Black River Technical College Becomes NRA-Affiliated Gunsmithing Program

College is one of only four in the country to receive NRA approval for its gunsmithing courses.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:19am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic gunsmithing tool repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the college's focus on hands-on technical skills in the firearms industry.Black River Technical College's new NRA-approved gunsmithing program brings specialized firearms training to Arkansas.Wynne Today

Black River Technical College in Arkansas has been selected by the National Rifle Association (NRA) to offer its 'short-term gunsmithing courses', making it one of only four affiliated colleges in the country to receive this designation. To become an approved NRA gunsmithing school, colleges must have an existing gunsmithing program, experienced instructors, and proper facilities. Black River's program, which started in 2020, offers several certificates and an Associate's degree in gunsmithing technology.

Why it matters

The NRA's approval of Black River's gunsmithing program highlights the college's expertise in this specialized field and its commitment to providing quality firearms education. As one of only a handful of NRA-affiliated gunsmithing programs in the U.S., Black River's curriculum and facilities have been vetted and deemed to meet the NRA's high standards.

The details

Black River Technical College's gunsmithing program offers three certificates of proficiency in riflesmithing, shotgunsmithing, and pistolsmithing, as well as a technical certificate and an Associate of Applied Science degree in gunsmithing technology. To become an NRA-approved school, the college underwent a site visit by leaders from the three other NRA-affiliated colleges, who interviewed staff, examined the facilities, and evaluated the program's safety and comprehensiveness.

  • Black River Technical College's gunsmithing program started in 2020.
  • The NRA site visit to evaluate the program took place on March 26, 2026.

The players

Black River Technical College

A public community college in Arkansas that has been selected by the National Rifle Association (NRA) to offer its 'short-term gunsmithing courses', making it one of only four affiliated colleges in the country to receive this designation.

National Rifle Association (NRA)

A gun rights advocacy organization that has approved Black River Technical College's gunsmithing program, one of only four such programs in the country to receive this NRA affiliation.

Mark Dye

The director of the Gunsmithing Department at Montgomery Community College, one of the three other NRA-affiliated colleges, who praised Black River Technical College's gunsmithing curriculum and program establishment.

Trinidad State

A college in Colorado that has been an NRA-affiliated gunsmithing school for 49 years, one of the three other colleges besides Black River Technical College to receive this designation.

Murray State College

A college in Oklahoma that has been an NRA-affiliated gunsmithing school for 32 years, one of the three other colleges besides Black River Technical College to receive this designation.

Montgomery Community College

A college in North Carolina that has been an NRA-affiliated gunsmithing school for 10 years, one of the three other colleges besides Black River Technical College to receive this designation.

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What they’re saying

“This is a difficult task, and one that that is compounded by the lack of local existing programs to collaborate with.”

— Mark Dye, Director of the Gunsmithing Department at Montgomery Community College

The takeaway

Black River Technical College's new status as an NRA-affiliated gunsmithing program highlights the college's expertise and commitment to providing quality firearms education. As one of only a handful of such programs in the country, Black River's curriculum and facilities have been vetted and approved by the NRA, solidifying its reputation as a leader in this specialized field.