Guns in Arkansas
According to Business Insider, Arkansas ranks 2nd highest in U.S. gun ownership with 57.9% of residents owning at least 1 gun. Further, a Pew Research Center reports in 2017 that 66% of gun owners own more than one gun.
While Arkansas ranks 2nd in the most guns owned nationwide, no program–accredited or unaccredited–exits in Arkansas to produce skilled, safety-conscious gunsmithing professionals who can work on guns. In fact, the nearest accredited program is in Oklahoma at the Texas border.
Why a Gunsmithing Program?
In fact, Arkansas law enforcement agencies not located in the urban areas of the state desperately need gun repair technicians, called armorers. However, these departments do not have the funds to pay to send an officer to such classes when available.
At BRTC, because safety is our number one priority, our gunsmithing program will be infused with training from professionals at our Law Enforcement Training AcademyLaw Enforcement Training Academy.
Protection: 67%
Sport shooting: 30%
Collecting: 13%
Job requirements: 8%
What is Gunsmithing?
Gunsmithing is the art of designing, building, and repairing firearms. Not only do gunsmiths replace parts on guns, they have the skills to make intensive repairs to guns, even making new parts for guns. Gunsmiths use machining skills to drill holes, thread barrels, and mount scopes. They use welding skills to join parts and make intensive repairs.
How is a Gunsmith Different from an Armorer?
Armorers are usually employed by law enforcement agencies and repair parts and fix guns. Armorers, however, do not refinish, make, or do intensive repairs on guns like gunsmiths. However, armorers are often in demand in the law enforcement field where officers use guns frequently.