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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Gun Maker

💰 $40,000 - $90,000

ManufacturingFirearmsSkilled TradesDefense

🎯 Role Definition

The Gun Maker (also titled Gunsmith, Firearms Assembler, or Firearms Technician) is a skilled manufacturing professional responsible for fabricating, assembling, inspecting, and maintaining firearms and firearm components in a regulated production environment. This role combines precision metalworking, machining, assembly, and compliance with federal, state, and local firearms laws. The ideal candidate applies strong technical skills (CNC, manual machining, blueprint reading), rigorous quality control, and unwavering safety and regulatory discipline to deliver reliable, legal, and high-quality firearms and components.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Apprentice gunsmith or entry-level firearm assembler
  • Machine operator or CNC technician
  • General metal fabricator or tool & die apprentice

Advancement To:

  • Senior Gunsmith / Master Gunsmith
  • Production Supervisor / Manufacturing Lead (Firearms)
  • Quality Assurance Manager (Firearms)
  • R&D Technician or Product Development Engineer (Firearms)

Lateral Moves:

  • CNC Programmer / Machinist
  • Quality Inspector / NDT Technician
  • Technical Trainer or Safety Compliance Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Read, interpret and apply engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and tolerances to fabricate firearm parts and assemblies, ensuring every component meets dimensional and functional requirements without divulging construction specifics.
  • Operate and set up CNC mills, lathes, and other precision machinery to produce firearm components, collaborating with programmers and engineers to maintain production schedules.
  • Perform precision manual machining and hand-fitting operations on receivers, barrels, frames, and small components using fixtures, grinders, files, and hand tools while following company safety and legal protocols.
  • Assemble firearm systems from subcomponents to finished product using standardized assembly procedures, torque specifications, and documented checklists; escalate anomalies to quality leads.
  • Conduct functional and safety inspections of completed firearms in controlled, authorized test environments, documenting results and non-conformances for corrective action (following all legal and facility safety policies).
  • Execute first-article inspections and in-process quality checks using calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, and other metrology tools to ensure compliance with engineering tolerances.
  • Implement and maintain traceability for parts, serial numbers, and production paperwork in accordance with ATF, company policy, and applicable recordkeeping requirements.
  • Maintain and calibrate measuring instruments and tooling, coordinate with metrology or maintenance teams to ensure inspection equipment accuracy and compliance with ISO/quality standards.
  • Interpret and apply regulatory requirements (ATF, ITAR, export control as applicable, and state laws) to day-to-day manufacturing tasks and documentation; participate in internal audits and external inspections.
  • Troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical issues in production parts and assemblies, recommending corrective actions, design feedback, and process improvements without providing prohibited construction guidance.
  • Perform controlled and documented maintenance and repair of firearms returned under warranty or for service, ensuring repairs preserve compliance with laws and safety standards.
  • Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to support product development, prototype iteration, and transition from prototype to production while maintaining legal compliance.
  • Follow and contribute to continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and root cause analysis activities to increase yield, reduce rework, and improve throughput while ensuring product safety.
  • Adhere to and promote strict workplace safety practices, hazardous materials handling, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and secure storage and transport protocols for firearm components and ammunition.
  • Maintain accurate production records, work orders, inspection reports, and shipping documentation in ERP or manufacturing execution systems (MES) as required by company and regulatory policy.
  • Prepare, mark, and serialize firearms and components according to company policy and applicable law, ensuring accurate recordkeeping and chain-of-custody controls.
  • Collaborate with shipping and compliance teams to ensure regulated goods are packaged, labeled, and transported in compliance with federal and carrier requirements.
  • Provide technical input for supplier quality issues, evaluate incoming material non-conformances, and execute supplier corrective action requests (SCARs) to protect product integrity.
  • Train and mentor junior assemblers and apprentices on safe work habits, basic machining techniques, inspection acceptance criteria, and company compliance expectations.
  • Participate in product safety investigations, recalls, and corrective action plans when required, documenting findings and following legal notification procedures.
  • Apply finishing processes such as coating, heat treating oversight, plating, or surface treatments through coordination with finishing departments, ensuring compliance with specifications and safety protocols.
  • Manage inventory of critical tooling, fixtures, and consumables; work with purchasing to replenish items while maintaining chain-of-custody for controlled components.
  • Maintain workplace organization and 5S standards in production and inspection areas to support quality, safety, and efficient workflows.
  • Provide timely and accurate communication to production planning and management about capacity, lead times, quality issues, and material shortages that affect firearm production.

