Learn gunsmithing at Pitt Community College! The gunsmithing courses offered through the Continuing Education program at Pitt Community College help turn your passion for firearms into a skilled trade.
Our comprehensive courses provide hands-on training in firearm repair, modification, and customization. Whether you aspire to become a gunsmith specializing in rifles, shotguns, or handguns, our program equips you with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed for success, and they fit YOUR schedule with night and weekend classes available!
With expert instruction, you’ll learn to diagnose and solve a wide range of firearm issues, from basic maintenance to advanced repairs. The field of gunsmithing offers diverse career opportunities in firearm manufacturing, retail, and custom gun shops.
PittCC’s Continuing Education Gunsmithing program prepares you to enter this specialized industry with confidence and proficiency. Embrace your passion for firearms and start your journey toward a rewarding career in gunsmithing today.
Compliment your Gunsmithing knowledge with a Machining Class!
For specific questions about our trades classes, contact Rae Melvin at rmmelvin130@my.pittcc.edu. Learn more about our Skilled Trades programs.
This list includes current offerings as well as popular past courses. Click the green button at the top of the page to view current courses.
This class will cover advanced reloading techniques used in long range and bench rest shooting for maximum accuracy, case forming for wildcat or obsolete cartridges, bullet casting, proper sizing and lubrication of cast lead bullets and reloading die modifications needed for best performance. 24 hours. Cost: $185.55
Students will cover the most popular models of the AR15 and their clones. The class will consist of disassembly, reassembly, cleaning, tuning of actions for better function, accuracy considerations, general modifications and necessary repairs. Students will be able to build a complete rifle in class with parts they bring, and/or rebuild and tune their own rifles that they already have. Safety measures, magazine selection/maintenance, ammunition considerations, sling selection, sight selection as well as problem diagnosis will be covered. 24 hours. Cost: $145.55
Students will cover the most popular models of 1911 and 1911-A1 pistols such as Colt, Baer, Wilson Combat, Kimber, Springfield Armory, Taurus and their clones. The class will consist of disassembly, reassembly, cleaning, tuning of actions (aka “trigger jobs”), barrel throating, accuracy considerations barrel bushing fitting, safety installation, general modifications and necessary repairs. Safety measures, magazine selection/maintenance, ammunition considerations, holster selections, as well as problem diagnosis will also be covered. All students MUST be 21 and over to take this course. (Though not required, students may find the book “The Colt 45 Automatic-A-shop Manual, Volume I”, by Jerry Kuhnhausen very helpful in learning the 1911 pistol.) 24 hours. Cost: $145.55
Students will cover the most popular models of double action revolvers such as Smith & Wesson, Colt, Ruger revolvers and their clones. The class will consist of disassembly, reassembly, cleaning, tuning of actions (aka “trigger jobs”), accuracy considerations and modifications. Safety measures, ammunition considerations, as well as problem diagnosis will be covered. Students are required to bring their own unloaded firearm. All students MUST be 18 and over to take this course. 24 hours. Cost: $145
Machining classes at Pitt Community College complement gunsmithing careers by providing essential skills in precision manufacturing and metalworking techniques. Aspiring gunsmiths benefit from learning how to operate lathes, milling machines, and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) equipment to fabricate custom firearm components with accuracy and consistency. Understanding machining principles enhances the ability to craft and modify parts, ensuring firearms function reliably and perform optimally. This combination of machining expertise and gunsmithing proficiency prepares students for a variety of roles in the firearms industry, from firearm manufacturing and repair to custom gunsmithing services. Pitt Community College’s Continuing Education program offers an integrated approach to machining and gunsmithing education, equipping students with the specialized skills sought after in this competitive field.
Machining is a skilled trade that uses machine tools to create parts, typically from metal, that can be used in different applications. Machining is required in the manufacturing and repair of automobiles, tools, medical and industrial equipment and gunsmithing. The specialized tools used in the process include the machine lathe, for turning cylindrical types of shapes, and the vertical mill, for machining flat and angled components of a part. Students will learn machine safety, measuring tools, blueprint reading, and the use of the machine lathe, band saw, milling machine, bench grinder and layout instruments. Students will make a brass hammer, punches used to remove pins and other useful tools. The techniques learned in making these tools will provide the student with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in machining or can be applied to other skilled trades, such as automotive repair and gunsmithing. 48 hours. Cost: $130.55
The purpose of this course is to present an introduction to machining principles and techniques to individuals who want to learn machining. This course will introduce the students to general machine shop safety, measurement tools and techniques and use of the drill press and vertical mill. 48 hours. Cost: $130.55
This class will cover how to reload pistol and rifle ammunition. Students will learn the process of ammunition reloading using the tooling in the shop.24 hours. Cost: $185.55
This class will cover advanced reloading techniques used in long range and bench rest shooting for maximum accuracy, case forming for wildcat or obsolete cartridges, bullet casting, proper sizing and lubrication of cast lead bullets and
reloading die modifications needed for best performance. 24 hours. Cost: $185.55
Students will cover the most popular models of modern handguns such as those made by Glock, Sig Sauer, Heckler & Koch, Beretta, Smith & Wesson, Colt 1911 and their clones. The class will consist of disassembly, reassembly, cleaning, tuning of actions (aka “trigger jobs”), accuracy considerations, switching of sights and other modifications. Safety measures, ammunition considerations, as well as problem diagnosis will be covered. Students will be required to bring their own unloaded firearm. All students MUST be 18 and over to take this course. 24 hours. Cost: $145.55
Students will learn how to properly field strip, clean, lube and maintain their own rifle/s. Students will learn about accuracy issues, how to properly clean barrels to remove lead and /or copper fouling check barrel crown and head space, identify any bedding or mechanical issues, learn how to properly mount a telescope and/or red dot sight. All types of rifles taught: bolt action, semi-automatic, lever, pump and single shot. Get your favorite hunting rifle tuned up! 24 hours. $145.55
Students will cover maintenance and tuning of the M14/M1A/M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, 1903 Springfield rifles and their clones. The class will consist of disassembly, reassembly, cleaning, tuning for better function, accuracy considerations, general modifications and necessary repairs of these vintage rifles. Students will be able to go through their rifle/s in class and tune them for optimum function. Safety measures, magazine selection/maintenance, ammunition considerations, sling selection, sight selection, proper lubrication, as well as problem diagnosis will also be covered. 24 hours. Cost: $145.55
Students will cover maintenance and tuning of most common shotguns for field, target and self-defense use. The class will consist of disassembly, reassembly, cleaning, tuning for better function, accuracy/pattern density considerations and general modifications. Students will be able to go through their own shotguns in class. Safety measures, magazine maintenance, ammunition considerations, choke selection for ammunition and use, sight selection, proper lubrication as well as problem diagnosis will also be covered. 24 hours. Cost: $145.55.