Learn more about gunsmith careers. This career can be your best choice if you are looking for the right job. Learn more about training requirements, salaries, career outlook, and job duties.
What is a Gunsmith’s Job?
Gunsmiths create and design guns. They also repair guns. They are also skilled at repairing guns. Some repairs they may make to a weapon include adding sights, fixing scopes, and improving accuracy. They require a high school diploma. Most often, they complete a gunsmithing class to prepare for the job. Gunsmiths require a license and should be proficient in handling firearms.
What Is A Gunsmith, And How Do You Define It?
Gunsmiths engage in a variety of activities that are related to firearms. This includes fabricating or disassembling firearms, cleaning them, troubleshooting and engraving, customizing, buying and repairing them, and many other tasks. You can choose to specialize or not in this field. It is possible to learn skills informally prior to pursuing a professional career. However, it is also possible that you complete an associate’s level program in gunsmithing in order before entering the workforce.
Step 1: Take Classes to Learn Gunsmithing Skills
Before starting an apprenticeship or formal training program, you might want to become proficient in general machining skills and the use of hand tools such as grinding and polishing. Courses in machine tool processes and ballistics, metallurgy, report writing/drafting, algebra, woodworking, and metallurgy may be an option. These courses could be taken in high school or through a technical college.
Step 2: Gaining Experience
As an assistant or helper, you could work as a gunsmith. Even part-time work can give you valuable skills. You may also be able to watch a gunsmith at work. You may gain the skills gunsmiths need, such as patience, detail orientation, and steady hands.
Step 3: Complete Formal Training or an Apprenticeship
Many gunsmiths want to be trained in trade schools and community colleges. These formal programs lead to either a diploma or an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in gunsmithing. NRA offers a short-term non-credit course for anyone interested in becoming a gunsmith. Gunsmithing, a US-registered apprenticeship, is offered through each state’s apprentice program.
Step 4: Check the Licensure Prerequisites
The activities that you plan on engaging in as a gunsmith will determine whether you need a government-issued permit. Gunsmiths selling or building firearms require a federal firearms permit (FFL) as either dealers or manufacturers. You may also find licensing requirements specific to cities, counties, and townships.
Step 5: Applying for Jobs
Once you have successfully completed the required training and received licensure, you will be ready for work as a licensed firearms smith. Licensed gunsmiths work in gun shops and armories as well as with firearms distributors, manufacturers, and retailers.
What Are Some Alternatives Careers?
Engineers or scientists may need to rely on engineers and technologists for the design or development of tools or products. They need a degree in engineering or related post-secondary studies. The degree of a design engineer is in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. They create blueprints for machines, equipment, and systems. They are skilled in the fabrication of metal parts using specialized equipment. Gunsmiths have a lot in common with design engineers and engineering technologists. They work on designing items that are tailored to the client’s specific needs.
