Interview with Jamie Powell, an apprentice at F.J. Wiseman Staffordshire

What made you want to become a gunmaker?

My family has a background in engineering and I have always had an interest in following their example. One of my grandads was a pattern and die maker, my other grandad was machine fitter in a clay factory. I also have been an avid shooter for as long as I can remember. My dad teaching me to shoot and maintain guns from an early age gave me a lifetime appreciation for the engineering and craftsmanship.

How long have you been involved in the trade?

I have been involved in the trade for almost 7 years. I joined F.J Wiseman in November 2017.

Do you have a family background in the gun world? If not, how did you get into gunmaking?

I do not have a family history in the trade. I came to be a Gunsmith ironically by chance. As soon as I was old enough to work I got a paper round at the newsagents where my soon to be colleagues went to get the milk for the brews. By word of mouth, I heard Wisemans were looking to take on a “apprentice”; and with the shop being a short walk from my house my dad and I went to enquire. After a surprise visit, it was agreed to take me on as Saturday help, and here I am now.

What area of gunmaking interests you?

I used to be mainly interested in the mechanics of guns but with time I have a greater appreciation for the aesthetics and the art of gunmaking. I think this is best seen in the English gun trade through our unique shooting style that prompted our design and feel for guns in this country.

Why did you choose to join FJ Wiseman?

I didn’t choose to join Wisemans. I was fortunate enough to be at the right place at the right time to join such a renowned business.

What have you enjoyed most since being with FJ Wiseman?

The best thing about working at F.J Wisemans is the family. It is a business founded on generations of experience passed down through time and hard work. You know when you are learning new skills that you are carrying on from people before you, in the same place as you and following in their footsteps.

Are you learning a specific craft, or are you using newer technology?

The primary craft I’m learning is actioning, however a gunsmith requires many skills from different areas of gunmaking in order to do day to day repairs of guns. I have also been developing my honing skills preparing barrels for steel proofing, blueing of metalwork and I’ve also began chequering which involves making my own tools by hand.

What is the most difficult gun-making task you have undertaken?

The most difficult aspect of gunmaking is Finishing. No two pieces of wood are the same, so every job is different. The type, age and condition of wood all affects the finish and requires different approaches in order to achieve a quality finish.

What piece are you working on for the certification panel?

All of the skills I am developing will ultimately come together producing and finishing of a custom Try Gun, which is something Wisemans have been producing for over 50 years. This will involve me hand machining the metal components, brazing them and finishing them by hand to inlet the hardware for the adjustable comb and heel plate. I will also finish them by chequering the hands and heelplate, in addition to applying my own produced finish that the company has encouraged me to develop.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far?

The entire Wiseman team has been a massive influence on my career. Only with their patience and guidance I am where I am today. But Brian Wiseman with over 65 years in the trade, has to be the biggest.

What do you think you will be doing in five years’ time?

Well five years ago I was here saying the same thing as now. I’m not going anywhere, I’m staying here.