Rapid City Gunsmith, Box Elder Gunsmith, Certified Firearm Repair

Patrick Arnold is a retired Ellsworth Air Force Base mechanic who decided to turn a lifelong passion for firearms into a second career. In 2022, he got certified through the American Gunsmith Institute and now operates Arnold's Arms as a full-service gunsmith shop serving Rapid City, Box Elder, and the Ellsworth AFB community.

Arnold grew up in a hunting family and started firearms safety training at age 9. He's been maintaining and repairing guns since childhood, but formalized his expertise through AGI's Advanced Master Gunsmith program. He currently holds certificates for:

• •Pistol repair and maintenance
• •Shotgun repair and maintenance
• •Rifle repair and maintenance

His training focuses on the Design/Function/Repair methodology—understanding how each firearm system actually works so he can diagnose and fix problems properly.

Every weapon that comes through the doors gets checked for safe function before and after work. If Arnold wouldn't fire it himself, he won't return it unless the firing pin is removed or the malfunction is fixed.

When you bring in a gun, Arnold inspects it for the specific problem and also checks for anything that might cause future issues. He'll give you a list of wear items that need attention and pricing for replacements.

• •Firearm inspection and diagnostics
• •Cleaning and maintenance
• •Repair work on pistols, shotguns, and rifles
• •Live-fire testing (range work included with repairs)
• •Parts replacement and wear assessment

All firearms must arrive in a case or with a firearm lock engaged. If you're carrying concealed, keep it holstered. This isn't optional—it's how the shop operates.

Arnold maintains an FFL-01 and logs every firearm in and out per federal guidelines. Currently, the shop does not work on full-auto firearms, SBRs, or suppressors, though he's open to filing for those capabilities down the road.

Contact Arnold's Arms through Facebook, phone, email, or visit the Box Elder location to discuss your firearm repair needs.