Overview

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionInternational Military Antiques (IMA), the world's leading dealer of antique military firearms and militaria, is looking for a motivated individual to train as an Antique Gunsmith.No formal gunsmithing experience is required. If you have a passion for history, enjoy working with your hands, love solving mechanical problems, and want to learn a highly specialized trade, we will train you.Working alongside three highly experienced antique gunsmiths, you'll receive hands-on training while repairing, rebuilding, conserving, and servicing authentic antique firearms dating from the 1700s through World War II. Every day is different. One day you may be rebuilding an 18th-century flintlock musket, and the next you could be fitting parts to a Colt revolver, restoring the stock of a Winchester rifle, or servicing a deactivated WWII machine gun.This is a rare opportunity to learn a craft that very few people practice today.What You'll LearnAs your skills develop, you'll be trained to:Safely disassemble and reassemble antique firearms.Diagnose mechanical issues and determine proper repairs.Repair, rebuild, and conserve antique firearms from around the world.Perform precision wood stock repairs, grafting, refinishing, and stock fitting.Learn metal fabrication, machining, soldering, casting, heat treating, polishing, and finishing.Fabricate or fit replacement parts when originals are unavailable.Restore antique firearms while preserving their historical integrity.Prepare completed firearms for customer orders and museum-quality displays.Properly use a wide variety of professional gunsmithing tools and machinery.Maintain an organized, safe, and efficient workshop.Meet production goals while maintaining exceptional quality standards.Assist with other projects within the gunsmithing department as needed.QualificationsWe're looking for someone who is:Passionate about history, antique firearms, or military collectibles.Mechanically inclined and enjoys working with tools.Eager to learn a skilled trade from experienced craftsmen.Patient, detail-oriented, and takes pride in precision work.Able to work independently after training.Comfortable receiving coaching and constructive feedback.Organized and able to manage multiple projects.Able to perform physical work, including standing for extended periods.At least 18 years old.Able to pass a background check.Experience That Is Very HelpfulWoodworkingCabinet makingFurniture restorationMetal fabricationMachiningWeldingBlacksmithingAutomotive restorationMechanical repairPrevious gunsmithing experiencePhysical RequirementsStand or sit for extended periods.Frequently use hands for detailed precision work.Bend, kneel, reach, and lift materials as needed.Occasionally lift items weighing over 40 pounds.Good close vision and hand-eye coordination are essential.Comfortable working around machinery in a professional workshop environment.Why You'll Love Working HereTrain under three highly experienced antique gunsmiths with decades of combined experience.Work on authentic firearms dating back more than 300 years.Handle rare museum-quality firearms from around the world.Learn skills that very few gunsmiths possess today.Work in a fully equipped 5,000-square-foot professional gunsmithing shop.Full-time position with competitive hourly pay.Excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement options, paid time off, and more.Stable, long-term career opportunities with room for advancement. Company DescriptionFounded in 1981, International Military Antiques (IMA) is the world's premier dealer of authentic antique military firearms and militaria. We specialize in original historical artifacts from the 17th through the 20th centuries and serve collectors, museums, film studios, and historical institutions around the world. As a multi-generational family-owned company, we've experienced continuous growth for more than a decade and continue to expand our team. If you're looking for a car