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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Gun Fitter

💰 $ - $

ManufacturingFirearmsMechanical EngineeringQuality Assurance

🎯 Role Definition

The Gun Fitter is a precision manufacturing role focused on the accurate assembly, fitting, and final verification of firearms and firearm assemblies within a compliant, safety-first production environment. The ideal candidate reads engineering drawings, applies tight tolerance fitting techniques, enforces quality standards, documents inspections, and collaborates with engineering and production teams to drive continuous improvement. This position requires meticulous attention to detail, adherence to legal and safety protocols, and the ability to work with both hand and bench tools as well as inspection equipment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Apprentice gunsmith or mechanical assembly technician
  • Precision machinist or metal fitter
  • Quality control inspector in manufacturing

Advancement To:

  • Senior Gun Fitter / Lead Assembler
  • Production Supervisor / Manufacturing Team Lead
  • Quality Engineer or Process Improvement Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • CNC setup/operator
  • Product assembly trainer
  • Technical documentation specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Accurately interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and work instructions to perform fitting and assembly of firearm components in accordance with company and regulatory standards.
  • Perform precision fitting of barrels, bolts, receivers, stocks, and other components using approved hand tools and bench equipment while maintaining component tolerances and finish standards.
  • Conduct dimensional inspection and verification of incoming parts and assemblies against engineering tolerances using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other metrology instruments; record findings in quality documentation systems.
  • Execute final assembly and function checks under established safety and quality procedures, identifying and reporting non-conforming parts or assemblies to supervisory and quality teams.
  • Carry out systematic inspection and testing of assemblies to ensure they meet performance, safety, and durability criteria established by engineering and compliance teams (non-operational checks only as specified in procedures).
  • Apply corrective fitting techniques to resolve minor assembly issues, working with engineering to implement design or process adjustments when recurring discrepancies are identified.
  • Maintain meticulous product traceability and documentation, including serial number recording, inspection records, and sign-off per company quality management system and regulatory requirements.
  • Follow and enforce all company safety policies, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and secure handling procedures for controlled items and components.
  • Collaborate with production planning, procurement, and engineering to prioritize work, manage component shortages, and ensure on-time completion of build schedules.
  • Support first article inspections (FAI) and production part approval process (PPAP) activities by preparing prototypes, gathering inspection evidence, and participating in cross-functional review.
  • Provide hands-on feedback to engineering and manufacturing teams to improve manufacturability, assembly ergonomics, and reduced rework rates.
  • Implement and maintain cleanliness, lubrication, and corrosion protection standards for parts and assemblies as required by product specifications.
  • Participate in regular quality audits and continuous improvement activities to reduce defects, optimize process flow, and lower scrap and rework costs.
  • Train and mentor junior fitters and assembly technicians on best practices, reading drawings, and using inspection tools in a safe and compliant manner.
  • Manage workholding, fixturing, and assembly jigs to ensure consistent fit and repeatability between builds while escalating tooling issues as they arise.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements governing the manufacture, handling, and documentation of firearms and controlled components.
  • Coordinate with the shipping and receiving teams to verify component condition and handling requirements and to support inventory reconciliation for serialized parts.
  • Report and document any safety incidents or near-misses and participate in root-cause analyses to improve workplace safety and product stewardship.
  • Use company ERP and quality systems to update build logs, non-conformance reports (NCRs), and corrective action requests (CARs) in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Assist in scheduling and participating in preventative maintenance tasks for bench tools and fixtures to minimize downtime and maintain tool calibration.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of material specifications, plating/finishing requirements, and approved suppliers to ensure component compatibility and longevity.
  • Support product upgrades and change control activities by assessing fit impacts, reworking prototypes, and communicating assembly changes to the production floor.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist engineering with tolerance stack-up analysis and feasibility assessments for new designs from an assembly perspective.
  • Support inventory control by identifying slow-moving or obsolete parts and recommending consolidation or alternative sourcing.
  • Participate in cross-functional continuous improvement projects (Kaizen) aimed at reducing cycle time, improving ergonomics, and increasing first-pass yield.
  • Help develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and training materials for the assembly team.
  • Provide input to supplier quality programs by documenting inbound component issues and participating in supplier corrective action processes.
  • Contribute to environmental, health, and safety (EHS) initiatives, including hazardous materials handling and proper disposal of manufacturing waste.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient in reading and interpreting mechanical engineering drawings, GD&T basics, and fitment specifications for small arms assemblies.
  • Experience using precision measurement tools such as vernier calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, dial indicators, go/no-go gauges, and optical inspection equipment.
  • Hands-on experience performing precision fitting and assembly in a manufacturing environment, with a focus on toleranced metal parts and assemblies.
  • Familiarity with common bench tools, hand tools, presses, and basic fixturing; ability to safely operate benchtop tools within approved procedures.
  • Working knowledge of quality management systems (ISO 9001 or similar), non-conformance reporting, and corrective action workflows.
  • Experience with shop floor information systems or ERP systems for recording build data, traceability, and work orders.
  • Understanding of surface treatments, coatings, lubrication, and corrosion protection methods as they relate to firearm components.
  • Basic familiarity with product safety standards and regulatory requirements affecting firearm manufacturing, record-keeping, and serialized parts handling.
  • Ability to perform first article inspections and support PPAP/FAI activities; document inspection results precisely.
  • Competence in using bench fixtures and jigs for repeatable assembly and the ability to recognize when tooling requires maintenance or replacement.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality workmanship under tight tolerances.
  • Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with the ability to escalate and communicate issues clearly to engineering and quality teams.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills for documenting inspections, discrepancies, and corrective actions.
  • Dependability and strong time-management skills to meet production targets and maintain consistent throughput.
  • Collaborative mindset; able to work cross-functionally with production, quality, and engineering stakeholders.
  • Continuous improvement orientation with a willingness to participate in Kaizen events and implement process improvements.
  • Professional discretion and understanding of confidentiality and compliance when handling serialized or controlled product information.
  • Ability to train and mentor junior staff with patience and clarity while maintaining safety and quality standards.
  • Adaptability to changing priorities and production schedules in a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong commitment to workplace safety and compliance with all internal and external regulations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent with vocational training in metalwork, machining, or related trades.

Preferred Education:

  • Certificate or diploma in gunsmithing, precision machining, mechanical engineering technology, or a related technical discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Gunsmithing
  • Precision Machining / Toolmaking
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Quality Assurance / Metrology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–7 years of hands-on experience in precision fitting, assembly, or gunsmithing roles within a manufacturing or repair environment.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of firearm assembly, gunsmithing, or precision metal assembly experience in a regulated manufacturing setting.
  • Demonstrated history of working with toleranced components, inspection instruments, and production documentation systems.
  • Prior experience participating in first article inspection, PPAP, or formal quality audits is advantageous.
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