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The Gunsmithing Program offers one A.S. degree and two Certificates of Achievement that each provide the student with a very specific set of skills in areas such as general gunsmithing, firearms repair, firearms customization and in the recognized specialty areas. Depending on the selected course of study, a student is  provided with the skills to acquire an entry-level position in the industry. This program is also designed to assist those already employed in the industry and those in the community to improve or expand their skills. The curriculum is updated with the assistance of a business and industry advisory committee.

Program Overview

Established in 1945, Lassen Community College Gunsmithing is the oldest gunsmithing school in the United States. We offer an Associate in Science Degree in Firearms Repair, along with Certificates of Achievement in Gunsmith Machinist and Metal Finisher, and Firearm Repair.

Degree programs and Certificate programs are designed to be realistic and comprehensive, spanning the wide spectrum of skills needed to compete in the modern job market.​​ (See program links at the bottom of the page for more information)

As A Gunsmithing major, you will:

  • Study course work in design, function and repair, firearm laws and regulations, machining, metallurgy, stock fabrication and welding.
  • Develop skills on how to install and replace components, clean, maintain, and service handguns, rifles and shotguns.

Program Highlights

  • 1800 sq.ft. modern machine shop.
  • Student will be provided with the skills to acquire an entry-level position in the industry.

IMPORTANT Fall 2025 Gunsmithing Information

Gunsmithing Registration for Fall 2025 will begin April 7, 2025!

The Gunsmithing program is limited to 22 students. Registration will be on a first come first serve basis starting on April 7, 2025.  You may apply to the college and contact the counselor to enroll in classes starting on April 7, 2025.  Livescan appointments will also be available on these dates for Gunsmithing students.

To be prepared for registration, we recommend you begin the application process right now! Follow these steps to receive your college ID: The online Application for Admission to Lassen Community College is a two-step process. The application process is completed through the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. Access the application here CCCApply Application for Lassen Community College

  1. Create your account. Create your account with the OpenCCC system. (This will not get you a student ID, make sure you proceed to step #2)
  2. Complete your application. Once you have created an account in CCC Apply, complete an application for admission to Lassen Community College.
  3. Log into portal and complete New Student Orientation. Once you have completed your application process and received a college ID via email, log into your portal and complete the new student orientation. (If you did not receive an email or you need help logging into the portal please contact the IT help desk at (530) 251-8844, help@lassencollege.edu, or the Counseling office (530) 251-8842.
  4. Contact your Counselor to sign up for classes. After you complete the new student orientation, contact LCC Counseling at (530) 251-8842 or lcccounseling@lassencollege.edu to sign up for classes beginning on March 25, 2024.

Program applicants must also obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from California Department of Justice (DOJ).  This can be completed in person at Lassen Community College. We will explain the process in detail on the first day of class, during our Gunsmithing Program orientation.

Dorm rooms are available on campus. The dorms are also issued on a first come first serve basis so get your application in early! Applications will be available on our website soon.

NRA Summer Courses

Registration for the 2025 NRA Summer Program will open on February 3rd. ​​​As an NRA affiliated Gunsmithing school, we also offer one and two week NRA Short Term Gunsmithing Courses during the Summer. Courses are offered in Basic Machine Shop, Barreling, specific firearms platforms, California P.O.S.T Certified Law Enforcement Armorer Schools, engraving, knife making, and metal finishes.

Whether your interests are as a career path or for personal enrichment, we invite you to join us for these enjoyable and informative classes.​​ These courses are separate from the Gunsmithing Degree/Certificate Program and anyone can enroll.  In order to enroll you must complete the online CCC Apply College Application.  If  you are unable to complete the online application, you can complete the following paper application, registration card, and charge card authorization form and submit it to Admissions and Records at lccadmissions@lassencollege.edu

2025 NRA Summer Program Schedule

2025 NRA Summer Tool Lists

Summer GSS Registration Card.pdf

LCC NRA Summer Program Charge Card Authorization Form

Tuition and Fees

Registration Instructions for NRA Summer Program.pdf

*Students are responsible for providing firearms and tools needed for their coursework.

Degrees

Associate in Science in Firearms Repair

Certificates of Achievements

Firearms Repair, Gunsmith Machinist/ Metal Finisher

Two-Year Advising Plans

​​​Degree Type​Degree Name
​Associate in ScienceGunsmithing-Firearm Repairs-AS
​Certificate of AchievementGunsmithing-Firearm Repairs-CA
​Certificate of AchievementGunsmithing-Machinist and Metal Finisher-CA

Employment Opportunities

Gunsmith Firearms Repair

Firearms Salesman

Law Enforcement Armorer

Department of Corrections

Armorer

Owner/Manager of a Gunsmith

Shop or Sporting Goods Store Specialist in Custom Built Firearms

Factory Service Representative

Related Links

Professional Development Courses

Degrees and Certificates

Total Units for the Certificate of Accomplishment Gunsmith Machinist and Metal Finishing: 30 Units

COURSE NUMBERTITLEUNITS
GS 50  Gunsmith Machining - Basic5
GS 51  Gunsmith Machining - Advanced5
GS 54  General Gunsmithing - Basic 3.0 Units3
GS 55  General Gunsmithing - Advanced2
GS 57  Metal Preparation and Bluing2
GS 58  Metal Finishing2
GS 59  Understanding Headspace and Handloading2
GS 60  Design, Function and Repair Bolt Action Rifles3
WT-31 GTAW For Gunsmiths3
WT-32  Advanced GTAW for Gunsmiths3

Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Certificate of Accomplishment – Gunsmith Machinist and Metal Finishing, the student will be able to:
1. Design and machine firearm parts and fixtures using the appropriate tools and techniques.
2. Apply the appropriate polishing technique and finish to metal firearms parts.

Total units for the Certificate of Achievement: 59 Units

COURSE NUMBERTITLEUNITS
GS 50  Gunsmith Machining - Basic5
GS 51  Gunsmith Machining - Advanced5
GS 54  General Gunsmithing - Basic 3.0 Units3
GS 55  General Gunsmithing - Advanced2
GS 57  Metal Preparation and Bluing2
GS 58  Metal Finishing2
GS 59  Understanding Headspace and Handloading2
GS 60  Design, Function and Repair Bolt Action Rifles3
GS-69 Design, Function and Repair of Auto Pistols4
GS 70  Stockmaking3
GS 61  Design, Function and Repair of Rifles4
GS 62  Design, Function and Repair of Rimfire Rifles4
GS 63  Design, Function and Repair of Shotguns4
GS 64 Design, Function and Repair of Double Guns4
GS 68 Design, Function and Repair of Revolvers4
GS 75  Gunshop Laws and Business Practices2
WT-31 GTAW For Gunsmiths3
WT-32  Advanced GTAW for Gunsmiths3

Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Associate in Science Degree or the Certificate of Achievement in Firearms Repair, the student will be able to:
1. Diagnose a specific firearm malfunction, execute the appropriate corrective step and verify the problem has been resolved.
2. Perform firearms repair and maintenance procedures on the large variety of firearms common to a retail gunsmithing operation and to do them legally under state and federal law.

Your Success is Our Priority

Contact

Office Phone: (530) 251-8809
Office Location: Vocational Tech Building​​

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