How does one become a gunsmith?

First you have to become a machinist, then go to school to become a gunsmith

Gunsmithing is quickly becoming so specialized that it is becoming a fantasy job. On one hand, becoming a gunsmith requires thousands and thousands of dollars' worth of highly specialized tools and a facility to house them. On the other hand, gunsmithing isn't in high demand, and off-the-shelf firearms are being made with tighter tolerances and better hardware than ever, and therefore require less gunsmithing. These factors are working together to make gunsmiths an endangered species. There is still legitimate work to be had as a gunsmith, and to some degree, there always will be. This doesn't happen like you see it on the TV shows, though, as I'm sure you know. Instead of working in a prestigious custom firearms shop, you're more realistic to be expecting to work in a dirty warehouse behind a gun shop or pawn shop. The pay may be hourly, or you may be paid a set amount for each job you complete. In either case, don't expect to get rich. I guess I'm not really answering your question so far. To become a gunsmith, start off by studying gunsmithing at an accredited college. Do NOT order the "become a gunsmith in X weeks" DVDs from the back pages of Field & Stream and the like. You need a real program taught by an actual person who knows what they're doing and can answer questions when you have them. In addition, a college will have all the major tools you will need. Your personal tools (punches, etc.) and materials will be up to you to provide. There are not many colleges that offer gunsmithing programs. All of the programs are two-year courses. I'm unfairly biased toward the one at Murray State College in Tishomingo, OK which is taught by my uncle, John Bohon. The program accepts only 20 students at a time (this is typical, and desirable), and the wait time to get into the program is 2 years for successful applicants. Start applying to gunsmithing programs now. Below is an article about gunsmithing programs which includes a list of all accredited colleges that offer gunsmithing degrees.

you can go to school at many different college's that teach gunsmithing(do a online search) or you can try a home school through Penn and Foster