With a growing popularity in the art of building, repairing or modifying firearms with the use of hand and machine tools, Piedmont Technical College will offer a gunsmithing certificate beginning Fall 2007. PTC is the first and only institution in the state of South Carolina to offer certification in the craft. You can read the news article "Piedmont Tech Introduces State’s First Gunsmithing Program" for more information about it.

Bob Koster, department head for the Machine Tool Technology program, will oversee the program. According to Koster, gunsmithing fits naturally with the type of skills developed in the machine tool program. “We have a lot of the equipment necessary to manufacture pieces that would have to be bought.” This fact will not only enhance the experience for the students but will also help keep costs down.

The two-semester program speaks directly to the hobbies of hunters and firearms enthusiasts, however, military historians and artisans who enjoy working with their hands will also find the coursework rewarding. Classes will include machine tool and gunsmithing theory, stockmaking, welding and precision measurements. 

An emphasis on woodworking and metal work will challenge students to read blueprints, build stocks and ultimately construct their own muzzle loader. All participants will be required to undergo a background check and guns will remain disassembled while on campus and carried in distinct cases. 

Piedmont Tech is currently accepting enrollment for the gunsmithing program and encourages all interested students to enroll early to ensure a place in the program. Interested participants should contact Koster at (864) 941-8471 or koster.b@ptc.edu.