South Dakota Invests $4M in Gunsmith Program at Western Dakota Tech

Governor Rhoden touts state's commitment to Second Amendment rights

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:25am

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A highly stylized, abstract grid of brightly colored handgun silhouettes in neon shades of red, blue, and yellow, conceptually representing the state's commitment to supporting the firearms industry.South Dakota's investment in a new gunsmith program aims to bolster the state's reputation as a hub for the firearms industry.Rapid City Today

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden announced a $4 million investment to establish a new gunsmith program at Western Dakota Technical College in Rapid City. The program aims to train skilled gunsmiths as other states have moved to restrict firearm ownership and use.

Why it matters

The investment in the gunsmith program underscores South Dakota's stance as a pro-Second Amendment state, contrasting with the gun control policies being implemented in other parts of the country. The program is expected to attract students from across the region and bolster the state's reputation for supporting the firearms industry.

The details

The new gunsmith program at Western Dakota Tech will provide hands-on training in firearm repair, customization, and manufacturing. The $4 million in state funding will go towards establishing specialized workshops, purchasing equipment, and hiring experienced instructors to lead the curriculum.

  • The announcement was made by Governor Rhoden during an event in Rapid City on April 15, 2026.

The players

Larry Rhoden

The Governor of South Dakota, who announced the $4 million investment in the new gunsmith program.

Western Dakota Technical College

A public technical college in Rapid City, South Dakota, that will host the new gunsmith program.

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What they’re saying

“As other states have taken away Second Amendment rights, South Dakota said, 'Not here,'”

— Larry Rhoden, Governor

What’s next

The gunsmith program at Western Dakota Tech is expected to begin enrolling students in the fall of 2026, with the first graduating class projected for the spring of 2028.

The takeaway

South Dakota's investment in a new gunsmith program at Western Dakota Tech underscores the state's commitment to supporting the firearms industry and preserving Second Amendment rights, even as other parts of the country move to restrict gun ownership and use.