What Does a Gunsmith Do? Take a Look Inside Their World

Gunsmithing is a lucrative career that involves many different skills. Because firearm manufacturers frequently seek gunsmiths, a combination of gun design and mechanics is required. What does a gunsmith do exactly? Building and repairing pistols, military rifles, and hunting rifles are just part of gunsmithing. This career is rewarding in many different ways.

Gunsmiths are trained to understand the mechanics and design of firearms. They renovate, build, and modify many different kinds of firearms. When wondering, what does a gunsmith do, the answer is not strictly mechanical. Although technical skill is required, creativity is a large part of gunsmithing.

The 5 Skills Needed to Master Gunsmithing

When making a career choice that best fits an individual's brain, broad traits such as creativity or attention to detail are often applied. In addition to character traits, a gunsmith must understand certain skills that will be taught before completing the trade program. Although gunsmithing is a broad category that includes many different tasks, these 5 skills are necessary for a successful career.

Because gunsmiths know how to handle firearms and have the ability to alter them, they are responsible for operating the equipment properly and safely. All of the guns must be inspected for deficiencies.

Gun Safety Checklist

A broad list of performance features to help ensure safety include:

Gunsmithing is not just about building firearms. More often than not, gunsmiths perform duties that require understanding already manufactured firearms.

What Does a Gun Smith Do in Addition to Building Firearms?

A gunsmith must understand how to properly assemble and disassemble a firearm. Once each part can be located and removed, a gunsmith can inspect and lubricate the firearm. In addition to a regular firearm cleaning, gunsmiths remove corrosion from all the metal parts inside a gun. Repairs and restoration can be performed easily once the firearm can be taken apart and examined.

What Types of Restoration Might a Firearm Need?

Gunsmiths use a variety of different tools when working with firearms. To understand how to safely put these tools to use, gunsmiths must practice.

Commonly Used Tools

You might wonder, what does a gunsmith do with all these tools? While the list may seem complicated, a gunsmith gains plenty of practice with each tool.

Lathe

A lathe is a machine used for shaping different types of material such as wood or metal. A rotating drive turns the material against different tools while performing various operations. A lathe can help cut, sand, knurl or drill. To safely use a lathe, it is recommended not to change spindle speeds until the lathe is completely stopped. It is also advised that you wear goggles or some other form of protective eye gear. Knowing how to use a lathe is extremely important when doing metalwork or woodworking.

Grinding Wheel

Grinding wheels are used for metal removal by cutting finished metals. This is similar to a milling cutter because it is made from bonded grains. Several differenttypes of grinding wheels include the straight wheel, the cylinder or wheel ring, and the tapered wheel. Centerless grinders work well because of their unique design that allows them to feed the work with two wheels instead of one. The larger wheel is the grinding wheel, while the smaller one is considered a regulating wheel.

Milling Machine

Milling Machines can be used for many different things, but usually they are used for flat surfaces. They can drill or cut gears as well as create slots. The most common type of milling machine is a vertical spindle machine. These machines are especially great for working with large, metal plates. Vertical milling machines are often described as simpler than horizontal mills because the inside of the machine is less complex. In addition to the simplicity of a vertical milling machine, they are often more affordable than horizontal milling machines.

A Dykem is used for staining or painting metal. It is also commonly referred to as Marking blue or layout stain. This is made by mixing methylated spirits with gentian violet and shellac. There are many differenttypes of tools that use this method, but each type of layout stain costs a different amount. For those who do not want to pay top dollar, some gunsmiths even use a simple sharpie marker.

Gunsmithing Screwdriver

Gunsmithing screwdrivers are unique because, unlike regular screwdrivers found at the local hardware store, these screwdrivers won't damage finish or screw edges. Because of their specialized beveled heads, gunsmithing screwdrivers can fit into any screw slot, regardless of the gun type.

Bench Vise

Bench Vises for gunsmithing hold the firearms still when repairing or restoring guns. What does a gunsmith do with many differenttypes of bench vises? Depending on whether the gunsmith wants to fasten them to a workbench or wood, different bench types can be used both horizontally and vertically. This is especially useful when working multiple different types of jobs.

Bench Blocks

Bench blocks stabilize specific parts of the firearm so they won't roll or move during pin driving. Bench blocks are especially nice for using when work is detailed and requires attention to detail. Different shapes and sizes are available for bench blocks, and some are even based off a specific type of gun model. An added bonus about bench blocks is that they do not damage a firearm's surface.

Gunsmith Hammers

Gunsmith hammers are designed to hit accurately without leaving a chipped surface on the gun. Most gunsmith hammers are brass because brass metal will not damage steel. For especially difficult pins, brass hammers are often used by gunsmiths. Ball-peen hammers are another option because they allow the gunsmith more control during detailed work. These specific hammers also have maximum striking force when properly used. The rawhide mallets can also be a staple for gunsmiths when picking out a hammer that works best for them. Rawhide mallets, like Ball-peen mallets, are precise, but they also protect pins and soft areas of the gun. Rawhide mallets are less likely to damage wood or metal than regular hammers.

There are several sections within gunsmithing that form a more focused career. Both stockmakers and engravers are successful and creative gunsmiths.

What does a gunsmith do with a specialized focus in stockmaking? Many things. They can carve rifle stocks, shotgun stocks, and pistol grips with just this one specialty. For creative gunsmiths, design and precision are key. Stockmakers use woodworking to create stocks or pistol grips out of specialty wood.

In the engraving field, gunsmiths can also use their creative skills for design. They do not, however, use saws. Files and chisels are also used less frequently.

What does a gunsmith do? Gunsmiths create firearms, restore weapons, and make money. By creating a business, gunsmiths can choose where and when they want to work. Since the firearm trade is needed in every state, gunsmithing can afford a sense of freedom that not many other jobs can. Whether working for a sporting goods store, the military, or independently, gunsmithing is perfect for those who enjoy hands-on, creative work.