The Gunsmithing Program was started in the fall of 1979. The program provides training in custom gunsmithing and gun repair, and develops the basic knowledge and skills needed to become a professional gunsmith. Laboratories that support the gunsmithing instruction are the Machine Tool Lab, Welding Lab, Gunsmithing Instructional Lab, Blueing Lab, Metal Finishing Lab, and the firearms vault. The two-year gunsmithing program requires completion of coursework in firearms design and function, stockmaking, bench metal work, machine metal work, gun blueing and metal finishing, advanced gunsmithing, and conversion and repairing of firearms to qualify for an Associate in Applied Science degree and/or the Certificate in Gunsmithing.

During the two-year program, several firearms factories conduct certification schools to qualify the current students on updated factory procedures and new firearms parts to perform work on their firearms.

Welding Laboratory	Machine Tool Laboratory

First Semester

Second Semester

First Semester

Second Semester

Financial Aid is available to persons in the Gunsmithing program who qualify for federal financial aid, vocational rehabilitation, Veterans Affairs rehabilitation, workers’ compensation or social security disability.

The gunsmith will or can be a:

Firearms salesman

Owner/manager of a gunsmith shop or sporting goods store

Gunsmith for firearms manufacturer

Specialist in custom built firearms

Factory service representative

Placement assistance is provided in the development of a resume, information on employment opportunities, and assistance in the arrangement of both on-campus and off-campus employment interviews.

Murray State College in cooperation with the National Rifle Association, began offering gunsmithing and law enforcement armorer schools in the summer of 1994. All the law enforcement armorer schools are CLEET approved. The school offerings include design, function and repair of revolvers, shotguns, rifles, and autopistols; knifemaking; blueing; tig welding and engraving. The one-to-two week schools are scheduled in June and July.