The BEST Gunsmithing Program in the Nation
We have worked for years to make our Gunsmithing program the best in the nation. Once we achieved that, we worked to change the delivery structure so that people who wanted to get the best education available could get it. You can now achieve an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Gunsmithing if you are serious about working to be the best custom Gunsmith you can be.
Program Focus
The focus of our program is to provide the graduating student with enough knowledge to acquire employment in some area of the custom gun trade, whether being an employee or a small business owner.
If your goal is to be a firearm repairman this may not be the best school for you.
The Instructors
Yavapai College is very fortunate for the local professionals available to serve as faculty. All instructors own and operate their own firearm related businesses.
- Alan Lohr - AKL Gunsmithing
- Bob Szweda
- Dan Pedersen
- Kent Singletary
- Rachel Wells
Credentials
Yavapai College is a fully accredited institution, offering a full range of courses leading the student toward a two year certificate or ultimately toward a two year degree upon completion.
Prescott, Arizona
The College is located in Prescott, Arizona, an historic western town of 34,000 residents. Surrounded by National Forest, the region has numerous opportunities for hunting, fishing and all manner of outdoor activities. Many nationally and internationally famous firearm businesses and personalities are here, as are numerous sport shooting ranges.
Gunsmithing Program Content
The structure of this program pivots on custom firearms, stocks, rifles, handguns, and shotguns. This type of gunsmith requires the ability to competently operate machine tools, therefore a great deal of time will be spent in the machine shop acquiring these skills.
Gunsmithing School Application
A special application is required for admission to the Gunsmithing Program. This application must be received in the Gunsmithing Department no later than August 1st in order to be considered for admission in the Fall semester. Admission to Yavapai College does not guarantee admission to the Gunsmithing Program.
Course/Semester Schedule
First Semester
- Machine shop I
- Stockmaking I
- Rifle theory
- Metal refinishing
Second Semester
- Machine shop II
- Stockmaking II
- Shotgun I
- Handgun I
Third Semester
- Rifle rebarreling
- Advanced machining
- Handgun II
- Shotgun II
Fourth Semester
This semester is designed to expose students to real gun shop scenarios, projects are chosen by the student, directed either by special interest or future employer request. Application of specialty parts, time management and quality of work are a few examples.
Academics
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Contact Us
- Career & Technical Education
- Career & Technical Ed Center (CTEC)
- Reception: (928) 776-2002
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- Chino Valley Campus
- Reception: (928) 717-7720
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- Prescott Valley Campus
- Reception: (928) 717-7911