r/gunsmithing Oct 14 '25

SUB ANNOUNCEMENT Rule update

9 Upvotes

Rule #2 has been updated to disallow sale of all firearm items in accordance with new Reddit policy. No direct person-person sales of any kind for firearm related things.


r/gunsmithing Dec 07 '22

How do I get into Gunsmithing?

190 Upvotes

If you are interested in gunsmithing as a career, I strongly recommend that you to rethink your life choices. If you've inhaled so much lead that you are choosing to ignore professional advice, here are some resources to get started.

Professional Organizations

There are a few professional organizations in the industry that exist that can help you connect with others in the trade. I recommend reaching out to the one that most aligns with your interests. Some have a periodical publication that include tips & tricks along with industry news.

American Custom Gunmakers Guild (ACGG)
https://acgg.org/

I cannot in good faith recommend anymore, do your own research.

American Pistolsmiths Guild (APG)
https://americanpistolsmithsguild.com/

Absorbed by ACGG no longer exist independently

Firearm Engravers Guild of America (FEGA)
http://www.fega.com/

FEGA is the world’s foremost authority and organization for firearm engravers and hand engraving enthusiasts.

Miniature Arms Society
http://www.miniaturearms.org/

Founded in 1973 The society is a group of miniature arms enthusiasts who have joined together to promote and encourage interest in making and collecting miniature arms of all kinds - pistols, rifles, cannon, suits of armor, knives, swords etc., with the emphasis on artistic beauty and craftsmanship.

Gunsmithing Schools

Most people would recommend taking a machining course at their local community college before diving into gunsmithing head-on.

But if you've already done so and are still interested in attending school to learn how to become a gunsmith, then there are plenty of programs nationwide that can help you get started.

I cannot endorse or recommend any individual school and this list isn't comprehensive.

School Location Website
Pennsylvania Gunsmith School Pittsburgh, PA pagunsmith.edu
Colorado School of Trades Lakewood, CO schooloftrades.edu
Trinidad State College Trinidad, CO trinidadstate.edu
Piedmont Technical College Greenwood, SC ptc.edu
Iowa Valley Grinnell Grinnell, IA iavalley.edu
Yavapai College Prescott, AZ yc.edu
Montgomery CC Troy, NC montgomery.edu
Lenoir CC Kinston, NC lenoircc.edu
Pine Technical College Pine City, MN pine.edu
Murray State College Tishomingo, OK mscok.edu
Lassen CC Susanville, CA lassencollege.edu
Flathead Valley CC Kalispell, MT fvcc.edu
Eastern Wyoming College Torrington, WY wy.edu
MT Training Center Grand Prairie, TX mttrainingcenter.org
Penn Foster Online Only pennfoster.edu
American Gunsmithing Institute Online Only americangunsmithinginstitute.net
Sonoran Desert Institute Online Only sdi.edu
MGS Trade School Online Only mgs.edu

Short Gunsmithing Courses

There are a few short courses that might be better suited towards getting your feet wet.

The NRA runs a few summer gunsmithing classes. They are typically held at Trinidad State College in Trinidad, Colorado and/or Murray State College in Tishomingo and Montgomery, NC

The ACGG will occasionally host some classes at various schools

If you are interested in gun engraving, checkout GRS, they have a training center in Emporia, KS that has some beginner gun engraving classes.

Advice from the Sub

I spent several years attending the Brownells Gunsmith Expo as someone looking to hire employees. Around 50k to start work in development or fixing problem guns. Went the entire time they had it and hired one kid. We built suppressors messed with explosives and auto rifles. He had a associates in business and very clearly stated he owned his own M2 and assorted guns and could build them and knew suppressor theory. ( this was before all the cans were cut apart online) we hired him on the spot. He is know well along in the industry. The other kids wanted to be artists and build custom wooden stocked Mauser etc. They all wanted to be a Turnbull or work at a Rigby( even though they had never been to London and would know then they needed to apprentice) I offered to bring one of our AK builders and our suppressor guy to a I think the Colorado school and was turned down. One of the "instructors" said we don't teach that type of thing.

