Montgomery Community College is one of four schools in the nation to offer NRA approved, affiliated short-term gunsmithing courses. Classes are taught by nationally and internationally known gunsmiths and craftsmen who share their expertise in courses from basic to advanced techniques. Most classes combine a hands-on and lecture format and range from three days to two weeks in length.
MCC also offers a two-year associate degree program in Gunsmithing. Discover more about our quality facilities, experienced instructors, and comprehensive curriculum by clicking here.
The 2024 NRA short-term gunsmithing class schedule is posted below. Classes are added throughout the semester so check back often.
NRA Introductory Level Classes
While these classes are listed as introductory, do not mistake the high level of instruction that will be given. This simply means that prior experience is not a requirement.
Basic Lathe Operation
This class will provide students with an introduction to the operation of the most common machine tool found in gunsmithing shops, the lathe. Students will perform standard operations such as turning, facing, drilling, reaming, and cutting precision threads. Emphasis will be on safety and on operations that are relevant to the gunsmithing trade. Instructor: Chris Jackson
Basic Lathe Operation | 8/5-8/9 | MTuWThF | 9AM-5PM | $201.60 | Register | Tool List
Metal Engraving 101
This will be a 15-week introductory course to the art of hand engraving. In this course we will cover the basics of engraving with a hammer and chisel, graver angles and sharpening. We will also cover the basics of design for engraving. The student will be prepared to advance to Metal Engraving 201 at the course’s completion. Instructor: Sam Cherry
Metal Engraving 101 | 8/23-12/13 | F | 8AM-12PM | $256.60 | Register | Tool List
Metal Engraving 101 | 8/23-12/13 | F | 1PM-5PM | $256.60 | Register | Tool List
Basic Gunsmithing: Shotgun
This course will provide students with instruction on mechanical function and theory of shotgun operation, then apply this knowledge to real-world examples. Instruction will stress a comprehension of the basics of shotgun function on a mechanical level. Students will then be presented with broken firearms showing common problems in that model. This series of exercises will allow a practical look at the steps of diagnosis and repair under the supervision of a professional gunsmith. Students are encouraged to bring shotgun repair projects. Contact the instructor regarding appropriate repairs. Instructor: Darron Todd
Basic Gunsmithing: Shotgun | 9/6-9/8 | FSaSu | 9AM-5PM | $146.60 | Register | Tool List
Build Your Own: AR-15
This course will supply students with the tools, knowledge, and techniques necessary to assemble a match quality AR-15 from components. Instruction will cover the function of the firearm, steps for proper assembly, tooling necessary for these tasks, and troubleshooting help. Alternate calibers, detailed malfunction diagnosis, and modifications for top level accuracy and reliability will be discussed at length. Detailed discussion will be devoted to the myriad of aftermarket components available for this platform. Students should take away a thorough understanding of this firearm system. Instructor: Jacob Porter
Build Your Own: AR-15 | 9/6-9/8 | FSaSu | 9AM-5PM | $146.60 | Register | Tool List
Kydex Holster Making
This class will construct their own press and cover how to fashion holsters from Kydex, Holstex, or Boltaron, and is applicable to any thermoforming plastic materials. Topics will include in-depth discussion of setup, mold, trim, and finish of kydex holsters for handguns with or without flashlights, muzzle devices and/or red dot sights. Students will make kydex holsters for their own handguns and suited to their own unique purposes. Instructor: Mark Garland
Kydex Holster Making | 11/8-11/10 | FSaSu | 9AM-5PM | $146.60 | Register | Tool List
Sporting Shotgun Fitting/Adjustable Comb
An adjustable comb makes shooting your shotgun amazing! This course will cover the intricacies of installing an adjustable comb to your shotgun. Students will learn placement, cutting techniques, hardware installation and finishing. Students will complete an adjustable comb installation on their own wooden buttstock. Instructor: Tom Hostetler
Sporting Shotgun Fitting/Adjustable Comb | 5/12-5/16 | 9AM-5PM | $201.60 | Register | Tool List
Firearms Finishing
Basic Painted Finishes
Spend a weekend at MCC learning the basics of the most popular firearms-finish available in the industry: Cerakote. Topics will include surface preparation, application procedures, curing, and post application treatment, as well as reassembly of the finished products. Students will supply their own firearm and Cerakote. To maximize the emphasis on the coating process, students are encouraged to choose firearms that allow simpler disassembly and reassembly. Glock pistols, AR-15 pattern rifles, and pump shotguns like the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 are good examples. Instructor: Ian Byerly
Basic Painted Finishes | 8/3-8/4 | SaSu | 9AM-5PM | $256.60 | Register | Tool List
Stencil Painted Finishes
Spend a weekend at MCC learning more advanced techniques of the most popular firearms finish available in the industry: Cerakote. Topics will include stencil application, Stencil creation, camouflage patterns, “battle worn” finishes, and other techniques. Students will supply their own firearm and Cerakote colors. To maximize the emphasis on the coating process, students are encouraged to choose firearms that allow simpler disassembly and reassembly. Glock pistols, AR-15 pattern rifles, and pump shotguns like the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 are good examples. Instructor: Ian Byerly
Stencil Painted Finishes | 10/19-10/20 | SaSu | 9AM-5PM | $256.60 | Register | Tool List
NRA Advanced Classes I
(Machining experience not required for these classes but a working knowledge of the subject matter is helpful.)
