College offers firearms technology training

Flathead Valley Community College has announced a May 1 deadline for fall admission into its firearms technologies program. The two-semester program features curriculum developed with input from local firearms employers to support the growing industry in the Flathead Valley and across Montana.

This certificate program is designed to provide a solid foundation in theory, design and function of firearms. Students who successfully complete the program will be prepared for entry-level positions in the firearms industry and will have a better understanding and knowledge base for owning a gunsmith business. The program contains both lecture and significant hands-on training designed to instill an understanding of the design and function of today’s firearms.

Course topics will include firearms introduction and safety; mill and lathe systems; bench metal techniques; firearms theory and firearms repair; machine tools for gunsmiths; and precision rifle building.

The program was developed to build upon a foundational machining background, which is provided through the college’s Tier I Machining Certificate. Machining Tier 1 courses will be offered at FVCC this summer beginning June 22. Program applicants with industry experience may opt to bypass the certificate by requesting testing and instructor consent.

Prospective students must apply both to the firearms technologies program and for admission to FVCC. Firearms technologies program applications are available online at www.fvcc.edu/firearms or in the Admissions Office in Blake Hall on the FVCC Kalispell campus. For more information, contact Will Richards at 756-4862 or wrichards@fvcc.edu.