Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Firearms Specialist

🎯 Role Definition

Are you the go-to expert for all things firearms? We're looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable Firearms Specialist to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will be the cornerstone of our firearms operations, responsible for everything from intricate technical repairs and maintenance to providing expert-level training and ensuring unwavering compliance with all federal and state regulations. You'll serve as a subject matter expert, advising both internal teams and external clients on the proper use, selection, and care of a diverse range of weapon systems. This is a unique opportunity to apply your passion and technical skills in a dynamic environment that values precision, safety, and deep industry knowledge.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Military Armorer or Small Arms Repair Technician
Law Enforcement Officer / Range Officer
Certified Gunsmith Apprentice or Graduate
High-Volume Retail Firearms Sales Professional

Advancement To:

Senior Firearms Specialist / Lead Armorer
Range Master / Firearms Training Manager
FFL Compliance Manager
Product Manager for a Firearms Manufacturer

Lateral Moves:

Ballistics Technician or Forensic Examiner
Security Consultant (Specializing in armed response)
Technical Writer (for firearms manuals and training materials)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct detailed inspections, diagnostics, maintenance, and complex armorer-level repairs on a wide array of firearms, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns, to ensure optimal performance and strict adherence to manufacturer specifications.
Manage and maintain meticulously accurate acquisition and disposition (A&D) records in both digital and hard-copy formats, ensuring full compliance with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regulations.
Provide expert-level instruction and coaching to personnel on safe firearms handling, marksmanship fundamentals, tactical employment, and weapon-specific maintenance procedures.
Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), advising on the appropriate selection of firearms, ammunition, optics, and accessories based on intended use, user experience, and operational requirements.
Perform custom modifications and enhancements to firearms, including sight and optic installation, trigger work, stock fitting, and the application of specialized coatings like Cerakote.
Process and complete all required federal, state, and local background check paperwork (e.g., ATF Form 4473) with flawless attention to detail to ensure 100% legal compliance for all firearm transfers.
Develop, refine, and update comprehensive training curricula, lesson plans, and qualification courses of fire for a diverse range of skill levels.
Diagnose and troubleshoot complex mechanical malfunctions and stoppages in various weapon systems, utilizing advanced diagnostic techniques to restore full and safe functionality.
Safely manage and supervise live-fire shooting range operations, enforcing all safety protocols and providing direct coaching and supervision to all participants.
Stay abreast of emerging trends, new technologies, and evolving legislation within the firearms industry and brief leadership and team members on relevant changes.
Conduct thorough function checks and test-firing procedures on all serviced, customized, or newly acquired firearms to guarantee safety and reliability.
Manage a comprehensive inventory of all firearms, ammunition, accessories, and armorer parts, ensuring stringent security, accountability, and control.
Collaborate with the compliance department to prepare for and successfully navigate internal and external audits, including ATF inspections.
Maintain a clean, organized, and secure armory or workshop, adhering to all OSHA and environmental safety guidelines for handling solvents, lubricants, and lead.
Evaluate and test new firearms, ammunition, and related equipment to assess performance, reliability, and suitability for potential adoption.
Create and meticulously maintain detailed service logs and work orders for all repair and customization jobs, documenting parts used, labor performed, and final inspection results.
Provide expert consultation or testimony regarding firearms mechanics, functionality, or identification when required for administrative or legal proceedings.
Assemble, fit, and finish custom-built firearms from component parts, ensuring precise tolerances, exceptional quality, and reliable performance.
Conduct post-incident inspections of firearms to document their condition, test functionality, and provide a detailed report of their operational status.
Uphold and enforce all company policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to firearms storage, handling, issuance, and transportation.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to firearm usage, repair trends, and inventory levels.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap, particularly for tracking and compliance systems.
Collaborate with business units to translate operational needs into technical requirements for armory tools or software.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the broader operations or security team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Gunsmithing & Armorer-Level Repair (e.g., Glock, Sig Sauer, AR-15/M4, Remington 870 platforms)
Deep Knowledge of ATF Regulatory Compliance (FFL Management, Form 4473, A&D Records)
Certified Firearms Instruction & Curriculum Development (NRA, USCCA, FLETC, or equivalent)
Ballistics and Ammunition Expertise
Custom Firearm Modification and Accessory Installation (Optics, Triggers, Sights, Suppressors)
Diagnostic Troubleshooting of Complex Weapon Malfunctions
Range Safety Officer (RSO) Certification and Live-Fire Range Management
Intimate Knowledge of NFA (National Firearms Act) Regulations and Items
Firearm Finishing Techniques (e.g., Cerakote, Bluing, Parkerizing)
Inventory Management Systems for Controlled Items (e.g., ArmsTracker, Gun StoreMaster)
Proficiency in Using Precision Measuring Tools (Calipers, Micrometers, Gauges)

Soft Skills

Meticulous Attention to Detail and Accuracy
Unwavering Commitment to Safety and Protocol
Excellent Verbal and Written Communication Skills
Patient and Effective Instructional and Mentoring Abilities
Strong Problem-Solving and Critical-Thinking Skills
High Level of Professionalism and Discretion
Customer-Service Orientation
Ability to Work Independently with Minimal Supervision
Strong Organizational and Time-Management Skills

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.
Manufacturer-specific Armorer's Certification (e.g., Glock, Sig Sauer, Colt).

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.
Diploma or certification from an accredited Gunsmithing school.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Criminal Justice
Gunsmithing Technology
Mechanical Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of documented professional experience in a firearms-centric role.

Preferred:

Prior experience as a Military Small Arms Repairer/Technician (MOS 2111, 91F, or equivalent).
Experience as a Law Enforcement Armorer or Lead Firearms Instructor for a department or agency.
Verifiable experience in a high-volume FFL retail or manufacturing environment.
Multiple instructor and armorer certifications across a variety of weapon platforms.