SPECIALIZED EDUCATION
Certificate in Firearms Technology - Gunsmithing
Build real, hands-on gunsmithing skills across major firearm platforms and complete a firearm build of your choice in an accredited online program you can finish in two semesters.
DEAC
ACCREDITED
32
CREDIT HOURS
100%
ONLINE
GI Bill®
& FSA ELIGIBLE*
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Develop Your Skills. Build Your Craft.
The Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing is built for people who want to take firearms work seriously — whether you’re turning a lifelong hobby into a profession, adding a credential to skills you already have, or starting a path toward your own gunsmithing business.
Across 32 credit hours, you’ll work through firearms mechanics, ammunition and ballistics, legal compliance, machining principles, maintenance, troubleshooting, and modification — combining online coursework with real hands-on application in your own workspace, and finishing with a firearm build of your choice.
It’s delivered fully online in two structured 16-week semesters, so you study any time of day that fits your life while staying on track with weekly milestones — the structure that helps you actually finish and build genuine skill.
YOUR FINAL PROJECT
Complete a Firearm Build of Your Choice
This isn’t theory-only learning. The program culminates in a hands-on build where you apply everything you’ve learned — fit, function, troubleshooting, and craftsmanship — to a platform you choose through your elective.
1911 Advanced Armorer
Modern Sporting Rifle (AR-9 / AR-10 / AR-15)
Pump Shotgun Armorer
WHAT YOU’LL BE ABLE TO DO
Skills You'll graduate With
On successful completion of the program, you’ll be able to:
Apply gunsmithing techniques across firearm platforms to complete modifications and upgrades to industry standards.
Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical and operational issues using critical thinking and specialized tools.
Interpret and apply federal, state, and local firearms laws to keep gunsmithing practices compliant.
Use safe industry practices when applying tools and knowledge to firearms repairs and customizations.
Develop firearms and ammunition vocabulary to translate what customers describe into the real issue.
Uphold workplace-safety standards for handling tools, machinery, and firearms in every activity.
SDI does not guarantee job placement, advancement, or continued employment.
COURSEWORK
32 Credits | Two 16-Week Semesters
A focused, discipline-specific curriculum — no filler. Tap any course to see what you’ll learn and the tools and materials involved. Your elective (FTT 299) sets your final firearm build.
FTT 102 - PRINCIPLES OF MECHANICS IN FIREARMS | 4 Credits
An introduction to firearms technology. You’ll review firearms fundamentals, simple-machine concepts, and the various firearm operating systems, then apply those concepts in practical work to identify the working systems of real firearms.
SDI Provides
- 24-pc gun care kit
- Multicaliber cleaning kit & ultra jag set
- 36″ cleaning rod
- Steel roll-spring & short roll-spring punch sets
- Roll pin holder set, gun mat
- Digital Gun Digest manuals
You Supply
- 8 oz ball-pein hammer
- Bench block
- Rasp & file set, needle file set
- Gun oil and solvent
FTT 103 - PRINCIPLES OF AMMUNITION & BASIC BALLISTICS | 4 Credits
Essential concepts of ammunition and ballistics — terminology, the steps of ballistics, the material and environmental factors that affect them, cartridge design, propellant types, the mechanical steps inside a firearm, and what happens to a projectile in flight.
SDI Provides
- Non-firing training rounds (.38 Spl, 9mm, 30-30, 7mm Rem Mag, .223 Rem)
- 1″ outside micrometer
- Digital Cartridges of the World text
You Supply
- Bullet pulling hammer
- Digital scale
FTT 105 - FIREARMS LAWS, RIGHTS, & RESPONSIBILITIES | 4 Credits
A comprehensive look at firearm regulations, ATF laws, FFL dealer requirements, and firearm types and identification — the knowledge and skills to navigate the complex legal landscape of firearms in the United States.
SDI Provides
- Project Rifle Kit (in age-restricted states, students under 21 receive a compliant project rifle)
You Supply
- Tape measure (12′ minimum)
- Marking pencil
FTT 106 - HAND & SPECIALTY TOOLS IN GUNSMITHING | 4 Credits
A deeper understanding of the standard hand tools of the gunsmithing trade. Through hands-on work you’ll build finesse and workmanship, and learn how, when, and why to reach for specific tools and equipment for a given job.
SDI Provides
- Torque wrench kit
- 5.56 NATO headspace gauge set
- Stone file set
- Aluminum plate
You Supply
- Digital calipers, hacksaw, layout & scribing tools
- Gouges, chisels, sandpaper, sharpening stone
- Polishing compound, Tru-Oil, mineral spirits
- Screw pitch gauge set & more (full list in course)
FTT 131 - MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING OF FIREARMS | 4 Credits
Foundational troubleshooting principles. You’ll identify firearm failure types and components, perform gunsmith function checks, and explore popular operating systems, the cycle of operations, repairs, and operator- and ammunition-induced malfunctions.
SDI Provides
- Trigger pull gauge
- Firing pin protrusion gauge
- Action proving dummy round
- Digital Gunsmithing Rifles & assembly manuals
You Supply
- No additional student-supplied tools for this course
MAC 110 - BASIC POWER TOOLS & MACHINING PRINCIPLES | 4 Credits
An introduction to machining and repair concepts. You’ll meet the small machines common to the gunsmithing profession, learn basic shop and blueprint reading, and get an introduction to milling machines, the metal-turning lathe, polishing tools, work-holding, and fixtures. Prerequisite: FTT 106.
