Trinidad State College

Gunsmithing

Since 1947, TSC has trained professional gunsmiths through hands-on coursework in bench metal, machining, firearms repair, and stockmaking.

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AAS Degree, Certificates, & NRA Training Available

Questions? Call (719) 846-5624 or (719) 846-5524

Email the Department

About the Program

The Gunsmithing School at Trinidad State College has a long tradition of excellence. The first gunsmithing courses were designed and offered at Trinidad State in 1947 by P.O. Ackley. Since that time the program has developed into a two-year Gunsmithing Degree Program designed to train individuals with the basic concepts and skills needed by the professional gunsmith.

Coursework at the basic and advanced level includes bench metal, machining operations, gun repair, and stockmaking. A wide variety of specialized courses such as checkering, revolversmithing, competitive rifles, shotgunsmithing, and pistolsmithing are also offered. All persons enrolled in the Gunsmithing Program must be able to legally own firearms.

Our affiliation with the National Rifle Association assures students that the TSC Summer NRA program is high quality. For nine weeks, the finest craftsmen and artists from the gunsmithing world gather in Southern Colorado to offer hands-on courses to students from across the nation. Learn more about the NRA Summer Program.

Program Mission: To prepare our students for employment as a gunsmith, providing them with a broad-based educational experience that includes a balanced curriculum and practical, hands-on education in the use of gunsmithing hand tools, machine tools, firearms repair, stockmaking, and customizing firearms.

Gunsmithing instructor holding gun part and talking to student.

“With the amount of attention provided to the students, one couldn’t ask for more. In all my years of schooling, I have never come across the level of teaching and instruction provided at Trinidad State.”— TSC Gunsmithing Student

Program Cost

Tuition rates are identical at Trinidad and Valley campuses. Fees vary slightly by campus and credit load — see the full schedule for exact per-term totals. Estimates do not include books, supplies, or room and board. Rates are for 2025–2026 and subject to change.

In-State Resident

$175/cr hr

$291/cr hr minus $116 COF stipend

Must be a Colorado resident to qualify for the Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF).

WUE Student

$288/cr hr

$403.50/cr hr minus $116 COF stipend

Western Undergraduate Exchange rate for residents of AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY & US Pacific territories. Learn more at wiche.edu

Out-of-State

$292/cr hr

Standard non-resident rate

COF stipend does not apply. Financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans are available to all students regardless of residency.

Apply Now Course Specific Fees › Explore Financial Aid & Scholarships › Trinidad Tuition Schedule › Valley Tuition Schedule ›

Costs & Tool Requirements

Tuition & Fees

TSC Tuition & Fees

GUS course fees: approx. $750 (AAS program)

Room & Board

Single room + 19-meal plan: approx. $3,964/semester

Double room + 19-meal plan: approx. $3,450/semester

Approximate Tool Costs

1st semester: $2,800

2nd semester: $1,500

3rd semester: $1,500

4th semester: $500

Tool cost figures are estimates only and are subject to change. Tools are available through the TSC Bookstore and other suppliers including Brownells, Jantz Supply, J&L Industrial Supply, and MSC Industrial Supply.

The full list of required tools with part numbers and prices is available in the TSC Bookstore tool list (PDF). The TSC Bookstore can be reached at (719) 846-5610.

Degrees & Certificates

Whether you want a full degree or a fast credential, every TSC program earns you industry certifications and every certificate stacks toward the degree.

Full Degree

AAS Degree

4 semesters · 73 Credits

A comprehensive two-year program covering bench metal, machining, firearms repair, and stockmaking with elective specialization.

MachiningStockmaking Firearms Repair

Gunsmithing Certificate

4 Semesters · 53 Credits

Core gunsmithing skills without the general education requirement. Covers the same hands-on technical coursework as the AAS degree.

Bench MetalMetal Finishing Gun Repair

Gunsmithing Technician Certificate

Summer Program · 16 Credits

An intensive NRA Summer School program. Nine weeks of hands-on training from the nation's finest gunsmithing craftsmen.

NRA Training Field Repair

Custom Pistolsmithing (1911)

Specialty Focus · Certificate

Advanced modification of the Colt Government Model .45 into a competition-grade firearm. Emphasis on safety, reliability, and precision fabrication.

Action Tuning Competition Builds

NRA Firearms Safety Instructor

NRA Certification · Certificate

Become a certified NRA Firearms Safety Instructor. Ideal for those who want to teach safe firearm handling alongside their gunsmithing career.

