Piedmont Technical College

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This certificate is designed for students who have completed the Introduction to Gunsmithing certificate. Advanced metal finishing, custom barrel fitting, modern stock refurbishing and manufacture, rifle and shotgun trigger and firing mechanisms, design and function of handguns will be the emphasis of this certificate.

Safety in the shop environment and the completion of Gunsmithing projects using schematics and specialized hand and machine tools will be required. Students should be capable of working on various firearms and understand the procedures required before attempting the specialized work involved. During the hands-on shop class, the student will also be working on a final project that will be completed in the second semester of the certificate program. Upon completion of the certificate, the student should have gained the knowledge and confidence to set up a Gunsmithing shop or become employed by a company that requires this type of skill.

Students interested in this program will be required to undergo a criminal background check before enrolling.

Program Location: Greenwood

Contact Information: David Berryhill

Required Courses

View Gunsmithing Course Descriptions >>

Day Program

Updated 4/18/2012

Advisement Information

• This program is offered in the evening only.  The required Machine Tool courses are offered day or night.

• Students must complete the Introduction to Gunsmithing certificate before eligible to sign up for the Advanced Gunsmithing certificate program.

• A SLED background check is required before taking the first GSM prefix course, GSM 101. Current cost of this is $38 (8/2011).  A concealed weapon permit (CWP) can be used in lieu of the background check if it is up to date and for the state of South Carolina.

• Students are not required to take the placement test to enter this program if they have a high school diploma or GED.  However, a placement test is required to prove ability to benefit for Pell funding if a student is a high school non-graduate.

• Students will gain skills to build a black powder musket or pistol.

• Students should expect to purchase various types of gunsmith and machine shop tooling. Approximate cost would be $300, but this will be up to the student and not a requirement.

• Safety glasses are required in the shop areas.

• Students should expect to spend $300-400 for the materials used to build their shop project. Each student will build a personal black powder pistol, rifle or shotgun.

• For spring 2012, no new students will be admitted into any Gunsmithing classes due to high enrollment.  Students can take any related courses during this time, but will need to begin the actual Gunsmithing classes in fall 2012.  Gunsmithing students are encouraged to take the Machine Tool courses offered during the summer term if possible.

• The Gunsmithing student may be eligible to receive an Associate Degree in Occupational Technology with a major in General Technology if that student:

•           Completes both certificates in Gunsmithing
            Completes 12 hrs. of Machine Tool courses
            Completes the required 15 hrs. of General Education courses

• Note to Enrollment Advisors: please have the student meet with the Gunsmithing Department Head (Bob Koster) during the initial enrollment process.  

Advisement Information updated 10/10/2011