Is a career as a gunsmith right for you?
Got a passion for firearms? Know the difference between an extractor and an ejector? Then signing up for gunsmithing courses at technical training schools could be for you. Here are some things you might need to know before you make any decisions.
The work
Gunsmiths repair weapons, including modern guns like semiautomatic pistols as well as older firearms like antique rifles. They frequently advise customers on the best ways to take care of their guns, and some retail outlets such as sporting goods stores employ gunsmiths to help people pick the right weapon for their needs.
These professionals also craft custom parts for certain weapons using the kind of machines you’d find in a machine shop, including mills, lathes and drills. Some older weapons require parts that aren’t manufactured by the major firearms companies, and in these situations, skilled gunsmiths have to make their own to get the job done.
The pay
Unlike most other professions, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t maintain active data on the earning potential of gunsmiths, so it’s hard to provide exact facts and figures on how much you can expect to make when you finish up at technical schools. However, the BLS does include gunsmiths in its lists of mechanics and repair professionals.
The average salary of a journeyman gunsmith was around $36,630 per year in May of 2010. The more experience you have, the more money you’re likely to make, and top earners in this field can command salaries of a little more than $56,000 per year.
The prospects
Although some retail stores hire gunsmiths, many are self-employed. As such, you may need to brush up on some basic business skills before you can put your expertise to use. If you choose to launch your own business, you’ll need to secure the proper permits and licenses from the state where you live, including the Federal Firearms License.