Safety Instruction NRA Certification

Small Arms Level I

Entry Level · Certificate

A foundational certificate for students entering the field. Covers core small arms knowledge and skills as a first step toward a full credential.

Firearms Safety Basic Maintenance

Where You Can Study

This program is offered at the following TSC campus locations.

TrinidadTrinidad, CO 81082

Trinidad Campus

Address: 600 Prospect StPhone: (719) 846-5011

Campus MapView ›

How to Apply

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited — don’t wait!

Acceptance is based on information provided by the applicant and the results of an interview. After submitting required materials, the Gunsmithing department will review the application and offer interviews to qualified candidates. Applicants will then be notified of their acceptance status.

If a class is full, applicants will be placed on a waitlist. Students still on the waitlist after the semester begins will be considered for the next semester.

Apply & Required Documents

→ Gunsmithing School Application

→ Required Background Check

→ Transfer Information

Important: All persons enrolled in the Gunsmithing Program must be able to legally own firearms. Colorado law requires students to be 18 years or older before courses begin. Drug testing may be required per college policy.

Gunsmithing AAS Degree

Requires 15 credit hours of General Education (MAT 1140 or above, ENG 1015 or 121, plus 9 hours from Science, Social/Behavioral Science, Business, Accounting, or Speech) and 3 hours of approved GUS elective coursework. Click any semester to see the full course list.

Program Code:AAS_GSMConcentration: CIP Code: 47.0402

Semester One

Introduces the gunsmithing trade through firearms safety, foundational metalwork, machine shop skills, and TIG welding, alongside a general education course.

17.5credit hours

⌄

GUS 1000 – Orientation & Firearms Safety (0.5 credits)
GUS 1002 – Introduction to Firearms (2 credits)
GUS 1010 – Firearms Bench Metal (5 credits)
GUS 1012 – Firearms Machine Shop I (5 credits)
WEL 1035 – TIG Welding for Gunsmiths (2 credits)
General Education – General Education (3 credits)

Semester Two

Advances gunsmithing skills through firearms conversion, metal finishing, stock work, and machining, while building workplace professionalism and continuing general education.

20credit hours

⌄

GUS 1035 – Firearms Conversion (5 credits)
GUS 1036 – Firearms Metal Finishing (2 credits)
GUS 1039 – Stock Duplication (2 credits)
GUS 1027 – Firearms Machine Shop II (4 credits)
BUS 1021 – Basic Workplace Skills (1 credits)
General Education – General Education (6 credits)

Semester Three

Deepens gunsmithing expertise through advanced stockmaking, machining, and hands-on firearms repair, alongside a general education course.

17credit hours

⌄

GUS 1019 – Stockmaking I (5 credits)
GUS 2005 – Firearms Machine Shop III (4 credits)
GUS 1047 – Firearms Repair I (5 credits)
General Education – General Education (3 credits)

Semester Four

This capstone semester refines advanced stockmaking and firearms repair skills, culminating in a comprehensive evaluation of gunsmithing competency alongside a final general education course.

15.5credit hours

⌄

GUS 2045 – Stockmaking II (5 credits)
GUS 2047 – Firearms Repair II (7 credits)
GUS 2065 – Comprehensive Skills Evaluation (0.5 credits)
General Education – General Education (3 credits)

Total Program Credits: 73

Certificate Curriculum

Each certificate is a standalone credential. Click any certificate to see the full course list.

CIP Code:47.0402

Gunsmithing Certificate

No general education requirement. Requires 3 hours of approved GUS elective coursework. Firearms safety, metalwork, machining, welding, stockmaking, and repair — culminating in a comprehensive skills evaluation that demonstrates professional-level competency.

53credit hours

⌄

Program Code:CER_GSM

Semester 1

GUS 1000 – Orientation & Firearms Safety (0.5 credits)
GUS 1002 – Introduction to Firearms (2 credits)
GUS 1010 – Firearms Bench Metal (5 credits)
GUS 1012 – Firearms Machine Shop I (5 credits)
WEL 1035 – TIG Welding for Gunsmiths (2 credits)

Total Semester Credits: 14.5

Semester 2

GUS 1035 – Firearms Conversion (5 credits)
GUS 1036 – Firearms Metal Finishing (2 credits)
GUS 1039 – Stock Duplication (2 credits)
GUS 1027 – Firearms Machine Shop II (4 credits)
BUS 1021 – Basic Workplace Skills (1 credits)

Total Semester Credits: 14

Semester 3

GUS 1019 – Stockmaking I (5 credits)
GUS 2005 – Firearms Machine Shop III (4 credits)
GUS 1047 – Firearms Repair I (5 credits)

Total Semester Credits: 14

Semester 4

GUS 2045 – Stockmaking II (5 credits)
GUS 2047 – Firearms Repair II (7 credits)
GUS 2065 – Comprehensive Skills Evaluation (0.5 credits)

Total Semester Credits: 12.5

Total Credits: 53

Gunsmithing Technician Certificate

This intensive summer semester builds core gunsmithing skills in metal finishing, welding, machining, and hand tools, supplemented by approved gunsmithing electives.

