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.
2023 NRA short-term gunsmithing class schedule is posted below. Classes are added throughout the semester so check back often.
2023 NRA SHORT-TERM GUNSMITHING REGISTRATION
Registration by credit card may be made online (click for instructions)
Or download and complete a registration form and
- Call 910-898-9672 with your complete registration and credit card information OR
- Email completed registration form and credit card information to nra-registration@montgomery.edu OR
- Fax completed registration form and credit card information to 910-576-5162 OR
- Mail completed registration form with payment to: MCC, Attn: ConEd Registration, 1011 Page Street, Troy, NC 27371 OR
- Visit us in the NC Works Career Center / Workforce Development Center located adjacent to Blair Hall (Bldg. 100) Monday through Thursday, 8 AM – 5 PM or Friday, 8 AM – 12 PM.
Refunds: No refunds will be made for classes with a self-supporing (SS) designation. Self-supporting classes are non-refundable except in the case of cancellation by Montgomery Community College. Classes without a self-supporting designation are eligible for a full refund if the registrant withdraws prior to the class start date. Partial refunds may be made up to the 10% point of class meeting hours. Please click here to view Montgomery Community College’s Continuing Education Refund
For information about the NRA short-term gunsmithing classes please contact Michael Gardner at 910-898-9742 or email gardnerm8558@montgomery.edu.
NRA Classes
NRA Gunsmithing Courses
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 Gunsmithing: Shotgun
This course will provide students 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 exhibiting common problems found within that particular 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. Instructor: Tim Sheffield
Basic Gunsmithing: Shotgun | 9/15-9/17 | FSASU | 9AM-6PM | $146.60 | Register | Tool List
Long Rifle Kit Build
Who doesn’t love a flint lock or cap lock rifle? This class will be taught by a 6th generation gunsmith whose family made many of our countries original rifles. In the class students will take his years of experience to complete their kit. Students will learn fitting, function, historical accuracy and correct finishing techniques. Instructor: Jacob Porter
Long Rifle Kit Build | 9/25-9/29 | MTWTHF | 9AM-6PM | $201.60 | 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 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 | 12/8-12/10 | FSASU | 9AM-6PM | $201.60 | Register | Tool List
Firearms Finishing Classes
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. In order 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 | 9/16-9/17 | SASU | 9AM-6PM | $205 | Register | Tool List
Reloading Classes
NRA Shooting Instruction Classes
Pistol Shooting fundamentals
This course, taught by a nationally known IDPA and USPSA champion, will focus on the fundamental techniques necessary for fast and accurate handgun shooting. Topics will include: proper grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger control. Other topics such as drawing from a holster, performing magazine changes, and controlling recoil will be discussed at length. Instructor: Gary Byerly
Pistol Shooting fundamentals | 9/16 | SA | 9AM-6PM | $160 | Register
AR-15 Shooting fundamentals
This course, taught by a nationally known IDPA and USPSA champion, will focus on the fundamental techniques necessary for fast and accurate AR-15 shooting. The firearms platform that will be focused on will be the AR-15. Topics will include: proper grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger control. Other topics such as rifle manipulation, performing magazine changes, and controlling recoil will be discussed at length. Instructor: Gary Byerly
AR-15 Shooting fundamentals | 9/17 | SU | 9AM-6PM | $160 | Register
Hunting Rifle Techniques
The goal of this course is to prepare students for basic rifle shooting in situations common to hunting. Topics will include: equipment, sighting in with scopes and iron sights, marksmanship fundamentals, and shooting positions. Rather than only shooting from a bench or from traditional positions, students will shoot from a tree stand, from ground blinds, conventional shooting positions, as well as improvised field positions. While most of the course will focus on executing basic fundamentals on a 100 yard range, some discussion will be devoted to longer shots and related topics. Instructor: Mark Dye
Hunting Rifle Techniques | 9/16 | SA | 9AM-6PM | $160 | Register | Tool List
NRA Advanced Classes I
(Machining experience not required for these classes but a working knowledge of the subject matter is helpful.)
NRA Advanced Classes II
(Machining experience is required for the following classes.)
