Gunsmith for local and state police

[Lazarus]

Does anyone know if local PDs and state police hire civilian gunsmiths or do you have to become an officer beforehand? I know the firearms detective at my local PD handles the cleaning and maintenance of the dept's firearms but I'm wondering if that is the case everywhere. If I were to start a smithing business I'm wondering if I could get the PDs as clients.

[Lazarus]

Well it looks like PDs only like to let senior officers be armorers.

[hacker15]

I've been with a few departments over the years - never saw one that let their duty weapons out to civilians (although, based on some of the "fixes" I saw, I wish they had!!!). Most of these department armorers are trained, some have backup from factory reps, and (on the whole) do a pretty good job.

I had one experience where I finally gave up on the department and had my pistol serviced by a gunsmith (on my dime). Never had a problem after that, but had a hard time keeping a straight face when the armorer asked me how I liked the pistol after he "fixed" it......

[Lazarus]

Originally Posted by hacker15

I've been with a few departments over the years - never saw one that let their duty weapons out to civilians (although, based on some of the "fixes" I saw, I wish they had!!!). Most of these department armorers are trained, some have backup from factory reps, and (on the whole) do a pretty good job.

I had one experience where I finally gave up on the department and had my pistol serviced by a gunsmith (on my dime). Never had a problem after that, but had a hard time keeping a straight face when the armorer asked me how I liked the pistol after he "fixed" it......

Thanks Hacker. Actually I was wondering if the PD would hire a civilian to do the work. Not really sending the guns out but instead me working at the dept even part-time. I'm thinking up taking up smithing but I wanted to see what kind and how much is actually out there. Maybe do transfers too since I'll need a FFL and see if I can become a NRA instructor.

[hacker15]

Originally Posted by Lazarus

Thanks Hacker. Actually I was wondering if the PD would hire a civilian to do the work. Not really sending the guns out but instead me working at the dept even part-time. I'm thinking up taking up smithing but I wanted to see what kind and how much is actually out there. Maybe do transfers too since I'll need a FFL and see if I can become a NRA instructor.

Hey, Laz - all you can do is ask. I'm sure they have a need - depends on department policy. Since you're down in NJ, I assume you've got a few townships around you with police departments of their own. If you do, check with them directly as to what their current practice is on weapon repair. If they're looking for help, you might want to go the route one of my former partner's kid did out in Colorado - went to gunsmith school, went to work for the SP out there and is now a full time armorer with the state. He loves it.

[Lazarus]

Originally Posted by hacker15

Hey, Laz - all you can do is ask. I'm sure they have a need - depends on department policy. Since you're down in NJ, I assume you've got a few townships around you with police departments of their own. If you do, check with them directly as to what their current practice is on weapon repair. If they're looking for help, you might want to go the route one of my former partner's kid did out in Colorado - went to gunsmith school, went to work for the SP out there and is now a full time armorer with the state. He loves it.

Thanks for the advice. I was actually thinking about calling some of the local depts but I don't know who to ask for. I know in my local PD, the detective that handles the firearm's licensing and everything does the cleaning and small repair. How did your ex partner's kid get to working with the state police? Did he become a trooper first?

[hacker15]

Originally Posted by Lazarus

Thanks for the advice. I was actually thinking about calling some of the local depts but I don't know who to ask for. I know in my local PD, the detective that handles the firearm's licensing and everything does the cleaning and small repair. How did your ex partner's kid get to working with the state police? Did he become a trooper first?

He went out there on his own, went to school and applied for the job after he graduated. I believe he worked with them (the state police armory) on an intern basis for about 3 months, then was hired as an apprentice. He's now a master gunsmith (after 6 years on the job) and gets to play with and fix some of the coolest weapons carried by the troopers and their SWAT team.

If you decide to contact local departments, ask for the individual who acts as their armorer - the person who fixes their weapons. Usually, it's someone in the training end of the department, but I know some of the bigger departments have full time staff who work exclusively with weapon repair and maintenance. That type of an outfit will be your best bet for getting on the inside as they usually don't take active LEOs off duty for this type of work.

[The Tengu]

Ours is a reserve officer.

[ArmyGuy45]

this would be a fun job to do or a retired job

[Lazarus]

Originally Posted by ArmyGuy45

this would be a fun job to do or a retired job

Thats why I'm looking into it.

I already have a full-time job and a part-time job but I might be losing it so I'm going have ALOT of free time so I want something that will fill it and bring in a little money.