Gunsmith: Difference between revisions
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A '''gunsmith''' is a |
A '''gunsmith''' is a man who , modifies, designs, or builds [[firearm]]s. |
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Gunsmiths may be employed in: |
Gunsmiths may be employed in: |
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*[[Armory (military)|armories]] by military or law-enforcement agencies, |
*[[Armory (military)|armories]] by military or law-enforcement agencies, |
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*sporting goods stores, or |
*sporting goods stores, or |
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*small gunsmith shops, as either the owner, or as one of a handful of employees. |
*small gunsmith shops, as either the owner, or as one of a handful of employees.'''hello''''''''Italic text'''''''''Bold text''''''Bold text'''''''' |
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To pursue the entirety of this trade, a gunsmith must possess skills as a [[mechanic]], a [[metalworker]], a [[woodworker]], and an [[artisan]]; be knowledgeable in [[shop mathematics]], [[ballistics]], and [[chemistry]]; and be capable of working accurately and precisely. Those who are (self-)employed in small gunsmith shops must also possess skills as [[small business]] operators; work effectively with a wide variety of customers; and remain abreast of, and comply with [[Federal government of the United States|federal]], state, and local [[laws]], ordinances, and requirements. |
To pursue the entirety of this trade, a gunsmith must possess skills as a [[mechanic]], a [[metalworker]], a [[woodworker]], and an [[artisan]]; be knowledgeable in [[shop mathematics]], [[ballistics]], and [[chemistry]]; and be capable of working accurately and precisely. Those who are (self-)employed in small gunsmith shops must also possess skills as [[small business]] operators; work effectively with a wide variety of customers; and remain abreast of, and comply with [[Federal government of the United States|federal]], state, and local [[laws]], ordinances, and requirements. |
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Revision as of 18:03, 18 November 2009
A gunsmith is a man who , modifies, designs, or builds firearms.
Gunsmiths may be employed in:
- factories by firearms manufacturers,
- armories by military or law-enforcement agencies,
- sporting goods stores, or
- small gunsmith shops, as either the owner, or as one of a handful of employees.hello'''Italic text''''Bold text'Bold text'''
To pursue the entirety of this trade, a gunsmith must possess skills as a mechanic, a metalworker, a woodworker, and an artisan; be knowledgeable in shop mathematics, ballistics, and chemistry; and be capable of working accurately and precisely. Those who are (self-)employed in small gunsmith shops must also possess skills as small business operators; work effectively with a wide variety of customers; and remain abreast of, and comply with federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and requirements.
Due to the great breadth of subject matter to be mastered, many gunsmiths specialize in only a few of the skills required of the general gunsmith. Alternatively, some gunsmiths learn many of the skills of the trade, but only apply them to a few weapon types (e.g. only pistols, only shotguns, only (pre-1964) Model '94 Winchester Lever-Action Rifles).
Legal Requirements
Global Overview
In many countries of the world, the possession and ownership of firearms by civilians is highly restricted or outright illegal (see Gun laws). The practice of gunsmithing is therefore typically restricted. The only firearms-related repairs are by individuals trained and employed by the military or police. These individuals are known as Armorers. Typically, their skill level is usually far below that of the artisan Gunsmith. Where the Gunsmith frequently has to design, manufacture and fit parts ranging from small internal parts and assemblies, the Armorer usually only has to replace standard interchangeable parts belonging to only one type, series, or family of military-related firearms. They typically are furnished a large inventory of standard parts that are known to wear and cause malfunctions in the "weapons" they will encounter, and they are simply trained to replace these items until satisfactory function is restored. They usually are employees of military and law-enforcement institutions, and may be officers of these agencies that do these repair are part of their official duties. Their repairs usually only on the weapons and weapon systems that are the official property of these institutions, and limited to restoring these government-owned firearms to officially sanctioned standards of functionality and configuration.[1]
In the regions where ownership is permitted but very limited and highly restricted to those individuals able to afford the high costs of acquiring and owning a firearm despite the expense, those firearms that are allowed tend to be fewer in number, but with levels of craftsmanship and decoration that approach that of an art object instead of simply a device to expel a projectile. Gunsmithing in these regions (as in Germany and Britain) is concerned with the hand crafting of completely custom-made firearms, tailored to the requirements of the owner, and the expense of this type firearm can exceed that of a typical residential dwelling.
