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Gunsmith

Gunsmiths repair, maintain and customize firearms. They combine engineering skill with craftsmanship to make sure guns work safely and reliably for hunting and sport shooting.

Gunsmith

8

Sport and Exercise Science

AI IMPACT
AI CAN DO8%moving to53%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSC
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £30,000
PHYSICAL MOATThe work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it.
This job holds up well against AI
AI cannot yet do much of what this job actually involves, and the work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

The role

As a gunsmith, you repair and maintain firearms, and customize them for individual shooters. You need to understand how guns work - the mechanics and metallurgy - so you can fix problems, adjust them for accuracy, and make sure they work safely.

Your work is careful and detailed. You might diagnose why a gun is not working properly, disassemble it, repair or replace parts, and test it thoroughly before returning it. You talk to customers about what they need, advise them on care and safety, and keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance. The job demands precision - a small mistake could cause problems - and you need to stay up to date with firearms laws and safety standards. It is skilled, hands-on work that appeals to people who like understanding how mechanical things work.

Daily responsibilities

  • Diagnosing and repairing malfunctioning firearms to ensure optimal performance and safety.
  • Customizing firearms to meet specific client specifications, including modifications to stocks, barrels, and triggers.
  • Performing routine maintenance and cleaning of firearms to prolong their lifespan and functionality.
  • Consulting with clients to understand their needs and provide expert advice on firearm selection and care.
  • Keeping detailed records of repairs, modifications, and inventory management for compliance and quality assurance.
  • Staying updated on the latest laws and regulations regarding firearms to ensure compliance in all work.
  • Collaborating with suppliers to source high-quality materials and components for firearm repairs and customizations.

Does a degree help here?

A UK degree in engineering or a related field provides a strong foundation in technical skills and problem-solving, giving candidates a competitive edge in the gunsmithing industry. Additionally, UK institutions often offer hands-on training and access to industry-standard equipment, which is invaluable in this precision-driven profession.

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AI EXPOSURE = the share of a job's day-to-day tasks AI can already do today, from the same exposure engine used across this site (Anthropic labour market research, 2026, observed real-world AI usage by occupation). Higher means more exposed. It is a measurement of now, not a prediction. THE DOOR = how hard the job is to get into, grade A (easy) to E (extremely hard), from each career's published forecast (OpenAI, "The AI Jobs Transition Framework", Richmond 2026, CC BY 4.0). A card marked MOAT NOT YET CLASSIFIED has a real exposure score but no entry yet in our moat register, so we make no claim about what structurally protects it. Scorecard grades and verdicts are Careermash editorial judgment: we show forecasts as forecasts and own our conclusions. Salary and pathway figures are each career's own published profile. Careermash is a service provided by What School Ltd.

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