Brent Lake

Owner & President

Brent is a true master in the world of firearms. Brent's journey began early, as he delved into the intricacies of firearms as a competitive shooter. His knack for tinkering led him to tear apart and reassemble guns, constantly tuning them to perfection in pursuit of excellence on the shooting range.

Despite running a successful car business for 28 years, Brent's passion for firearms never waned. For the past 19 years, he's dedicated himself full-time to gunsmithing, honing his craft with numerous certificates in firearm design, function, repair, as well as machine work and fabrication.

Brent is renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, specializing in firearms restoration and possessing the uncanny ability to fix anything that lands on his workbench. His dedication to perfection shines through in every job he undertakes.

Outside of his workshop, Brent finds joy in spending time with his wife of 37 years, exploring the great outdoors on their side-by-side, and cherishing moments with his grandkids, loving their 2 golden retrievers Dexter and Winston.. With Brent, there's no project too daunting—he's the ultimate problem-solver in the world of gunsmithing.

Nate Chamberlain

Gunsmith & Firearm Instructor

Nate's journey was destined to be one of service and skill. From an early age, he exhibited a natural affinity for precision and discipline, traits that would later define his illustrious career.

Enlisting in the United States Marine Corps straight out of high school, Nate embarked on a path of duty and honor. During his time in the Corps, he honed his expertise in firearms, developing a profound understanding of their mechanics and operation. His tenure instilled in him a sense of duty, a commitment to excellence, and an unwavering pride in his country. Upon completing his service, Nate went into private contracting and later transitioned seamlessly into civilian life, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Joining Lakes Guns, he found his calling in customizing and building military style weapons, sporting arms, and World War II guns. Nate brings a skill of craftsmanship at which he excelled with unparalleled attention to detail. Each custom build was a testament to his skill and dedication, reflecting his unwavering commitment to excellence.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Nate remained deeply invested in his community. He dedicated his free time to training others in firearm safety and marksmanship, instilling in them the same values of responsibility and respect that he held dear. His classes became renowned for their thoroughness and effectiveness, attracting enthusiasts and novices alike. While visitng Nate in the shop make sure you say "hello" to Ca'Tra, his German Shepherd Dog & and our shop mascot.

Alecz Owen

Gunsmith

The newest gunsmith on the scene! With a background in woodworking, Alecz seamlessly integrates those skills into his gun restoration projects, leaving a mark of craftsmanship on each piece. His expertise in trigger work, stock modifications, and restorations speaks volumes about his dedication to mastering his craft. Being the go-to guy for complex projects in the shop shows that he's earned the trust and respect of his peers in the industry.

When he's not meticulously working on firearms. Alecz values spending time in nature and cherishes moments with his son. Alecz has an extreme amount of compassion and caring. When it comes to helping others in his personal and professional life, he is always the one to step up to bat first without being asked.

His compassion and willingness to help others, both personally and professionally, truly sets his apart. In a field where precision and skills are paramount, Alecz’s passion shines through, making him not just a gunsmith, but an artist in his own rights.

Dilen Bergstrom

Wood worker, Apprentice

Dilen's journey into gunsmithing is rooted in a deep respect for precision craftsmanship. She spent four years as a violin-making apprentice, where she developed expert-level woodworking skills and an appreciation for the patience and finesse required to create functional art. This background in fine instrument making gives her a unique edge in the world of firearms, where detail, fit, and finish are just as critical.

Now in her first year as a firearms apprentice, Dilen is training at Lakes, where she is learning the intricacies of modern gunsmithing. Her primary focus is on the AR-15 platform, but her experience is expanding to include several other sporting rifles. Whether it’s assembly, maintenance, or modification, she approaches each firearm with the same care and craftsmanship she applied to hand-crafted violins—ensuring precision, reliability, and attention to every detail.

Dilen's strength in woodworking sets her apart as she integrates traditional skills into modern firearm applications. She specializes in custom wood stocks, grip shaping, and hand-finishing, combining aesthetic beauty with functional durability. Her ability to shape and finish natural materials adds a unique, personalized touch to every project she takes on.

In addition to her technical training, Dilen is currently studying under Nate to become a certified firearms instructor. This mentorship is expanding her understanding of firearm safety, handling, and instruction techniques. Her goal is to combine hands-on gunsmithing expertise with the knowledge and confidence to teach others—building a future where craftsmanship and education go hand in hand.