[7mmag6]

oK guys I only have a few years to retirement, and like probably everone here Ive tinkered with probably every gun I have owned over the years. My question is how does one become a gunsmith, is there a cirriculum on line, or books i can attain, is there an acreditted system to become one or is it just years upon years of savvy and know how?, I was a machinist for about 10 years, and have a good knowledge of the trade, how does one become a gunsmith? In my retirement id like to have a small buisness, but I really cant find the info I need to educate myself to even start learning the trade, maybe this is a blind alley for me, just curious thanks ----7mmag

[lefty o]

tradeschool, an apprenticeship, or just dig in and get your hands dirty. there are numerous books on the subject of gunsmithing. get yourself a copy of brownells catalog, midway usa's gunsmithing catalog, and go from there. oh by the way brownells has a listing of gunsmithing schools in its catalog.

[7mmag6]

Thank you lefty im to dam old for a apprenticeship, ill retire at 58, but I love guns, maybe this is not my line of business, thank you for the post, im really good at restoring old british sports cars, but I would like to be a gunsmith, close to my heart, maybe im barking up the wrong tree, but Im a dam-n good machinist, and have lathes and milling machines

[Big Dog]

Check out the Amrican Gunsmithing Institute:
http://www.americangunsmith.com/

I used to have a subscription to their magazine. They have lot's of books, videos, courses, etc.

I also found info on these guys:
http://www.pcdi-homestudy.com/courses/gg/?code=9942

[wes]

Ther is an excellent gunsmith school in southern Colo. Not far from New Mexico. Don't remember the name off hand. But have heard it's really good.

[7mmag6]

Thanks guys the American gunsmith institute looks promising I think i have a good heads up in this field owning a couple of south bend lathes and a bridgeport, thanks, and knowing how to machine ill keep you informed of my progress

[Jesse]

The AGI is real good, but gives you only a foundation that is built upon through trade school or experience. You can get good armorer's training through AGI though...

[grizzly]

Quote:      

Originally posted by 7mmag6 Thanks guys the American gunsmith institute looks promising I think i have a good heads up in this field owning a couple of south bend lathes and a bridgeport, thanks, and knowing how to machine ill keep you informed of my progress

lathes. maybe I should take one off your hands....A Southbend would make a nice addition to the shop...
:nod: :nod:

[Dennis]

7mm
It is a hard business ya got to have a hook a "something special"
Just being a general gunsmith is hard to make a liveing at.
I guess location is the most important.
If you have a steady retirement income and an established home shop then check your state laws.
Very very few states have a "licence for gunsmithing"
You will need a FFL to recieve and send firearms.
Do it to have fun, and try to make a little money
If you start makeing good money great.
Stay honest, the firearms comunity is small and very astute.

Good luck.