Admissions
Great question! The answer is, we have no idea. MGS Trade School is accredited and has been training gunsmiths since 1946. MGS’s time-tested materials and hands-on projects are designed to develop a proficiency in both the technique and business of gunsmithing.
MGS offers open enrollment, allowing you to start at any time. Students must be 18 years or older and have a High School or General Equivalency Diploma to participate in our programs.
*Please see state regulations for build models
At MGS, we offer open enrollment so you can start online the same day you enroll or if you prefer, you can wait until you receive your course materials and the first unit of lessons in the mail.
Simply fill our online enrollment application with the appropriate down payment or call us at 800-493-4114 to enroll over the phone with one of our student service representatives.
Due to the nature of the programs at MGS Trade School, international students are not currently eligible for admission. If you have further questions, please contact our admissions team at 800-493-4114 ext. 222.
Students looking to withdraw or cancel their studies, should notify student services by email, letter, or phone. A written request is preferred. Please contact our finance department by phone at 610-871-0031 or by sending an email to finance@mgs.edu. Learn more here
Program Overview
Yes. MGS is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, Washington D.C., and by the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools, Philadelphia, PA. The Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
It’s easy! Click on Request Info, fill in the required fields, and download your course catalog. You will receive details on the program, course curriculum, materials, tuition cost and payment options, and more.
No. Both courses assume no prior training or experience, beginning with gun repair basics and progressing to the more advanced techniques. Our coursework is designed to develop skills through mastery of professional techniques in straightforward, carefully planned steps.
MGS is a traditional correspondence course of study where study materials are shipped to the student, we also provide a student account online where students may access the materials in PDF format and submit exams for instant grading.
While a typical student completes their coursework in 12 months, One of the advantages in taking an MGS course is that you are able to work at your own pace. Completion is determined by the program and the payment plan you choose. For more information, see course page for more details.
MGS has been in continuous operation for over 70 years, providing a well-designed program that has trained thousands of successful gunsmiths. We believe our record speaks for itself and encourage you to check out our Student Spotlight page.
Advanced Gunsmithing II program covers all the bases – you’ll learn the same gunsmithing techniques and practices offered in our Advanced I Gunsmithing Program and more! 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. To see the content covered in the 65 lessons, please click on Advanced II Gunsmithing Program and then outline. This program also includes valuable hands-on projects using several different techniques relative to gun repair, simply click on Advanced II Gunsmithing Program, and go to the project tab. PLUS Select one of four firearm platform builds and go through the construction process.
MGS Advanced Gunsmithing Program is comprehensive. The materials are intended to transition a novice or beginner into someone who has the background knowledge and training necessary to handle the vast majority of gun repairs. To see the content covered in the 65 lessons, please click on Advanced Gunsmithing Program and then Outline. This program also includes valuable hands-on projects using several different techniques relative to gun repair, simply click on Advanced Gunsmithing Program, and go to the project tab.
The Basic Gun Repair course is an introduction to the firearms industry. It’s designed for individuals interested in gun repair, gun maintenance, and gun design. It includes 31 lessons and 4 hands-on bench projects. You will learn how to properly clean, adjust, and fine-tune a variety of firearms. To learn more, go to the Basic Gunsmithing Certificate course and click on program outline to view outline.
A workbench and a few tools that aren’t provided with the course. Each course comes in printed format, with binders and tabbed lesson dividers – set up like a library resource. For easy access we suggest that you keep your course materials on or near your workbench where you will need it. Below you will find Material and Supply lists for each course:
While offers will change from time-to-time, the best place to review the materials offered with the program is by clicking on Advanced II Gunsmithing program and then the Materials tab.
While offers will change from time-to-time, the best place to review the materials offered with the program is by clicking on Advanced Gunsmithing and then the Materials tab.
While offers will change from time-to-time, the best place to review the materials offered with the course is by clicking on Basic Gunsmithing and then the Materials tab.
Students receive their build once all exams and projects 1-7 have been completed, in addition to their tuition requirements being satisfied. Students will be required to pass an FFL background check.
*Note this applies to Advanced II Gunsmithing Course only
Your FFL123.com Combo Kit is a digital resource that when you progress through the course, you will receive an email to start the FFL process from FFL123.com.
Tuition
The cost depends on which course you choose as the tuition varies. We offer a low monthly payment plan as well as a full payment plan for those that can afford to pay for their course upfront. In order to see costs and payment options for the course you’re interested in, click here.
MGS recommends that students do not rush out and buy all kinds of specialized equipment. The majority of gunsmith repairs are accomplished with the use of simple hand tools, many found in your workshop. MGS will supply most of the materials necessary to complete the program, but some projects may require a few additional items to help complete the assignment. Please review the checklist(s) below.
MGS is now VA approved for the Post 9/11 and Montgomery GI Bills. For more information, please visit the Military section of our website or email info@mgs.edu or call us at 800-493-4114.
Student Life
That’s easy! The flexibility and freedom our courses provide allow you to complete lessons at your convenience, at your own pace, and from your own workbench.
Upon completion of the enrollment process, all students will be emailed detailed instructions on how to log in to your student account. If you do not see it in your inbox, check your junk email. And remember to add us to your approved email list to ensure you receive all of our communications.
Upon completion of each study unit, submit your examination in our Online Student Center or if you prefer, use the provided answer sheets to mail the exam to the school for grading. Online exams receive immediate feedback. Students choosing to mail exams will receive a grade report by mail. All projects are graded Pass/Fail and results are mailed out. For grading policies, please see the Academic Info page.
In order to graduate, a student must maintain a 70% average or higher, satisfactorily complete all hands-on projects, and fulfill their financial obligations to the school.
Upon successful completion of all course requirements, the student will be mailed their diploma and an official transcript.
MGS graduates receive an official transcript with their graduation package. Additional transcripts are also available for a nominal fee. Please contact Student Services with your request.
While MGS does not offer job placement, we do have a Career Center section on our website that provides a plethora of information on the firearm industry.
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