Convenient Online Coursework

For students looking to hone their gunsmithing skills, learn the techniques needed to operate a gunsmithing business, gain a valuable credential or expand their hobby into a career, SDI’s Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing program is a great fit. In this 32-credit program, you’ll learn gunsmithing techniques and practices, shooting sports management, and more—you’ll also complete a build of your choice.

If you started the CFTG program before January 1, 2026, or are a re-entry student, please refer to your specific program and course information below or contact your Student Success Coach for assistance.

If you started the CFTG program after January 1, 2026, please refer to your specific program and course information HERE or contact your Student Success Coach for assistance.

The Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing program is broken into two 16-week semesters. Because of our flexible learning options, students choose to study at whatever time of day works best but will still be able to engage with other online learners and instructors as a part of weekly assignment requirements.

Course availability may vary each semester. Not all courses may be offered each term.

Firearms Technology Discipline
32 Credit Hours

Courses
FTT 100: Introduction to Firearms
FTT 104: Gunsmithing Tools Lab
FTT 111: Firearms Inspection and Troubleshooting
FTT 114: Custom Kydex Lab
FTT 122: Intro to Ammo and Basic Ballistics
FTT 201: Firearms Finishes and Engraving
FTT 221: Sights, Optics, and Accuracy
FTT 231: Machining and Manufacturing of Firearms
FTT 240: Shooting Sports Management
FTT 299: Firearms Technology Elective

Elective Options
FTE 211: 1911 Advanced Armorer
FTE 217: Modern Sporting Rifle
FTE 218: Pump Shotgun Armorer
FTE 225: Developing a Business Plan

To view a full list of course descriptions, click below.

Develop your skills and discover your passion with SDI’s Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing program

For students looking to hone their gunsmithing skills, learn the techniques needed to operate a gunsmithing business, gain a valuable credential or expand their hobby into a career, SDI’s Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing program is a great fit. In this 32-semester-credit-hour program, you’ll learn gunsmithing techniques and practices, shooting sports management, and more – you’ll also complete a build of your choice.

With the successful completion of this program, a student will be able to do the following:

• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local firearms laws and regulations to ensure legal compliance in gunsmithing practices.
• Develop firearms and ammunition vocabulary to distinguish between broad industry terms and manufacturer-specific language.
• Distinguish firearms and ammunition by industry-defined characteristics and terms to support the translation of customer-identified problems.
• Use safe industry practices while applying tools and knowledge to effect firearms-related repairs or customizations.
• Apply gunsmithing techniques across various firearms platforms to complete basic modifications or upgrades consistent with industry standards or good craftsmanship.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical and operational issues in firearms, utilizing critical thinking and specialized tools to implement practical solutions.
• Uphold industry standards for workplace safety and proper handling of tools, machinery, and firearms in all gunsmithing activities.

Completion Requirements

To earn a Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing, a student must do the following:

• Complete all coursework required in the certificate program
• Complete at least 32 credit hours of discipline-specific coursework
• Complete the program with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 or above
• Meet all financial obligations to the institute

Completion of the Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing does not require additional specialized training, practicum, or externships.

FTT 100: Introduction to Firearms – 3 Credit Hours
This course is an introduction to firearms technology and the field of shooting sports management. During the course the student will review firearm fundamentals and multiple types of firearms available. The student will practice researching disassembly procedures and demonstrate a comprehensive project on the topic of cleaning firearms.

FTT 104: Gunsmithing Tools Lab – 2 Credit Hours
In this lab, the student will engage in hands-on techniques with some of the gunsmith’s essential hand tools. The student will replicate detailed firearms disassembly using their assigned tools, with the aid of research and detailed diagrams and drawings. Techniques will be identified that gunsmiths apply in the use of files, rasps, hacksaws, drills, wrenches and screws, among others. Maintenance techniques of these tools will also be identified.

FTT 111: Firearms Inspection and Troubleshooting – 4 Credit Hours
This course will describe methods to diagnose malfunctions of a firearm and prescribe an appropriate troubleshooting method. The course will address rimfire and centerfire rifles, handguns and shotguns. Also reviewed are methods to diagnose modified and competition firearms as well as learning to diagnose malfunctions through cartridge case analysis. A lab on the topic of fastener repair will be assigned to the student, along with requisite materials to accomplish proper screw removal, repair, and restoration.

FTT 114: Custom Kydex Lab – 2 Credit Hours
This lab investigates the development and design of firearm holsters, including modern thermoforming designs. The student will participate in a detailed project on the topic of designing firearm retention devices, to include both the one-piece and two-piece designs. Lab materials will be provided to the student to customize a holster to a specific designation.