Secondary Functions

  • Support prototype builds and R&D testing cycles, offering hands-on feedback to product designers and engineers regarding manufacturability and assembly improvements.
  • Assist in the development and revision of standard operating procedures (SOPs), job aids, and work instructions to ensure consistent, repeatable production and inspection outcomes.
  • Participate in cross-functional teams (engineering, QA, supply chain) to support launch readiness for new firearm models and component revisions.
  • Maintain and update training materials and competency checklists for apprentices and new hires in the gunsmithing or firearms manufacturing area.
  • Help coordinate internal audits, supplier audits, and regulatory inspections by preparing required documentation and facilitating site walkthroughs.
  • Support ad-hoc production needs, including overflow assembly, compliance documentation research, and special project work as assigned by leadership.
  • Contribute to cost-reduction initiatives by identifying tooling improvements, scrap reduction opportunities, and process streamlining suggestions.
  • Assist customer service or service centers by providing technical evaluations for returned items and helping with disposition recommendations.
  • Participate in scheduled safety drills, emergency response training, and hazardous materials handling refreshers to maintain a compliant and incident-free workplace.
  • Engage in professional development by attending industry training, compliance workshops, and technology briefings relevant to firearms manufacturing.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient in reading and applying mechanical drawings, GD&T, and engineering tolerances relevant to firearms components.
  • Skilled in CNC operating fundamentals and manual machine tool operations (mills, lathes); ability to collaborate with CNC programmers and maintenance teams.
  • Strong metalworking skills including precision machining, filing, deburring, and hand-fitting in high-tolerance environments.
  • Competence with inspection equipment: micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, height gauges, optical comparators, and basic CMM interaction.
  • Working knowledge of manufacturing documentation systems (ERP/MES) and electronic recordkeeping for serialized products.
  • Familiarity with surface finishing processes and coordination with heat treat and coating vendors (without providing technical manufacturing specifics).
  • Knowledge of firearms industry regulatory framework: ATF rules, recordkeeping, serialization practices, and state-level licensing expectations.
  • Practical experience with assembly jigs, fixtures, torque tools, and standardized assembly tooling for repeatable, quality assemblies.
  • Experience participating in root cause analysis, corrective actions (CAPA), and quality improvement projects.
  • Basic competency with CAD/CAM files, revision control systems, and collaboration with engineering on manufacturability reviews.
  • Understanding of safe ammunition handling protocols and test firing procedures as governed by site policy (perform tests only in authorized, controlled settings).
  • Familiarity with inventory control, FIFO, and controlled parts traceability systems.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to producing safe, compliant, high-quality products.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with a methodical approach to troubleshooting production and assembly issues.
  • High ethical standards, integrity, and respect for regulatory and legal constraints governing firearms work.
  • Effective verbal and written communication to document findings, escalate issues, and collaborate across functions.
  • Ability to train and mentor less experienced technicians and to document best practices.
  • Time management and prioritization to meet production schedules while preserving safety and quality.
  • Team-oriented attitude with ability to work cross-functionally in fast-paced manufacturing environments.
  • Adaptability to engineering changes and revisions while maintaining rigorous documentation.
  • Proactive about continuous learning and keeping current with industry regulations and manufacturing technologies.
  • Strong situational judgment under safety-critical and compliance-sensitive conditions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED with demonstrated mechanical aptitude and experience in precision manufacturing or metalworking.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or certificate in Gunsmithing, Machine Tool Technology, Precision Machining, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or similar trade program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Gunsmithing
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Precision Machining / CNC Technology
  • Metallurgy / Materials Science
  • Industrial Technology / Manufacturing

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–7 years in precision manufacturing, machining, gunsmithing, or related assembly roles; range varies by complexity of the position.

Preferred:

  • 3–5+ years specifically in firearms manufacturing, gunsmithing, or a highly regulated precision assembly environment with documented compliance experience.

Notes: Candidates should be prepared for pre-employment background checks consistent with federal and state law and to demonstrate a safety-first mindset. Familiarity with industry best practices, quality standards (ISO or AS9100 experience beneficial), and prior work in regulated manufacturing environments will be highly valued.

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