Best Gunsmithing Schools in Prescott Valley

Best Gunsmithing Schools in Prescott Valley (2026 Guide)

If you are searching for the best gunsmithing schools in Prescott Valley, you likely want more than a list of names. You want hands-on training, job-ready skills, credible certification, and clear information about tuition, tools, and career outcomes. This guide provides a structured comparison of top programs near Prescott Valley, Arizona, including on-campus and flexible options that serve local students.

Key Takeaways

• Yavapai College (Prescott) offers the closest in-person machining and metal fabrication training relevant to gunsmithing careers.
• Specialized gunsmithing schools such as Yavapai College’s Gunsmithing Program are recognized nationwide and offer intensive, hands-on training.
• Online programs like Penn Foster provide flexible theoretical training but limited in-person experience.
• Employers value machining skills, welding, CNC knowledge, and refinishing expertise as much as traditional firearms repair skills.
• Expect total costs between $3,000 and $25,000 depending on program depth and tools required.

What to Look for in a Gunsmithing School

Before comparing schools, understand what separates a hobby-level course from a professional gunsmithing program:

1. Hands-On Training

The best programs dedicate significant time to shop work. You should expect instruction in:

• Manual machining and CNC machining
• Metal lathe and mill operations
• Barrel fitting and chambering
• Stock shaping and finishing
• Firearm troubleshooting and repair

2. Accreditation and Industry Recognition

Accredited colleges or nationally recognized trade schools strengthen your resume and may qualify you for financial aid.

3. Career Outcomes

Ask about job placement assistance, apprenticeships, and alumni success stories. Many successful graduates open private shops or work for manufacturers.

4. Location and Shop Access

If you live in Prescott Valley, commuting distance and shop hours matter. Prescott Valley is approximately 10 minutes from Prescott and about 90 miles from Phoenix, making regional schools viable options.

Top Gunsmithing Schools Near Prescott Valley

The following programs are the most relevant for residents of Prescott Valley based on proximity, reputation, curriculum depth, and career preparation.

School Location Program Type Duration Estimated Tuition Hands-On Training Yavapai College Prescott, AZ Associate of Applied Science 2 Years $6,000–$10,000 (in-state) Extensive machining and fabrication labs Penn Foster Online Career Diploma 4–8 Months (self-paced) $1,000–$1,500 Minimal physical lab work Arizona Western College Yuma, AZ Welding/Industrial Tech 1–2 Years $5,000–$9,000 Strong fabrication and welding labs

Yavapai College – The Closest Comprehensive Option

Located in nearby Prescott, Yavapai College is the most practical in-person option for Prescott Valley residents.

Why It Stands Out

• Accredited public community college
• Modern machining and manufacturing labs
• Affordable in-state tuition
• Strong foundation in CNC, welding, and fabrication

While not exclusively branded as a traditional gunsmithing academy, Yavapai College’s advanced manufacturing and machining programs provide core technical skills every professional gunsmith must master.

Best For

Students who want hands-on shop time, mechanical depth, and a broader technical credential that expands employment options beyond firearms repair.

Penn Foster Gunsmithing Program – Flexible Online Option

If you need flexibility, Penn Foster offers an online Gunsmith Career Diploma.

Program Highlights

• Firearm assembly and function
• Gun safety and legal foundations
• Scope mounting and maintenance

Pros

• Affordable and self-paced
• Accessible from Prescott Valley
• Strong theoretical foundation

Limitations

• Limited hands-on machining
• No in-person shop training

This option works well for hobbyists or those planning to apprentice locally while studying theory online.

Arizona Western College – Fabrication-Focused Training

Though several hours away, Arizona Western College offers welding and industrial technology programs that can complement or lead into gunsmithing careers.

Modern firearms customization increasingly relies on welding, CNC machining, and precision metal finishing. Graduates with strong fabrication backgrounds often find work in specialty gun manufacturing or advanced customization shops.

Career Outlook for Gunsmiths in Arizona

Gunsmiths in Arizona work in:

• Private repair shops
• Firearms manufacturers
• Shooting ranges and sporting goods stores
• Custom rifle and pistol shops

According to trade and industry data, skilled gunsmiths typically earn between $35,000 and $65,000 annually depending on specialization and experience. Custom builders and shop owners can earn significantly more.

High-Demand Skills

• CNC programming
• Barrel threading and chambering
• Cerakote and advanced coatings
• Firearm diagnostics

Tools and Startup Costs

Beyond tuition, students should budget for tools:

• Precision measuring tools
• Bench vise and gunsmith screwdrivers
• Stone sets and polishing compounds
• Safety gear

Expect $1,000 to $5,000 in additional equipment costs depending on your program and long-term plans.

Commute and Accessibility from Prescott Valley

Prescott Valley offers direct highway access to Prescott and Flagstaff. Yavapai College’s Prescott campus is approximately a 15-minute drive, making it highly convenient for daily attendance.

Students traveling to Phoenix-based programs should account for a 1.5 to 2-hour commute or consider relocation.

How to Choose the Right Program

If You Want Maximum Hands-On Training

Choose an accredited college with machining labs, such as Yavapai College.

If You Need Flexibility

Start with an online diploma and pair it with a local apprenticeship.

If You Want to Specialize in Manufacturing

Pursue advanced CNC and welding certifications alongside gunsmithing coursework.

Selecting the right gunsmithing school in Prescott Valley comes down to your career goals, budget, and how much hands-on experience you want before entering the field.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gunsmithing Schools in Prescott Valley

What is the closest hands-on gunsmithing option to Prescott Valley?

Yavapai College in Prescott is your closest major option. Its machining and advanced manufacturing labs give you core skills used in professional gunsmithing, including metalwork, fabrication, and CNC basics.

How much does gunsmithing training near Prescott Valley cost?

You can expect tuition to range from about $1,000–$1,500 for online programs like Penn Foster to roughly $6,000–$10,000 in-state for a two-year program at Yavapai College. Tools and safety gear can add another $1,000–$5,000.

Is an online gunsmithing program enough to start a career?

An online program is helpful for learning firearm theory, safety, and basic repair, but it does not replace shop time. For a career, you should pair online study with in-person training, such as machining courses or a local apprenticeship.

What skills do Arizona gunsmith employers look for most?

Employers often look for strong machining and metalworking skills, including lathe and mill work, CNC basics, welding, barrel fitting, and refinishing. Being able to diagnose firearm problems and work safely is also important.

How long does it take to become a gunsmith in Arizona?

You can complete a short online program in 4–8 months, but most in-depth training takes 1–2 years at a community college or trade school. Many gunsmiths then spend extra time apprenticing or working in a shop to build real-world experience.