There is a simple version of how to complete gunsmith part 1 and a complete version. Both are here, in that order.

If you are short on time, the first section alone is usually enough. The difference between a smooth run and a frustrating one usually comes down to preparation, not skill. Small details matter more than they should here, so read the order of steps carefully.

The short answer

Do the straightforward version first; it solves this for most people, and the detailed section exists for when it does not.

Edge cases worth knowing

If you are short on time, the first section alone is usually enough. The approach below has been checked against the current version rather than a patch from two years ago. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. Treat the numbers as a guideline; your exact result depends on your setup and current version.

Small details matter more than they should here, so read the order of steps carefully. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. The community figured most of this out through repetition, and the pattern has held up well.

The straightforward version

Small details matter more than they should here, so read the order of steps carefully. Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. Most of the disagreement online here comes from people describing different versions.

  • Back up your save if the game gives you the option.
  • Check the version you are running before following any step-by-step advice.
  • Write down what you changed, so you can undo it if the result gets worse.
  • Restart fully after a change rather than trusting a quick reload.
  • Keep a spare loadout for the attempts that go badly.
  • Test one change at a time instead of five at once.

Why it works

People often blame the game when the actual cause is a setting they changed weeks ago. Nothing below requires mods, paid tools or an account on some sketchy site. Start with the simplest option before touching anything that is hard to reverse. The difference between a smooth run and a frustrating one usually comes down to preparation, not skill.

Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. There is a fast way and a safe way, and they are not the same thing. Start with the simplest option before touching anything that is hard to reverse.

Mistakes worth avoiding

  • Following a guide written for an older version and assuming nothing moved.
  • Changing several settings at once, then having no idea which one helped.
  • Skipping the preparation step because it looks boring, then repeating the hard part four times.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a faster method?

Usually yes, and usually it is riskier. The route above trades a little speed for a much lower chance of having to start over.

Is there an easier way?

Often, but the easy route tends to be less reliable. The method above trades a couple of extra minutes for a result that works the first time.

Does this apply to every version?

The steps target the current release. Older versions usually behave the same way, though menus may sit in different places.

How to Complete Gunsmith Part 1 is not complicated once the order of operations is clear, and now it is.