Editing Gunsmith (section)

{{Short description|Person who repairs, modifies, designs, or builds firearms}}
[[File:Harpers Ferry gun smith shop - Blanchard lathe - 02.jpg|thumb|300px|Re-creation of part of a gun shop in [[Harpers Ferry Armory]] from the 1850s (photo circa 2015)]]
A '''gunsmith''' is a person who repairs, modifies, designs, or builds [[gun]]s. The occupation differs from an [[armourer|armorer]], who usually replaces only worn parts in standard firearms. Gunsmiths do modifications and changes to a firearm that may require a very high level of craftsmanship, requiring the skills of a top-level machinist, a very skilled woodworker, and even an engineer. Gunsmiths perform factory-level repairs and renovations to restore well-used or deteriorated firearms to new condition. They may make alterations to adapt sporting guns to better fit the individual shooter that may require extensive modifications to the firearm's stocks and metal parts. Repairs and redesigns may require fabrication and fitting of unavailable parts and assemblies constructed by smiths themselves. Gunsmiths may also renew metal finishes or apply decorative carvings or engravings to guns. Many [[gun shop]]s offer gunsmithing service on the premises.
[[Image:0 Mons - Rue d'Havré, 34 - (1).JPG|thumb|right|[[Gun shop]] located in [[Mons, Belgium|Mons]], [[Belgium]]]]