16credit hours

⌄

Program Code:CER_GSM2

Summer Semester

GUN 1004 – Bluing and Metal Finishes (2 credits)
GUN 1016 – Basic Precision Welding (2 credits)
GUN 1020 – Basic Machine Shop (2 credits)
GUN 1021 – Advanced Machine Shop (2 credits)
GUN 1102 – Gunsmithing Hand Tools (2 credits)
Electives – GUN and GUS prefix electives as approved by Dean of Instruction (6 credits)

Total Semester Credits: 16

Custom Pistolsmithing (1911) Certificate

Firearms safety, metalwork, and finishing techniques, with deep specialization in custom pistolsmithing and 1911/2011 platform modifications, culminating in a practicum and capstone project.

26credit hours

⌄

Program Code:CER_CGUP

GUS 1000 – Orientation & Firearms Safety (0.5 credits)
GUS 1010 – Firearms Bench Metal (5 credits)
GUS 1012 – Firearms Machine Shop I (5 credits)
GUS 1036 – Firearms Metal Finishes (2 credits)
GUS 2008 – Alternative Metal Finishes (2 credits)
GUS 2068 – Custom Pistolsmithing (3 credits)
GUS 2008 – Alternative Metal Finishes (2 credits)
GUS 2088 – Practicum: Premium 1911 Modifications (4 credits)
GUS 2075 – Special Topics: Premier 1911 or Premier 2011 (4 credits)
GUS 2089 – Capstone (0.5 credits)

Total Credits: 26

NRA Firearms Safety Instructor Certificate

NRA certifications across all major firearm disciplines — from basic shooting and safety courses to instructor-level credentials — rounded out with range safety officer training and public speaking.

18credit hours

⌄

Program Code:CER_NRAS

Semesters 1 and 2

COM 1150 – Public Speaking (3 credits)
GUR 1001 – NRA Home Firearm Safety Course (0.5 credits)
GUR 1006 – NRA Basic Pistol Shooting (0.5 credits)
GUR 1007 – NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting (1 credits)
GUR 1008 – NRA Muzzleloading Pistol Shooting (1 credits)
GUR 1009 – NRA Muzzleloading Rifle Shooting (1 credits)
GUR 1010 – NRA Basic Rifle Shooting (1 credits)
GUR 1011 – NRA Muzzeloading Shotgun Shooting (1 credits)
GUR 1012 – NRA Personal Protection Course (1 credits)
GUR 1020 – NRA Range Safety Officer Course (0.5 credits)
GUR 2000 – NRA Basic Instruction Training (0.5 credits)
GUR 2001 – NRA Home Firearms Safety Instructor (0.5 credits)
GUR 2006 – NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Instructor (1 credits)
GUR 2007 – NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting Instructor (1 credits)
GUR 2008 – NRA Muzzeloading Instructor (1 credits)
GUR 2010 – NRA Basic Rifle Shooting Instructor (1 credits)
GUR 2012 – NRA Personal Protection Instructor (1 credits)
GUR 2020 – NRA Chief Range Safety Officer (0.5 credits)
GUR 2050 – Instructional Leadership (1 credits)

Total Credits: 18

All courses completed in any Certificate program count toward the degree. You never lose credits by starting with a certificate.

Courses marked with * are approved elective options for the AAS Degree and Certificate programs.

GUS 1000 — Orientation & Firearms Safety (0.5 credit)
Orientation into the gunsmithing program and introduction to the basic principles of firearms safety. Completing students receive an NRA home firearm safety certificate of completion.

GUS 1002 — Introduction to Firearms (2 credits)
History of firearms and ammunition, firearms design, and function of modern firearms. Co/Prereq: GUS 1000.

GUS 1010 — Firearms Bench Metal (5 credits)
Shop safety and hand work, including proper use of measuring and hand tools, layout, drilling, sawing, filing, soldering, silver soldering, forging, heat treatment, and hand polishing. Prereq: GUS 1000.

