Learning how to become a gunsmith is very essential as it would teach you all the pros and cons of gunsmithing. Also, it helps you understand that there is more to handling guns than what you see probably in movies or at the hands of national security agencies. Meanwhile, are you one of those who have recklessly been searching on becoming a gunsmith on the net? Or you are very enthusiastic about guns and would love to earn a degree in gun management? Do you seek to be licensed in operating with guns dealings? Then you need not worry as we have got you covered. Everything you need to know about gunsmithing has been illustrated here and many more, including the best school you can obtain a degree, job outlooks, and other career prospects as a gunsmith. However, you are ought to know that to become a gunsmith, you’d have varieties of skills as the duty of a gunsmith is quite vast and requires hands-on training and experience to be a pro. Thus, carefully read through this page as we have chronologically explained all an intending gunsmith is required of to be successful. The table of contents below will guide you!
Who is a Gunsmith?
A gunsmith is more of a professional firearm dealer, handler, and manager. It’s unlike the armorer that only replaces damaged parts in guns. The duty of a gunsmith as regards firearms is quite broad. they repair build and customize firearms like rifles, shotguns, and handguns. Though, a gunsmith can also perform simple tasks such as
Cleaning of guns Inspections of gunsDisassembling and reassembling a gun.
A gunsmith also performs complex duties like engraving designs in woods and metals, refinishing metal, and designing customized firearms. So obviously, to become a gunsmith, you require a wide range of skills and knowledge including skills in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Other skills, a gunsmith is expected to possess are
How to read blueprintsAlso, how to read some works with computer-aided design softwareHow to weld and carveThen, how to work with tools like lathes and mills.
They are a myriad of things a gunsmith is required to know how to do. But, most importantly, a gunsmith is a great dealer of guns and their management.
Why Become a Gunsmith?
They are so many reasons for becoming a gunsmith, but the majority of it was geared by the passion for collecting different guns having good dexterity in managing guns. However, the most significant reason for wanting to become a gunsmith is to maintain good national security and orderliness of guns in a country. Moreso, gunsmiths have developed a love for fixing and maintaining guns and are much ready to take their hobby into a career. Having a good gunsmith that is well licensed is very beneficial to the national security of a country or state. As they also keep good records and tracks of guns they sell therefore making it easy to trace guns when found at a crime scene. Also, gunsmiths ensure that the guns are not sold to the wrong hands or persons without a gun license. Additionally, one would want to become a gunsmith, just for the passion to ensure that guns used by national securities are in a good state of gun health.
Is Gunsmithing a Good Career?
Yes, gunsmithing is a very good career path as it exposes you to many skills and also every type of firearm. As a gunsmith, you’d learn some basic works of an engineer and a technician. You’d also come to learn about good management. Also, gunsmithing exposes you to acquiring many skills and you’d find yourself repairing, creating, and customizing guns. Moreover, there is more demand for gunsmiths in various countries. That’s why we have decided to show you how you can become a gunsmith.
What Does a Gunsmith Do?
We have given many tips on the duty of a gunsmith, but on the second thought, it’s is necessary you see the major duties gunsmiths are required to do.
Custom builder/designerFinisherStockmakerCheckererGun engraverPistolsmithManufacturer
#1. Custom Builder/designer
Gunsmiths build custom guns that satisfy customers’ specific needs. They can do this starting from scratch, or adding to already existing guns. A good gunsmith can also do the finishing and decorations of the guns. Gunsmiths can be called upon by professional shooters like avid sports shooters, target shooters, or any person that wants custom characteristics added to their firearm to create highly accurate or custom-looking firearms.
#2. Finisher
As earlier said, the gunsmith also does surface finishing on guns. This can be done using several chemical processes to give the gun good decoration and texture. They employ chemical processes such as browning, bluing, Parkerization, among others
#3. Stockmaker
The gunsmith can actually carve out guns parts from woos and fit them into the metal body to suit the customer’s dimensions. This is what is referred to as the stock makers.
#4. Checkerer
This specialization of gunsmiths is often combined with the stock makers. This is when the gunsmith uses checkering tools to create an ornate pattern of small raised diamonds in the wood surfaces which are to be gripped.