SDI Provides
- Recoil pad installation fixture & replacement pad
- Fillister head screws, taps, center & jobber drills
- Disc / belt sander
- Digital Precision Machining Technology text
You Supply
- Drill bits, taps & tap handle wrench
- 12″ square, razor knife, easy-out set
- Scrap brass, aluminum & steel
FTT 133 - GENERAL GUNSMITHING MODIFICATIONS | 4 Credits
The specifics of enhancing firearms for performance, ergonomics, and aesthetics. You’ll learn to choose the right modifications for different platforms and shooting disciplines, with emphasis on the safety considerations and legal nuances of any alteration. Prerequisite: FTT 102.
SDI Provides
- Stock inletting guide screws
- Stippling panels
- Epoxy bedding kit
- Scope, scope rings & boresighter
You Supply
- Spray paint, paste wax, modeling clay
- Bar clamps, rotary tool & wheels
- Wood-burning kit, Blue Loctite & more (full list in course)
FTT 299 - FIREARMS TECHNOLOGY ELECTIVE - CHOOSE ONE BELOW | 4 Credits
Your elective is where you complete a firearm build of your choice. Select one of the courses below — it determines the platform you’ll build and the specialty tools SDI provides for it.
FTE 211 - ELEXTIVE - 1911 ADVANCED ARMORER | 4 Credits
A comprehensive overview of 1911-style firearms — history, development, parts and their functions, ammunition and calibers, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair. You’ll cover sight options, build-or-buy considerations, tuning for accuracy and reliability, and customizing with coatings and accessories, with step-by-step work on the school-supplied 1911.
Students must be 21 years of age to select FTE 211.
SDI Provides
- 1911 GI Standard FS .45 ACP
- Arkansas stone & 1911 trigger track stone
- Action proving dummies
- .45 ACP headspace gauges
- 1911 smart wrench
- Digital armorer texts
You Supply
- No additional student-supplied tools for this course
FTE 217 - ELECTIVE - MODERN SPORTING RIFLE (AR-15 / AR-9 / AR-10) | 4 Credits
An overview of the AR platform across configurations — AR-15, AR-10/LR .308, and AR-9 pistol-caliber carbine. You’ll choose a platform and demonstrate practical skills: measuring critical dimensions, assembly and disassembly, using specialty tools, malfunction diagnosis, and applying gunsmithing techniques.
SDI Provides
- AR parts kit & lower for your chosen platform
- AR armorer’s wrench, punches & staking punch
- Front pivot pin assembly kit
- Firing pin height gauge, bolt ejector fixture
- Vise blocks & headspace gauges
You Supply
- Pin punch
- Torque wrench (0–80 ft-lb)
FTE 218 - ELECTIVE - PUMP SHOTGUN ARMORER | 4 Credits
An overview of the pump shotgun platform across makes and models — history, design characteristics, operations, and platform-specific traits. You’ll receive a pump shotgun and demonstrate measuring critical dimensions, assembly and disassembly, using specialty tools, and malfunction diagnosis.
SDI Provides
- Pump shotgun — 12 gauge
- Choke & chamber length gauge
- Forend nut tool (500/870)
- 12 GA go/no-go headspace gauge
- Action proving dummy round & digital manuals
You Supply
- No additional student-supplied tools for this course
FTE 225 - ELECTIVE - DEVELOPING A BUSINESS PLAN | 4 Credits
Build a formal business plan for a firearms-related business. You’ll work through the stages of researching and outlining a plan, weigh marketing, financial, and general business factors, and present a complete, formal plan — ideal if your goal is to open your own shop.
SDI Provides
- Digital text: Anatomy of a Business Plan (8th Ed.)
You Supply
- No additional student-supplied tools for this course
Course availability may vary each semester; not all courses are offered every term. You can opt in to SDI-provided tools and materials or opt out and source them yourself to SDI’s specifications; some basic items (workbench, bench vise, safety equipment) are always student-supplied, and firearms ship to a licensed FFL. Tool and material contents are subject to change. Started the CFTG program before January 1, 2026? Refer to your legacy program information or contact your Student Success Coach.
TOOLS & MATERIALS
Learn with real tools in hand
Our curriculum goes beyond the textbook. The program is built around hands-on work with real gunsmithing tools and materials in your own workspace.
Tools and materials used in the program include:`
- 24-pc gun care & cleaning kits
- Steel & roll-pin punch sets
- File, rasp & needle-file sets
- Headspace gauge sets
- Torque wrench kit
- Trigger-pull & firing-pin gauges
- Recoil pad install fixture
- Epoxy bedding & stippling kits
- Boresighter, scope & rings
- Elective build kit (1911 / AR / shotgun)
- Non-firing training rounds
- Digital coursebooks & manuals
You can opt in to have SDI provide required tools and materials, or opt out and source them yourself to SDI’s specifications. Some basic items (such as a workbench, bench vise, and safety equipment) are supplied by the student. Required materials, firearms, and any applicable materials fees vary by course; firearms ship to a licensed FFL. Exact contents are subject to change.
TUITION & FUNDING
Ways to Pay for Your Program
This program is approved for the GI Bill® and other VA/military benefits, as well as Federal Student Aid, based on eligibility. An advisor can walk you through tuition, fees, and the options below.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Federal Student Aid (FSA) for those who qualify, plus payment and financing plans.
TUITION & FUNDING >
Veterans & Military
GI Bill® and other VA/military education benefits, based on eligibility.
VETERANS RESOURCES >
Scholarships
Scholarships for military-connected and first-responder students.
VIEW SCHOLARSHIPS >
NOT SURE WHICH PROGRAM?
Find The Right Fit
This certificate is one of three firearms programs at SDI. Here’s how they compare.
FASTEST
Handgun Specialist
An accelerated, handgun-focused path — revolvers, striker-fired, and hammer-fired pistols. Specialize quickly.