“Gunsmith” may sound like an old-school occupation out of an Old West novel, but the truth is that gunsmithing as a profession is as alive and well today as it ever was. So what does a gunsmith do? There are many possibilities as far as specializations go, but most gunsmiths are experienced in all of the various aspects of weapons design, repair and maintenance. Some people come into the trade by apprenticeship, but most gunsmiths enter the profession with a trade school degree from one of the many gunsmithing schools. Some of these certifications are even available online.
What Does a Gunsmith Do?
So what does a day in the life of a gunsmith look like? Depending upon the specialization, a typical day could encompass anything from cleaning to repairing to designing to refurbishing of antique firearms. Gunsmithing schools teach students to:
Gunsmithing students are prepared to undertake these tasks upon completion of the basic programs offered by gunsmith schools. More advanced programs will teach skills such as:
Where Does a Gunsmith Work?
With this specialized type of trade education, a gunsmithing school graduate can pursue a variety of interesting and lucrative career choices. As a certified gunsmith, you could pursue career options such as:
Who Makes Up a Gunsmith’s Clientele?
Who are your primary customers as a gunsmith? Well, the clientele base can be about as diverse as you can imagine, but you will find it beneficial – especially if you own your own gun shop – to network with groups such as:
How Much Does a Gunsmith Make?
As with any career choice, the specific amount a gunsmith makes depends largely upon the specializations and motivations of the individual. However, there is an average to be expected and, for starters that number for a gunsmith can range anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000 annually. With greater experience and areas of specialization comes greater income potential, and when operating your own gun shop or antiques dealership, of course, your income level is largely dependent upon your own efforts. The plus side of this is that the income potential is fairly unlimited for highly motivated individuals.
Gunsmithing schools make it easy to begin exploring the possibilities of this highly specialized line of work. Gunsmithing is a trade that is growing as a result of an increased interest in gun ownership among the general population. Because of this, gunsmithing is also a trade with a secure future and great potential for personal success within the industry. It may sound like an old-school profession, but the future of gunsmithing is as bright as ever.