Metal Engraving 201
Designed for those that have completed “Metal Engraving 101” this course will expand on the knowledge already gained. Additional engraving techniques will be taught, and students will be engraving personal items such as belt buckles and lighters. Instructor: Sam Cherry
Metal Engraving 201 | 7/22-7/26 | MTuWThF | 9AM-5PM | $201.60 | Register | Tool List
Marlin Takedown Lever Action Conversion
In this course each student will convert their Marlin 336, 1894, or 1895 into a takedown. The barrel and magazine will be removed from the receiver and the magazine tube will be used as a lock mechanism. The process includes coating and a trigger job. This course will be taught by the well-known gunsmith Lee Hadaway from Colorado. Instructor: Lee Hadaway
Marlin Takedown Lever | 7/22-8/2 | MTuWThF | 9AM-5PM | $256.60 | Register | Tool List
Smith & Wesson Double Action Revolver
This course will provide an overview of custom work commonly performed on Smith and Wesson K, L, and N frame revolvers. Action tuning and timing of these revolvers for competition or field use will be examined in detail. Also included in the class is instruction on barrel installation, shortening, and various sight installations. Advanced topics such as caliber conversions and metal finishing theory will be discussed if time permits. Instructor: Mark Dye
Smith & Wesson Double Action Revolver | 3/10-3/14 | 9AM-5PM | $201.60 | Register | Tool List
Ak-47 Build
The focus of this course is the most popular and widespread rifle in the world; The AK pattern rifle. Students will build, Modify and Accurize an AK47 rifle. Theory and common malfunctions will be expounded upon. Learn tips and tricks to build the best AK you can! AK parts kits will be purchased separately from the instructor. Students will have several options they may purchase from the instructor. Students must have a serialized receiver and be able to pass an ATF 4473. Instructor will have these for purchase as well. Instructor: Dennis Pendry
Ak-47 Build | 5/5-5/9 | 9AM-5PM | $201.60 | Register | Tool List
AR Accurizing Course
Do you own an AR-15 or AR-10 that could use an accuracy boost? Students in this class will learn several basic techniques to tighten-up their existing ARs from an instructor who specializes in precision semi-auto rifle and large-format pistol work. Receiver face truing, muzzle crown repair, barrel extension bedding, and gas tube alignment are just some of the procedures you’ll have an opportunity to perform on your personal rifle. This class is intended for already-built ARs. Basic machining experience will be helpful, but most work can be completed with hand tools. Instructor: Steve Adelmann
AR Accurizing Course | 9/22-9-26 | 9AM-5PM | Register | Tool List
NRA Advanced Classes II
(Machining experience is required for the following classes.)
Custom 1911 Pistol Build
Students will be guided through the entire process of building their own precision 1911 type pistol. Students will receive instruction in techniques, procedures, proper use of tools/jigs and theory required to build an exceptionally reliable and accurate 1911 pistol. They will then apply these methods, under supervision, to build their pistol. Class lectures will cover troubling shooting and in-depth discussions on the function and the why of specific methods and modifications of the 1911 pistol. At the end of the course, each student will have built, and test fired their 1911 pistol and will have been provided with various informational papers and a build checklist. Students will be required to purchase a “kit” provided by the instructor. This kit will provide all the parts required, less sights and grips, to keep the class instruction standardized and to prevent excessive time spent fixing and modifying substandard parts. The parts in the kit will be sourced from several quality manufacturers and will include a Nighthawk, EGW, and Kart Precision barrel. Students will receive a letter which details options and procedures for ordering and payment for their kit. Out-of-state residents must coordinate with an FFL in their state of residence to receive and transfer the frame to them. The instructor will provide the kits at cost plus NC sales tax. *BUILD KITS MUST BE ORDERED AND PAID FOR NO LATER THAN 1 MAR 24 to ensure timely receipt of parts. After 1 MAR I will have available a limited quantity of baseline kits. Instructor: Tim Davis
Custom 1911 Pistol Build | 7/22-8/2 | MTuWThF | 9AM-5PM | $256.60 | Register | Tool List
Bolt Action Precision Barreling
Learn how to build a precision bolt action barreled action. Receiver truing, bolt truing, barrel chambering, barrel fitting and muzzle crowning will be fully covered. The student will chamber their match barrel utilizing the “through the lathe headstock” method. Upon completion, barreled actions will be shot for accuracy. Loaner chassis will be available for Remington 700 long and short action. *Please contact the instructor for approval required on action types and rifle builds. *Proficiency of the metal lathe and mill is required. Instructor: Len Fagan
Bolt Action Precision Barreling | 8/5-8/9 | MTuWThF | 9AM-5PM | $556.60 | Register | Tool List
Suppressor 101