Germany has a tradition of hunting, but this is generally a very expensive undertaking that limits its participation to the "well-heeled and Noble". Firearms possession is highly regulated by the Police, and most hunters have only one long gun, and perhaps one pistol. This has led to the development of the "Drilling," a multi-barrel gun that may incorporate a double-barreled shotgun above with a high-powered single-shot barrel below. These typically have highly sophisticated breech mechanisms, precise fitting, and are hand-engraved by artists specializing in this work. The stocks are usually fitted to the individual and are very expensive wood with highly-figured grain.
England makes some of the most expensive hand-crafted firearms in the world, despite a highly restrictive ownership environment. But, as the Gunsmith's patrons are usually well able to afford the high ownership fees and stringent storage requirements, the price of the arm is only secondary. Decoration of these arms, typically double-barreled shotguns, is on par with the plates used to mint currency and is priced about the same. Several of the other European countries follow this pattern, as in Italy, where the art of the Gunsmith has also reached a high level of sophistication. These craftsmen may specialize as in the case of the Gun Engraver and Stockmaker. Generally, these craftsmen-artists serve long apprenticeships under Master Gunmakers. They may also be members of Guilds which sets up apprentice programs (often sponsored by the Governments in these countries as highly-crafted firearms are important items in the export trade), supervise training, and conduct exams where the Journeyman-level Gunsmiths submit sample firearms of their own work in order to be admitted the Guild membership. Many of these artists can only be regarded as "Gunmakers" instead of Gunsmiths, and do repairs only on the very highest grade firearms. Many are able to make substantial livelihood. Many women also participate in these firms, with some of the most exquisite engraving decoration originating as their work.
United States of America
In the United States of America, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms is the primary federal agency overseeing all legitimate businesses that deal with firearms. The ATF is in charge of the licensing of all legitimate firearms dealers and Gunsmiths in the US that engage in business with the public. The issuance of a Federal Firearms License (FFL) involves a thorough background investigation and an inspection of the Gunsmith's premises by an Agent of the ATF. The fee for a FFL is currently $200.00 (for 3 years). The ATF requires all gunsmiths to record all repairs, noting the serial numbers, type of firearm, caliber or gauge, and full particulars of the owner, with an accepted form of Identification ID to be presented and recorded in the records. Gunsmiths are required to maintain these records in a permanent, non-alterable form. The ATF inspects the premises of all licensed gunsmiths, with unannounced visits at periodic intervals. The ATF is granted the power by the US Government to initiate the prosecution in US Federal Court of gunsmiths that wilfully omit or violate these provisions. Punishment can range from losing their FFL (and therefore the privilege to engage in any firearms-related business), to fines and in severe cases, such as conspiring to supply the criminal element with black market weaponry, imprisonment in a Federal prison.
Generally, gunsmiths cannot undertake the repair of a firearm they believe is illegally held by a person not permitted to own a firearm (a convicted felon, for instance) or one that otherwise violates the laws in which the owner resides. The ownership of firearms in the US is governed by local laws. These laws and regulations vary greatly from state to state, county to county, city to city, and potentially across all jurisdictional lines.
These laws may also vary by:
- firearm type (handgun? longarm? rifle? shotgun?)
- firearm model (semi-automatic? full automatic? caliber?)
- intended modification (minimum barrel length? magazine size? fully-automatic?)
- customer or recipient (legal owner? felon? background check?)
- quantity of firearms (how many per week? per month?)
Responsibilities
The primary technical responsibility of gunsmiths is to ensure that the weapons they work on function safely.
They accomplish this firstly by always properly observing gun safety handling procedures: both in their own actions, and in the actions of their customers and the people around them.
They accomplish this secondly by inspecting firearms to ensure safe mechanical operation. Gunsmiths use their in-depth knowledge of firearms to guide these inspections: either repairing deficiencies; or notifying customers of unsafe conditions and taking steps to prevent catastrophic failures.
