Gunsmith Programs in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Becoming a Certified Gunsmith in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Considering a career as a gunsmith in Virginia Beach, Virginia opens the door to a specialized trade rooted in tradition, technical expertise, and craftsmanship. A gunsmith is a professional who repairs, modifies, customizes, and maintains firearms. This skilled trade blends precision machining, metalworking, woodwork, and a deep understanding of firearm mechanics. Gunsmiths may focus on repair and maintenance, custom builds, restoration of vintage arms, or specialty services like engraving and refinishing.

There are multiple educational paths for aspiring gunsmiths, including in-person certificate and degree programs, online courses, and apprenticeships. Specializations within the trade range from generalist repair to custom rifle or pistol work, engraving, and advanced metal finishing. Understanding the steps to certification, available training programs, and regulatory requirements is essential for anyone wishing to enter this respected field in Virginia Beach.

About Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is the most populous city in Virginia, located along the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Known for its extensive beaches, the famous Virginia Beach Boardwalk, and vibrant neighborhoods like Sandbridge and Town Center, the city is a hub for tourism and commerce. Its proximity to military installations, including Naval Air Station Oceana, influences the local economy and community. For more information about the city, visit the official Virginia Beach website.

Gunsmithing Training Programs in Virginia Beach, Virginia

While Virginia Beach itself does not currently host a dedicated on-campus gunsmithing program, aspiring gunsmiths have access to several nearby and online options:

1. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) – Online

  • Location: Online, accessible from Virginia Beach
  • Program Overview: AGI offers a comprehensive suite of online gunsmithing courses. Their Certified Professional Gunsmithing program ranges from introductory courses to advanced master-level instruction, all delivered through in-depth video modules. Students learn firearm design, function, and repair, and can complete certification at their own pace.
  • Credentials: Certification upon completion, with options for advanced specialties and business training.
  • Website: American Gunsmithing Institute Gunsmithing Programs

2. Montgomery Community College (MCC) – Troy, North Carolina

  • Distance from Virginia Beach: Approximately 4.5 hours by car (about 270 miles)
  • Program Overview: MCC offers a well-respected, two-year Associate in Applied Science in Gunsmithing and various certificate programs. The curriculum includes machining, firearms repair, custom builds, and metal finishing. MCC is known for its hands-on training in state-of-the-art facilities, including machine shops and a large collection of teaching firearms.
  • Credentials: Associate degree or certificates in gunsmithing.
  • Website: MCC Gunsmithing Program

3. Modern Gun School (MGS) – Online

  • Location: Online, accessible from Virginia Beach
  • Program Overview: MGS provides a VA-approved, self-paced gunsmithing program founded in 1946. The curriculum covers firearm repair, maintenance, customization, and business skills. The school offers support for veterans using GI Bill benefits.
  • Credentials: Certificate upon completion.
  • Website: Modern Gun School Gunsmithing

Note: For those willing to travel or relocate, other notable programs include Trinidad State College (Colorado) and Lassen College (California), both with long-standing gunsmithing traditions.

Gunsmithing Employment Opportunities in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach’s active firearm and sporting community supports several gun shops and sporting goods stores where gunsmiths may find employment or apprenticeship opportunities. Below are some key local businesses:

1. Superior Pawn & Gun

  • Location: 2808 Airline Blvd, Portsmouth, VA (Portsmouth neighborhood, adjacent to Virginia Beach)
  • Overview: Superior Pawn & Gun is a large firearm retailer and pawn shop offering gun sales, transfers, and some gunsmithing services. They frequently seek staff with technical firearm knowledge.
  • Website: Superior Pawn & Gun

2. Freedom Shooting Center

  • Location: 1255 Fordham Dr, Virginia Beach, VA (Kempsville neighborhood)
  • Overview: This modern indoor shooting range and retail center carries a wide range of firearms and accessories. They occasionally hire gunsmiths or firearm technicians for maintenance and customer service roles.
  • Website: Freedom Shooting Center

3. Bob’s Gun Shop

  • Location: 228 N Battlefield Blvd, Chesapeake, VA (Chesapeake, near Greenbrier, about 20 minutes from Virginia Beach)
  • Overview: Bob’s Gun Shop offers retail sales, gunsmithing, and repair services. Known for their in-house gunsmith, they serve a broad clientele and offer employment opportunities for certified professionals.
  • Website: Bob’s Gun Shop

These organizations represent potential employers for certified gunsmiths and are valuable for networking or apprenticeship opportunities. Additional employment can be found with firearm manufacturers, law enforcement agencies, or by opening a private gunsmithing business.

Prerequisites for Gunsmithing Programs

Before enrolling in a gunsmithing program, applicants typically must meet these prerequisites:

  • Minimum Age: 18 years old (some programs or employers may require 21)
  • Education: High school diploma or GED
  • Background Check: Required for those handling or working with firearms, especially in programs that include practical training
  • Legal Eligibility: No felony convictions or legal prohibitions against possessing firearms or ammunition under federal or state law
  • Additional: Some programs require basic mechanical aptitude or prior coursework in metalworking or machining; check with each school for specific requirements.

Gunsmithing Certification Options

Certification is a key step to establishing credibility and employability as a gunsmith. Here are the main certification options:

  • American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI): Offers tiered certifications from Professional Gunsmith to Advanced Master Gunsmith through self-paced, video-based instruction and testing (AGI Certification Details).
  • Modern Gun School (MGS): Provides certification upon completion of their advanced gunsmithing curriculum, recognized by many employers (MGS Certification Info).
  • NRA Short-Term Courses: The National Rifle Association partners with select colleges to offer hands-on, accredited gunsmithing courses (NRA Gunsmithing Schools).
  • Federal Firearms License (FFL): Required for anyone intending to commercially repair, modify, or sell firearms. Application is managed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (How to Apply for an FFL).
    • Type 01 FFL: Most common for gunsmiths (Dealer in Firearms other than Destructive Devices).
    • Compliance: FFL holders must adhere to strict federal regulations, including recordkeeping and background checks.

No Virginia-specific gunsmith license exists, but you must comply with all state and local business and firearm regulations.

Get Started Today

Pursuing a career as a certified gunsmith in Virginia Beach, Virginia, offers the opportunity to blend craftsmanship, technology, and tradition. With a variety of in-person and online training options, and a strong local market for skilled professionals, now is an excellent time to begin your journey. Review your options, verify prerequisites, and reach out to a school or training provider to start building your future in gunsmithing.

For more information on the job outlook for gunsmiths and related careers, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook for Metal and Plastic Machine Workers.