Armorer facts for kids

A Marine armorer putting together a machine gun in the field

An armorer is a skilled person who works with weapons. Their main job is to fix, put together, and test small arms. These are weapons like guns that a person can carry. Armorers make sure these weapons are always in great working order.

Long ago, an armorer made armor for knights and important people in the Middle Ages. Today, armorers usually work for groups like the police or the military. They keep the weapons used by these groups in top shape. This helps the weapons last longer and saves money. It's also very important because a weapon failing in a serious situation could be dangerous. An armorer's job is similar to a civilian gunsmith, but they work for organizations.

Medieval Armorers

An exhibit at the Glenbow Museum showing a medieval armorer making plate armor

A medieval armorer was a very talented person. They needed to be like a scientist, a toolmaker, and an artist all at once. They worked with wood, leather, and different metals. Armorers also had to understand mathematics and geometry. Much of their work was like high-level blacksmithing.

Because they made custom armor for knights and nobles, they earned more money than regular blacksmiths. Each suit of armor was made to fit one person perfectly. If parts of the armor got damaged in battle, the armorer would fix them. During war, they also made armor for other soldiers.

After the 14th century, armorers started making plate armor. Before that, they mainly made chain mail. Some armorers specialized in just one type of armor. Others focused on specific tasks, like a fourbor, who polished armor. Armorers often belonged to a guild, which was like a special club for skilled workers. There were guilds for mail armorers, plate armorers, and even for those who only made helmets.

Police Armorers

Weapons stored in an armory

In a modern police department, an armorer checks, takes care of, and fixes firearms. They follow the rules set by the weapon's maker. An armorer cleans and adjusts all the handguns used by police officers. They also maintain shotguns and other types of weapons that officers rely on.

Police armorers also take care of other important equipment. This includes gas masks, gas-grenades, and smoke grenades. Armorers often help train other police officers. They teach them how to use and care for special equipment.

Military Armorers

In armies around the world, armorers often manage the armory. An armory is where weapons are stored. An armorer teaches military people how to properly take care of their weapons. They keep records of all the equipment given out. This includes weapons used both at home and when soldiers are sent on missions.

Military armorers are in charge of checking and fixing all the weapons they are responsible for. On ships, an armorer makes sure all weapons used by marines and sailors are working correctly.

Movie Studio Armorers

On a film set, an armorer is the person in charge of all the weapons. This includes all firearms used during the movie production. Armorers work with the producer, director, and property master. Together, they make a list of all the weapons needed for the film. Sometimes, the prop master is also the armorer.

They often research what kind of weapons were used in the time period the movie is set. For special weapons, the armorer talks with the production designer. The armorer makes sure all weapons follow federal and local laws. If scenes are filmed outside the studio, armorers work with police departments to get the right permits.

To get the weapons they need, armorers might rent them from special armories. Many movie armorers also have their own collection of weapons. Most importantly, armorers teach actors and crew members how to handle weapons safely. It is their job to make sure no one gets hurt when weapons are being used on set.