What steps are involved with becomming a gunsmith?

[J S Machine]

I have been a toolmaker as my daily occupation for about 6 years now. I have always kind of been interested in gunsmith work but never ventured off in to it. I feel like I might be interested in it.

What kind of training do you guys have? Are there any licenses involved? What are some of the specific tools needed? I do have a lathe, but would need to aquire a mill I'm sure.

And last but not least, is there any money in it? Do you think the trade will last with the uncertainty of guns in the future? I'm only interested in learning it as a side job, not a full time job.

[leam]

Money? Not as much as a CNC tool maker. Love of it? Lots!

There are a few ways to become a gunsmith. Given your machine background you'll have it a lot easier than many of us. First, what type of guns are you interested in? If 1911, you've come to the right place. The 1911 has hundreds of options and gunsmithing opportunities.

Do you shoot a 1911? If not, go get one and start. You must know the product before you start playing with it. Get into a competition that interests you; IDPA, USPSA, Bullseye, or whatever. Push your personal limits past the plinking stage.

Read the Kuhnhausen manuals. If the stuff in there interests you, start doing it on your own guns. If you get good, check out the American Pistol Smith's guild for their measurement criteria. If you feel pleasently challenged by that, then get to work and start showing off your stuff. The NRA has 1-2 week courses at Montgomery Community COllege in Troy, NC>

You don't need a mill yet, just a few files and a willingness to learn. :)

Leam