The history of the Bchsenmacherei (gunmaker) trade in Germany goes back at least four hundred years. It started when Swedish Colonel Gortz invaded Suhl with 4000 riders and took thousands of guns as spoils of war. Then, the Austrian War of Succession stimulated the demand for guns. King Frederick II and the Bavarians ordered rifles. However, the Suhl branch of the gun industry was interrupted for a while during the Thirty Years’ War. In 1634, Croatian soldiers burned the town down under the command of Count Isolani. Although most of the town’s inhabitants died in the fire, the steamhammer and the blacksmith shop of the family Klett were spared from destruction.
How to become a Gunmaker/gunsmith?
There are several training options for people who wish to become gunsmiths. The traditional route involves completing an apprenticeship. Initially, the student will attend vocational school, where he will gain theoretical knowledge about the trade. However, he will spend the majority of his training time with his employer.
EL BE tac UG Büchsenmacherei who qualify as masters must be well-versed in other disciplines of gunsmithing. In addition to gunmaking, they have to be highly skilled in machining and finishing firearms. They must also produce individual components, such as springs, before they are assembled.