Program Outcomes
- Explain the essential rules of safety and effective gunsmith handling.
- Identify the basic components of a gunsmith’s workshop.
- Understand the provenance and special features of significant firearms throughout history.
- Demonstrate an understanding of gun laws and licensing conditions.
- Learn the fundamentals of starting a business, from bookkeeping to opening a storefront.
- Identify guns based on parts, and make customized modifications efficiently and effectively.
- Describe how to correctly price your services as a firearms repairer and gunsmith.
- Learn to install, remove, reconstruct, and modify gun barrels based on make and model.
- Explain why common firearms malfunctions occur and how to repair them.
- Learn how to assemble and disassemble over 70 different principal firearms.
- Understand how to build a custom work bench.
- Differentiate between useful and unnecessary tools and materials.
- Learn bluing, jeweling, and checkering concepts.
- Understand how to fit and shape inletted stock.
- Describe how to correctly maintain shotgun bores and barrels.
- Learn how to customize firearms through Parkerizing, accessorizing, and custom finishing and plating techniques.
Program Overview
Our Advanced Gunsmithing II program covers all the bases – you’ll learn the same gunsmithing techniques and practices offered in our Advanced Gunsmithing Program and more! Select one of four firearm platform builds and go through the construction process. Imagine combining your course knowledge with the inner workings of a firearm, plus receive an extensive tool kit to help jumpstart your career in the firearms industry.
BUILD YOUR FUTURE
MGS has selected these builds because of the popularity of the platforms. You will see a lot of them in the field, so you can learn all of the parts and how they function and learn the fine details that may be needed to build/modify/repair these platforms.
Students must select one build as part of their final project in the course. The build selected at the time of enrollment cannot be switched at a later date.
Due to firearm laws and regulations, the Advanced Gunsmithing II course is only available to students in the United States. Each build listed below has specific regulations to review.
*MGS reserves the right to substitute build based on availability
Alpha Foxtrot 1911 Pistol
With 30 years of OEM firearms parts manufacturing experience for some of the world’s greatest gun companies, Alpha Foxtrot is a manufacturing juggernaut. In addition to Dasan’s state of the art factories in Korea, Dasan has invested heavily in US manufacturing with our 80,000 sq ft manufacturing facility located in Duluth, GA. Alpha Foxtrot strives to provide the American shooter with innovation and highest quality firearms at the best possible price point.
DETAILS
The historical significance of the 1911 pistol is rich and well known. Since 1911 it has been and continues to be one of the most popular handguns in the world. Through stories of Sgt. York and even popularity of use in movies, it has etched itself into the nostalgia of the firearms world. There are a great deal of mechanical parts and fitment processes that go into building a 1911. There are also a great deal of companies improving upon the platform and this leads to it’s internal workings knowledge being an aspect of gunsmithing that will help you in your career for years to come.
REGULATIONS
You must be 21 years of age to purchase a handgun in the US. Students under 21 are not allowed to select this build.
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, and DC have specific magazine capacity limits. It is the student’s responsibility to purchase a magazine legal according to their state’s laws. MGS urges students to check their laws because the capacity numbers change a lot in these states.
Students in Illinois are not allowed to select this build and must select the Muzzleloader.
LoneWolf Polymer G17 Pistol
Lone Wolf Distributors was founded in 1998 and quickly established itself as a leading Glock parts accessory supplier. They Have since grown to making high quality striker fire pistols and we are proud to partner with them in our striker fired build.
DETAILS
REGULATIONS
You must be 21 years of age to purchase a handgun in the US. Students under 21 are not allowed to select this build.
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, and Washington DC have specific magazine capacity limits. It is the student’s responsibility to purchase a magazine legal according to their state’s laws. MGS urges students to check their laws because the capacity numbers change a lot in these states.
Students in Illinois are not allowed to select this build and must select the Muzzleloader.
Students in Washington are not allowed to select this build and must select either the Muzzleloader or 1911 Pistol.
Traditions Muzzleloader
Traditions Firearms is one of the leading muzzleloader companies and has a wide variety of muzzleloader platforms. One of the most important firearms in history is the American/kentucky long rifle and our students will have the option of choosing this build for their final project. The history and functionality of this platform is outstanding.
DETAILS
The most well known firearm in the history of the United States, The American Long Rifle. This is the rifle that helped win the revolutionary war at the beginning of the U.S. We have chosen Traditions Muzzleloaders to partner with on this build and have an outstanding learning experience for you. While you may not see many of these come into your shop you will utilize the most skills we have taught you for this build. You will do some minor wood working, staining, metal filing, and work that will get you a great fit and finish. Choose this build for a great historical feel as you complete your final project.
REGULATIONS
Watchtower Firearms AR15
WATCHTOWER, a new American firearms company, draws its name from the brave Americans who fought under the southern cross in the Pacific, as a part of Operation WATCHTOWER.
