Gunsmith
OFO No: 652202
Other names for Gunsmith:
- Light Armament Fitter
- Light Weapon Fitter
Youtube clip – All about Gunsmithing
For training options in South Africa – scroll down
What is a Gunsmith?
A Gunsmith is a talented artisan who works with guns. They are like ‘gun-engineers’.
Areas they could be involved in – include:
- design
- construction
- maintenance
- customising
- repairs
Gunsmiths are skilled enough to make various parts and customise others.
Gunsmiths may specialise in a particular kind of gun, for example:
- antique
- law enforcement
- collector’s pieces
What does a Gunsmith do?
- works with metals
- designs and makes parts
- works with various specialised tools
- cleans, maintains, and restores guns
- keeps up to date with gun information
- advises clients where necessary
- keeps records and paperwork (licencing etc) in order
Are you … ?
- 18 years +
- responsible?
- safety conscious?
- passionate about guns?
- good with our hands?
- good with paperwork?
- accurate?
- detail orientated?
- a person who pays attention to detail?
- honest?
How do I become a Gunsmith?
PATH 1
- Apprenticeship
- Trade Test
PATH 2
- Learnership – Firearms Maintenance NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 3
- Learnership – Mechanical Engineering (Fitting) NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 4
- Learnership – Foundry Operations (Metal Tooling) Level 2, 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 5
- Learnership – Foundry Operations (Machine moulding) NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 6
- Learnership – Instrument Mechanician NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 7
- RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
- If you have already been working a long time as a Gunsmith without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
- Trade Test
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
- CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
For more information on training, we would suggest you contact one of the already practicing Gunsmiths in your community (off SAGA website).
- SAGA: SOUTH AFRICAN GUN OWNER’s ASSOCIATION
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Tool, Jig and Die-Maker … or … Armament Fitter
Is becoming a Gunsmith the right career choice for me?