This class will guide students through the necessary steps to build their own legal suppressor. A portion of class time will be devoted to laws and regulations regarding suppressors and other NFA items. Suppressor design theory will be explored in detail. The remainder of the time will be devoted to machining the components for and assembling their own legal suppressor. Students must have an approved ATF Form 1 to be registered in the class. Lathe experience is required for this class. Instructor: Ronnie Beal
Suppressor 101 | 10/11-10/15 | FSaSuMTu | 9AM-5PM | $501.60 | Register | Tool List
10/22 Accurizing
This class will focus on modifying the extremely popular factory Ruger 10/22 rifle for improved accuracy and function. These modifications would be suitable for both Appleseed events and NRL 22 events. This is a machining intensive course that will utilize the vertical milling machine, surface grinder and engine lathe to complete the chosen modifications. These modifications will include bolt head spacing, firing pin mods, chamfering the rear of the bolt, factory barrel setback, muzzle crowning, machining the receiver for a clean out hole, drilling/tapping for 8-40 scope base holes, bolt release mods and trigger work. The student will use the covered techniques and procedures to produce a reliable and accurate 10/22 that will be test fired on the MCC range. NOTE: This class will be limited to 10/22’s chambered for .22LR only. Instructor: Len Fagen
10/22 Accurizing | 4/4-4/6 | 9AM-5PM | $146.60 | Register | Tool List
Precision Pistol Barreling
This course will offer students an opportunity to learn precision fitting of barrels from one of the premier makers of pistol barrels in the firearms industry. Theory and methodology will be covered for precision fitting of barrels for Glocks, S&W M&Ps, Sig, Berretta, Springfield XD pistols. The course will also cover fitting of 1911 style barrels, particularly bull barrels and ramp cuts. Practice barrels are provided by the instructor so that students can gain experience in fitting multiple barrels during the class. Students may also choose to purchase and fit barrels to their own pistols. Instructor: Irv Stone III of Bar-Sto Barrels
Precision Pistol Barreling | 5/9-5/11 | 9AM-5PM | $576.60 | Register | Tool List
Reloading Classes
Basic Bullet Casting
This course will provide an in-depth look at the processes of casting lead bullets. Selection of molds and alloys, bullet styles, safety practices, and casting procedures will be covered exhaustively. Students will learn to cast their own lead bullets in a safe, professional manner in a controlled environment. Instructor: Pat Weaver
Basic Bullet Casting | 4/4-4/6 | 9AM-5PM | $146.60 | Register | Tool List
Armorer Courses
Remington 870 Armorers Course
This Remington 870 armorer’s course is a one-day comprehensive course covering the operation and maintenance of this popular firearm. Topics of discussion will include assembly/disassembly, cycle of operations, nomenclature, aftermarket parts and modifications, ballistic issues, brands, cleaning and maintenance, headspace, along with service and repair. Instructor: Joshua Needham
Remington 870 Armorers Course | 7/21 | Su | 9am-5pm | $161.60 | Register | Tool List
AR-15 Armorers Course
This AR-15 armorer’s course is a two-day comprehensive course covering the operation and maintenance of this popular platform. Topics of discussion will include assembly/disassembly, cycle of operations, nomenclature, gas system, barrel twist and length, barrel replacement, aftermarket parts and modifications, ballistic issues, brands, cleaning and maintenance, sights/optics, headspace, firing pin protrusion, along with service and repair. Instructor: Joshua Needham
AR-15 Armorers Course | 7/27-7/28 | SaSu | 9AM-5PM | $205.00 | Register | Tool List
This course is designed to familiarize Law Enforcement, Industry Professionals, and civilians in the basic maintenance, breakdown, and conversions for the Tavor SAR & X95. Students will attend 2 days of training for the SAR & X95. There are 2 types of certifications. “Certificate of Completion of the Tavor /X95 Armorers course” which would be for civilians who do not have FFL’s and “Certified Armorer” for personnel who possess a valid FFL. Instructor: David Dickson
- As a participant you will be given a brief history on the design, features and operability of the Tavor models
- Your instructor will go over in detail field disassembly, reassembly, part identification and function checks as well as the principle of operation
- Left-to-Right & Right-to-Left Conversions will be taught, practiced, and tested
- Basic repairs for commonly broken parts
- 9mm Conversions will be taught, practiced, and tested on the SAR and X95
- In addition to the hands-on SAR and X95 tests, there will be a written exam at the end of the course
- Students will have access to discounts on IWI products and a discount on one weapon system
- *The student should arrive with a basic understating of gas operated, semi-automatic rifle systems and how they are field stripped. Not necessarily the Tavor, but any common system such as the AK or AR.
Level I Tavor Armorer Course | 2-19-2/20 | WTH | 9AM-5PM | $300 | Register | Tool List
*(SS) Self supporting classes are non-refundable except in the case of cancellation by the college.