Step 01
Design
Sketches, drawings, SolidWorks modelling. The rifle exists first as lines and dimensions.
Winchester M1885 · BMA graduation project
I won't be a rockstar.I will be a legend.
The project's motto, a tribute to Freddie Mercury
Charles Couillard
Artisan gunsmith. Restoring pieces of history, creating exceptional pieces.
Diplomas
A qualified gunsmith.
French Craft Diploma in Gunsmithing (BMA)
Lycée Benoît Fourneyron, Saint-Étienne · 2026
The craft-art diploma of the trade: machining, fitting, wood, metal, gun mechanics.
CAP Armurier
Lycée Benoît Fourneyron, Saint-Étienne
The foundation of the trade: strip-down, recommissioning, regulations, a sure hand.
Vocational diploma in microtechnology
Lycée Dumont d'Urville, Caen · 2024
Precision before gunsmithing: fine assembly, reading drawings, mechanics, optics, electronics.
One craft, two hands
Some firearms are preserved, others are invented. I work on both: I restore antique and collectible firearms, and I build bespoke pieces, from design to finish. One foundation connects the two: the hand. Diagnosis, fitting, machining, wood, metal, inlay work, finishing.
Restoring pieces of history.Creating exceptional pieces.
01 · The bench
I restore pieces of history
Antique firearms, collectors' pieces, military heritage. Restoring without erasing history: patina, markings and traces preserved.
See the restorations →02 · The stage
I create exceptional pieces
One-off pieces, transformed or built to order: CAD, machining, wood, mechanics, artistic finishing.
See the creations →Flagship project
An Uberti base. Everything else: handmade.
The barrel and receiver of the Winchester M1885 “Freddie Mercury” come from Uberti. Everything else went through my hands: the woodwork, the sights, the barrel bands, the fore-end cap, the finger lever and every finish. Then the rifle was proofed at 2,750 bar. Official verdict: compliant firearm.
Read the case studyNine months. One rifle.No shortcuts.
Nine months in the workshop
From blank page to proof firing
Step 02
Metal
Making and fitting the furniture: sights, barrel bands, fore-end cap, finger lever.
Step 03
Wood and finishes
Swan-neck walnut stock, lacquer, fitted yellow leather, hydrographic chequering.
18 May 2026
The proof
French National Proof House, Saint-Étienne: 2,750 bar. Verdict: compliant, certificate no. 3572411.
June 2026
The diploma
Presented to the BMA gunsmithing jury. The rifle spoke for itself.
Follow the workshop
The workshop, day by day
Work in progress, bench moments, before and after shots: I share the work as it happens on Instagram.
Follow @charles.l.armurierAn exchange, a collaboration, an opportunity?
This portfolio documents my work, piece by piece. It exists to open doors: workshops, collectors, press.
Get in touch