MEET OUR GUNSMITHS
LEAD GUNSMITH
JEFF HALVERSON
Growing up in Mackay, Idaho, I was immersed in the shooting world from a young age, inspired by my father and grandfathers, who were avid hunters. By 12, my curiosity for mechanics led me to tear things apart to understand how they worked, sparking a passion for fabrication and building. Throughout my teenage years, I worked on everything from motorcycles to firearms before becoming an auto mechanic after high school. In 1989, I enlisted in the Navy as a Corpsman, serving until 2001, after which I earned a BS in Environmental Sciences from Idaho State University. My career took me through the aerospace and biotech industries, where I spent 11 years machining, fabricating, and contributing to projects for Homeland Security, NASA, DoD, and DoE, obtaining 11 industrial patents. Along the way, I acquired my FFL/SOT, trained with Glock and S&W, and established Gem State Armory, patenting my first tool in 2011. With over 25 years of experience in machining and fabrication, I specialize in firearms customization, Cerakote finishes, and precision craftsmanship, standing proudly behind my work.
ARMOR / ENGRAVER
WILL HALVERSON
Born in Idaho Falls, I grew up watching and helping my father in his garage and shop, where he ran his own firearms business. By age 9, I had attended many shooting competitions with him and helped with tool assembly and .45 reloads. Starting in 2018, I spent summers in Boise working in the gunsmiths' shop, learning through hands-on experience in disassembly and cleaning. After years of developing my skills, I built a long-range rifle for my senior project, which led to a full-time position at Independence as a laser engraver and armorer. With certifications in Photoshop and graphic design, I now combine my passion for firearms and design to create personalized and cherished pieces for the community.
GUNSMITH
DAKOTA HENDRICKS
I was born and raised in Boise, Idaho and took an interest in firearms at a young age. I learned a lot about firearms and how to shoot from my grandpa; growing up, he saw that I was interested in firearms and taught me all that he could, including how to hunt. I always had a fascination with the rich history of firearms and mechanical workings, so if there was any work that needed to be done on a family or close friends firearm, I always tried to be the one to do it for them to learn as much as I could. I got my first firearms industry job at Tactical Solutions at age 22, where I learned how to build AR style rifles, Glock 22lr conversions, X-ring rifles and many other products they had to offer. I worked in both the machine shop and assembly, going from raw materials to building the final product.
GUNSMITH / ARMOR
JON CARNES
Born and raised in Florida, Jon moved to Boise in 2017. Jon was in the U.S. Marines from 2009-2013 as a 0311 infantryman. He has done 2 combat deployments to the Middle East and has been awarded the purple heat and combat action ribbon. His first deployment he was a S.A.W. gunner and his second he was a team leader. Jon spends his free time hunting and fishing and is also an avid outdoorsman. Jon has dedicated his career in the industry to being a student of firearms and training. Strong manual of arms in the AR platform, Strickered fire pistols, 1911/2011, also cerakote and barrel threading. Jon has been a part of the Independence family since 2017.