... the sad truth is that no one actually wants to listen to experienced gunsmiths when it comes to gunsmithing education/training questions. Most people are just looking for confirmation that they can attend a few months of online class and then start making money (spoiler alert, they can’t)

As someone who attended a Gunsmithing school I can honestly say, become a machinist first then a gunsmith if you do it the other way around your wasting time and money. You won fully grasp or understand everything you learn in the machining side of gunsmithing without first having machining knowledge. For the time being go to armourers courses read some books heck watch some YouTube and tinker with guns. The most important thing that makes the difference between a machinist and a gunsmith is one has an understanding of firearms once you learn some basics about firearms and you already are a machinist trust me you can work on anything. So I know that’s not the answer a lot of people will want however the running Joke in the Gunsmithing trade is “the fastest way to earn $1 million Gunsmithing, is to start with $2 million. This is not an industry to get involved with for money but rather a passion and love of firearms.

YouTube Channels

See anything missing? Something that shouldn't be here? Let me know and I'll fix it.

Please feel free to use this thread to discuss any gunsmithing college, training, or education related questions you would like. Let us know if you would like any other stickied posts made or things moved around, and we will do our best to get it taken care of.

Link to the old thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/gunsmithing/comments/p72md7/can_we_make_getting_into_school_for_information/


r/gunsmithing 3h ago

Reticle Alignment

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2 Upvotes

I’ve checked this thing every way I have. Spirit levels show good, Arisaka leveling tool is dead flat on the bottom, plumb bob and light looks good. I tightened all screws evenly one turn at a time in an X and step torqued them the same but for some reason on 8X the reticle looks coated horizontally to me. I think I’m in my head at this point but I’d love some input from someone who hasn’t been staring at this for a couple hours lol.


r/gunsmithing 17h ago

Is this rust and pitting fixable?

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13 Upvotes

Firearm I'm looking at purchasing, unsure if the pitting is too severe to be able to fix it or not.


r/gunsmithing 5h ago

Is this an abnormal amount of gouging from a factory non-mim 870 extractor?

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1 Upvotes

It’s my first 870 and just wanted to make sure if this is normal? Does any one else have these track marks? My concern is cracking in the future. Thanks..


r/gunsmithing 11h ago

Possible abnormal maverick 88 action wear

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1 Upvotes

I picked up a new maverick 88 a month ago. I used it for clays and dove - putting roughly 300-400 rounds through it. The action was rough the day I picked it up and has been rough since then, however I chalked it up to being a cheaper firearm until seeing the metal shards in the action on cleaning this time. Is this normal break in or is the action having an issue?


r/gunsmithing 15h ago

👉Does Your Mosin Suffer From "Zipper Bolt"?

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7 Upvotes

This is a JPG image. You may right-click/save-as if you find it helpful.

Regards.


r/gunsmithing 11h ago

Blue (242) or Purple (222 and 222MS) for scope ring base screws?

1 Upvotes

Had some issues losing torque in Vortex Pro Ring bases (spec requires 30 in/lbs). Only using a .223 bolt, but with a ~2 lb Viper PST. Wondering if the weight is contributing to the problem.

I haven't degreased anything yet, but everything honestly looked/felt great out of the package.

30 in/lbs without some type of Loctite doesn't seem like it's going to cut it. I rather just use a dab and torque to specs since there is no risk of damaging the optic since only the rail is involved.

Does Loctite really lubricate and throw torque off that much to worry? Interestingly enough, I read the following of the Mil-spec versions of 222MS and 242... Apparently, purple 222MS specifically, and blue 242 are better at "retaining accurate clamping force", can anyone attest to this? Does this allow one to use regular specs?

I am waiting on word back from Vortex but am still wondering if it be safe to use 222MS or 242 on the scope base screws to get this under control. (I will have to say I am leaning towards blue 242)

Fortunately, the ring tops haven't caused any issues, knock on wood lol

Any input would be appreciated.


r/gunsmithing 12h ago

I’m about to lose my mind

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0 Upvotes

r/gunsmithing 18h ago

Martini Henry 45-70 conversion

3 Upvotes

I’m curious on what you guys think of a 4570 conversion for a martini Henry - I really like the look and the action and 4570 already what I shoot a lot with other rifles. - i’m thinking of receiver/action made for black powder shooting like a high wall or sharps.
I’m curious how plausible would a 45-70 conversion be on an older martini Henry in .577/450 . They are both rimmed cartridges and the bore and bullet diameter are somewhat close ( .458 - 455) - biggest issue is the case design obviously.

What would go into something like this?


r/gunsmithing 16h ago

A300 damaged piston?

