Next-gen Tech Puts Opportunity in the Crosshairs for Boutique Firearm Shops

Across manufacturing sectors, smart manufacturing, flexible automation, and Industry 4.0 have redefined how small job shops operate. The boutique firearm industry is now undergoing a similar transformation, bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and scalable production. The next generation of firearm shops is delivering high-quality, customizable firearms at competitive prices with faster turnaround times. While the first industrial revolution prioritized mass production, Industry 4.0 focuses on mass customization.

HERMLE USA embraced this shift, hosting an online workshop to explore how advanced 5-axis machines and automation systems are reshaping firearm component manufacturing. The “Next-gen Firearms Virtual Event”showcased how cutting-edge machining enhances efficiency, precision, and automation to meet growing industry demands. Attendees gained real-world insights from companies like Detroit Gun Works and JL Billet, which have leveraged HERMLE technology to boost productivity and deliver superior quality.

By offering high-value, tailored firearms, small manufacturers are tapping into larger markets with products that combine affordability, speed, and craftsmanship.

Automation: The Future of High-Precision Firearms

Dakota Hollingsworth, a Mechanical Engineer at Zone 5 Technology, attended the event and provided a unique perspective from the aerospace industry, where a similar shift has already taken place.

“Many boutique firearm shops still rely on traditional gunsmithing—hand fitting, manual lathes, and old-school craftsmanship. It works, but it’s slow, expensive, and labor-intensive. Investing in advanced machining is a game changer.”

He continues, “At the end of the day, you want to load a piece of stock, press a button, and have a perfect, tight-tolerance part come off with no manual intervention. That’s the future—producing high-precision parts efficiently without constant oversight. We made the leap, and now when new parts hit my desk, within two or three days, they’re programmed and ready for production. These aren’t simple parts—these are full aerospace control surfaces, machined to extreme precision.”

Industry Leaders Weigh In

“Smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies have driven significant automation investments in sectors like aerospace, automotive, and precision tools,” says Gunther Schnitzer, President and CEO of HERMLE USA. “Now, small manufacturers in the firearm industry are following suit, seizing opportunities to enhance efficiency and customization while maintaining quality.”

Arnot Heller, President of Detroit Gun Works, adds: “The transition to the fully digital shop floor is happening, no matter the size of your shop. For the last four years, we’ve had the machining capabilities to execute our version of a fully digital workflow—shortening development cycles and delivering highly customizable, precision-machined products for our customers.”

By adopting 5-axis machining centers like the HERMLE C 250, custom firearm makers have cut retail prices by up to 20%, making bespoke firearms more accessible to mid-tier buyers. In an industry where high quality often comes with high costs and long lead times, next-gen machining is changing the game. These machines streamline production by handling complex parts in a single setup, eliminating multiple transfers and reducing reliance on highly skilled labor.

Jimi Leslie, owner of JL Billet, underscores the impact: “HERMLE provided more than just a capable machine; they provided a process to achieve the highest level of automated efficiency. We keep the spindles going, maximizing volume while ensuring consistent quality. The details of our parts have always set us apart, but the ability to run prototype batches overnight—unsupervised—without sacrificing precision made this transition a no-brainer for us.”

A Growing Demand for Customization

A survey from The Outdoor Wire found that more firearm buyers are prioritizing customization, especially in the hunting and competitive shooting markets. Customization is now a key factor, even over price, and as advanced machining continues to lower costs, that price gap is closing.

This trend marks a new era of opportunity where firearm makers can balance quality, affordability, and personalization. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, boutique manufacturers can mirror the success of other high-performance industries—delivering a seamless blend of tradition and innovation.

About HERMLE USA, Inc.

HERMLE USA, Inc., located in Franklin, WI, serves as the North American headquarters for Maschinenfabrik Berthold HERMLE AG, based in Gosheim, Germany. Since 1987, HERMLE USA has provided North America’s leading manufacturers with precision machines, automation solutions, applications assistance, training, and service. For more information, visit www.hermleusa.net.

Contact:

Dan Mullen

Dan@moonlandingagency.com