An automatic gunning apparatus for repairing metallurgical furnaces includes a device for supplying refractory material to effect the repair; a detachably mounted gunning pipe fitted to the supply device; a pair of pinch rollers for moving the gunning pipe forward along its axis; a rotating drum through which the gunning pipe passes and which encloses the gunning pipe; a plurality of rollers for rotating the drum about its axis; a platform supporting the rollers; a column bearing the platform; a device for tilting the platform; and a support fixture for the pinch rollers rigidly connected to the drum such that the gunning pipe is axially rotated by the rotation of the drum.