GUNSMITH?
GUNSMITHS are highly sought after for their vast knowledge of gun design and mechanics. They also possess refined skills in the art of designing, building and repairing firearms of all types, including handguns, hunting and sport shooting rifles, military rifles, shotguns and others.
Gunsmiths are skilled tradespeople who design, build, modify, renovate and repair firearms of all sorts. They may also engage in creative work, such as metal engraving and woodcarving. The duties of gunsmiths vary by specialization and employer. The primary employers are firearms manufacturers, military and law-enforcement agencies, gun shops and sporting goods stores.
gunsmith skills
Because the general duties of gunsmiths are so broad, they must possess or acquire a wide range of skills, including all of the following:
Metalworking
Woodworking
Parts fabrication
Mathematics
Chemistry
Gunsmiths must be proficient in using several types of tools in order to perform their duties adequately. In addition to using hand tools, most gunsmiths must use power tools and machinist tools. Finally, gunsmiths have to stay abreast of all local and international laws pertaining to firearms. These laws may change frequently, and they may be very complex or difficult to understand.
The overriding responsibility of a gunsmith is to ensure that the firearms he or she is working on operate safely and according to specifications. No matter what specific process they are engaged in at the moment, gunsmiths must observe safe firearm-handling procedures and ensure that customers, assistants and co-workers do the same. All of the mechanisms of the firearms must be inspected for safety, and any deficiencies must be fixed before the job can commence or continue.
Following are just a few of the reasons why firearms may be unsafe even when handled properly:
- Improperly aligned
- Timing problems
- Excessive wear and tear
- Firing pin or other internal parts deformities
- Assembled incorrectly
- Parts missing
- Cracks and other damage
- Obstructions
Most Common Tasks
That Gunsmiths May Be Called On To Perform
- Assemble and disassemble firearms
- Inspect, clean and lubricate firearms
- Remove corrosion from metal gun parts
- Repair damaged guns
- Add custom or aftermarket parts
- Repair or refinish wooden handles, grips and stocks
- Touch up engravings and other markings
- Fit barrels
- Remove dents
- Correct headspace of guns and cartridges
- Replace barrels and firing mechanisms
- Modify pull weight and other trigger mechanisms
gunsmith Specializations
Many Gunsmiths Are Generalists And Deal With Duties As They Are Presented, But Others Focus On One Of Several Specializations, Which May Call For Specific Tasks To Be Completed. A Few Of The Most Common Specializations Are As Follows
A custom manufacturer designs and builds unique firearms according to a customer’s specifications or desires. In order to complete jobs, custom gunsmiths may use stock parts or raw materials, which requires advanced machining skills
Once a firearm has been manufactured and assembled, it requires some degree of finishing. Finishing jobs may including Parkerizing, bluing, browning, case hardening, guncoating, plating, etc.
Stockmakers specialize in carving rifle stocks, shotgun stocks and pistol grips from one or several species of wood, including walnut, maple and birch. In order to be successful in this specialization, stockmakers must be proficient in using saws, files, chisels and other woodworking tools.
Many pistols and rifles are exquisitely engraved with patterns or pictures. This work requires a steady hand and the ability to use pneumatic engraving systems or hand engravers. The art has also expanded with laser technology, allowing for elaborate designs to be applied to firearms with surgical accuracy.
WHAT Is An Armorer?
An armorer is a maintainer, supplier or parts changer of weapons or armour or an official in charge of the arms of a military unit. Based on the above definition of a gunsmith, an armorer is not a gunsmith, but a gunsmith can perform armorer duties.
Work with these same stakeholders to compile and implement approved training curriculums in order to nurture and develop the next generation of gunsmiths and custom gunmakers.
COMPLETED PROJECTS
contact us
Visit Us
Gunsmith Guild of South Africa
Call Us
Secretary
+27(0)72-125-4777