Libby, MT –-(Ammoland.com)- Flathead Valley Community College will launch a new two-semester evening Firearms Technologies Certificate starting this fall.
A complement to the non-credit gunsmithing program offered in the summer months, the 27-credit program will feature curriculum developed to support the growing firearms industry in the Flathead Valley and throughout Montana.
One of only a few colleges in the nation to offer a program of this kind, FVCC has developed the program as an enhancement to its existing industrial machine technology program introduced last year under the Department of Labor “Amplifying Montana’s Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Industry” grant (#TC-23760-12-60-A-30).
The new program will provide students the opportunity to incorporate advanced machining skills in addition to what is taught in traditional gunsmithing programs. Courses are tailored to emphasize the manufacturing of firearm components.
Fred Zeglin, curriculum coordinator for the program, developed the courses under the guidance and input from local firearms manufacturers. The program will be marketed nationwide bringing focus to the local industry.
Emphasis will be placed upon the completion of several gunsmithing projects involving blueprints and schematics using a combination of both hand and machine tools. This program will provide a clear understanding of firearms function, enabling graduates to assist with design or tolerance issues in manufacturing environments.
The program will be held in the evenings with labs during the daytime on Friday and Saturday. 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.
Prospective students must apply both to the program and for admission to FVCC. Program applications are due August 1 at 4 p.m. Applications are available online at https://www.fvcc.edu/firearms or in the Admissions Office in Blake Hall on the FVCC Kalispell campus. For more information, contact Jori Bullemer at 756-3905 or jbullemer@fvcc.edu or Will Richards at 756-4862 or wrichards@fvcc.edu.