Some of the ways that even properly handled firearms can fail and endanger their users and those around them are:
- Improper Assembly
- Missing Parts
- Cracks: all cracked parts are cause for concern, but especially so in the chamber-area, bolt, bolt-lugs, or buttstock.
- Bore Obstructions: being either dented or bent barrels, or foreign material in barrels.
- Improper Headspace: dimensions concerning the relative locations of the chamber and the bolt are not within specified tolerances.
- Improper Timing: (applies to fully automatic firearms and revolvers).
- Safety-Mechanism Malfunctions: potentially allowing a firearm with the safety mechanism supposedly engaged to unexpectedly fire.
- Worn Sear Edges: potentially allowing a firearm to unexpectedly fire when the safety mechanism is disengaged.
- Firing-Pin Tips Deformed: leading to the possibility of primer-rupture.
This list is not comprehensive. Many failure modes are dependent on the particular model of firearm.
Common Tasks
(listed in approximate, but not exact, order of increasing difficulty)
- Keep records of all customers, firearms, and transactions to satisfy ATF requirements, though this doesn't apply to pre-1800 gunsmiths.
- Disassemble, clean, inspect, lubricate & reassemble.
- Remove corrosion and touch-up finish.
- Repair burred or damaged parts with files & stones.
- Replace defective parts with factory-made replacements, hand-fitting as necessary.
- Add after-market customizations:
- sling-swivels
- recoil-pads
- iron-sights
- telescopes
- grip caps
- butt plates
- Repair and re-finish wooden stock parts.
- Checker or re-checker grip areas.
- Deepen or clean up worn or damaged engravings & markings.
- Re-crown damaged muzzles on a lathe.
- Repair dented shotgun barrels.
- Install (solder) or repair rib on shotgun barrels, or repair double-barrel assemblies.
- Measure & correct head-space dimensions.
- Check for excessive bore erosion.
- Troubleshoot and repair feeding, ejecting & firing problems.
- Test-fire firearms with conventional loads to ensure proper operation.
- Fabricate wooden stocks to customer specifications and body dimensions. Fit same to existing receiver and barrel.
- Glass-bed actions to stocks to improve accuracy.
- Remove existing metal finish, and re-blue metal parts.
- Fabricate replacement parts from metal stock.
- Modify trigger-pull weight through careful stoning of trigger mechanism parts.
- Fire proof-loads through weapons to insure sufficient strength of parts under over-load conditions.
- Replace worn barrels, which have fired so many rounds that they are no longer of the specified caliber (which leads to loss of accuracy).
- Change caliber or cartridge of existing rifle, by changing barrel, and modifying receiver.
- Re-cut rifling and change caliber of existing barrel.
- Design and build complete rifles by fitting stock barrels to stock receivers; fabricating or purchasing additional parts as needed, and fitting same to rifle. Fitting custom stock to same.
- Design and build a complete rifle starting with several pieces of blank steel and a slab of walnut; using nothing more than a lathe, saws, files, chisels, & rasps.
Specializations
While some gunsmiths are general practitioners in this trade, some of the more important specializations are:
Custom Builder/Designer
Builds guns to customer's specification, from raw materials and shelf parts. Called upon by professional target-shooters to create highly accurate custom rifles. Likely the most highly skilled of gunsmiths, as they are required not only to have proficiency in the other areas of gunsmithing, but must also be well educated in machining, in order to manufacture the individual components and springs before assembly takes place.
Finisher
Applies various chemical processes (browning, bluing, Parkerization, among others) to the metal parts of guns to develop corrosion resistant surface layers on the steel. Cyanide case hardening is a combined chemical and heat-treatment process which develops mottled tempering colors on steel surfaces: greatly valued for their appearance. Typically, its use is usually restricted to receivers, rarely barrels. Although providing corrosion resistance, the colored surface layers are subject to wear: antique firearms for sale frequently stating what specific percentage of the factory original case coloring remains.
Stockmaker
Carves gun stocks from wood (usually walnut; although birch, maple, and apple wood, among others, are frequently seen). Fits stocks to the metal parts of the gun (receiver and barrel), as well as to customer's body dimensions. The form of stocks are executed using saws, chisels, gouges, rasps, and files. The surfaces are then finished by sanding, scraping, staining, oiling, or lacquering.
