Piedmont Technical College

Academics

Introduction to Gunsmithing Certificate

Program PDF
Apply Online

This certificate will introduce the novice gunsmith to the hand tools, blueprint reading skills, schematic understanding, basic machine tool operations and the nomenclature used in Gunsmithing.

Emphasis is placed on safety in the shop environment and the completion of Gunsmithing related projects from blueprints using hand and machine tools. Upon completion, students should be able to read and work from blueprints and schematics using hand and basic machine tool setups. 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.

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

Program Location: Greenwood

Contact Information: David Berryhill

Download the Required Tool and Firearm List »
 

Required Courses

Day Program

FIRST SEMESTER Credit Hours
GSM 101 Gunsmithing I 4.0
GSM 106 Gunsmith Safety 1.0
GSM 107 Gunsmith Machine Tool 4.0
GSM 120 Basic Stockmaking 3.0
   
SECOND SEMESTER Credit Hours
GSM 102 Gunsmithing II 4.0
GSM 122 General Repair 3.0
GSM 222 Handgun Technology 3.0
GSM 105 Gunsmith Welding 2.0
Total Credit Hours: 24.0
 

Updated 4/18/2012

Gainful Employment Information

Advisement Information

  • Students can only enter the Introduction to Gunsmithing certificate program in the Fall semester. It is recommended that prospective students apply to the college as early as possible and meet with the Gunsmithing Program Coordinator, Dave Berryhill, who is maintaining a waiting list of prospective students for the Fall 2013 Introduction to Gunsmithing certificate. 

  • Students must complete the Introduction to Gunsmithing certificate before being 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. The background check is done through the school and the current cost of this is $47.50 (7/2012).  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. The placement test would be required for a student who wishes to continue for the Associate Degree in Occupational Technology with a major in General Technology. 

  • 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

  • Students should expect to purchase various types of gunsmith and machine shop tooling. Approximate cost would be $300.

  • For the Basic Gunsmithing Certificate, students will need to purchase a black powder muzzle loader kit or provide a modern rifle (Remington 700, Winchester 70, Savage 10/110, etc.) and purchase a walnut “drop in” stock and a recoil pad.

  • The student should also be able to provide as many of the other firearms covered in the courses as possible.  The more “hands on” experience that the student has, the more they will learn from the program.  

  • Contact the Gunsmithing Program Coordinator Dave Berryhill with any questions about the necessary tools and firearms.

  • Safety glasses are required in the shop areas at all times.

  • Note to Enrollment Advisors: please have the student meet with the Gunsmithing Program Coordinator, Dave Berryhill during the initial enrollment process.

 

Advisement Information updated 12/11/2012