The following responsibilities are common for Gunsmiths:

• Repairs and modifies firearms according to blueprint and customer specifications using hand tools and machines
• Installs various parts on the firearms like scopes, pistol grips, recoil pads, and decorative pieces
• Rebores barrels on firearms using an enlarged caliber boring machine
• Fires firearms to determine strength characteristics, correct alignment and assemble a piece
• Makes blueprints designing new and modified pieces

A Day In The Life

Gunsmiths have knowledge of how to build firearms from scratch and can also repair and customize existing weapons.  In this occupation an individual will typically design, clean, repair, and analyze any malfunctions in the firearms.  When the are designing a gun, they may begin making the firearm from scratch or customize a customers existing weapon.  Specifically, they may be responsible for improving a guns accuracy, restoring old and antique firearms to working conditions, providing rust inspection and mounting scopes and sights.

Typical Work Schedule

This can be both a full and part-time position, Monday through Sunday.  Hours may vary and will be worked during operating business hours, which can vary greatly depending on location of employment.

Projected Job Growth

Growth usually depends on the individuals work experience and can vary widely from a new employee to a skilled professional.

Typical Employers

Most individuals work in gun and sporting good stores, repairing firearms and advising gun purchases for customers.  While others are employed in gun warranty departments of gun manufacturers repairing broken weapons, and others will work in custom gun shops customizing customers guns to their specifications.