Gun Smithing As A Career

Citizen_Erased

Im at that point where I need to decide what to chose to do as a profession. I would be seriously considering becoming a gunsmith but I know very little about the channels to becoming one. Does it involve say , a degree in mechanical engineering then specialising in firearms , or through courses and apprenticeships. Any information or links on the subject would be really great.

Thanks in Advice.

Rovi

Citizen_Erased wrote:

Im at that point where I need to decide what to chose to do as a profession. I would be seriously considering becoming a gun but I know very little about the channels to becoming one.

.

jaycee

I would be seriously considering becoming a gun

Not a good career move ..
You'd only end up getting fired ...

Rovi

jaycee wrote:

You'd only end up getting fired ...

<snorts coffee through nose>
YOU OWE ME A NEW KEYBOARD!!!



.

Citizen_Erased

Have to larf at that one .Fixed now.

The reason I ask this is because I have tried searching online but have only found links to american places but I would rather avoid the US if possible.

woody

There are apprenticeships in the army/air corp/navy as armourers every so often might be and idea

Degsy

Why not ring up an existing gunsmith and ask him?

Flattop 15

If you are under 18.The traditional way would be an apprenticeship,which is becoming very if not impossible to get here .Ring up or better still go over to London and enquire with Holland&Holland,Purdey,Rigby and the bespoke gunsmiths what are their requirements for apprenticeship.Failing them a good course in German,Italian or Spanish lingo and try then the German gunmakers or the Austrians,the Belgians or the Spanish.IF you get chosen [and it you will be amongst thousands].Be prepared for at least seven years of very hard work and study.When you are finished however,be prepared to make some serious dough,and that in America.Go into any gunsmith or producer,saying and proving you are a trained English shotgun maker or riflesmith from Germany,and expect the boss to greet you every morning with a cup of tea and a red carpet if you work with him!!If you can do wood work [stocks] or artwork,like custom artwork on shotgun sideplates,you are made.So some art appreciation comes in handy.You could of course then just make custom guns,but you will need some capital to set up your shop,and just build to customer specs.But you need to travel alot to various gunshows to get your name out there and there are alot of custom builders out there who specialisein various different fields of the gun.Some just do metal engraving,others wood work,others the lockwork,etc.
All in all It's a difficult field to get into ,but the rewards are incredible.Wish I had been able to do it years ago.

Citizen_Erased

Yeah , a private workshop was my idea and the capitol was the problem. I have pretty well off parents though

Flattop 15

Get them to buy you an apprenticeship then,and to finance your shop when you are finished and you are qualified.You will be well ahead of the posse,and will need to be to re supply your folks bank account

Citizen_Erased

Yeah , so its an apprenticeship with another gunsmith then . But that wouldn't really need a 3rd level education would it? U have to get one anyways because I can kiss my parents fundiing goodbye if I dont. Really , thanks, youve told me enough , my careers man could probably help with the rest of the finer details.

Cheers