You may be passionate about guns or collect them. It doesn’t matter what your background is; becoming a gunsmith may be a good career choice.
The historically rich field of gunsmithing has lasted over 800 years. And it doesn’t look like it will be leaving anytime soon. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for gunsmithing to be a hobby or a career; this site has everything that you need.
What Does a Gunsmith Do?
A gunsmith can be described as a professional craftsperson who makes, builds, restores, or repairs various types of firearms. They are skilled in metalworking and woodworking as well as machine operation.
Depending on their primary focus, the exact details of a gunsmith’s day may vary.
These Are Some Typical Duties For Gunsmiths:
- Assembling or disassembling firearms
- Cleaning, cleaning, and/or lubricating firearms.
- Repairing guns
- Gun modification and customization
- Engravings are added or changed
- Fitting barrels
- Gun engraving
- Replacing firing mechanisms or barrels
- Modifying pull-weight and other triggers
- Designing or drawing firearm components
- You can test new designs and/or elements
These may not be the most common of all the options.
Many gunsmiths only specialize in one type of firearm, such as pistol-smith, who only works on handguns and pistols.
How to Become a Gunsmith Licensed?
In order to be a gunsmith, you will need formal education, licensing, and experience with firearm handling.
Although your choice of job and what type of guns it involves can influence the specific steps needed to become a gunsmith, the foundations of your education are likely to remain the same. Let’s look at it.
Education
It is highly recommended that you attend a gunsmith education program.
For most gunsmith programs, you will need a high school diploma. After the program is completed, you can look into certificates in online gunsmithing.
Many colleges and technical institutions offer gunsmithing courses. Certificate programs generally take six months to complete. Many of these certificates can be found online.
On the contrary, some colleges also offer associate degree programs in gunsmithing.
Two years are required to complete an associate degree in gunsmithing. This program provides all you need to know and master the fundamental skills required to become a professional pistol smith. When you finish the associate program, it will prepare you for an entry-level gunsmithing job.
Keep in mind, regardless of what gunsmith program you choose to pursue, the essential skills and topics that are required are the exact same.
- Identification and evaluation of gun functions and firearm designs
- All types of guns repaired
- Gun Safety
- Assembling firearms and taking them apart
- Firearm customization
- The ability to master math and chemistry
- Ballistics, ammunition
- Troubleshooting common problems when using firearms
- Common tools in gunsmithing, such as power and hand tools
- Metal and Woodworking
Internships/Training
Once you have completed your gunsmith program, the next step is to apply either for a formal apprenticeship (or on-the-job training). This training will enable you to gain more experience with gunsmithing. Short-term classes can be limited to one type of training. These classes might only last for a few days. These classes do not award college credit, but they will give you a certificate.
An apprenticeship program could be an alternative option to a degree program or certificate in gunsmithing. But, many apprenticeship programs still require that you complete a certain amount of education.
