Gunsmiths

With over 13 years of hands-on experience, Alex Van Sickle brings a wide-ranging knowledge of firearms to Shoot Smart. After spending more than eight years in a general shop setting, Alex developed a broad skill set - one that makes it rare for him to encounter a firearm he hasn’t worked on before. His approach is simple: “No system is perfect, what can I do to improve it?”

Known for his detail-oriented craftsmanship and determination to find solutions, Alex is committed to ensuring every customer walks away satisfied. Whether it’s troubleshooting, repairs, or fine-tuning performance, he focuses on both technical excellence and customer care.

You can reach Alex directly at alex@shootsmarttx.com

Originally from Dallas and raised in Granbury, Sam started in shooting sports through hunting with his father and grandfather as a child. This early exposure led him to competitive shooting with 4H in middle school, where he competed in air pistol and rifle, .22 at 50 and 100 yards, and muzzleloader silhouette. His experiences fostered what he describes as an obsession with shooting sports.

Before entering the firearms industry, he attended culinary school and gained experience working in restaurants across Texas and California, eventually working aboard the Pride of America cruise ship in Hawaii. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, reloading, and occasionally handcrafting knives. Sam is now fulfilling his dream of being a gunsmith!

Contact Sam directly at sama@shootsmarttx.com

James’s journey with metalwork began in high school, where he practiced custom fabrication and coppersmithing before going on to work professionally as a welder and machinist. In 2006, he joined the Army and trained as a Small Arms Artillery Repairman at Aberdeen Proving Grounds. After his honorable discharge, he expanded his skills as a machinist, fabricator, and armorer before completing the advanced Gunsmithing program at Yavapai College. His professional experience includes time at Silhouette Precision Sports and Scheels before joining the Shoot Smart team.

For James, firearms are more than a career - they’re a lifelong passion. He loves digging into the mechanics, quirks, history, and design of every firearm, and he never shies away from a challenge (especially if another gunsmith says it can’t be done). While custom 1911 pistols and precision bolt-action rifles are his specialties, his expertise spans a wide range of firearms.

Contact James directly at jamesc@shootsmarttx.com

A Fort Worth native, Thoryn joined Shoot Smart in 2022 after earning his AAS in Gunsmithing Technology from Murray State. He started at our Alliance shop before becoming the full-time gunsmith in Benbrook, where his skill in pistolsmithing - especially 1911 fitting and repair - has quickly made him a trusted resource for customers.

With a passion for both the history and mechanics of firearms, Thoryn excels at keeping guns performing at their best. From handguns and rifles to Cerakote work, his precision driven approach reflects Shoot Smart’s commitment to quality and customer care. Outside the shop, you’ll find him powerlifting, practicing martial arts, or writing.

Contact Thoryn directly at thoryn@shootsmarttx.com

Terrence joined Shoot Smart with an Associate of Science in Firearms Technology and two years of experience in the field. His specialty lies in firearms maintenance and cleaning, where he approaches every project as if it were his own - ensuring care, precision, and dependable results.

With an outgoing personality and a passion for learning, Terrence connects easily with customers and takes pride in helping them achieve the results they deserve. His commitment to quality work and customer service reflects Shoot Smart’s mission to make every shooter’s experience the best it can be.

Contact Terrence directly at terrence@shootsmarttx.com