[RPG] Can tinker’s tools be used to make Gunslinger firearms before 3rd level

craftingdnd-5egunslinger

One of my players is planning on playing Matt Mercer's Gunslinger fighter archetype.

If their character gets proficiency in tinker's tools before 3rd level (such as from the Guild Artisan background, PHB p. 132-133), can they start crafting guns – but not have proficiency in using them – before 3rd level?

Best Answer

It's up to the DM

The description of the Gunslinger's Gunsmith feature states:

Upon choosing this archetype at 3rd level, you gain proficiency with Tinker’s Tools. You may use them to craft ammunition at half the cost, repair damaged firearms, or even draft and create new ones (DM’s discretion). Some extremely experimental and intricate firearms are only available through crafting.

The ability to draft and create firearms using tinker's tools is up to DM discretion, including whether it's even possible and how one would go about doing so. This is true even after the feature gives you the ability to craft ammunition and repair damaged firearms at 3rd level. As such, any such use of tinker's tools before 3rd level would be up to DM discretion, albeit unlikely to work reliably.

Personally, as a DM, I'd probably rule that you don't have a good enough understanding of firearms before you choose the subclass to craft and create weapons using tinker's tools.