms, additional FFL types may be required.

Get Started Today

Becoming a certified gunsmith in Salt Lake City is an attainable goal with the right education and planning. Whether you’re starting with online coursework or seeking hands-on training out of state, a rewarding career awaits those who are diligent, detail-oriented, and passionate about firearms. Take the next step—contact a gunsmithing school to learn more about enrollment and start your journey toward professional certification.

For further information on job outlook and salary statistics, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics page on Metal and Plastic Machine Workers.