Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Gun Maker Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

The Gun Maker Assistant is a crucial support role within our production and gunsmithing team. You will work directly under the supervision of Master Gunsmiths to assist in all phases of firearm manufacturing, customization, and repair. This position is an excellent opportunity to develop foundational and advanced gunsmithing skills in a professional, safety-focused environment. This role requires a motivated and mechanically-inclined individual who is eager to learn the art and science of gunsmithing from the ground up and contribute to our legacy of quality.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Graduate of an accredited Gunsmithing or Machining program.
Firearms retail or armory professional with proven technical aptitude.
Machinist Apprentice or hobbyist with demonstrable firearm knowledge.

Advancement To:

Journeyman Gunsmith or Firearm Technician
Production Cell Lead / Team Supervisor
Quality Control Inspector (Firearms)

Lateral Moves:

CNC Machine Operator (Firearms Manufacturing)
Firearm Finisher / Cerakote Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist senior gunsmiths in the complete, precise assembly and fitting of various firearm platforms, including rifles, pistols, and shotguns, ensuring all components meet exact specifications and function flawlessly.
Perform meticulous disassembly of customer and production firearms for comprehensive cleaning, inspection, repair, and diagnostics, carefully documenting all findings and component conditions.
Operate manual machinery such as lathes, milling machines, and surface grinders under supervision to perform tasks like barrel threading, chambering, sight dovetail cutting, and part modification.
Conduct detailed function checks, safety inspections, and live-fire testing procedures on newly built, customized, or repaired firearms to guarantee absolute safety, reliability, and accuracy.
Prepare metal and polymer surfaces for finishing through various techniques including media blasting, polishing, and chemical degreasing to ensure optimal adhesion of coatings like Cerakote, Bluing, or Parkerizing.
Apply various firearm finishes according to specific work orders and quality standards, demonstrating a keen eye for detail and consistency in application and final appearance.
Execute precise hand-fitting of critical components such as slides to frames, barrels to receivers, and trigger group parts to achieve superior performance, feel, and reliability.
Install, fit, and align a wide range of aftermarket and factory components, including iron sights, optics, triggers, stocks, and handguards, using appropriate tools and precise torque specifications.
Maintain a comprehensive and accurate log of all work performed, parts used, and hours spent on each project in accordance with company protocols and ATF regulations.
Manage and organize a clean, safe, and highly efficient workspace, which includes the regular maintenance, cleaning, and calibration of all tools, equipment, and machinery.
Perform rigorous quality control inspections on incoming parts and outgoing firearms, meticulously identifying any defects or deviations from our high-quality standards.
Assist in the diagnosis and troubleshooting of complex firearm malfunctions, working methodically to identify the root cause and recommend effective corrective actions to senior gunsmiths.
Carefully package and prepare firearms for return shipping to customers, ensuring full compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
Provide support in the management of parts and supplies inventory, including tracking usage, notifying supervisors of low stock levels, and receiving/organizing new shipments.
Read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and detailed work orders to fully understand project requirements and manufacturing specifications before beginning work.
Perform foundational stock work, including inletting for barreled actions, pillar bedding, glass bedding, and final sanding to prepare for finishing.
Safely handle, transport, and secure all firearms and ammunition within the workshop, adhering strictly to all established safety protocols without exception.
Assist in research and development projects by helping to build, test, and evaluate prototype firearms, components, and new manufacturing techniques.
Calibrate workshop tools and precision measuring devices, such as calipers, micrometers, and head-space gauges, to ensure consistent accuracy in all processes.
Maintain scrupulously accurate records in the company's "bound book" for firearm acquisition and disposition, ensuring 100% ATF compliance at all times.
Execute barrel crowning and lapping procedures to enhance the accuracy potential of rifle and pistol barrels under the guidance of senior staff.
Support the finishing department by masking parts, racking components for coating, and performing post-coating quality checks.

Secondary Functions

Assist with general shop maintenance, organization, and cleaning to maintain a professional and safe working environment.
Provide basic technical support to the customer service team by answering routine questions about firearm function and maintenance.
Participate actively in team meetings to discuss production schedules, quality control feedback, and process improvement initiatives.
Help maintain a clean and safe environment in the on-site test-firing range, including brass cleanup and target maintenance.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Firearm Mechanics: Strong proficiency in the disassembly, assembly, and function of a wide variety of firearm platforms (e.g., AR-15, Glock, 1911, bolt-action rifles, shotguns).
Machining Basics: Foundational experience operating manual machine tools, including lathes and milling machines, for simple operations.
Tool Proficiency: Confident use of hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring instruments like calipers, micrometers, and bore gauges.
Firearm Finishes: Working knowledge of firearm finishing processes and surface preparation techniques (e.g., Cerakote, Anodizing, Bluing).
Technical Interpretation: Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and detailed work instructions.
Firearm Safety: An uncompromising understanding and application of all firearm safety principles and safe handling procedures.
Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with ATF regulations regarding firearm manufacturing, repair, and record-keeping.
Diagnostics: Foundational skills in diagnosing and troubleshooting common firearm malfunctions.
Component Installation: Experience with firearm sight installation, optics mounting, and fitting of common aftermarket parts.
Measurement & Metrology: Ability to take precise measurements and understand tolerance requirements.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: An exceptional eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to high-quality, precise craftsmanship.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking abilities to troubleshoot issues methodically.
Communication: Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills to work with a team.
Teamwork: Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a highly collaborative team.
Work Ethic: A strong, self-motivated work ethic and excellent time management skills to meet production deadlines.
Manual Dexterity: A high degree of manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for fine, detailed work.
Coachability: Receptive to constructive feedback and a strong desire to learn and develop new gunsmithing skills.
Safety Mindset: A proactive and unwavering commitment to safety in all aspects of the job.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or Associate's Degree from an accredited Gunsmithing program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Gunsmithing
Machining Technology
Armorers Courses

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of experience in a firearm-related technical role (e.g., armorer, gunsmith apprentice, firearm production).

Preferred:

Prior experience in a high-volume firearm manufacturing or custom gun shop environment.
Verifiable experience with manual lathes and mills.
Formal training or certification in Cerakote application is a significant plus.