Hone Your Craft at SDI

Program Details

Develop your skills and discover your passion

For students looking to hone their gunsmithing skills, learn the techniques needed to operate a gunsmithing business, gain a valuable credential or expand their hobby into a career, SDI’s Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing (formerly titled Advanced Gunsmithing Certificate) program is a great fit. In this 32-credit program, you’ll learn gunsmithing techniques and practices, shooting sports management, and more—you’ll also complete a build of your choice.

Coursework

The Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing program is broken into 2, 16-week semesters. Because of our flexible learning options, students choose to study at whatever time of day works best but will still be able to engage with other online learners and instructors as a part of weekly assignment requirements.


Course availability may vary each semester. Not all courses may be offered each term.

Firearms Technology Discipline

32 Credit Hours

Program Length

Two 16-week Semesters

Courses

FTT 100: Introduction to Firearms,
FTT 104: Gunsmithing Tools Lab,
FTT 111: Firearms Inspection and Troubleshooting,
FTT 114: Custom Kydex Lab,
FTT 122: Intro to Ammo and Basic Ballistics*,
FTT 201: Firearms Finishes and Engraving,
FTT 221: Sights, Optics, and Accuracy,
FTT 231: Machining and Manufacturing of Firearms,
FTT 240: Shooting Sports Management,
FTT 299: Firearms Technology Elective

**Replaced BBS 100: Basic Ballistics

Elective Options

FTE 211: 1911 Advanced Armorer,
FTE 217: Modern Sporting Rifle,
FTE 218: Pump Shotgun Armorer,
FTE 225: Developing a Business Plan

To view a full list of course descriptions, click below.

Course Descriptions

Tuition & Funding

This program is approved for use of the GI Bill® and other Veterans Assistance and military benefits, as well as Federal Student Aid (FSA), based on eligibility. Click on the links below for more details regarding tuition, fees, and financial aid. Please contact the Admissions department for more info at admissions@sdi.edu or 480-999-4767.

Tuition & Funding

Learn More

Veterans Resources

Learn More

Active Duty Resources

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Program Outcomes

Develop your skills and discover your passion with SDI’s Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing program

For students looking to hone their gunsmithing skills, learn the techniques needed to operate a gunsmithing business, gain a valuable credential or expand their hobby into a career, SDI’s Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing program is a great fit. In this 32-semester-credit-hour program, you’ll learn gunsmithing techniques and practices, shooting sports management, and more – you’ll also complete a build of your choice.

With the successful completion of this program, a student will be able to do the following:

  • Perform the basic functions of an armorer, to include cleaning firearms; diagnosing, troubleshooting, and repairing a variety of common malfunctions, and assembling a firearm from parts.
  • Explain machining operations as used in firearms manufacture and customization.
  • Improve firearms by applying custom finishes.
  • Explain the principles of ballistics as they relate to ammunition production, and explain various procedures for making ammunition.
  • Evaluate the industry of firearms service, sales, and repair.
  • Improve firearms accuracy by installing and adjusting metallic sights or optics.
  • Exhibit best-practices of firearms and firearms-repair safety.
  • Explain, in detail, the operating principles of all major types of firearms.
  • Classify firearms by type, action type, and platform by defined characteristics, and describe the functionality of each.

Completion Requirements

To earn an Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing, a student must do the following:

  • Complete all coursework required in the certificate program
  • Complete at least 32 credit hours of discipline-specific coursework
  • Complete the program with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 or above
  • Meet all financial obligations to the Institute

Completion of the Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing does not require additional specialized training, practicum, or externships.

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.

Rodeo McCumber2023 SDI Graduate, Associate of Science in Firearms Technology

Tools & Materials

Our curriculum goes beyond the textbook. We believe that online learning should include opportunities to ingest, explain, and demonstrate what you’ll learn as a student.  Within your online classroom, you’ll access electronic coursebooks and supplemental multimedia resources, interact with students and instructors, submit assignments and exams, and find extra-curricular ways to make the most of your time as an SDI student.  Some courses will also include a hard copy reference book for future use.  Plus, SDI programs include a number of entry-level tools to help set you up for success after graduation.  Each course has its own required, suggested, and provided tools, so feel free to check out our Lab Tools List to get a feel for what you’ll need and have during your coursework.

Lab Tool List

Take the Next Step

The Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing program puts you on the path to an exciting career in the firearms industry. Take the first step down this path today by learning more about SDI.

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.