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. (IMPORTANT: Students must have an approved ATF Form 1 in order to be officially registered in the class.) Lathe experience is required for this class. Instructor: Ronnie Beal
Suppressor 101 | 10/13-10/17 | FSASUMT | 9AM-6PM | $399 | Register | Tool List
*(SS) Self supporting classes are non-refundable except in the case of cancellation by the college.
*(SS) Self supporting classes are non-refundable except in the case of cancellation by the college.
Knife Making
Tommy McNabb Knifemaking Scholarship – This scholarship provides $200 per class for a student who enrolls in a knifemaking class with an expressed financial need. Recipients must demonstrate an interest in knifemaking by individual study to the point at which they are ready for formal training. Contact the Continuing Education Office for an application at ce-registration@montgomery.edu or call 910-898-9672.
*(SS) Self supporting classes are non-refundable except in the case of cancellation by the college.
Basic Knife Making 101
Cost: $346.60
Dates: July 27 – 30
Instructor: Ed and Tanya VanHoy
This is a class designed to teach the proper techniques of free hand grinding, it will cover hollow grinding, flat grinding, and basic knife scale installation. It is open to all levels of experience. Students’ materials will be provided, all students will finish a fixed blade knife of the course’s design.
Professional Knife Sharpening
Cost: $140.60
Dates: August 5
Instructor: Barry Jones
Learn how to properly sharpen and maintain your knife blades by hand using sharpening stones. This hands-on class will cover straight and serrated edges, honing and edge angles. There is no tool requirement for this class. Just bring your knives!!!
Basic Knife Grinding Techniques
Cost: $356.60
Dates: August 18 – 20
Instructor: Barry Jones
The core of all knife making is the 2”x72” Belt grinder. This class will cover the importance of a proper set up in the machine as well as proper technique. Students will grind knife blades to learn different grinding techniques. By the end of class students will have a complete working knowledge of the machine and its capabilities.
Intermediate Knife Making 102
Cost: $346.60
Dates: September 7 – 10
Instructor: Ed and Tanya VanHoy
This class will cover all phases of fixed blade knife construction, students will finish one knife of their design, and designs will be approved with level of experience. All materials for class project are provided. Class will be open to all levels of experience, but it is preferred that students have some knowledge of knife making or having taken the Basic Knife 101 course. Students will finish a completed knife.
Chef Knife Making
Cost: $356.60
Dates: September 15 – 17
Instructor: Barry Jones
Have you ever wanted to make your own chef’s knife? This class will cover the design and construction of your knife. The class will be open to all levels of experience. All materials will be provided for the class. Some knowledge of knife making is recommended but not required. Students will finish a completed Chef knife.
Advanced Knife Making 103
Cost: $356.60
Dates: October 12 – 15
Instructor: Ed and Tanya VanHoy
This class will cover more advanced methods of custom fixed blade knife making to include advanced grinding techniques and handle installation including hidden tang. All materials for class project will be provided. Class is open to all levels of experience. Some knowledge of knife making or completion of Basic Knife Making 101 and Intermediate Knife Making 102 is recommended. Students will finish a completed knife.
Tomahawk Forging
Cost: $316.60
Dates: October 20 – 22
Instructor: Alexander Williams
Forging a tomahawk is a great starter project for blacksmithing. Forging the head will introduce students to the basic practice of drawing & shaping steel as well as forge-welding and heat treating to harden the edge. Students will forge a traditional style “wrap-around” tomahawk head and will shape/ fit the handle form provided hardwood blanks. Then students will personalize & complete this “hawk” with traditional details & embellishments of their choosing. Open to all levels of experience.
Covert Tool Grinding
Cost: $356.60
Dates: November 10 – 12
Instructor: Barry Jones
This class will cover designing, making and use of non-traditional blades/tools for self-defense using materials other than steel.
Christmas Knife Making
Cost: $375
Dates: November 16 – 19
Instructor: Ed and Tanya VanHoy
Just in time for a great Holiday Gift! MCC is proud to present our annual tradition of the Christmas Holiday Knife class with the legendary Ed Vanhoy. In this class, you will learn how to fashion a knife from scratch complete with a custom leather sheath. Students will design, shape, heat treat, cut custom grips, hollow grind, polish, and sheath their own knives. Whether the class is a present for a loved one, a chance to make a present for a loved one, or just a present for yourself you can’t beat this annual tradition. All Materials will be provided.