Checkerer
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/54/Gs_checkering.jpg/220px-Gs_checkering.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/91/Gs_checkeringtools_closeup.jpg/220px-Gs_checkeringtools_closeup.jpg)
(This specialization is frequently combined with that of the Stockmaker) Uses checkering tools to create an ornate pattern of small raised diamonds in the wood surfaces which are to be gripped. The checkering tools are in effect tiny saws, designed to leave a v-shaped groove (of approximately 60 to 90 degrees) in the surface of the wooden gunstock. Special checkering tools consisting of two saw blades in parallel are used to set the spacing (between 16 to 24 lines per inch). The area to be checkered is covered by one set of such grooves parallel to each other. A second set of parallel grooves is then executed across the first set, at approximately a 30 degree angle, leaving the area covered with small pointed diamonds. The edges of the checkered area are frequently ornamented with simple bas-relief wood carving, frequently variations on the fleur-de-lis.
Gun Engraver
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/Gs_handgravers.jpg/220px-Gs_handgravers.jpg)
Uses hand-gravers or die-sinker's chisels to cut designs or pictures into the metal surfaces of the gun, primarily the receiver. Pneumatically driven engraving systems, such as the Gravermeister, developed by GRS, may be used to replace or supplement hand-powered engraving. Other metals (especially gold and silver) may be inlaid and engraved to further the design. Designs usually consist of elaborate scroll-work based upon Acanthus leaves or vines, or may be of purely abstract spirals. The pictures are usually of game animals or birds, and hunting dogs. Before the development of corrosion resistant surface treatments for steel, gun surfaces were engraved to retain more oil to prevent rust. In modern usage, guns are engraved purely for artistic reasons. Top grade engraving may add significantly to the value of quality firearms.
Pistolsmith
Specializes in work on pistols and revolvers. Pistolsmiths should be proficient in a range of skills such as woodworking, checkering, machining, metal finishing and metalworking. They must have an excellent understanding of the mechanical characteristics and function of the guns they work on. Often a pistolsmith is called on for extensive customization of a handgun. A good pistolsmith can turn a poorly constructed firearm into one that looks and handles much better.
(Niche) Manufacturer
Some gunsmiths used their experience and skills to become small-operation manufacturers, specializing in making only a few types of gun parts, for sale to other gunsmiths and gunmakers. Some of the more important part categories are:
- barrels
- trigger assemblies
- receivers
- locks (as in 'flint-locks')
Training & Education
In general, Gunsmiths develop and expand their skills through years of experience.
Some common ways to get started in Gunsmithing include:
- Attending one of the well-known schools offering training in the trade, such as the Pennsylvania Gunsmith school, Murray State college, Colorado school of trades, or Trinidad State college.
- Community Colleges and Correspondence courses offer various courses of study (less than two years long) leading to a degree or a certification.[2]
- Military Training:
- The U.S. Army trains and employs MOS 45B – Small Arms Repairmen.[3]
- The U.S. Air Force trains and employs Combat Arms Instructors (Firearms instructors and small arms repairers)AFSC(MOS) 3P0X1B.
- The U.S. Marine Corps trains and employs MOS 2111 and MOS 2112.[4]
- The U.S. Navy trains and employs Gunner's Mates (GM).
- Apprenticeships: learn directly from active gunsmiths. Talk with gunsmiths in your area, and offer your help around the shop in exchange for learning about this trade.
- The National Rifle Association offers short courses in many common tasks and skills of professional gunsmithing. Contact the NRA for details.[5]
Basic machinist skills, while not limited to gunsmithing, are of great help to aspiring gunsmiths.
News of the most highly skilled and talented gunsmiths typically spreads by word of mouth, based on the quality of their work. The very best and most talented gunsmiths command premium prices for their services, and may have waiting lists booked for several years in advance.
