Today we’d like to introduce you to Martin Thompson.
Hi Martin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up around firearms with my dad, and they’ve always fascinated me. Plus—I’m a very mechanical person and firearms
are especially mechanical. As a kid, I was always taking my toys apart to see how they worked, most of the time not going
back together correctly. It drove my parents crazy with a toy box full of parts. My dad and I also spent a lot of time in my teens
working on old cars and trucks—that’s where I honed my problem-solving skills. I had always wanted to open my own
Gunsmithing shop, never knowing just how to get started. I was a father at a young age, and with a wife and a kid at home, all
I was thinking about was getting food on the table and gas in the car. I started at Midwest Wheel as a shop apprentice in
Kansas City, working on drive shafts, and as a diesel mechanic in 2003. Later with Gears Unlimited in Independence. I even
briefly tried to start a business with a good friend of mine, Kevin—JK Outfitters. Neither he nor I had the time nor the money it
takes to start a business. After some life changes and many years later, I met my current wife—she’s my rock; she’s the one
that helped me understand that I needed to do stuff for myself and not always for everybody else. I had mentioned that I had
a dream of opening my own gunsmith shop up, and at first, she was apprehensive—there were many projects around the
house that I had not finished, so you can see why she was. I did a lot of research into what it took to become a gunsmith. I was
very lucky that a local gunsmith sat me down and went over the things I would need to do. It is very important to have
someone who can give you some insight into what you’re getting yourself into. I started by taking gunsmithing classes and
worked hard to receive certifications. I have a background in mechanics and machining, which can be a big part of high-end
gunsmithing, so it felt like a natural move . I began in my garage; where I worked for 2 years, ultimately outgrowing the
space. I was lucky to find the space that I have now —for it is a great place for what I do.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all—starting a business is a daunting venture, with not knowing what is around the corner.
Dealing with the regulators and regulations in the firearm business is somewhat difficult at times. I struggled with the
business side too—there were a few books that I read to help me on the path to business; “Starting a Business, The Practical
Blueprint By: Brandon Smith and How to Start a Business, Ultimate Step by Step By: Greg Shields. Good books are your
friend. I can handle the physical work, but it’s the business work that I’ve always struggled with. If you can find someone that
can help you with that, that is instrumental . Getting insight from the local gunsmith, taking classes, and earning certifications
helped a lot.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Thompson Gunsmithing, my work revolves around custom firearms craftsmanship, from repairs and restorations to
building tailored firearms to each client’s needs. I specialize in hand-refinishing, especially for vintage or high-end firearms
where attention to detail makes all the difference. I’m known for my ability to blend traditional techniques with modern
innovations—like restoring a classic rifle while incorporating ergonomic upgrades for better handling. Clients often come to
me with tricky projects, and for full builds that require a deep understanding of mechanics and aesthetics. What sets my
work apart is the attention to detail along with a personal touch; I treat every piece like it’s my own, ensuring it’s not just
functional but a true extension of the owner’s style. Over the years, I’ve built a reputation for reliability and creativity—people
know me as the guy who can handle the tough jobs that others might shy away from, turning potential “curses” into standout
successes.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Working with me at Thompson Gunsmithing is straightforward and collaborative—I love partnering with folks who are
passionate about their firearms. The best way to get started is to reach out via our website thompsongunsmithing.com or give
us a call at (816)588-0533 . You can also send me an email at [email protected] We can chat about your
project, whether it’s a simple repair, a custom build, or something more specialized. I offer consultations to discuss ideas,
timelines, and pricing, and I’m happy to work with clients remotely if needed . Stop by the shop on Saturdays from time:time—
we’re always open to walk-ins. Ultimately, it’s about building a relationship; I want to understand what you’re envisioning so
we can create something you’ll love for years to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thompsongunsmithing.com/
