Online Firearms Education
Turn your passion for firearms into a career path
Learn gunsmithing online without giving up the hands-on experience. Real tools shipped to you, structured semesters with a clear finish line, no campus required.
Why SDI
A college built for people Who Take Firearms Seriously
Maybe you’ve spent years around firearms. Maybe you already handle routine maintenance, replace parts, troubleshoot problems, or simply want to understand more about how firearms actually work.
You don’t need to stop everything and relocate to a campus to take that interest further.
SDI is an online college focused on firearms technology. Learn from experienced instructors, connect with others who share your interest, and put your knowledge into practice through hands-on projects completed at home.
01
Firearms-focused from the ground up
Study firearms mechanics, ballistics, troubleshooting, machining, law, and business. SDI’s firearms programs combine technical knowledge with practical applications to help you understand how firearms function and how the industry operates.
02
Hands-on at home
Work with real tools, materials, and firearms through hands-on projects in your own workspace. Apply what you learn in your courses, build practical skills, and develop a deeper understanding of how firearms work.
03
Work toward a degree or certificate
Build your firearms knowledge as you work toward a certificate or Associate of Science degree. Follow structured college-level coursework with defined learning objectives, practical assignments, and instructor feedback to help you progress through your program.
04
Online, but not on your own
Get support throughout your program from your assigned Student Success Coach and course instructors. Connect with classmates, receive guidance and feedback on your coursework, and access additional academic support when you need help along the way.
Choose Your Program
Which Program Fits You?
Find the firearms program that fits your goals. Whether you want to focus on handguns, build your gunsmithing skills, or pursue an associate degree, SDI combines hands-on learning at home with online classroom access at convenient times. A structured schedule with weekly deadlines keeps you moving forward. Explore your options below.
Associate of Science in
Firearms
Technology
SDI’s most comprehensive firearms program, combining gunsmithing, machining, business principles, and general education.
60
Credits
16
Months
4
16-Week Semesters
Certificate In
Firearms Technology
- Gunsmithing
A focused path for students who want practical gunsmithing education without committing to the full associate degree.
32
Credits
8
Months
2
16-Week Semesters
Certificate In
Firearms Technology
- Handgun Specialist
A concentrated program built around three major handgun systems: revolvers, striker-fired pistols and hammer-fired pistols.
16
Credits
5
Months
1
20-Week Semester
Estimated completion times are based on the published program schedule and successful completion of required coursework. Individual completion time may vary.
Tools & Hands-On Learning
Your workspace becomes the classroom.
Gunsmithing takes more than knowing how a firearm works. It takes putting that knowledge into practice. At SDI, online coursework pairs with hands-on projects completed at home, where you work with real firearms, tools, components, and materials.
Put your knowledge to work.
Take it apart. Understand it. Put it back together.
Practice assembly and disassembly while learning how firearm systems, components, and operating mechanisms work together.
Diagnose what isn't working
Use function checks, gauges, measurements, and troubleshooting methods to identify malfunctions and understand their causes.
Learn the tools of the trade
Learn to use armorer’s tools, punches, torque tools, specialty fixtures, gauges, and cleaning equipment through practical coursework.
Modify, fit & finish
Depending on your coursework, projects can include firearm modifications, parts fitting, stippling, bedding, stock work, recoil-pad installation, and other practical gunsmithing techniques.
Build your machining skills
Develop machining fundamentals through coursework and practical projects. Associate degree students who select the manual lathe elective gain hands-on experience using a provided 7″ × 12″ metal lathe.
Tools that ship to your door. Skills built at home.
Put what you learn on screen to work at home. SDI combines online instruction and instructional videos with hands-on projects using real tools, gauges, and firearms. Tools, materials, firearms, and equipment vary by program, course, elective selection, and materials option.
Explore tools & materials highlights
These are just some of the tools, firearms, and materials provided across SDI programs.
- AR-15 / AR-9 / AR-10
- 1911 GI Standard .45 ACP
- Pump shotgun (12 ga)
- Project rifle kit
- Muzzleloader kit
- Mini metal lathe & tool set
- Scope, scope rings & boresighter
- Disc/belt sander
- Epoxy bedding kit & stippling panels
- Trigger pull gauge
- Armorer’s wrench & punch sets
- Torque wrench kit
.
Graduate Voices
Real Students. Real Experiences.
Rodeo McCumber
“SDI has given me the knowledge and resources to help me accomplish the career I was aiming for. Now I am a shotgun technician for a reputable company and I enjoy going to work every day. Thank you, SDI, for making it possible.”
2023 SDI Graduate – ASFT
Andrew Maynard
“SDI has allowed me to take my passion and turn it into a profitable business. I recommend SDI to everyone who has an interest in firearms.”
2023 SDI Graduate – CFT-G
Carl Brown
“I found the school to be an excellent source for gunsmith courses and knowledge for the industry. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking any knowledge in the firearms industry or in gunsmith work.”
2021 SDI Graduate – CFT-G
Student Survey Results
Students came to learn. Here's what they told us.
94%+
94%+
94%+
Based on SDI student survey responses collected January 1 through December 31, 2025. Results shown reflect SDI firearms programs.
SDI helps military students succeed
SDI’s Military and Veteran Services department is staffed with veterans who provide personalized support, student advocacy, and guidance on VA benefits and military Tuition Assistance. Online learning helps all SDI students balance their education with work, family, and military commitments.
Your Path Starts Here.
Request information today and an Admissions Representative will help you find the right program.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) is an online educational institution dedicated to equipping students with the essential skills and techniques for success in the firearms and uncrewed technology fields. SDI is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