DIY gunsmithing
Do-it-yourself gunmaking has been practised by many people around the world. Especially in certain third-world countries as Afghanistan, Yemen and other countries in the Middle East, diy-gunsmithing has become a necessary expediency. This 'popularity' has been enhanced by certain anarchist books [citation needed] (e.g. The Anarchist Cookbook and Ragnar Benson's "Guerrilla Gunsmithing: Quick And Dirty Methods For Fixing Firearms In Desperate Times"), official U.S. Army Field Manuals (which were distributed by the US[6][7][8]), and extremist manuals (e.g. by Al Qaeda[9] and Hezbollah[10]).
References
- ^ Dunlap, Roy (R1963) [1950]. Gunsmithing. Stackpole. ISBN 0-8117-0770-9.
{{cite book}}
: Check date values in:|year=
(help)CS1 maint: year (link) - ^ List of Gunsmithing Schools
- ^ United States Army
- ^ United States Marine Corps
- ^ National Rifle Association (NRA)
- ^ US Army field manuals distributed in the Middle-East by US experts
- ^ Improvised Munitions Handbook Field Manual benefitting terrorists and translated in Arabic
- ^ Improvised Munitions Handbook benefitting terrorists
- ^ Al Qaeda Training manual
- ^ Hezbollah's manuals describing diy gunsmithing
Bibliography
![]() | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (December 2007) |
- Acker, Steve (1989–2000). The Gunsmith Machinist. Traverse City, Michigan: Village Press, Inc. ISBN 0-941653-63-3.
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: date format (link) - LOC 00-109501.
- Austyn, Christopher (1998). Gun Engraving. Safari Press. ISBN 1-57157-124-8. - LOC 98-61281.
- Brownell, Frank (1969). Gunsmith Kinks: A Fascinating and Widely Varied Accumulation of Shop Kinks, Short cuts, Techniques and Comments sent by Practicing Gunsmiths from all over the World to F.R."Bob" Brownell. Montezuma, Iowa: F.Brownell & Son, Publishers. - LOC 77-90353.
- Dunlap, Roy F. (1950,1963). Gunsmithing: A Manual of Firearms Design, Alteration and Remodeling. For Amateur and Professional Gunsmiths and Users of Modern Firearms. Stackpole Books. ISBN 8117-0770-9.
{{cite book}}
: Check|isbn=
value: length (help); Check date values in:|year=
(help)CS1 maint: year (link) - LOC 63-21755.
- Hartliep, Neil (1994). The Basics of Firearms Engraving: a manual of the NRA Gunsmithing Schools Program. Montezuma, Iowa: F. Brownell & Son, Publishers.
- Henderson, David R. (2003). Gunsmithing Shotguns: A Basic Guide to Care and Repair. Guilford Connecticut: Lyons Press. ISBN 1-59228-091-9.
- Lautard, Guy (1986). The Machinist's Bedside Reader: Projects, hints, tips and anecdotes of the trade. West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: Guy Lautard. ISBN 0-9690980-2-2.
- Meek, James B. (1973). The Art of Engraving. Montezuma, Iowa: F. Brownell & Son, Publishers, Inc. LOC 73-84371.
- Newell, A.Donald (1949). Gunstock Finishing & Care: A Textbook, covering the various Means and Methods by which modern Protective and Decorative Coatings may be applied in the correct and suitable Finishing of Gun and Rifle Stocks. For Amateur and Professional Use. Georgetown, South Carolina: Small-Arms Technical Publishing Company.
- Stelle & Harrison, J.P. & Wm.B. (1883). The Gunsmith's Manual; a Complete Handbook for the American Gunsmith, being a Practical Guide to all Branches of the Trade. 29 & 31 Beekman St, New York: Excelsior Publishing House.
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: location (link) - Republished in April 1945 by Thomas G. Samworth, Plantersville, South Carolina.
- Towsley, Bryce M. (2006). Gunsmithing Made Easy. Stoeger Publishing Company. ISBN 0-88317-294-1. - LOC 2004109586.
- Turpin, Tom (1997). Modern Custom Guns: Walnut, Steel, and Uncommon Artistry. Krause Publications. ISBN 0-87341-499-3. - LOC 97-073035.
- Wilson, R.L. (1995). Steel Canvas: The Art of American Arms. Chartwell Books. ISBN 0-7858-1891-X.