DETAILS
According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation in 2020 there were an estimated 20 million rifles of this platform in the United States and there have been record sales since then. It is inevitable that you will see these come across your bench at some point in time. You can also utilize this knowledge base if you have a goal of becoming an armorer in the Military or Law Enforcement as the AR-15 is a popular choice for both.
REGULATIONS
Based on state laws, MGS cannot enroll students in the Advanced Gunsmithing II program from the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Washington, and Washington DC.
Hands-On Projects
Delivered right to your door
VIEW
PLUS! Receive both Federal Firearms License & Class 3 (SOT) FFL License Guides
YOUR BENEFITS. YOUR CHOICE.
Our Advanced Courses are VA Approved
Our Reps are knowledgeable, friendly, and ready to help you! Request Free Information to get started.
GI Bill® Is a Registered Trademark of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the U.S. government website https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/
FLEXIBLE TUITION
Full Payment
-
One Time Payment
-
Access to all lessons and projects, Serialized Build at the end of course
-
Fastest completion time
Payment Plan I
-
Most Popular
-
$99 Down, 29 payments of $199, final payment of $122
-
Total $5,992
Payment Plan II
-
Lowest Monthly Payments
-
$99 Down, 39 payments of $149, final payment of $82
-
Total $5,992
Full Payment
Save $1,198 | ENDS 1/31/2025-
$5,992Save $1,198 -
One Time Payment
-
Access to all lessons and projects, Serialized Build at the end of course
-
Fastest completion time
Payment Plan I
Save $1,198 | ENDS 1/31/2025-
$5,992Save $1,198 -
Most Popular
-
$99 Down, 23 payments of $199, final payment of $118
-
Total $4,794
Payment Plan II
Save $1,198 | ENDS 1/31/2025-
$5,992Save $1,198 -
Lowest Monthly Payments
-
$99 Down, 31 payments of $149, final payment of $76
-
Total $4,794
Refund Policy
MGS focuses on student satisfaction. However, if you choose not to continue your studies, we offer a cancellation/refund policy here.
I’m so very thankful I found MGS and took the chance on starting a new career. I’ve never been happier in my Life and truly enjoy what I do."
“I researched two different gunsmithing schools and found the tuition was too high and both were several hours away from where I live. With 2 young kids at home, it wasn’t a realistic option. I kept searching and came across MGS. It sounded too good to be true but thankfully it wasn’t! I’m now the proud owner of Front Range Firearm Repair & Maintenance LLC here in Canon City, Colorado, I opened my doors in August 2021 and not a day has gone by that I haven’t had a customer’s firearm in my shop. I’m so very thankful I found MGS and took the chance on starting a new career. I’ve never been happier in my Life and truly enjoy what I do.“Continue Reading >
Training Gunsmiths since 1946
Harry “Skip” Walters III
Master Gunsmith/Instructor
A graduate of the Pennsylvania Gunsmith School, Skip has worked as an Engineer, Technician, Model-maker, and Gunsmith for over 40 years. In addition to his role at MGS Trade School, Skip worked as a gunsmith for Sarco, Inc., one of the world’s largest suppliers of gun parts, kits and accessories.
With his extensive education and real-world experience, Skip provides MGS students with unique insights into what it takes to be a successful gunsmith. Have a question about your course work or the firearm’s industry? Skip’s expertise and experience in the firearm’s industry is an invaluable resource.
Zeke Stout
Director
Zeke Stout is a certified firearms specialist with IFSA (International Firearms Specialist Academy). He has served as an executive at a large conglomerate of businesses in Nashville, TN where he honed many aspects of marketing to different demographics. He then started one of the most popular podcasts in the firearms industry, expanding his pre-existing gun knowledge. He then went on to help build one of the largest online gunsmithing schools in the nation as an Executive Vice President. In that role, he was certified as a Higher Education Professional in leadership through the DEAC and became an armorer in several platforms, including the 1911 and Penn arms grenade launcher. He was also the host and gunsmithing subject matter expert for the Discovery channel show Master Of Arms.
Richard Scutt
Firearms Associate | Lead Student Services Representative
A Military & Iraq war veteran, Richard brings Direct Learning Systems his hands-on experience in management, logistics, and customer service. While serving in the Army, he was awarded several service and combat medals. Using the GI Bill to attend Lincoln Technical Institute, he studied electronic engineering. Richard leveraged his military experience and education to secure a position in international shipping, UPS, and USPS. At MGS, Richard’s role includes Student Services, Logistics, Inventory Management, and Order Fulfillment. In his spare time, Richard volunteers at nursing homes and supports autism charities.
WHY CHOOSE MGS
ACCREDITED
By the DEAC and MSA
FLEXIBLE
No deadlines, self-paced
AFFORDABLE
Graduate without debt
VA APPROVED
Certifying officials on site
SAY YES MGS
7 HANDS-ON PROJECTS
Including serialized build + videos
TRADE TIPS
From MGS Master Gunsmith
TOOLS & MATERIALS
Over $1,300 worth + FFL123.com Kit
STUDENT SERVICES
Superior team members available