GUNSMITH SERVICES: TIPS FOR CHOOSING A GUNSMITH

Finding the right professional to perform gunsmith services can sometimes be frustrating. There are many reasons for this. One is that the quality of training for the field varies widely from one institution to the next. There are many excellent residential programs across the country, such as the one at Trinidad State College in Colorado. However, there are also many not-so-good training options, including home study and fly-by-night institutions that aren’t worth the money they charge. The people who run these programs take advantage of unwary students, parting them from their money while giving them certificates or diplomas that have little value.

Another reason why finding a competent gunsmith can be challenging is that there is no nationwide certification program required for entering the profession. Conceivably, anyone could hang a sign outside a building today and declare himself a gunsmith. 

With challenges like these, how can firearms owners ensure that the gunsmith they choose knows his job? Here’s what to look for:

1. Make sure that the person in question holds a current federal firearms license (FFL). The feds require that anyone performing gunsmithing services have this all-important credential. If the gunsmith you’re considering doesn’t have an FFL, then find one who does.

2. Make sure that the gunsmith shop is insured against losses from fire and theft. This is another factor that sets the true professionals apart from the rest of the crowd. It also ensures that you’ll be covered, should your weapon be stolen or destroyed while in the shops’ possession.

3. Make sure that the staff has thorough, on-hands training in the repair and maintenance of firearms. This kind of preparation can be gained in one of three ways. The first option is attending an accredited gunsmithing school. This site lists such programs in the United States. The second option is through the military. All branches of the service use professional armorers – military personnel thoroughly trained in the maintenance of small arms. The third option is by completing training programs offered by major firearms manufacturers such as Colt, Winchester, and Remington. If the smith you’re considering didn’t get his training in one of these three ways, then pass him by.

4. Make sure that the shop offering gunsmith services has a good reputation in its community. Thanks to the Internet, it’s now possible to check reviews on virtually any kind of business. Also, you can ask other gun owners, including people you hunt with or who hang out at your local shooting range. Another way to separate the true professionals from the others is by asking how long the shop has been in operation. A well-established shop with a loyal clientele is almost certainly doing something right. For example, Dury’s has been in business in the San Antonio area since 1959.

5. Lastly, it’s a good idea to check on whether the shop handles all of its work in-house or ships some of it out. For example, some shops farm out their machining work to other businesses. This can drive up costs and increase the time you must wait to get your gun back. This isn’t necessarily a disqualifier; in fact, many good shops sub-contract work on occasion. However, if you can find one that handles everything itself, then you may be better off in the long run.   

If you live in or near San Antonio, then we invite you to rely on Dury’s for your gunsmithing needs. Our staff includes Mike Whalen, graduate of Trinidad State College’s highly regarded gunsmithing program. Mike has 25 years of experience in the field. We also carry a wide selection of new and used guns in outstanding condition, if you’re ready to add another piece to your collection. So come see us soon!