Gunsmithing Career, Responsibilities and Industry Overview

As the number of gun purchase applications increasingly rise across America, the demand for gunsmiths are increasing.Whether customers are purchasing firearms for personal protection, or sport, the owners will need the services of a gunsmith at some point during ownership.Maintenance performed by gunsmiths is very important in keeping guns accurate and in safe working order for a long time.Gunsmiths also design, build, repair or modify firearms to customer specifications, using both hand and machine tools.They usually work for gun manufacturers, niche sports and hunting shops, privately owned stores, armories, or they may also be self-employed.Gunsmithing job responsibilities include the repairing of firearms, remodeling according to provided customer specifications, performing maintenance, and having an extensive knowledge about various gun features and ammunition.Further education in the craft of gunsmitihng may lead to a career or positions in armory management, armory clerk, or gun, or guns sales.

Program, Training and Degree Overview

The general focus of the various available gunsmithing courses are to provide the student with extensive knowledge of the trade and to aid in acquiring employment in some area of the custom gun trade industry such as in firearm and metal industries, or in an established privately owned shop.Programs are taught by trained professionals and are typically comprised of various hands-on training courses to include classes such as: accurizing, repair and training, design and installation of metallic rifle sights, custom load ammunition, metal finishing, soldering, brazing and welding etc.Teachings in how to run a lathe and mill may also be offered through courses.Currently there are a number of trade and vocational schools offering Associate degrees and certificates in gunsmithing.Once a course is completed, the graduate should be knowledgeable about the variety of available ammunition for each specific product, and will have learned the basics of buying and selling guns legally and safely.

Gunsmithing Specialization Options

Some gunsmiths are considered general practitioners in the trade, while others have a specialization in a particular area.Custom Builders and Designers build guns to meet the characteristics specified by the customer.In order to properly manufacture the individual components before assembly, a gunsmith specializing in custom building must be very well educated in machining.Refinisher specialists apply chemical and heat-treatment processes to the parts of the guns to develop colored surfaces and ones that prevent rust and corrosion.A pistolsmith has extensive knowledge and a specialization in semi-automatic revolvers and pistols.Pistolsmiths are typically proficient in woodworking, machining, checkering metal finishing and have an advanced understanding of the mechanical characteristics.Frequently a pistolsmith is consulted for the customization of a handgun because they can easily turn a poorly constructed handgun into one that fires much more efficiently.A stock maker carves gun stocks from wood so they can fit it to the metal part of the receiver and barrel.Experience in sanding, oiling, staining and wood lacquering may be required to finish the wood surface.

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