If you are looking for a hands-on skill to learn in the comfort of your home without bothering to go to a workplace, then you should consider enrolling in some of the best free online gunsmithing courses that will be curated here.
The online community is fast taking over so many things that can be learned. People find more comfort in acquiring skills and knowledge through online platforms than in attending physical classes. Some of the platforms that make it possible are Alison, Coursera, edX, Udemy, and a host of other popular online learning platforms.
Lots of courses are learned online, most of which can offer certificates of completion at the end of the courses. For people interested in ethical hacking, there are free online courses on ethical hacking for them. The world we live in now has gotten so engulfed in acquiring digital skills that most of the hands-on skills have been relegated to the background.
Some of these hands-on skills are; Makeup artist, Electrician, Skin specialist, Baker, Shoe Repairer, Massage therapist, and lots of other practical skills. All these skills are needed in the society and are important.
Just as these skills are important, gunsmithing is another skill that is also important mostly for rifle users to ensure that their guns work effectively. This skill is highly needed by people in the military and as such, opportunities have been made available for this skill to be learned online.
What is Gunsmithing?
Gunsmithing is the process of repairing, modifying, designing, building, and renovating firearms to work effectively. It is simply taking guns that are not working properly and fixing them to return to their original form or condition to ensure proper functioning.
Being interested in designing, building, and maintenance of guns is the first step in considering a career as a gunsmith. Gunsmiths are responsible for making, cleaning, repairing, assembling, and disassembling guns to suit or meet clients’ needs. There are requirements to attain before being qualified as a gunsmith. These requirements are;
- Acquiring knowledge and skills needed to start the career journey. Skills such as woodworking, and metalworking, a solid background in math, and knowledge of common hand tools used for chiseling, grinding, polishing, etc. Learning about ballistics, writing, algebra, and drafting is also required.
- Passing through formal training or education where you can earn a diploma or degree and be certified is also important. The program/training duration may be between 6 months to 24 months depending on what you signed up for.
- Possessing job experience in gunsmithing is very important as gunsmithing is a very practical trade that requires working either full-time or part-time while you are learning to help you understand better.
- Joining groups or professional organizations will expertly sharpen you and scale up your career too because you tend to meet like minds who are willing to share a tip or the other with you.
- Having a valid federal firearms license as any potential employer will subject you to a background check to know if you are legally able to possess a firearm. For you to obtain the license, you must be 21 years old or beyond.
The career options in gunsmithing or areas where gunsmiths can specialize are as follows;
Custom Gunsmith Designer/ Builder: The gunsmiths here focus on manufacturing guns from raw materials and parts to suit clients’ specifications. They also build the firearms used by hunters and shooters which are always more customized compared to the ones produced by standard gun manufacturers.
Stock maker: These gunsmiths fix stocks to the metal parts of the gun as well as to the client’s body dimensions. The carved gun stocks are usually made from walnut, birch, maple, applewood, etc. Wood gunshots may be fashioned with automated machinery while high-end gunstocks are hand-made using saws, chisels, rasps, files, etc.
Finisher: This category of gunsmiths uses chemical processes like browning, bluing, etc. to prevent corrosion in the surface areas of the steel parts of the gun. They also use a case hardening to low carbon steel parts which results in a thin very hard surface layer with a malleable core.
Gun Engraver: These types of gunsmiths use hand-powered tools to engrave metals. They produce designs or pictures on the metal surfaces of the gun. To become a gun engraver, you must first know how to come up with the intended design on paper. Perfectly designed engravings add significance to the value of a firearm.
Checkerer: These gunsmiths are responsible for creating patterns using checkering tools. The ornate patterns are found on wood surfaces that are to be gripped.
Gun Manufacturer: Here, the gunsmith specializes in making a few types of gun parts using their experiences and skills. They manufacture important parts such as barrels, trigger assemblies, receivers, and locks.
