Meet Michael Horner
Owner & Gunsmith at Salty Dog Gunsmithing
Practical experience. Precision craftsmanship. Honest recommendations.
Craftsmanship Built Around the Firearm—and Its Owner
Michael Horner is the owner and gunsmith behind Salty Dog Gunsmithing in Kenly, North Carolina. His work is grounded in a straightforward belief: every firearm deserves careful evaluation, skilled workmanship, and an honest recommendation based on what the owner wants to accomplish.
From diagnosing a firearm that no longer functions reliably to restoring a family heirloom or machining a component that can no longer be purchased, Michael approaches each project as an individual challenge. He takes the time to understand the firearm, identify the real issue, and determine the most practical path forward.
A Broad Gunsmithing Skill Set
Salty Dog Gunsmithing brings traditional craftsmanship and modern shop capabilities together under one roof.
Diagnostics & Repair
Finding the source of reliability, wear, fitment, and performance problems.
Precision Machining
Lathe and milling work for custom components, barrels, actions, and one-off projects.
Restoration & Refinishing
Returning worn, damaged, or historic firearms to dependable service and a fitting appearance.
Wood & Detail Work
Stock making and repair, action bedding, checkering, carving, fitting, and hand finishing.
Problem Solving at the Heart of the Work
Some projects are straightforward. Others involve discontinued parts, altered dimensions, previous repairs, hidden damage, or a firearm for which no off-the-shelf solution exists. Those are the jobs where experience, patience, and practical problem solving matter most.
Michael’s capabilities include custom parts fabrication, barrel threading and profiling, chambering, action work, bedding, metal refinishing, stock construction and repair, and hand or machine checkering. This range allows him to look at the complete firearm—not just one isolated component—and develop a solution suited to its function, condition, and intended use.
Work That Speaks for Itself
Every project reflects the same attention to fit, function, finish, and the details that make a firearm personal.
A Personal, Straightforward Approach
Salty Dog Gunsmithing is an appointment-based shop where customers can discuss their concerns directly with the person performing the work. Michael believes good service begins with listening, careful inspection, and clear communication about what a firearm needs—and what it does not need.
If a repair or modification is practical, he will explain the recommended approach. If another option makes more sense, he will say so. The goal is dependable work, realistic expectations, and a finished firearm that serves its owner well.