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1 Upvotes

I bought a Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol back in May. I took it to the range and brought it back to clean it. I dropped the little piston that goes in the gas system on the barrel. When I tried putting it back on, it didn’t go smoothly at all. I took a look and the piston has the slightest distortion, like it’s not perfectly round anymore. It’s hardly noticeable, but it’s there and it’s interfering with the barrel passing over the mag tube. I took it my local FFL and they successfully got it back together and said I should be good to go, but that maybe I should try to get a replacement from beretta. I’m working on that, but in the meantime do you think it’s going to cause me a problem?


r/gunsmithing 1d ago

Stuck Jp silent capture spring

3 Upvotes

Anyone know how to remove the JP silent capture spring from an AR 15 buffer tube? I’ve tried for over an hour and it’s stuck. There’s nothing to get any purchase on to pull it out either.

Edit: I am talking specifically about the JP silent capture buffer system, not a traditional spring and weight. It is made to lock into the buffer tube without using the detent.


r/gunsmithing 1d ago

The Thrill of the double life

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0 Upvotes

r/gunsmithing 1d ago

Carry Handle irons

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1 Upvotes

r/gunsmithing 1d ago

Possibility of barrel diameter change?

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1 Upvotes

r/gunsmithing 2d ago

Putting together a basic tool kit

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39 Upvotes

Got tired of stealing tools from various tool boxes etc every time I needed to torque down a new optic or disassemble a firearm. Metal tool box and it looks like I still have a 3rd drawer free and a bit of space at the top. What tools am I missing here? Working on pretty basic things, glock/Sig, 10/22, AR's etc.


r/gunsmithing 2d ago

Savage Axis stiff bolt

2 Upvotes

I have a savage axis that is extremely difficult to unlock when the striker is cocked. It’s perfectly smooth until the last bit of upwards travel of the bolt knob. When it gets to that last lil bit i almost have to hit the bolt handle to get it to unlock. I find that it’s smoother when the striker is down. Is there anything I can do to help with this?


r/gunsmithing 2d ago

Thompson Center Dimension Restoration

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1 Upvotes

r/gunsmithing 2d ago

Latch on the side of a star 70B bolt

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17 Upvotes

What is the purpose of this small lever/ latch on the side of the star 70B bolt. I see that it can be depressed by the charging rod, but what keeps it from popping into the pocket on the tube while firing? Any info would be appreciated


r/gunsmithing 2d ago

Bolt stuck open - Charles Daly 12ga

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10 Upvotes

Hello!

Apologies if this is the wrong sub. I was out shooting dove earlier and my gun jammed up. Essentially, the bolt is stuck open (see below).

I've taken the barrel and grip off of it, didn't notice any jams or stuck shells. Pressing the bolt release button does nothing. Any advice?


r/gunsmithing 2d ago

Jingling noise

2 Upvotes

I bought a new Taurus 856 UL and it has a sort of jingling noise when I shake it or wave it around (I haven't been doing that in an unsafe way, I noticed it when I pulled it out to try a speedloader I bought)

I have a video, but that post type isn't allowed here

Its the first modern DA revolver I've owned, is that normal or should I send it in to Taurus?


r/gunsmithing 2d ago

Israeli 7.62 BRNO Kar98k Question

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5 Upvotes

I've had this rifle for some time and im finally getting around to adressing an issue l've had since purchase and I just need some verification from someone with a little more experience in the KAR.

The front barrel band and bayonet lug loosen while firing. I know there needs to be a pin to hold the bavonet lug in place and the front band, as far as I've found, is usually retained through the use of a double sided band retaining spring that hold both front and rear bands in place.

However this rifle doesn't have nor has the provision for a double ended spring. So would the bayonet lug pin also secure the front band? Would the front band need to have 2 holes so the pin sits flush or just one (as it only has one) and the pin would sit proud?


r/gunsmithing 3d ago

First ever gunsmithing project $20

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71 Upvotes

So I got this H&R 922 from a local gun show for $20! I’m very excited about getting it working again the trigger and hammer seem to work just fine but obviously I’m missing the cylinder and rod. Do yall have any tips and tricks to the trade? Also the only website I’ve found with the cylinders is sold out. If you have any resources for some please let me know. Side note the serial number starts with an L putting this around 1949-1951 I believe.


r/gunsmithing 2d ago

M1 Carbine parts interchangeable?

2 Upvotes

I own a Iver Johnson 50 year anniversary M1 Carbine and the bolt cracked on me and the extractor is no more. I was wondering if the bolt is interchangeable with any other GI bolt?


r/gunsmithing 3d ago

Beretta 950BS crack?

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6 Upvotes

I feel the line slightly get caught w my nail , tho when I see the barrel hinge the line doesn’t continue, I recently got it gifted so I’m not to sure of its maintenance condition.
(Any advice)