Gibbs Custom Gunsmithing

Gibbs Custom Gunsmithing opened in 2015 and went from being the local go-to for gun repair to winning aerospace contracts for rocket parts. That wasn't an accident—the core leadership team brought 60+ years of combined experience from union trades, ranging from foreman to superintendent positions in nuclear power and high-rise construction. They know how to deliver on time, to specification, with all the paperwork.

FFL-07 Manufacturer | Cerakote Factory Certified | Aerospace Approved

The business runs two main operations:

This is where they've built their reputation. They Cerakote: - Handguns and long guns (including silencers if you own them legally) - Rifle scopes and optics with hand-engraved power dials - Fishing reels, faucets, helmets, golf clubs, motorcycle parts, flamethrowers—basically anything that fits in their oven up to 200 lbs and 25" x 38" x 10"

Current scope turnaround: 6 weeks due to high demand. No rush service available.

The site mentions full gunsmithing capabilities, though specific services require contacting them directly.

Every piece gets the same treatment:

1. Complete disassembly (every spring, pin, and lever) 2. Multiple degreaser soaks with heating to draw oils and impurities from metal pores 3. Sandblasting to bare metal 4. Hand application of Cerakote 5. Multi-hour heat cure 6. Rigorous final inspection before return

"If it doesn't meet our standards, it goes back to the front of the line and is redone until it does. As many times as it takes."

Standard engraving (power dial numbers and alignment marks) normally gets laser etched in white but becomes hard to see under Cerakote. Their hand engraving service allows full Cerakote coverage of the power dial. It's hand-done by a master craftsman and adds time (typically the full 6-week scope timeline), but the result is a single-color optic from turret to barrel.

They actively work with manufacturers on volume orders with significant discounts for multiples. Their aerospace clearances and proven track record with SpaceX, Arrow Gear, and US Dept. of Labor Gunsmith Apprenticeship Program approvals make them equipped for complex requirements and strict compliance.

• •Walk-ins welcome at their Illinois location
• •Mail-in service available for out-of-town customers (full shipping info on website)
• •Online store with real-time inventory from top suppliers
• •Scheduling appointments secures your spot in the queue while you keep your firearm at home
• •Color samples: 50+ actual painted samples plus full Cerakote color ring available in-store

Cerakote won't change how your gun functions. It's ultra-thin—logos and serial numbers remain readable. Moving parts in tight tolerance may "stick" slightly until broken in (a box or two of rounds fixes it). The finish requires no special care beyond normal firearm maintenance.

Effective August 1st, they no longer accept third-party FFL transfers but continue processing direct firearm purchases from their inventory.