#5. Gun Engraver
Gunsmiths use hand graving tools or die-sinker chisels to cut designs or pictures into the metal surfaces of the gun. The firearms engraver must first be a highly gifted and capable artist that can first compose the desired design freehand on paper. The engraver must have a thorough knowledge of human and animal anatomy, botany, perspective, and composition.
#6. Pistolsmith
Also, are very competent and specializes in work on pistols and revolvers. Thus they are called, ‘Pistolsmiths’, and should be proficient in a range of skills such as checkering, woodworking, machining, metal finishing, and metalworking. They must have an outstanding understanding of the mechanical characteristics and function of the guns they work on.
#7. Manufacturing
Also, gunsmiths produce parts of guns and sell them to other gunmakers or industries. They can also specialize in producing some custom guns on a small scale. Thus, they are also partial manufacturers of guns or their parts.
What Is The Career Outlook of a Gunsmith?
They are a myriad of places where a gunsmith can actually put his/her prowess to use. Even recently, according to statistics and data are drawn, they have been high demands for gunsmiths, especially in the US. Some of the places a gunsmith can actually work are listed below;
Gun manufacturersLaw enforcement agenciesIndependently owned gun shops etc.
How Much Does a Gunsmith Earn?
The salary scale of a gunsmith actually depends on a lot of factors. Although, from a report from Payscale, gunsmiths receive an average salary of $16/hour in the US. That is about $40,000 in a year. But a gunsmith who owns his own business makes way more than this in a year.
How Can You Become a Gunsmith?
Gunsmiths can learn their craft in a variety of ways, including apprenticeships, military training, and completing a degree or certificate program. There are a small number of schools across the United States that offer certificate or associate degree programs in gunsmithing, and attending one of these programs is a highly recommended way to learn how to, gunsmith. Thus, to successfully become a gunsmith, you have to carefully follow the processes below;
Acquire Skills and KnowledgeGet On-The-Job ExperienceObtain Formal Education or TrainingVerify Licensing RequirementsLocate a JobBecome a Member of a Professional Organization
#1. Acquire Skills and Knowledge
To become a gunsmith, you first learn and know few tricks involved in the trade. There are many ways one can do this, you can start by learning the basic skills such as woodworking and metalworking. Also, having a good background in maths is a good hack. Below are some other basic skills you can learn for a start;
Knowledge of mathematicsAttention to detailPrecision woodworking skillsAbility to perform detailed metalworkingInterest in firearms especially the history of gunsManual dexterityFamiliarity with power tools eg lathe, vices, drills, and other toolsEnjoy meeting people and getting to know them and their needs
#2. Get On-The-Job Experience
On the second hand, it is also advisable to get primary experience in gunsmithing. Gunsmithing is a recognized apprenticeship program so you may find a place to work as a gunsmith’s helper. You may even apply to be an observer if there is no room to fit you in. You will definitely learn a lot by paying close attention.
#3. Obtain Formal Education or Training
The next step up is to obtain a formal education or training from an accredited institution. Some technical colleges and community colleges offer courses in Gunsmithing. You can either obtain a diploma or an associate degree at these institutions. The diploma programs may require not more than 6 months of the session while the associate degree certificate may take up to 2 years or less. Some non-credit earning courses are offered by the National Rifle Association.
#4. Verify Licensing Requirements
Now, the next step on becoming a gunsmith after obtaining a formal education is to get a verified license. This license is being acquired and rendered by The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives requires that gunsmiths hold a valid Federal Firearms License if they build or sell firearms. This is for persons in the United States. You check your country for authorities that issue licenses to gunsmiths. Though, some of the requirements you must meet to get a verified license are below;
Ensure you have a requirement to workThe applicant must be 21 years old or olderAlong with the age requirement, certain other legal and ethical conditions must be met.
Additionally, some additional laws may require additional licensing in a specific city or town.
#5. Locate a Job
When you have met all the aforementioned procedures, now you can seek a job placement as you’re fully certified as a gunsmith. Even you can start up your own business.
