Gunsmiths

The small arms repair industry is not a large sector of the economy and, as a result, little or no change in employment is expected during the next decade.

Many trained gunsmiths are unable to find full-time employment, so they combine gunsmithing with working as machinists or precision metalworkers. Gunsmiths who specialize in a specific area have the greatest chance at steady work.

Competition for business among gun manufacturers and even firearms amateurs is high. Business can be lost because many people turn to friends or amateur gunsmiths to repair their guns for nominal fees or even free of charge. These amateurs cannot, however, match the skills of expert gunsmiths, and a lack of trained expertise may even pose a danger to the owner of the firearm.