North Idaho College Introduces New Gunsmithing Course for Local Gun Enthusiasts and Aspiring Craftsmen

The North Idaho College Workforce Training Center is introducing a new General Gunsmithing course on March 5, 2024. The course targets gun enthusiasts and individuals interested in a career in firearms craftsmanship. The three-week AR armorer course will offer a certificate of completion. It will teach students to identify problems and replace defective or damaged gun parts. This course is part of a larger plan to establish a yearlong gunsmithing program to train certified gunsmiths.

Dwight Van Horn, a Kootenai County resident and member of the National Rifle Association Board of Directors, proposed the program. He discussed the idea with the NIC board and President Nick Swayne. The proposal received positive feedback, and the program was promptly initiated.

The course will include demonstrations and practical exercises. Students will learn gun assembly, disassembly, maintenance, and troubleshooting. The program plans to add courses on basic lathe, antique firearms, re-barreling, and more.

The program will begin with students learning about hand tools. It will later cover welding, machining, braising, soldering, working on wood and composite stocks, checkering, and more. The application deadline for the AR armorer course is March 4, 2024.

Colby Mattila, NIC Executive Director of Workforce and Economic Development, shared his positive outlook on the program. He stated that if there is sufficient community interest in a topic, they will work to implement it. For more information or to register for the AR armorer course, interested individuals can contact Mattila directly.

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