GUS 1012 — Firearms Machine Shop I (5 credits)
Theory and practice of shop safety, metalworking lathe, and milling machine operations. Students make specialized gunsmithing tools. Co/Prereq: GUS 1000.

GUS 1019 — Stockmaking I (5 credits)
Stockmaking techniques for a bolt action rifle from semi-inletted blanks; inletting the barrel and trigger guard, glass bedding, grip cap, recoil pad, fore-end tip, swivels, shaping, sanding, and finishing. Prereq: GUS 1027, GUS 1035, GUS 1039.

GUS 1027 — Firearms Machine Shop II (4 credits)
Continued theory and practice of metalworking lathe and milling machine operations; fitting, chambering, and contouring a barrel for a bolt action rifle. Prereq: GUS 1012.

GUS 1035 — Firearms Conversion (5 credits)
Techniques for converting military rifle actions into customized sporter rifle actions; bolt handles, safeties, iron sights, scope mounts, adjustable triggers, trigger guard contouring, and other custom conversions. Prereq: GUS 1000, GUS 1002, GUS 1010, GUS 1012.

GUS 1036 — Firearms Metal Finishing (2 credits)
Skills for firearms bluing and parkerizing; equipment, chemical mixing, safety, hot caustic bluing, rust bluing, parkerizing, and metal preparation. Prereq: GUS 1000, GUS 1010.

GUS 1039 — Stock Duplication (2 credits)
Gunstock woods, stock layout, and basic stock duplicating machine operations. Students sharpen chisels, design, and cut a semi-inletted gunstock. Prereq: GUS 1000, GUS 1010.

GUS 1047 — Firearms Repair I (5 credits)
Firearms repair theory and practice; tools, design, function, takedown, troubleshooting, assembly and repair of selected handguns, shotguns, and rifles. Prereq: GUS 1000, GUS 1002, GUS 1010, GUS 1012.

GUS 1053 — Ballistics and Handloading* (2 credits)
Interior and exterior ballistics, components and manufacture, reloading equipment, rifle/handgun/shotshell loading, bullet casting, and safety.

GUS 1062 — Gunstock Checkering* (2 credits)
Construction and use of checkering cradles, layout templates, and tools; layout and operation of hand and electric checkering tools.

GUS 2001 — Tools & Fixtures (2 credits)
Study and manufacture of milling cutters, taps, dies, and reamers; study and measurement of screw threads. Prereq: GUS 1012.

GUS 2005 — Firearms Machine Shop III (4 credits)
Advanced machine tool operation with special emphasis on gunsmithing procedures; milling, lathe, and advanced barrel fitting and chambering. Prereq: GUS 1027.

GUS 2040 — Shotgunsmithing* (2 credits)
Advanced shotgun modification; back boring, choke tubes, forcing cones, shotgun beads, and dent removal. Prereq: GUS 1010, GUS 1012.

GUS 2045 — Stockmaking II (5 credits)
Advanced stockmaking for one- and two-piece gunstocks in wood and synthetic materials; glass bedding, gun fitting, custom hardware installation, and finishing. Prereq: GUS 1040.

GUS 2047 — Firearms Repair II (8 credits)
Advanced firearms repair theory and practice; design, function, takedown, troubleshooting, assembly and repair of shotguns, rifles, and handguns; specialized tools and fixtures. Prereq: GUS 1047.

GUS 2050 — Competitive Rifles* (2 credits)
Modifications to convert a standard AR-15 into a match-grade firearm. Prereq: GUS 1000, GUS 1012.

GUS 2051 — Bolt Rifle Accuracy/Blueprinting* (2 credits)
Modifications to convert a standard bolt action rifle into a varmint, bench rest, or match-grade firearm. Prereq: GUS 1000, GUS 1012.

GUS 2065 — Comprehensive Skills Evaluation (0.5 credit)
Comprehensive evaluation of skills and knowledge attained upon completion of the Gunsmithing Program curriculum. Prereq: Successful completion of all required GUS courses.

GUS 2068 — Custom Pistolsmithing* (3 credits)
Principles for modifying a Colt Government Model .45 auto (or copies) into a competition firearm; safety, reliability, accuracy, fabrication and use of specialized tools, jigs, and fixtures. Prereq: GUS 1000, GUS 1010.

GUS 2069 — Custom Revolversmithing* (3 credits)
Principles for modifying a revolver into a competition firearm; safety, reliability, accuracy, and use of specialized tools, jigs, and fixtures. Prereq: GUS 1000, GUS 1010.