Weapons have been made since ancient times. Initially, people used randomly found boulders or sticks. Getting food for himself, protecting his house from enemies, a person learned to make stone hammers. Spears, bows and arrows appeared as weapons were improved.
Mining, metal processing led to the emergence of a new profession. A gunsmith is a master of making weapons, protective equipment. He was engaged in the manufacture of swords and shields, helmets and crossbows.
Who are gunsmiths?
The weapons of antiquity have been replaced by more advanced models. Military technology has evolved. At first it was a melee weapon. Stitching and cutting objects. With the invention of gunpowder came firearms. Shooting and automatic equipment - arquebuses, squeakers, muskets.
A gunsmith is a professional in the manufacture of military equipment. Pikes and spears, swords and sabers were created by these craftsmen. Engraving, chasing, decoration of weapons added value, made the craftsman unique in the manufacture of a certain type of product. Gradually, the functional properties of weapons and decorative ones were combined.
Hand forging, foundry complexityaffairs, balancing - the masters of arms passed their secrets by inheritance. The father showed in practice the technologies for obtaining a special type of steel, outlined to his son the features of hardening the blade. Thus, entire dynasties of gunsmiths appeared.
Origin of the word
The main sources of existence of ancient man were hunting, fishing, gathering. The division of labor led to the emergence of farmers and artisans.
Already with the advent of the first communities, people learned to protect their home, family. Hunt and get food. States developed, and with them the complex of weapons became more complex. Professions related to him became more and more in demand.
It is believed that the word "weapon" comes from the word "horn" ("horns"). For an animal, they are a means of defense and attack. The meaning of the word "gunsmith" is a specialist in military equipment. Wood and metal craftsman. He knows how to create different types of weapons, trying to improve their parameters.
Russian gunsmiths
Production of military equipment became more difficult. Special blueprints became necessary to create weapons. Entire factories are dedicated to military technology.
An arms factory has been operating in Tula since the 16th century. Military campaigns required a lot of equipment. Swords, sabers, guns began to be mass-produced.
Kuznetskaya Sloboda, the Cannon Yard appeared in Moscow. There, artisans were engaged in metal processing. They worked on the creation of edged weapons and protective equipment - helmets,cuirass.
Zlatoust Arms Factory supplied military items to the Russian and Soviet armies. Broadswords, daggers, sabers made in this city are among the best examples of the Armory.
The names of M. Kalashnikov, F. Tokarev, V. Degtyarev, G. Shpagin are known all over the world. We can say that a gunsmith is a specialist who is able to ensure the reliability of the product, create a high-quality sample.
The late production of firearms led to the emergence of factories in the cities of Kovrov, Izhevsk, Klimovsk. Since 2010, a new memorable date has been established. September 19 is a professional holiday for gunsmiths in Russia.
Gunsmiths of our time
So what is a gunsmith in today's world? This is a design engineer who creates component parts according to the drawings. This is a turner, milling machine, who knows how to process them. Foundry workers, steelworkers capable of soldering parts together. These are engravers who know how to encrust stocks and handles.
Gunsmith is a set of professions aimed at creating and improving new technologies. Such as:
- devices, night vision sights.
- machine guns, grenade launchers;
- mines, torpedoes;
- ballistic missiles, combat aircraft;
- tanks, warships.
Modern gunsmiths pay great attention to technical properties. These are the rate of fire and accuracy, maneuverability and the affected area. Thermal laser systems have appeared that can injure withoutbullets. A round-firing weapon outperforms its brethren with a bendable barrel.
National security is the main goal of mass military production. Gunsmiths to this day make an incredible contribution to the creation and strengthening of the country's position.
