I'm kinda pondering the idea of becoming a gunsmith. My real passion is woodworking, but turning metal is also something I enjoy. I see that there are schools in Colorado and Pennsylvania. I've requested information from both schools, and done a lot of reading.

 

Are you planning on just doing the metal part or would you also do the wood? A gunsmith that can hot blue a barrel and refinish a stock is worth going to. Watching other people has shown me that it is a profession that it tempermental to say the least. Most do it for a couple of years and then get out.

 

i have thought about that as well, am lookin into the school in colorado mostly, this is the one that does horseshoeing as well correct? have always been into guns, and either gonna do gunsmithing or mechanical engineering. the only deal is that i dont like to sit behind a desk, so the gunsmithing is a good thing for me to look into. best of luck on you search, i think that as soon as i can find financing i am goin to go to the one in colorado.

 

I am not a gunsmith, and don't have much info, but you may want to post to one of the gun related forums around in their 'smithing sections to get an inside scoop from some professionals.

I'd try here: http://forums.1911forum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=18

There are a handfull of first-rate pistol smiths on this one and I've read their discussions of similar questions before.

Good luck!

 

thanks for the help, i have a 1911 style 9mm, and that is a good place to find parts/info on it, that helps alot, preciate it!

 

I am a Gunsmith.. and can recommend the school in Trinidad, Colorado - it is a good school, and is very well reputed with the Association of American Gunsmiths. AGI, a California institute, has some good information on the profession, with various video courses very well presented by professional instructors in such a way as to imprint the information easily. I use their videos to give me insight into weapons that I am unfamiliar with.

Becoming a gunsmith is a very rewarding thing to do, giving you an ability that will never be outdated, and gives you an immediate satisfaction of knowing that no matter what, you will ALWAYS be armed.. Making your first weapon will be something that will instil confidence in you far more than you would ever think possible - weapons are easy things to work on, with a few notable exceptions, but on the whole, they are all logical, and easily fixed in most circumstances. A working knowledge of both metal work, and woodwork is a plus, but any school of repute will train you in both disciplines.

There are a couple of periodicals that you can subscribe to on a yearly basis, or a lifetime membership, which give you up to date info on weaponry, and tips from all the better known gunsmiths, who all submit articles from time to time. If you want anymore information, you can send me a message, either email, or private, and I will try help you in any way I can.

Theo

 

I told you about me critter gitter, didn't I?

It looks pretty funky now, it had a Fajen style stock, now its all custom. I'm gonna see about cutting some flutes in the barrel. I have a shoulder problem, and to prevent the damage, I had to go to a wider recoil surface. Its not a goofy rubber one, but a carved part of the stock that mushrooms out.

My favorite part is easily doing custom wood work. I have a good friend that builds competition rifles, he just finished one that is a .30-458 Remington Magnum caliber, with a fitted Fajen stock, and 42X Leupold on top, it weighs in at 16.5 lbs, and will put ten holes in 6.6" at 1000 yards.

 

Matt, there is one in would you believe............Kali. I have thought about it myself. Maybe when I retire.

 

Is there a link to the school?

The one in Colorado is pretty close and I would most likely stick pretty close to home.

 

The only info I have on the CO school is:

Trinidad State Junior College 600 Prospect, Trinidad, CO 81082, Voice: (719) 846-5631.

They may have a web site, I have never looked for it.

Theo

 

Here is something for you Matt:
http://www.americangunsmith.com/practical.html