Learn directly from professional British gunmakers
The British Gunmaking Academy is our private online learning community where members receive exclusive courses, workshop access, live Q&As and direct support from Ian
Enjoy step-by-step video guides from the comfort of your own home or workshop.
Designed by professional gunmaker Ian Sweetman, these courses bring traditional gunmaking and gunsmithing courses directly to you, wherever you are. We currently teach in 12+ countries including gunsmithing courses in America, Canada, Italy, and gunmaking courses in France, Australia and many more.
What you will get from this community...
Gunmaking and Gunsmithing 'how to' videos covering a range of different topics
Guidance on how to get into gunmaking
Personalised advice on your Gunmaking / Gunsmithing issues
Regular updates and behind the scenes from the workshop
Live Q&A sessions
A community of like minded craftsmen and individuals who are passionate about continuing the heritage of British Gunmaking
Join today for $49 per month / $400 per year
Learn traditional British Gunmaking Online
The Online Community for Traditional British Gunmakers, Gunsmiths & Enthusiasts
Watch free workshop videos on YouTube.
Learn through structured online courses.
Join our community to ask questions and continue your own projects.
Experience traditional British gunmaking from inside a working workshop.
About Us
Ian Sweetman, founder of Sweetman & Co. and GunmakingUK, has over 20 years of experience in traditional gunmaking. Completing two apprenticeships, earning the McMillan Award for Excellence, and mentoring at the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers, Ian has built a deep understanding of the skills and standards that define fine British guns.
The British Gunmaking Academy was created to document, preserve and share this knowledge through high-quality gunmaking courses and gunsmithing courses, available both online and in person. Our courses cover topics such as oil finishing, gun repairs and restoration, firearm care and maintenance, engraving, and other traditional techniques.
With a team of skilled craftsmen, our mission is to preserve traditional gunmaking skills and make it accessible to enthusiasts, collectors, and aspiring gunsmiths.
“For anyone wondering, these instructional videos are a great value- highly recommend!”
— MT.Stockmaker
These courses are ideal for:
Shooting enthusiasts and collectors of vintage British guns
Owners wishing to restore their own gunstocks
Those with an interest in traditional craftsmanship
Anyone curious about the art of British gunmaking
In-Person Courses
Based at our workshop near Hitchin, Hertfordshire
Date: TBC
£750.00 per person
The 1 day oil finishing course will include:
Breakfast & lunch
Workshop tour
Practical, hands on tuition
Oil to take home
Please contact us via the button below for more information and to book your place.
Mr De Graeve, Belgium“Fantastic workshop!!! Already put on one finishing coat and it works.”
Follow us on YouTube
If you’d like to see more of the workshop and the guns and projects we work on, visit our YouTube channel. We regularly share videos on traditional gunmaking and gunsmithing, including Gun of the Week, Ian’s favourite tools, new builds, and gun restoration projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
No prior experience is required for most of our gunmaking courses and gunsmithing courses. Our courses are designed to guide beginners step-by-step while still offering valuable techniques for experienced gun owners, collectors, and craftsmen.
-
Most online gunmaking courses require only basic workshop tools to get started. Where specialist gunsmithing tools are needed, we provide guidance on suitable equipment and alternatives.
-
Yes, our online courses are now available on the British Gunmaking Academy hosted on Skool.com.
Our online gunsmithing courses and gunmaking courses make it possible to learn many traditional skills from home.
Our courses break each process down into clear steps so you can develop practical gunmaking techniques at your own pace.
-
Yes, although opportunities to learn traditional gunmaking skills are becoming increasingly rare. Specialist gunmaking courses help preserve these techniques by teaching them to enthusiasts, collectors, and aspiring craftsmen.
-
Our courses are led by professional gunmaker Ian Sweetman, founder of Sweetman & Co. and GunmakingUK, alongside a network of experienced craftsmen with extensive knowledge of traditional gunmaking and gunsmithing.
-
We currently have members from 12+ countries. The British Gunmaking Academy has online gunsmithing courses in France, gunsmithing courses in USA, gunmaking courses in Italy, online gunmaking courses Australia, gunmaking courses in Germany, gunsmithing courses in Austria and many more.