becoming a gunsmith?

[Doc Nelson]

Suppose I wanted to be a good gunsmith, specializing in CAS firearms. Where would I go or what do I need to do to become a GOOD gunsmith? Is there a certification program or something out there?

I'm an Industrial Arts educator, I don't have a strong background in metallurgy but I've certainly welded and brazed etc. Some minor mill working but not a real familiarity with a metal lathe.

I do almost all my own 'smithing but I wouldn't consider myself a qualified smith for others.

I am trying to get another job in another, larger, school. One of the things I'd like to do once I get re-settled is get an FFL and set-up  a small business on the side.

What is your advice for me?

Doc Nelson

[Wild Ben Raymond]

I think there are a few gunsmithing schools around the country, try looking in the back of the American Riflemen Magizine by the NRA, in the classified section you may find some info. I do believe there's a smithing school in Colorado. Good luck WBR

[Modoc]

Doc,

Lassen College in Susanville CA has a very good gunsmithing program.  They also offer 1 week short courses during the summer including ones specializing in CAS firearms.

Here is a link for their home page  http://www.lassencollege.edu/index.html.

[Silver Creek Slim]

Here's some schools.
NRA Short-term Gunsmithing Schools
PA Gunsmith School
Yavapai Gunsmithing School
Colorado School of Trades

Slim

[44caliberkid]

I have always heard good things about the gunsmith school at Trinidad, Colorado.  I think that's Colorado school of trades.

[St. George]

Silver Creek Slim's list is a good one - and contacting the 'formal' schools is a good idea if you're serious.

Be advised that the 'good' schools require attendance, since your grade will be something that you build from scratch - doing the bedding and checkering, the headspacing, crowning, metal finish - and everything else associated with actual gunsmithing.

You'll learn metallurgy, welding/soldering, theory and a number of those disciplines that will allow you to build and repair firearms safely.

CAS 'gunsmithing' in many cases amounts to swapping out springs, and polishing of internals - it's not that hard to do, if you're careful - it's merely time-consuming.

Once you get yourself settled - if you can't give the time needed to attend a resident course - see what courses you can take locally involving welding, machining and metallurgy.

Those are very 'key' to the profession - as is metal finishing in all its many variations.

Perhaps a large shop with an actual trained gunsmith may be willing to teach you on an unpaid  'apprentice' basis.

A lot of guys learn that way - by doing - and then, they figure out the time that they can take a more formal course, once they've bolstered their skills.

You may be thinking about specializing in C&WAS firearms - but you'll be surprised at how few folks in the average community will have those weapons.

What they will have, though are commercial shotguns and rifles that need 'something' done - especially before hunting season - and if they know that you work on guns - they'll be coming to you.

Turning away a Winchester Model 12 that needs a new rib and refinish because you want to work on something 'cowboy' is not financially smart, and unless you build competition Trap guns or Match rifles - and have a reputation for building good ones - 'niche' gunsmithing isn't lucrative.

Best to know more about them all, serve the shooting community, and promote C&WAS through your shop and the quality of your work.

If you're conscientious, and can give prompt service - you'll get ample opportunity to work on those weapons you really like, since your reputation will spread.

Good Luck.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Doc Nelson]

Good advice gentlemen.

I have looked at some of the links, getting to a campus to take courses will be difficult it looks like. I think I'd do it if I could but I reckon a lot will depend on where I end up working.

Doc Nelson

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

The best gunsmith I have ever encountered is totally self taught. He started a long time ago buying old guns and tinkering with them to figure out what made them tick. His mechanical insights and powers of observation are outstanding. It didn't hurt either that he is a trained Mechanical Engineer. He did all his smithing in his spare time. Now that he is retired, he is a full time gunsmith.

[Mustang Gregg]

I have been ponderin' this for a awhile now, too. 
Ya see, I plan on goin' full line FFL when I retire.  And bein' a 'smith would be a real assest to the gun/ammo biz.

Anyone know what kinda liability insurance gunsmiths carry?  That is the scariest part of the gunsmith thing for me.
Lots of fools are lawsuit-happy these days! 

MG

[Silver Creek Slim]

I would hazard ta guess at least $1 Million.

Slim

[Mustang Gregg]

Slim:

Yah, that sounds about right. 
I recollect we have $1,000,00 limit on range liability & that's what I have on the ranch.

MG