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Where Have All the Gunsmiths Gone?

Iā€™m not afraid to work on my guns because I have a light touch. But if I run into something that is out of my realm, I donā€™t have the correct tools for or simply donā€™t want to spend the time doing, I have a very good gunsmith 10 minutes from me who is a former Marine armorer. Very nice guy who not only smiths, but does amazing restoration work.

As for gunsmiths in general, from what I have seen on YouTube and other social media there are plenty of new young buyers who think because a gun is made of metal they can just hammer away on it until it magically works again. I predict a field day for gunsmiths in the coming years. Some of the heinous **** I have seen people do to their guns is unbelievable.

As Iā€™ve said many times before, some people have no business being near a gun. And yes, I am willing to make that decision for everyone. šŸ˜ŽšŸ˜ŽšŸ˜Ž
 
TEXASforLIFE said:
i'd bet most firearm manufacturers DON'T hire certified smiths. although somewhere in the process line those that do the fitting are. these places that are the aftermarket or custom places hire people that can operate a machine as they don't need to be a smith...........maybe that's why some aftermarket and custom barrel makers get bad reviews! i want to know more than just being able to chamber, thread, profile, flue and rifle a barrel, i want to be able to fix issues that need more than a lego fix. the trade school in co i'm looking at offers specific trades/branches like shotguns, 1911's and so on for fall and spring semesters along with some during the summer by more specific brands. for lets say sig, s/w or other brands they have their own schools or get offered by certain smiths.
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and if that is true, then one must still have to move to where the schooling is....so "same difference" as going to a gun smithing school.

those without a family, or mortgage, or rent payments, (aka single young person) may, and i say may be able to up and move to go to a smithing school or a factory school, but again, not all states have a gun manufacturer. so inconveniences of going to school a long distance from the home.

then the overall job market.

what is the actual demand for gun smiths, in ALL 50 U.S. states, over...auto/diesel techs, HVAC, plumbers, electricians, teachers, etc,,etc...???

gonna be kind of useless for someone in an area of not much demand for a gunsmith to invest time and money for tools and the education, then not have customers to keep the lights on, let alone make a living.

this is why there are way too many you tube videos on "how to fix" anything, and people give it a try.
 
Old_Me said:
gonna be kind of useless for someone in an area of not much demand for a gunsmith to invest time and money for tools and the education, then not have customers to keep the lights on, let alone make a living.
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And the powers that be have made in impossible for a citizen to ship a full handgun anywhere for necessary or cosmetic ā€œsmithingā€. Got to feed an LGS if you want to ship for warranty work or otherwise, at least around here. Fortunately theyā€™re willing to do it (for a fee)ā€¦so far.
 
I know a couple of older guys in my area who still do basic repairs, but theyā€™re booked solid for months. Younger folks seem more into factory replacements or DIY kits than learning the craft. Feels like thereā€™s a huge gap for anyone willing to actually pick up the skills - it could be a steady career if someone put in the time.
 
Well I thought about getting into it but the health insurance thing is a big part I canā€™t give up. I have learned to some work on my own stuff.

Otherwise I have to drive over an hour in almost any direction. There was once I needed it due to screws stuck in the slide.
 
Talyn said:

The Demand For Gunsmiths​

For the past six years, gun sales in the United States have numbered more than 1 million per month. Although the exact figure is not known, itā€™s estimated that civilians in the U.S. own roughly 500 million guns. Thatā€™s a lot of guns that need cleaning, routine maintenance, customization, modification, and repair.

More guns of all types are produced every year. Technology is changing, and it seems like every month there is something new and different. The more guns in circulation, the greater the need for gunsmiths. Itā€™s estimated that there are roughly 4,500 or fewer gunsmiths actively working today, which if true, means there is a lot of work up for grabs for those entering the trade.


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Have been doing business with my LGS for about twenty years and sadly they're about to close their doors. They have a very good gunsmith he's 60+ years old says he is retiring. There's another smith in town but doesn't have a very good reputation.
 
the smith school i'm lookin at/into seems to be a very good place according to others i've chatted with. so far 3 of my kids are interested in it also. good thing, it's less i'll need to teach them! at least 1 will join me when i/we go.
 
Retirement or death? The really talented ones are not getting any younger.

I used Hamilton Bowen for multiple project revolvers, and he's now retired.
Dave Severns worked on my Colt 1911s and a few Les Baers over the years.
I had Reeves Jungkind tune a couple of Pythons for me. He's deceased.
When I was shooting benchrest my rifle smiths were Mickey Coleman and Jim Messer - also both deceased now.
I can still likely source a competent gunsmith for any rifle project I deem needs a custom touch. My last few rifles were simple rebarrels by Shilen and PacNor.

Fortunately, my other pistol/revolver smith is still in business so I'm trying to envision any project needs I may have before *I* retire, lol.
 
So far been working on my own stuff but striker fired pretty simple so not really patting myself on the back. Going to take some smithing classes because my tism has me wanting to learn everything about what Iā€™m interested in.
 
SL66 said:
They are going the same place that most "skilled trades" are going. There is a serious lack of work ethic in today's up and comers. Zero motivation for any type of blue color work. That is the reason so many support keeping illegals here in the USA. Too damn lazy to even make thier own bed when they get out of it in the morning. Let thier 35 year old "children" live at home instead of forcing them to become responsible contributors to society.
Okay, okay, had to pump the breaks there. Almost said it in the words I would normally use to describe those POS'.
thanks for allowing me to rant.
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Don't forget these lazys want $35 per hour if they show up for work
 
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