Alright, let's talk about one of those early-game headaches in Escape from Tarkov – Gunsmith Part 1. If you're like me when I first started, you probably stared at Mechanic's task list feeling completely lost. An MP-133 shotgun? Specific attachments? Why does this matter? Don't sweat it, I've helped dozens of new players through this exact task and I'm breaking it down step-by-step. By the end of this, you'll breeze through it faster than a PMC rushing dorms.
What Exactly is Gunsmith Part 1?
So Mechanic gives you this task early on (level 12 requirement). You need to modify an MP-133 shotgun to meet very specific stats. Sounds simple? Well... not exactly. Tarkov doesn't hold your hand, and the game won't tell you which parts to buy. I remember spending three raids worth of roubles on wrong parts before figuring it out.
Why bother? Two big reasons: First, the XP boost skyrockets your progression. Second, you unlock access to later Gunsmith tasks which give insane rewards. Skip this and you'll regret it mid-game.
Required Specifications for Your Shotgun
The devil's in the details. Your modified MP-133 must hit these exact numbers:
| Stat | Required Value | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Ergonomics | 47+ | Affects ADS speed and stamina drain |
| Weight | 3.4kg or less | Impacts movement speed |
| Total Length | 660mm or less | Critical for close-quarters combat |
Miss any of these by even 1 point? Mechanic will reject it. Found out the hard way when my shotgun was 661mm long.
Parts Shopping List (Tested & Budget-Friendly)
After burning through 200k roubles testing combos, here's the cheapest setup that consistently works. Pro tip: Buy these parts from level 1 traders to save cash.
| Component | Specific Part | Trader (Level) | Cost (₽) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pistol Grip | Hogue OverMolded Rubber Grip | Mechanic LL1 | 4,568 |
| Stock | ME Cylinder 12ga muzzle adapter | Jaeger LL1 | 6,849 |
| Foregrip | Magpul MOE M870 forestock | Skier LL2 | 8,240 |
| Flashlight | X400 flashlight | Skier LL2 | 21,170 |
| Mount | 25mm ring mount | Prapor LL1 | 5,099 |
Total cost: ~46,000₽. Still expensive for new players? Absolutely. But cheaper than my first failed attempt where I bought a 40k suppressor by mistake. Always double-check part names!
Where to Find the Base Shotgun
You've got three options:
- Buy from Jaeger LL1 – Costs 18,687₽. Easiest but eats your budget
- Scavenge on Woods – Check weapon crates near scav village. Found three last wipe there
- Kill Scavs – Shotgun Scavs spawn on Customs (gas station) and Shoreline (power station)
Personally? I farm Scavs on night Customs. Bring cheap NVGs and hit construction site. Got two MP-133s in one raid last week.
Step-by-Step Assembly Walkthrough
Got all parts? Let's build it right in your stash:
- Right-click MP-133 > Modify
- Drag Hogue grip onto pistol grip slot
- Drag ME Cylinder adapter onto muzzle slot
- Drag MOE forestock onto handguard slot
- Drag 25mm ring mount onto top rail
- Drag X400 flashlight onto the ring mount
⚠️ Critical Check: Before submitting, mouse over the shotgun in inventory. Stats must show:
- Ergonomics: 48
- Weight: 3.3kg
- Length: 660mm
If numbers don't match, you bought wrong parts. Happened to my buddy last night.
Why This Specific Setup Works
See, the ergonomics requirement is brutal for shotguns. The Hogue grip gives +8 ergo – highest available early-game. The MOE forestock shaves off weight while the short muzzle adapter keeps length under limit. The flashlight? Honestly feels unnecessary but Mechanic demands it.
Massive Mistakes Players Make (And How to Avoid)
Watched countless streamers fail this task. Here's where they go wrong:
| Mistake | Result | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Using standard stock | Ergonomics too low (41) | Must replace with MOE forestock |
| Wrong flashlight model | X400 not equipped | Verify it emits blue light when turned on |
| Barrel too long | Length exceeds 660mm | Use ME Cylinder adapter |
| Forgot to remove choke | Prevents muzzle attachment | Right-click barrel > Remove choke |
My own horror story? Bought an MP-153 instead of MP-133. Sounds dumb but the icons look identical when you're tired. Wasted 22k roubles.
Smart Budget Alternatives
Really strapped for cash? Try these:
- Find X400 flashlights – Scav weapon crates on Interchange (garage level)
- Barter trade grips – Jaeger trades Hogue for 2 packs of screws
- Kill Reshala guards – They spawn with kitted MP-133s on Customs
Last wipe, I got the entire build from one lucky Scav run on Reserve. Check filing cabinets in black bishop building.
Task Rewards Breakdown
Why suffer through this? Check these rewards:
- 8,300 XP (Massive for level 12!)
- +0.03 Mechanic rep
- 20,000 roubles
- Unlocks Gunsmith Part 2 (better rewards)
- Access to Mechanic's weapon modding services
That XP alone is worth two successful raids. Combined with the rep gain, it's non-negotiable if you want hideout upgrades.
What Comes After Gunsmith Part 1?
Mechanic hits you with Gunsmith Part 2 immediately. Requires an AKS-74U build. Expect tighter stats and pricier parts. But the rewards? Way better – Weapon case parts and 12k XP. Totally worth pushing through.
Funny thing – I actually enjoy these tasks now. Forces you to learn modding mechanics that dominate late-game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a found shotgun?
Absolutely! As long as it's an MP-133 originally scavenged or looted. Just mod it to meet specs. Saved me 18k last wipe.
Why won't Mechanic accept my modified shotgun?
Three common reasons:
- Stats aren't EXACTLY 47+ ergo/660mm length/≤3.4kg
- You attached parts to wrong slots
- Shotgun durability is below 60/60
Had all three issues simultaneously once. Nearly rage quit.
Do attachments get consumed?
Nope! Mechanic takes the whole shotgun but you keep attachments if removed beforehand. Wish I knew this during my first wipe.
Advanced Tips from a Tarkov Veteran
After completing 14 wipes, here's my insider advice:
⏱️ Time-Saver: Pre-buy all parts before reaching level 12. Check flea market when bored. Snagged an X400 for 15k last month.
Always inspect weapons from Scav runs. Found an MP-133 with MOE forestock yesterday. Saved 8k instantly.
Remember: gunsmith part 1 tarkov is your gateway to weapon mastery. Learn these modding skills early.
Final Reality Check
Is this task annoying? Absolutely. The weight mechanic feels unnecessarily finicky. But pushing through unlocks core progression. I've helped 27 new players complete their Tarkov gunsmith part 1 challenge. Every single one cursed Mechanic but thanked me later.
- Total estimated completion time: 20-45 minutes
- Minimum cash required: 46,000₽
- Recommended map for scavenging: Customs
Still stuck? Check my companion video showing the build process. Search "real-time gunsmith part 1 guide" on YouTube. Shows exact clicks.
Go modify that shotgun and make Mechanic happy. Then get ready for Gunsmith Part 2 - that's where the real fun begins.
Comment