Gunsmithing Schools

[Hillbilly-Buckeye]

Has anybody had any experience with the gunsmithing program offered thru the "Professional Career Development Institute" in Norcross, GA? This is a home study coarse offered by this institution. Is it worth while or should I spend my money elsewhere?

 

[mete]

The best way is to go to a school. Home study is always limited ,hands on always better.

 

[Cousin Mike]

Hi fellow Ohioan

I tried looking into gunsmithing schools quite extensively a few months ago. I only found 3 in the entire country where you actually go to a school-like environment everyday and learn gunsmithing hands on... The closest one to us is in Pittsburgh, the other 2 are somewhere in the Sonoran desert (one was somewhere in AZ, & one was in Yavapai (sp?) NM), which is a little far for me to just up and relocate to... Most search engine results turned up home school programs like the one you asked about, but you can get financial aid to go to the campus-based gunsmithing programs if you have the ability to relocate.. Good luck in your search!

 

[Cousin Mike]

Oh... excuse my lack of manners.. Welcome to THR!

 

[Tejas Gunwerks]

Hi fellow Ohioan

I tried looking into gunsmithing schools quite extensively a few months ago. I only found 3 in the entire country where you actually go to a school-like environment everyday and learn gunsmithing hands on... The closest one to us is in Pittsburgh, the other 2 are somewhere in the Sonoran desert (one was somewhere in AZ, & one was in Yavapai (sp?) NM), which is a little far for me to just up and relocate to... Most search engine results turned up home school programs like the one you asked about, but you can get financial aid to go to the campus-based gunsmithing programs if you have the ability to relocate.. Good luck in your search!

You might do another search, there are several more than you list.

 

[MrDig]

There is one in Colorado, forget the name and one here in the North Star State at Pine City Technical College Pine City Minnesota

 

[Big_R]

I know two graduates from the Pine Technical college gunsmithing program in MN. Both are very skilled folks.

Ryan

 

[Hillbilly-Buckeye]

Unfortunately in residence is probably not an option for me. I have a background / education in machine trades, college degreed MFG Enginner and a hands on kind of guy. I know how to operate the required tooling, it's the firearm specifics I am interested in.

I am more interested in info from people who have any info about the Professional Career Developement institute. Is it a reputable institution?

 

[Sunray]

"...Gunsmithing - Full tuition: $489.00..." You get what you pay for. The biggest problem with mail order courses is that you need the firearm the lessons are about.
The Professional Career Development Institute requires nine different firearms. Plus the tools, etc. Their web site offers no contact info for their graduates. No references from companies who hire their grads. No useful background info about the chief instructor. Nothing.
All private schools will BS you about all their grads getting jobs and helping you find work until the cows come home, then ignore you once you're no longer a paid customer.
"...I have a background..." Despite your background, you'll be a new inexperienced smithy. No experience means no job or a low paying entry level job, if you can find one.

 

[PzGren]

You could of course learn some German and do a three year trade school program in as little as two years, while doing an internship at one of the prestigious companies, J.P. Sauer, H&K, etc. and would get paid for doing so.
That training will let you get experience in all departments.
If you graduate well, you can get a Masters Degree in just a few more years.

 

[rmw]

You could try some of the NRA summer courses . The only home study stuff I know about is the AGI stuff. I used to work for the guy that did the majority of there tapes , he was the head instructor at the Lassen College Gunsmithing program for years

 

[EmGeeGeorge]

If you have a local gunshop you like, that does smithing and such, start hanging out and talking up the guys...

I started bringing smoked ribs and brisket from my bbq to my shop... Now I can bead blast, blue, polish, grind to my hearts content... Plus I have the expertise of several gunsmiths and it's a fun shop to hang out at...

I'm learning alot, getting experience, and making more friends... and its only costing me my time...