#6. Become a Member of a Professional Organization
Meanwhile, to become part of the gunsmith network, it is advisable to consider joining a professional organization made up of gunsmiths all over the country. This is a brilliant way to meet others who are willing to share tips and craft information with you.
How Long Does It Take To Become a Gunsmith?
Becoming a gunsmith takes series of stages and procedures as it also requires lots of experience. The experience really matters as it is what makes you more professional. You can either get one by working for gunsmiths or even applying to just watch how the work goes so you can easily learn the pros and cons involved in the work. Meanwhile, it will take two years or less to obtain an associate degree or certificate in gunsmith. Also, it will take six months to obtain a diploma in gunsmithing whichever is the case you choose. However, to become an expert requires several years of experience and practice to start your own business. In this career path, many gain experience in the military or working as a machinist and this can add years to how long it takes to become a gunsmith.
Which Body Accredits Gunsmithing Programs?
When considering to undertake any program in any institution, you must ensure that your intended course of study is properly accredited in your desired institution. Whether it is an online or offline program. Although, there are no accreditation body yets for gunsmithing programs. However, the National Rifle Association (NRA) affiliates with short-term courses at some institutions in the US. Furthermore, gunsmiths must have an FFL certificate (Federal Firearms License) and must meet all its requirements.
Where to Go to School for Gunsmithing?
Have you asking questions like; which institution best offers gunsmithing programs? Then you need not bother because we have selected top-notch countries that offer amazing and well educative programs in gunsmithing. You can see them below;
Federal Republic of GermanyItalyJapanUnited KingdomUnited States
Which Schools Offers The Best Gunsmithing Programs?
We have also selected some prominent institutions where you can undertake a good program in gunsmithing. Though, it is in no particular order;
#1. Harvard University
The great Harvard University located in Massachusetts is one of the recommended schools to undertake a program in gunsmithing from our list. The institution is very proficient in what they do and has proven to be the best institution in many key areas of study. Thus, to see more about the school, visit the school portal through the link.
#2. Stanford University
Another profound institution to undertake a program in gunsmithing is Stanford University in California. The school is very proficient in handling engineering programs.
#3. Colorado School of Trades
The Colorado School of trades offers an associate degree in gunsmith and is very effective in her training scheme. This is one of the best schools to undertake a program in Gunsmith.
#4. Yavapai College
The Yavapai College in Arizona is also a tremendous school to undertake a program in gunsmithing. The institution has proven itself significant in engineering-related courses and is very good in its gunsmith program.
#5. Pine Technical College
Another good institution to consider taking a Gunsmith program is the Pine Technical College in Minnesota. They also offer an associate degree in Gunsmithing and is a very good school to try out Other good institutions include;
Piedmont Technical CollegeMurray State CollegeMontgomery Community CollegeLenoir Community CollegeUniversity of Pennsylvania
A gunsmith does not have an average salary scale as it depends on his job position and duty. But in the US, the average salary scale of a gunsmith is 16$ per hour. to become a gunsmith, according to the law, you must be at least 21 years old. A gunsmith focuses on the creativity aspect of firearms. While a firearms engineer identifies and corrects flaws in the designs of existing ammunition. A firearm engineer is more focused on the functionality of the guns. Of course, you can obtain a degree in gunsmithing from a higher institution. It takes about 2 years to obtain an associate degree in gunsmithing.
Conclusion
Gunsmithing is a very good career path, coupled with the fact that you’d learn to be a pro in guns and their management. Therefore, if you aspire to obtain either an associate degree in gunsmithing or training, I’d urge you to start to pursue your dreams soon. This is because no one will do that for you. So if you have any further questions on becoming a gunsmith procedure, feel free to relate to us using our comment box below. We do well to assist you in any way that we can until we are sure your dreams are being met.
References
Wikipedia.org – What do gunsmiths do? Vocationaltraininghq.com- How can I become a gunsmithSchools to study gunsmithing?Howtobecome.com – How long does it take to become a gunsmith?
Recommendations
Best Gunsmith Schools in Pennsylvania10 Best Online Gunsmithing SchoolsTop 15 Gunsmithing schools in the USA | Cost, Requirements, AccreditationBest Fire Academies in Michigan
