The Art and Science of Gunsmithing: Learning from the Craft

From the Bench: Reflections on a profession that continues to teach me something new every day

By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company

July 1, 2025

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As I sit here in my shop after another day of working on everything from Civil War reproductions to modern sporting rifles, I'm reminded that gunsmithing is one of those crafts where you never stop learning. Every firearm that comes through our door teaches me something new, and the more I discover about this profession, the more I realize how much I still don't know.

The Numbers Tell a Story

The scale of what we do as gunsmiths becomes clearer when you look at the current industry data. According to the latest NSSF reports, over 16 million firearms were sold in the U.S. in 2024 alone, and the total economic impact of the firearms industry has grown to an incredible $91.7 billion – a 379% increase since 2008.

But here's what really gets my attention: with an estimated 400+ million firearms currently in circulation across America, even if just 10% need professional attention in any given period, we're looking at 40 million firearms that require the kind of specialized care only a trained gunsmith can provide.

That's a humbling number when you think about it.

More Than Just Repairs

What I've learned over my years in this trade is that we're not just repair technicians – though that's certainly a big part of what we do. At Blue Coat Arms Company, I'd estimate that 80% of our work involves cleaning and servicing firearms that are jamming or having feeding issues due to worn parts or poor maintenance. But the other 20% is where things get really interesting.

We evaluate firearms for local dealers, help customers understand what they've inherited from family members, and sometimes get called in to assess entire collections. I've learned that firearm vendors often rely on gunsmiths like us to ensure the quality and functionality of their inventory – something I didn't fully appreciate when I first started this journey.

The Value of Specialized Knowledge

Here's something that still surprises customers: it's not uncommon for someone to pay more for gunsmithing services than they originally paid for their firearm. At first, this might seem backwards, but when you consider the specialized training, tools, and time required to properly diagnose and fix complex issues, it starts to make sense.

My education at Sonoran Desert Institute taught me the fundamentals, but every day in the shop teaches me something new. Whether it's fabricating a custom part for an antique firearm where originals are no longer available, or troubleshooting a feeding issue on a modern rifle, each project adds to my understanding of this craft.

A Changing Landscape

The days when gunsmithing was undervalued are definitely behind us. The current market not only demands quality work but rewards it. According to recent industry reports, there's especially high demand for gunsmiths right now because of the booming firearms industry. As one industry expert put it: "Guns won't last forever without maintenance, and much of that is beyond the skills of the average gun owner."

This demand has created opportunities I'm still learning to navigate. Some gunsmiths report that 75% of their customers come specifically for gunsmithing services rather than retail purchases – a testament to how essential our specialized skills have become.

The Diagnostic Challenge

One of the most challenging aspects of this work – and one where I'm constantly learning – is diagnosis. Often, what a customer thinks is wrong with their firearm isn't actually the root problem. Through careful cleaning and inspection, I've learned to look beyond the obvious symptoms to identify underlying issues.

Just last week, a customer brought in a rifle that "wouldn't shoot straight." After a thorough inspection, I discovered the real issue wasn't the barrel or scope – it was a worn trigger mechanism that was causing inconsistent release. These kinds of discoveries remind me why this profession requires both technical knowledge and detective skills.

The Art of Fabrication

Working on historical firearms has taught me perhaps the most about the artistry side of gunsmithing. When we restore antique firearms and need to fabricate parts that are no longer available, we're not just fixing a gun – we're preserving history. This work requires understanding metallurgy, machining, welding, brazing, and sometimes even blacksmithing techniques.

Each historical restoration project teaches me something new about the craftsmanship of earlier eras. The attention to detail and quality of materials in some of these older firearms is truly remarkable.

Tools and Continuous Learning

Gunsmithing requires access to specialized tools that most people don't have – and knowing how to use them properly. But beyond the physical tools, this profession demands continuous learning. New firearms designs, changing materials, evolving manufacturing techniques – there's always something new to master.

I've learned that the best gunsmiths are those who remain students throughout their careers. The moment you think you know everything about firearms is the moment you stop growing in this craft.

The Reputation Factor

In gunsmithing, your reputation truly is everything. Word travels fast in the firearms community – both good and bad. I've learned that every project, no matter how small, is an opportunity to either build or damage that reputation.

Our 6-month warranty on all work (unless the firearm is worked on elsewhere afterward) isn't just about standing behind our work – it's about building the trust that keeps customers coming back and referring others.

The Business Reality

Running a gunsmithing business has taught me as much about customer service and business management as it has about firearms. With our current 3-month backlog, I've learned the importance of clear communication about timelines and managing customer expectations.

The appointment-only model we use at Blue Coat Arms Company has taught me that structure and boundaries actually improve customer relationships rather than hinder them. When customers know they need to schedule time and that we're not handling emergency repairs, it sets the right expectations from the start.

Looking Forward

The firearms industry continues to evolve, and so must we as gunsmiths. Whether it's learning about new materials, mastering different manufacturing techniques, or understanding emerging technologies, this profession demands that we keep growing.

I'm constantly amazed by how much there is to learn in this field. From the historical significance of antique firearms to the precision engineering of modern designs, every day brings new challenges and opportunities to expand my knowledge.

The Student's Perspective

What I've come to appreciate most about gunsmithing is that it's a craft where humility serves you well. The moment you think you've mastered it all is when a customer will bring in something that completely stumps you. That's not a failure – it's an opportunity to learn something new.

The firearms that come through our shop represent centuries of human innovation and craftsmanship. Each one has a story, and each one has something to teach. Whether it's a family heirloom that needs restoration or a modern rifle that needs a trigger job, every project adds to my understanding of this incredible craft.

The Enduring Value

Ultimately, the longevity of any gunsmith's business comes down to expertise, quality work, and the willingness to keep learning. In an industry where reputation speaks volumes, those who consistently deliver exceptional service while remaining humble students of the craft will endure.

Gunsmithing is indeed an art, a science, and a vocation that demands dedication, precision, and – perhaps most importantly – the recognition that there's always more to learn. As custodians of firearm maintenance and repair, we play a vital role in preserving both the functionality and the legacy of these remarkable tools.

Every day in the shop teaches me something new, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

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At Blue Coat Arms Company, we approach every project as both craftsmen and students. Whether you need routine maintenance, complex repairs, or historical restoration work, we bring both expertise and humility to every job. Contact us at 217-416-5962 or BlueCoatArms@gmail.com to discuss your gunsmithing needs.

No matter your era, we got your six – and we're always learning how to serve you better.