About Johnston Small Arms Co.
Located in the beautiful small town of Northwood, off Rte. 4 and 107, in the “Live Free or Die” state of New Hampshire, Johnston Small Arms is a part-time business priding itself on full-time service. Unlike a firearm sales-only type business with set hours, as a gunsmith if I’m home I’m open. Unfortunately, I am currently employed full-time as a Critical-Care RN, which as the business grows I hope can become part-time as the gunsmithing goes full-time.
My interest in firearms has been life-long, learning about the weapons of WWII from my father, a wounded and decorated Marine Corp veteran of the 2nd Raider Battalion. Growing up my main hobby was woodworking: building furniture, cabinets, finish carpentry, etc. Following that, I took interest in metal-working, thus the normal blending of wood and metal, coupled with a love of firearms led in a natural progression to the traditional art of gunsmithing. To myself the scope and field of this dying profession is incredible. Just as a nurse must be part doctor, psychiatrist, dietitian, repiratory and physical therapist, pharmacist and never stops learning, a gunsmith must be a cabinetmaker, artist, craftsman, welder, chemist, metallurgist, blacksmith and a mechanical engineer- never boring, and always learning!
I started taking classes towards a degree in Machine Tool Technology 5 years ago- I have 4 classes left but studies are on hold due to the arrival of our last child. Of more importance however is my apprenticeship. I have been apprenticing, officially, for 4+ years with Edward A. Lander of Alexandria, NH who has been a full time gunsmith since his return from WWII in 1946. He is still at the trade 7 days/week and is a true Master (I hope he lives forever!). I also work in conjunction (and semi-apprentice) with Match Armorer George Spaulding, also of Northwood, who has 20+ years as a military armorer and specializes in all types of martial arms. He is well known for building match-grade weapons, small bore and large.
I work on all types of firearms, though my first love is NOT those made of sheet metal, pot metal and rivets (they were cheaply made to begin with and do not improve with age and use), however we will service all firearms. I am not though a class III dealer nor do I have any experience with them (other than shooting them!).
My shop consists of a 2-flr. building with the 2nd floor being the “showroom” retail area and the 1st floor being the workshop. An addition is being added this summer to enable us to have a separate bluing room. We have a Bridgeport milling machine, a Hendey lathe as well as a small toolroom lathe for smaller turning. Bluing preparation is by buffing / polishing for a blued finish as well as glass-beading for those desiring either a matte hunter finish or in preparation for parkerizing if so desired. We also do rust-bluing for those firearms, ie. Older double barrels, Stevens receivers, post-64 Winchesters, etc. that must be done by this method(unless you want a purple-tinted gun!). Browning and nitre bluing of guns and parts is also handled, as well as spring making, tempering, etc. Case coloring is accomplished via acetylene which gives a handsome finish without the risk of heat distortion, warpage, or untempering of the steel possible when case coloring in a furnace at 1400 degrees.
Although I love all firearms, and appreciate a challenge there are some firearms that through damage, neglect, etc. are beyond repair- that’s a fact. I like to believe I am good at what I do, but I can’t perform miracles, nor will I work on a gun that I believe is unsafe to use (including ones that have gone through a fire). I reserve the right of refusal, for your safety and my liability. That being said however, the greatest joy for me is to take a rusted, neglected firearm with a cracked stock and restore it, with the subsequent look on the face of the owner when I hand it back.
As many guns which need parts replacement are out of production we are able to fabricate many necessary parts- though if they can be purchased I will. Along those lines, we are always looking for gun parts and “parts guns” that I can strip and put in inventory for future repairs.
We mainly deal in the sale of used firearms as we can’t compete on price with Wal-Mart. However we will order new firearms for cost + shipping + 10%, and although that may be more than Walmart, here at Johnston Small Arms you will get personal, knowledgeable service from the person who can also repair, troubleshoot and customize your purchase. I am a federally licensed dealer (FFL) and follow ALL laws regarding firearms- if you can’t buy, don’t try. If you can buy I believe you should have anything your heart desires, and I’ll be happy to help you locate your “dream gun”. As the number of gunsmiths and dealers shrink, those of us around locally network and pool our resources for the benefit of ourselves and our customers. What I can’t find today I may next week, and as any gun crank knows, half the fun is in the search.
I am also able to do internet and interstate transfers of firearms and will run NICS background checks as required. The normal transfer fee is $20., with discounts for multiple transfers done at the same time. To other dealers and gunsmiths, a discount for work provided will be given so that it’s a “win-win” for everybody. My rates are reasonable and I believe we all need to make something; as the Bible says “the worker deserves his wages”, (another good quote is “those who do not work do not eat”.). As a former Marine, I offer a discount on work for all active-duty personnel. Liberals and those who voted for Clinton will be charged extra. I am a Constitutionalist and because I love my country I vote, and vote Republican. I carry a gun, I believe in Jesus and in legal immigration. I hate the UN and France. If you agree with the above, you may even change from customer to friend.
I have recently become an NRA instructor and will be providing classes in my shop by summers end in both Home Firearm Safety and Pistol. At the conclusion of class you will be able to shoot outside at our shooting range, which is also used for training by our town’s finest. I will be teaching the classes along with 2 other instructors so you will be assured of personal attention. Details and rates will be forthcoming.
We are committed to ownership of firearms by all legal U.S. citizens- it is a right NOT a privilege. I ask you all to become active, locally and nationally. Join the NRA- they constantly ask for money but they are our loudest and strongest voice. Join your state level organization as well, in NH, GO-NH, and soon to be Pro-Gun NH. Vote your sport, buy a handgun and carry it, as Thomas Jefferson said “let the gun be the constant companion of your walks”, for truly, verily I say unto thee, a Right not regularly exercised is surely lost. Keep the Faith and keep your powder dry.
In fellowship,
Paul A. Johnston
Johnston Small Arms Co.