Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Gun Repair Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about the intricate mechanics of firearms and dedicated to the craft of gunsmithing? This role requires a highly motivated and meticulous Gun Repair Assistant to join our dynamic workshop team. In this role, you will work directly alongside experienced gunsmiths, providing essential support for a wide range of repair, maintenance, and customization projects. You will be the backbone of our repair operations, ensuring that every firearm is handled with the utmost care and precision. This is a unique opportunity to turn your passion into a profession, learn from master craftsmen, and build a solid foundation for a successful career in the firearms industry.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Firearms Retail Sales Associate with a strong technical aptitude.
Military Veteran with experience as an Armorer or Small Arms Repairer.
Graduate of a recognized Gunsmithing school or program.
Advanced firearms hobbyist with demonstrable mechanical skills.

Advancement To:

Certified Gunsmith / Firearms Technician
Lead Repair Technician or Shop Foreman
Custom Gunsmith specializing in specific platforms (e.g., 1911s, AR-15s, long-range rifles).
Workshop Manager

Lateral Moves:

Cerakote or Custom Finishes Applicator
Firearms Sales and Technical Support Specialist
Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist senior gunsmiths with the complete disassembly and reassembly of various firearm types, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns, ensuring all components are accounted for and correctly re-installed.
Perform comprehensive cleaning, inspection, and lubrication of customer and inventory firearms to diagnose issues and ensure safe, reliable functionality.
Execute basic repairs and parts replacement under supervision, such as installing springs, pins, triggers, and other drop-in components according to manufacturer specifications.
Conduct initial diagnostic evaluations and function checks on incoming firearms to accurately identify and document customer complaints and potential safety issues.
Prepare firearms for advanced gunsmithing work by performing detailed stripping, degreasing, and parts organization for the lead technicians.
Mount and bore-sight scopes, optics, and other sighting systems, ensuring they are properly aligned and torqued for optimal accuracy.
Log all incoming and outgoing firearms in the A&D (Acquisition and Disposition) book, maintaining strict compliance with all Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regulations.
Meticulously document all repair work, parts used, and labor time in the shop's work order system for accurate customer billing and service history tracking.
Operate and maintain essential shop machinery, including ultrasonic cleaners, bead blasters, and hydraulic presses, following all safety protocols.
Assist in the final quality control inspection of completed work, verifying that all repairs meet our high standards for safety, function, and cosmetic appearance.
Communicate effectively with service writers and customers to clarify repair needs and provide status updates on ongoing projects.
Help manage the parts inventory, including identifying needed components, placing orders, and organizing stock to ensure efficient workflow.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to identify common repair trends and parts failures.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by ensuring accurate and consistent data entry for all service orders.
Collaborate with business units, such as the sales floor, to translate data needs into engineering requirements for improving the service intake process.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team if and when shop management software is updated or developed.
Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety of the gunsmithing workshop, including tool benches, machinery, and shared workspaces.
Research technical specifications, parts compatibility, and repair procedures for obscure or new-to-market firearm models.
Assist with receiving, unpacking, and stocking parts and supply shipments for the repair department.
Provide direct support to customers at the service counter, explaining basic maintenance procedures and answering technical questions within your scope of knowledge.
Help prepare firearms for custom finishing applications, such as Cerakote, by performing detailed disassembly and surface prep.
Safely test-fire repaired firearms on the range to confirm proper function and accuracy, documenting all results.
Stay current with industry trends, new firearm technologies, and evolving repair techniques through continuous learning and professional development.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Deep understanding of the mechanical functioning of a wide variety of firearm actions (e.g., semi-auto, bolt-action, pump-action, revolver).
Proficiency in the safe and proper use of hand tools, power tools, and specialized gunsmithing instruments (e.g., files, punches, torque wrenches).
Foundational knowledge of firearms diagnostics and troubleshooting to identify common malfunctions like failures to feed, eject, or fire.
Experience with firearm disassembly and reassembly across multiple platforms (e.g., AR-platform, Glock, 1911, Remington 870).
Basic understanding of ballistics and how different components affect firearm accuracy and performance.
Knowledge of ATF regulations and state/local laws pertaining to firearm repairs, modifications, and transfers.
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and blueprints.

Soft Skills

Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to precision in all tasks.
Strong problem-solving skills with a logical and methodical approach to challenges.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with team members and customers.
Unwavering commitment to safety protocols and responsible firearm handling at all times.
Eagerness to learn, accept constructive feedback, and develop new skills under mentorship.
Strong organizational and time-management abilities to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
A high degree of manual dexterity and steady hands for working with small, intricate parts.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or Associate's Degree from a reputable Gunsmithing school or technical college.
Armorer's certifications for major firearm manufacturers (e.g., Glock, Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Gunsmithing and Firearms Technology
Machinist Technology or Metalworking
Mechanical Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years of relevant hands-on experience.

Preferred:

Prior experience working in a firearms retail store, shooting range, or repair shop.
Verifiable experience as a military armorer (e.g., MOS 2111, 45B, or 91F).
A strong portfolio of personal gunsmithing projects demonstrating mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.