San Antonio's Premier Master Gunsmith for Precision Work

Based out of his Live Oak workshop, Roland Lamothe of RTF3TX Gunsmithing Live Oak provides comprehensive firearm diagnostics and precision repair to clients throughout the greater San Antonio region. RTF3TX holds the distinction of being the sole AGI-certified master gunsmith service center in the area, bringing a level of technical expertise that goes well beyond what conventional gun shops can offer. Roland's background includes ten years of US Army service spanning two major combat deployments, giving him a practical, real-world perspective on what firearm reliability truly demands. That commitment to excellence is echoed in his unblemished 5.0-star Google rating and active BBB accreditation. For anyone seeking a dependable gunsmith San Antonio residents and neighboring communities can genuinely rely on, RTF3TX Gunsmithing operates as a strictly solo master gunsmith shop. Roland personally oversees every aspect of each job — diagnostics, hand-fitting, machining, and protective finishing — without delegating to assistants or shortcuts. His service menu spans precision barrel threading and complex welding repair all the way to professional C-Series Cerakote ceramic coatings engineered to endure extreme temperatures and harsh conditions. Every project is completed with full ATF compliance and the exacting standards of a combat-tested veteran craftsman.

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San Antonio's Premier Master Gunsmith for Precision Work

Master Gunsmith Certification and US Army Veteran Experience

Roland Lamothe completed his Master Gunsmith certification through the American Gunsmithing Institute under the direct instruction of three widely respected industry figures: Bob Dunlap, Gene Kelly, and Gene Shuey. This rigorous training translates into a fundamentally different approach to gunsmithing — one rooted in deep mechanical comprehension rather than simple component replacement. Before opening his Live Oak shop, Roland spent a decade serving in the US Army, completing two major combat tours that gave him an operational understanding of why precision and reliability are non-negotiable. Gun owners throughout the San Antonio metro and beyond benefit from a craftsman who approaches every job — from initial diagnostics to final hand-fitting — with that same uncompromising standard. Full details on his training history and credentials are available at visit agicertifiedgunsmith.com.

Barrel Threading, Precision Machining, and Complex Repair Work

At RTF3TX Gunsmithing, precision machining and barrel threading services start at $100 and can exceed $300 for more involved work — tasks requiring tolerances that only a credentialed master gunsmith can consistently achieve. Advanced repair and welding services address mechanical failures well beyond the scope of standard armorer-level shops. Every project begins with a thorough diagnostic evaluation designed to uncover root causes rather than treat surface symptoms. Whether the firearm has a timing issue, a worn-out operating component, or a part requiring custom fitting, Roland executes the repair to meet or surpass original manufacturer specifications. Because Roland is the sole operator at RTF3TX, clients receive the same skilled hands on their firearm from the moment it's checked in to the final function verification — no handoffs, no inconsistencies.

Professional Cerakote Application and Ceramic Protective Finishes

RTF3TX Gunsmithing uses C-Series Cerakote as its exclusive protective coating option — an air-cure ceramic-polymer formulation designed from the ground up for firearms and demanding high-temperature environments. The coating withstands heat exposure up to 1,800°F while delivering exceptional resistance to abrasion, corrosion, and chemical contact, making it a superior choice for firearms used in a wide range of conditions. Cerakote services are priced between $250 and upward of $400, depending on the firearm's configuration and masking requirements. Basic masking work is completed entirely in-house by Roland, while complex custom stencil designs are crafted in partnership with a skilled local artist. Gun owners across San Antonio and the Live Oak area who want a finish that protects and impresses in equal measure consistently turn to RTF3TX for this service.

Frequently Asked Questions

RTF3TX is the only AGI-certified master gunsmith service center operating in the San Antonio area. Roland Lamothe personally handles every diagnostic evaluation, repair, and finishing task without relying on assistants or technicians, which guarantees a consistent standard of expert craftsmanship on every single firearm that comes through the shop.

He does. Roland completed his Master Gunsmith certification through the American Gunsmithing Institute under the instruction of Bob Dunlap, Gene Kelly, and Gene Shuey. His full credentials and certification background are detailed at RTF3TX Gunsmithing in Live Oak.

RTF3TX handles comprehensive diagnostics, precision machining, barrel threading, custom hand-fitting, advanced welding repair, and full function restoration. Rather than defaulting to parts replacement, Roland identifies and resolves the underlying mechanical causes — which is what distinguishes master-level gunsmithing from basic armorer work.

C-Series Cerakote is an air-cure ceramic-polymer coating engineered specifically for firearms, offering heat resistance up to 1,800°F as well as excellent durability against abrasion and chemical exposure. It provides significantly better long-term protection for working firearms compared to conventional paint or bluing methods.

Absolutely. RTF3TX serves the full San Antonio metropolitan area, all of Bexar County, and the broader South Texas region. Gun owners looking for a reliable gunsmith San Antonio residents trust regularly make the trip to the Live Oak shop for master-level gunsmithing they can't find elsewhere.

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San Antonio's Premier Master Gunsmith for Precision Work