Learn traditional English Gunmaking
Digital and in-person tuition from some of the best craftsmen in the country.
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.
GunmakingUK was created to share this expertise 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 knowledge and make it accessible to enthusiasts, collectors, and aspiring gunsmiths.
These courses are ideal for:
Shooting enthusiasts interested in the details of how their guns are made
Owners wishing to restore their own gunstocks
Those with an interest in traditional craftsmanship
Anyone curious about the art of English 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.”
We know it’s not always possible to travel to our Hertfordshire workshop, which is why we are developing a range of online gunmaking courses and gunsmithing courses.
Designed by professional gunmaker Ian Sweetman, these courses bring traditional gunmaking skills directly to you, wherever you are.
Each course follows the same step-by-step approach used in our workshop, making it easy to learn practical techniques at your own pace.
We are currently filming our first online gunmaking course, focused on traditional oil finishing for gun stocks.
We’ve just launched ‘British Gunmaking’ on Skool.com and we’re excited for our community to grow.
Available for $49 per month.
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
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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.
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Most online gunmaking courses require only basic workshop tools to get started. Where specialist gunsmithing toolsare needed, we provide guidance on suitable equipment and alternatives.
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Yes, the online courses will be available soon. 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.
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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.
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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.