FTT 122: Introduction to Ammunition and Basic Ballistics – 3 Credit Hours
This course introduces students to important concepts related to ammunition and basic ballistics. Students will develop an understanding of the terminology pertaining to these topics. This knowledge will help them as they communicate with their instructors and fellow students in their courses throughout their time with SDI as well as throughout their professional work within the firearms industry. Among other concepts, students will demonstrate their understanding of the various steps of ballistics, the material and environmental aspects that affect ballistics, cartridge design, various propellant types, mechanical steps completed within a firearm, and phenomena that occur as a projectile moves through the air.

FTT 201: Firearms Finishes and Engraving – 4 Credit Hours
This course covers the preparation and finishing of metal. Techniques for polishing, bluing, Parkerizing, and browning of metal are explained. Modern firearm finishes, such as spray-on finishes, hydrographics, ferritic nitrocarburizing, PVD coating, and other methods are discussed. Also included are methodologies for the engraving of metal that will allow customization of firearms.

FTT 221: Sights, Optics, and Accuracy – 4 Credit Hours
This course provides a thorough understanding of accuracy for the gunsmith. Included in this course are techniques on how to inspect a rifle for accuracy, tools needed to achieve accuracy, installation of sights, and mounting optics. Other topics introduce the gunsmith to modern bolt-action trigger kits and how to check proper fit of a bolt-action rifle. A core component of this course is to describe the correct procedure of rifle bedding, including how to pillar bed both modern synthetic stocks and wooden stocks. This course also explains how to properly maintain long-range hunting rifles for long-term storage and to mount a telescoping optic.

FTT 231: Machining and Manufacturing of Firearms – 3 Credit Hours
This course provides a comprehensive overview of machining and other metal manufacturing concepts. The student will discover the science behind metallurgy and how to shape metal for a desired result. The student will be introduced to milling machines, the metal turning lathe, polishing tools, and other firearms-specific machinery. Included in this course are the processes of welding, soldering, and brazing. Methods for configuring a barrel to a customer’s unique specifications will also be covered in detail. Also included is an overview of heat treatment, normalizing, and how to temper gunmetal.

FTT 240: Shooting Sports Management – 3 Credit Hours
This course provides the foundation to establish a firearms-related business. Included in the course is a review of the practices, rules, and laws that govern the operation of a firearms repair and sales business. In addition, the course is an introduction to bookkeeping and appropriate business record maintenance related to shooting sports. Advertising and marketing will also be described.

*FTT 299: Firearms Technology Elective – 4 Credit Hours
See individual descriptions of courses that students select from to fill this elective.
FTE 211: 1911 Advanced Armorer
FTE 217: Modern Sporting Rifle
FTE 218: Pump Shotgun Armorer
FTE 225: Developing a Business Plan

FTE 211: 1911 Advanced Armorer – 4 Credit Hours
This course presents a comprehensive overview of 1911-style firearms. Discussed in the course’s lessons are the history, development, and practical applications of 1911-style firearms, including their parts, the function of each part, ammunition types and calibers, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair. Also presented are sight options, considerations for building or buying your 1911-style firearm, tuning your 1911 for accuracy and reliability, customizing the 1911 with coatings and accessories. Students will be presented a step-by-step lab for completing build kit. Students must be 21 years of age to select the FTE 211 course.

FTE 217: Modern Sporting Rifle – 4 Credit Hours
This course presents an overview of the AR style platform in various configurations, including the AR 15, AR 10/LR .308, and AR 9/pistol caliber carbine. Discussed in the lessons are the history, design characteristics, operations, and platform-specific characteristics of these rifles. Students select a platform on which to demonstrate practical skills and abilities, including the measurement of critical dimensions, assembly and disassembly procedures, and the use of specialty tools. Malfunction diagnosis, operating characteristics, and application of gunsmithing techniques will also be demonstrated.

FTE 218 Pump Shotgun Armorer – 4 Credit Hours
This course presents an overview of the pump shotgun platform in various makes and models. Discussed in the lessons are the history, design characteristics, operations, and platform-specific characteristics of these firearms. Students receive a pump shotgun platform on which to demonstrate practical skills and abilities, including the measurement of critical dimensions, assembly and disassembly procedures, and the use of specialty tools. Malfunction diagnosis, operating characteristics, and application of gunsmithing techniques will also be demonstrated.

FTE 225: Developing a Business Plan – 4 Credit Hours
This course includes establishing a formal business plan for a firearms related business. Included are the various stages of researching and outlining a plan, consideration of marketing, financial, and other general business factors and presentation of a formal plan.

The Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing program puts you on the path to an exciting career in the firearms industry. Take the first step down this path today by learning more about SDI.

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