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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Gun Technician

💰 $45,000 - $70,000

Skilled TradesManufacturingDefenseTechnical ServicesLaw Enforcement Support

🎯 Role Definition

The Gun Technician is a highly skilled, hands-on professional responsible for ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of firearms. More than just a repair person, this individual is a subject matter expert, blending the precision of a machinist with the detailed knowledge of an armorer. The role serves as the backbone of any organization that relies on functional firearms, from manufacturing and retail to law enforcement and defense. A Gun Technician's work directly impacts user safety and operational readiness, demanding an unwavering commitment to quality, precision, and regulatory compliance. This position involves diagnosing complex mechanical issues, performing intricate repairs, executing custom modifications, and maintaining a meticulous record of all activities in strict adherence to industry and government standards.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Graduate of an Accredited Gunsmithing or Armorer's School
  • Military Small Arms/Artillery Repairer (MOS 91F or similar)
  • Machinist or CNC Operator with a passion for firearms
  • Experienced Firearms Retail Associate with strong technical aptitude

Advancement To:

  • Master Gunsmith / Head Technician
  • Workshop or Production Manager
  • Firearms Designer / R&D Specialist
  • Quality Assurance and Control Inspector

Lateral Moves:

  • Technical Trainer or Course Instructor
  • Product Development Consultant
  • Law Enforcement or Military Armory Manager
  • Specialized Technical Sales Representative

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform comprehensive diagnostics to identify and troubleshoot mechanical failures, stoppages, and accuracy issues across a wide range of firearm platforms.
  • Execute the complete disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and reassembly of firearms, ensuring all components meet manufacturer specifications and safety standards.
  • Conduct precise repairs and part replacements on handguns, rifles, and shotguns, ranging from simple spring changes to complex action work.
  • Operate manual and CNC machinery, including lathes, mills, and grinders, to fabricate, fit, or modify components such as barrels, slides, and receivers.
  • Apply specialized protective and cosmetic coatings, including Cerakote, Parkerizing, and Bluing, ensuring proper surface preparation and curing for a durable finish.
  • Perform and verify custom gunsmithing work, including sight installation, trigger enhancements, barrel threading for suppressors, and stock fitting and bedding.
  • Maintain meticulous, compliant records of all firearm servicing and modifications in an A&D (Acquisition and Disposition) logbook, in strict accordance with ATF regulations.
  • Conduct live-fire function testing in a safe, controlled environment to confirm the safety, reliability, and accuracy of repaired or newly built firearms.
  • Use precision measuring instruments like calipers, micrometers, headspace gauges, and bore scopes to inspect and verify critical component tolerances.
  • Provide expert technical consultation to customers or internal staff on firearm maintenance, potential upgrades, and performance optimization strategies.
  • Manage and maintain an organized inventory of tools, replacement parts, and shop supplies, initiating purchase orders to replenish stock as needed.
  • Stay rigorously up-to-date on federal, state, and local laws governing the repair, modification, and transfer of firearms.
  • Develop and document standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for recurring repair and assembly tasks to ensure consistent quality and efficiency.
  • Expertly clean and restore antique, collectible, or historically significant firearms using techniques that preserve their integrity and value.
  • Calibrate, clean, and maintain all shop equipment and specialized gunsmithing tools to ensure their accuracy and operational readiness.

Secondary Functions

  • Support product development and R&D teams by providing expert technical feedback on new firearm prototypes and accessory designs.
  • Assist in the training and mentorship of apprentice technicians, sharing knowledge of advanced techniques and safety protocols.
  • Collaborate with customer service and sales teams to resolve complex customer issues and provide in-depth technical product support.
  • Contribute to maintaining a clean, organized, and highly safe workshop environment in compliance with all company and OSHA safety standards.
  • Pursue continuous professional development by attending industry trade shows, certification courses, and workshops to stay current with new technologies and techniques.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Firearm Platform Expertise: Deep, hands-on knowledge of the disassembly, assembly, and function of various firearm actions and platforms (e.g., 1911, Glock, AR-15, bolt-action rifles).
  • Diagnostic Acumen: Proven ability to logically and systematically troubleshoot complex mechanical issues to find the root cause of a firearm's malfunction.
  • Machining & Fabrication: Proficiency in operating manual lathes, milling machines, and surface grinders for precision metalwork.
  • Firearm Finishes: Experience with surface preparation and application of various finishes, particularly Cerakote application and media blasting.
    -Blueprint & Schematic Interpretation: The ability to read, understand, and execute work based on technical drawings and manufacturer schematics.
  • Precision Measurement: Skilled in the accurate use of calipers, micrometers, bore scopes, and various specialty headspace and tolerance gauges.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Solid understanding of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regulations, including NFA rules and proper record-keeping.
  • Welding (TIG/Laser): Competency in TIG or laser welding for tasks like frame repair or component fabrication is highly desirable.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An uncompromising focus on precision and quality, recognizing that small errors can have significant safety implications.
  • Analytical Problem-Solving: A methodical and patient approach to diagnosing issues, considering all variables before implementing a solution.
  • Effective Communication: Ability to clearly explain complex technical procedures and concepts to clients and colleagues with varying levels of expertise.
  • Self-Discipline & Time Management: The capacity to work independently, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines without constant supervision.
  • Unyielding Safety Consciousness: A deep-rooted commitment to safe handling practices and maintaining a secure work environment at all times.
  • Manual Dexterity & Patience: Excellent hand-eye coordination and the steadiness required for performing intricate, delicate tasks on small components.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED coupled with a formal certification from a recognized and accredited gunsmithing program or equivalent military experience (e.g., Army 91F, Marine 2111).

Preferred Education:

Associate of Science (A.S.) in Gunsmithing or an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Machine Tool Technology.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Gunsmithing & Firearms Technology
  • Machining and CNC Technology
  • Welding Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of demonstrated, professional experience as a gunsmith, armorer, or gun technician in a commercial, law enforcement, or military environment.

Preferred:

5+ years of experience in a high-volume manufacturing or repair facility. Verifiable experience with advanced customizations, such as precision rifle building, action blueprinting, or competitive pistol tuning. Direct experience with ATF compliance audits and A&D logbook management is a significant plus.

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