When a firearm fails to feed, misfires, or develops mechanical timing issues, throwing replacement parts at the problem rarely solves the root cause. RTF3TX Gunsmithing, led by US Army Veteran and AGI-Certified Master Gunsmith Roland Lamothe, delivers master-level mechanical diagnostics, precision machining, hand-fitting, and custom restoration for clients across San Antonio, Live Oak, Universal City, Converse, Schertz, and the Texas Hill Country.
Trained under master gunsmiths Bob Dunlap, Gene Kelly, and Gene Shuey at the American Gunsmith Institute (AGI), Roland applies complete mastery of firearm design, function, and mechanical engineering to diagnose and repair every system safely and reliably.
Beyond Parts Swapping: True Master-Level Diagnostics & Mechanical RepairServices Offered
The Master Gunsmith Difference vs. An Armorer
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The Armorer Approach: An armorer is trained to perform basic assembly/disassembly and swap out factory-standard parts. If a firearm has tolerance stacking, worn locking geometry, or an obsolete component, standard parts swapping cannot fix it.
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The Master Gunsmith Approach: An AGI-Certified Master Gunsmith understands the mechanical design, operating physics, and tolerances of all firearm actions. We diagnose why a failure occurred, recut and polish contact surfaces, custom-machine one-off components when parts don't exist, and tune actions for reliable performance.
Common Mechanical & Cycling Malfunctions We Solve
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Feeding & Chambering Failures: Feed ramp profiling and mirror polishing, extractor tension balancing, chamber re-cutting, and magazine feed-lip geometry correction.
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Extraction & Ejection Failures: Eliminating stovepipes and failure-to-extract issues through extractor tuning, ejector timing adjustment, and gas port regulation.
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Light Primer Strikes & Ignition Inconsistencies: Mainspring tuning, firing pin protrusion calibration, channel decarbonization, and hammer-fall clearance trueing.
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Trigger Group Timing & Sear Engagement: Removing trigger creep, setting crisp breaks, resetting disconnector timing, and eliminating hammer-follow.
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Headspace & Accuracy Anomalies: SAAMI-specification Go/No-Go chamber gauging, locking lug contact lap, barrel torque verification, and muzzle crown recutting.
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Stuck Casings & Chamber Clearances: Safe extraction of stuck rounds, chamber burnishing, and pressure anomaly diagnostics.
Comprehensive Action Types & Platforms Serviced
We service, repair, and tune all modern, vintage, and custom platforms:
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Semi-Automatic Handguns: 1911/2011 custom builds, striker-fired platforms, and steel-frame duty models.
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Revolvers: Single-Action and Double-Action mechanical timing, cylinder gap alignment, crane alignment, and endshake elimination.
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Rifles (Bolt-Action, Semi-Auto, Lever-Action): AR-platform gas regulation, match bolt-action blue-printing, classic lever-action feeding, and surplus military arms.
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Shotguns (Pump, Semi-Auto, Break-Action): Shell latch calibration, inertia system tuning, action bar alignment, and ejector timing.
Our 4-Stage Mechanical Diagnostic & Safety Inspection Protocol
Every project brought to our Live Oak workshop follows a rigorous diagnostic standard:
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Complete Teardown & Structural Inspection: Full disassembly to inspect all primary and secondary components for micro-fractures, stress wear, and previous improper alterations.
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Tolerances, Headspacing & Clearance Diagnostics: Precise measurement using optical inspection tools, micrometers, and precision Go/No-Go gauges to evaluate chamber dimensions and locking clearances.
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Precision Machining, Custom Hand-Fitting & Component Repair: Installation of high-grade OEM or aftermarket components. For obsolete or vintage pieces, in-house machining, lathe operations, micro-welding, and hand-stoning are used to restore or fabricate parts.
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Bench Testing & Mechanical Proof Verification: Comprehensive mechanical cycling and proof verification to confirm complete mechanical safety, proper lockup, and positive reset.
Transparent Diagnostic Bench Rates & Machining Estimates
Service Category Description Standard Rate
Bench Diagnostic & Inspection Complete teardown, safety check, and formal repair estimate$75 (Applied toward approved repair labor)
Standard Shop Labor Mechanical repair, action tuning, custom hand-fitting, and trigger work$75 – $125 / hr
Precision Machining & Threading Lathe/mill operations, barrel threading, chamber reaming$100 – $150 / hr
Advanced Fabrication & Micro-Welding Structural repair, micro-welding, and custom component fabrication$90 – $125 / hr
Optic & Sight Installation Packages Dovetail sights, optic mounting, and mechanical bore sighting$125 – $175+
Note: Replacement hardware, custom finishes, and specialized materials are itemized separately.
Customer Testimonials
Feedback from customers highlights the dedication and professionalism of RTF3TX Gunsmithing. Clients often mention the following aspects:
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Attention to Detail: Each firearm is meticulously examined and repaired.
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Clear Communication: Customers appreciate being kept informed throughout the repair process.
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Dependable Results: Many testimonials emphasize the reliability of the repairs and modifications performed.
These testimonials serve as a testament to the quality of service provided by RTF3TX Gunsmithing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between an armorer and a master gunsmith?
A: An armorer is trained to replace standard factory parts on specific models. An AGI-Certified Master Gunsmith possesses comprehensive mechanical engineering knowledge across all firearm platforms—able to diagnose root failure causes, machine one-off parts, adjust timing, and repair obsolete or custom equipment that standard parts cannot fix.
Q: How long does a standard diagnostic and repair take?
A: Standard bench diagnostics, tune-ups, and direct component replacements are typically completed within 3 to 7 business days. Custom machining, fabrication, or hard-to-source vintage parts may require 2 to 3 weeks. You will receive an exact timeline upon initial bench inspection.
Q: Do you accept walk-ins or are services by appointment?
A: To ensure dedicated attention and maintain strict workshop safety standards, services are scheduled primarily by appointment. You can book a convenient drop-off time through our Online Booking Portal or by calling (210) 740-1811.
Q: Can you repair obsolete, antique, or custom firearms with no factory parts available?
A: Yes. We do not rely solely on prefabricated factory parts. We utilize precision lathe operations, milling, and micro-welding to fabricate or rebuild custom one-off components to bring legacy firearms back to safe working order.
Contact Information
For inquiries or to schedule an appointment, you can reach RTF3TX Gunsmithing through the following contact details:
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Address: 7505 Red Ripple St, Live Oak, TX 78233
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Phone: (210) 740-1811
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Email: RTF3TXgunsmithing@gmail.com
This information ensures that potential customers can easily connect with the business for their gun repair needs.
Book Your Appointment
RTF3TX Gunsmithing operates on an appointment-only basis to provide personalized and expert service. To schedule your appointment for Glocksmith services, AR-15 custom work, or any firearm repair, please visit our online booking page and secure your spot today.