Pistol Smith: These categories of gunsmiths are responsible for working on pistols and revolvers. They have in-depth skills in woodworking, checkering, machining, metal finishing, and metalworking. Some pistol smiths work only on one or two types of pistols while some who are highly trained work on many more types of pistols.
Benefits of online gunsmithing courses
There are numerous benefits to taking online gunsmithing courses. Listed below are some of them highlighted in this article.
- Technology has made it possible for one to sign up from anywhere as far as there is an internet connection, this means that one can take the course from anywhere and at any time.
- It saves time, energy, and money that might have been used for transportation, accommodation, etc.
- One can find low-tuition courses in gunsmithing or even free ones online as the cost of studying a professional gunsmithing course is not an easy one.
- There is room for flexibility as one can study at his or her own pace.
- Learning materials are usually updated to meet the current standards and curriculums.
How much can a gunsmith earn in a year?
A gunsmith can earn between $42,327 and $54,755. What to be earned can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Free Online Gunsmithing Courses
The free online gunsmithing courses available on online platforms are as follows;
- Fundamentals Of Workshop Technology
- Fusion 360: Designing For Metal
- Introduction To Carpentry- Revised
- Manufacturing Processes- Metalworking
- Course 160 Tool Safety- Basic
1. Fundamentals Of Workshop Technology
Are you looking for a course to expand your knowledge of workshop technology or machine shop theory? Sign up for this training today and learn about its fundamental processes and procedures. You will explore a variety of concepts from construction, drilling tools, and wood handling. This free online course is structured for you to gain mastery of engineering processes and high-quality finishing techniques with various materials. This is the first on the list of free online gunsmithing courses. The course is made up of 3 modules and takes 5 to 6 hours before completion.
Published By – ADU
Offered By – Alison
2. Fusion 360: Designing For Metal
Fusion 360 is one of the free online gunsmithing courses designed to equip learners with the ‘know-how’ on cloud-powered, accessible CAD and CAM tools to design metal parts for machining, including metals. The course explores how to use Autodesk Fusion 360 and the CAM tool that works to build effective designs specifically for subtractive manufacturing in metal. Upon completion of the course, learners will be able to know design for metal manufacture, getting more from solid modeling, communicating, simulation, making of design, etc. This is the next on the list of free online gunsmithing courses. The course is made up of 4 modules and takes up to 1 hour before completion.
Offered By – LinkedIn Learning
3. Introduction To Carpentry- Revised
The course demonstrates how to calculate the correct quantities of required materials for different projects. The knowledge acquired from this training is used heavily during gunsmithing as stock makers use wood to produce stocks that are attached to metals in a gun. Through this course, you will study different fasteners, including nails, staples, screws, bolts, and anchors. The course covers the guidelines for drilling anchor holes in hardened concrete or masonry and investigates the uses of epoxy anchors. You will also compare various glues, adhesives, and mastics and study the different hand and power tools commonly used in construction. The course is made up of 4 modules and takes 2 to 3 hours before completion.
Published By – USAID
Offered By – Alison
4. Manufacturing Processes- Metalworking
This free online course on Manufacturing Processes – Metalworking teaches you about the different types of metalworking processes that occur in manufacturing. Learn about various types of presses, forging, rolling, processes as well as extrusion and wire drawing processes. You will also learn about different shearing and sheet metal operations. So, begin this course today to enhance your knowledge of metalworking processes & shearing operations. The course is made up of 3 modules and takes 4 to 5 hours before completion.
Published By – NPTEL
Offered By – Alison
5. Course 160 Tool Safety- Basic
This course is designed to acquaint you with some of the requirements and important safety practices when using hand and power tools in the workplace. Special attention is given to choosing tools properly to prevent ergonomic injuries, and electrical safety guidelines necessary to reduce or eliminate shock hazards. The course is made up of 2 modules and takes up to 1 hour before completion.
Offered By – OSHAcademy
Conclusion
Although these courses are few, you can harness this opportunity and enroll in any one of your choice to hone your gunsmithing skills.
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