Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Gun Inspector Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

As a Gun Inspector Assistant, you are the frontline guardian of our product quality and customer safety. You will work closely with Lead Inspectors and the production team to meticulously examine firearms, parts, and sub-assemblies at various stages of the manufacturing process. This role involves hands-on inspection, precise measurement, and detailed documentation to identify any deviations from our stringent engineering specifications and regulatory requirements. Your keen eye for detail and unwavering commitment to quality will ensure that every product leaving our facility is flawless, functional, and fully compliant with all applicable laws, including ATF regulations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Manufacturing or Assembly Technician (Firearms Industry)
Retail Firearms Associate / Gun Counter Professional
Machinist Apprentice or CNC Operator
Military Armorer or Small Arms Repairer

Advancement To:

Senior Gun Inspector / Quality Control Lead
Quality Control Supervisor or Manager
Gunsmith or Custom Build Specialist
Compliance Officer (ATF & Regulatory)

Lateral Moves:

Product Development Test Technician
Manufacturing Process Technician
Inventory Control & Logistics Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform detailed visual and dimensional inspections of raw materials, machined components, sub-assemblies, and finished firearms to ensure strict conformance with engineering drawings, blueprints, and quality standards.
Utilize a wide range of precision measuring instruments, including digital calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, thread gauges, and optical comparators, to verify critical part dimensions and tolerances.
Conduct comprehensive functional checks on completed firearms, including trigger pull weight testing, safety mechanism engagement, magazine fit, and action cycling to guarantee proper operation.
Meticulously document all inspection results, test data, and non-conformances in the quality management system (QMS) and on physical inspection reports with a high degree of accuracy.
Identify, tag, and segregate non-conforming parts and products in designated quarantine areas to prevent their unintended use in production.
Assist Lead Inspectors in conducting root cause analysis for recurring quality defects and participate in developing effective corrective and preventive action plans (CAPA).
Verify the accuracy and legality of serial numbers, markings, and engravings on firearm frames and receivers against production orders and ATF-compliant record-keeping systems.
Execute established test-firing procedures in a safe and controlled environment to evaluate firearm performance, accuracy, and reliability post-assembly.
Maintain and calibrate inspection equipment and gauging tools according to a defined schedule, keeping detailed calibration logs to ensure measurement accuracy.
Interpret complex technical documents, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) callouts on engineering prints, to perform advanced inspections.
Support the final inspection process by confirming that each firearm is packaged with the correct accessories, user manuals, and compliance documentation.
Adhere rigorously to all company safety protocols and government regulations (OSHA, ATF) regarding the handling, storage, and transport of firearms and ammunition.
Collaborate with the manufacturing and assembly teams to provide real-time feedback on quality issues discovered during in-process inspections.
Perform first-article inspections (FAI) for new or revised components to validate the manufacturing process before full-scale production begins.
Conduct hardness testing and surface finish analysis on critical components to ensure they meet material and coating specifications.
Assist in maintaining the serialized firearm tracking logbook (Acquisition and Disposition records) to ensure 100% ATF compliance.
Participate in internal audits of the quality system and production processes to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Review and verify the completeness and accuracy of Device History Records (DHRs) or build travelers for each completed firearm assembly.
Clean, lubricate, and perform minor maintenance on firearms as part of the inspection and testing process to ensure they are in customer-ready condition.
Prepare detailed reports summarizing inspection findings, defect trends, and quality metrics for review by the Quality Control Manager.

Secondary Functions

Assist in managing and organizing the inventory of quality control tools, gauges, and reference standards.
Support the continuous improvement team by collecting data and participating in Kaizen events or process-improvement projects on the shop floor.
Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in the inspection lab and at test-firing stations, following 5S principles.
Provide support for new product introduction (NPI) projects by assisting engineers and gunsmiths with prototype inspections and functional testing.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Precision Measurement: Proficient in the use of calipers, micrometers, bore scopes, optical comparators, and various go/no-go gauges.
Blueprint & Schematic Reading: Strong ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, including an understanding of GD&T.
Firearms Knowledge: Deep and thorough understanding of the mechanical function, assembly, and disassembly of various firearm platforms (e.g., AR-15, polymer-framed pistols, bolt-action rifles).
Regulatory Familiarity: Working knowledge of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regulations, particularly concerning firearm serialization and record-keeping.
Technical Documentation: Ability to accurately and clearly record inspection data and write concise reports on non-conformances.
Basic Gunsmithing: Skills in function checking, troubleshooting, and performing minor adjustments or repairs on firearms.
Computer Proficiency: Competency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word) and experience with Quality Management System (QMS) or ERP software.

Soft Skills

Meticulous Attention to Detail: An exceptional ability to spot minute imperfections, discrepancies, and deviations from standards.
Unwavering Safety Focus: A disciplined and absolute commitment to safe firearm handling protocols at all times.
Problem-Solving & Analytical Thinking: The ability to logically troubleshoot issues, identify root causes, and suggest effective solutions.
Strong Communication: Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills for collaborating with team members and documenting findings.
Integrity and Ethics: A high level of personal integrity and the ability to make unbiased quality decisions.
Dependability & Time Management: Reliable, punctual, and able to manage a dynamic workload and prioritize tasks effectively.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from an accredited Gunsmithing program.
Associate's Degree in a technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Gunsmithing & Firearms Technology
Manufacturing Technology
Quality Assurance
Mechanical Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a firearms-related role.

Preferred:

Direct experience in a firearms manufacturing or quality control environment.
Prior experience as a military or law enforcement armorer.
Verifiable experience in a role requiring the regular use of precision measurement tools and interpretation of technical drawings.