Takin`the Gunsmithing Correspondence Course

I'll risk it.

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Thanks Darxtar!
It arrived a few days ago, and I have had a bit of a look at it all.
IT is a bit dated, originally published in 1974, and reprinted in the '80's.
I just finished reading all about how to sporterize military rifles, so I'm well on my way to turning classic original $400 milsurps into $100 sporters.

I figure that while I may not get rich that way, I'll make it up on volume, volume, volume! :p
 
As noted previously, SAIT in Calgary does list the gunsmithing course in their website. Its listed in their "Continuing Education " section under "Machining & Millwright" in the course directory. Mach-222 is the course name. I can't link the course under SAIT's search engine, but start here.

http://www.sait.ca/pages/cometosait/coursefinder/coned.shtml

They've had a booth set up at the Thorncliffe gun show this past September, as well as the Easter show at the Roundup Centre.
 
Been doin as much of my own work as I can, finally decided to take the course. Books should arive Monday...cant wait:D

hi i also want do this but not to open a shop or so but so that i can fix my own stuff.if u can help tell me where to apply for it and how much does cost please pm me if u can

thanks
singh
 
Thanks Darxtar!
It arrived a few days ago, and I have had a bit of a look at it all.
IT is a bit dated, originally published in 1974, and reprinted in the '80's.
I just finished reading all about how to sporterize military rifles, so I'm well on my way to turning classic original $400 milsurps into $100 sporters.

I figure that while I may not get rich that way, I'll make it up on volume, volume, volume! :p

Sounds like the same set I bought at an auction for $20. The books are very informative, but like others have said, not worth the money these "schools" want for them. Very good reference material though.

Nothing is required. There are NO official qualifications needed to be a gunsmith in Canada. Get a business licence (some places you don't even need that), hang out your shingle and go to town. - dan

You forgot paying the CFO $1000 for the "gunsmith license" they want you to pay for and waiting years to have them approve it.:)
 
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For information only! The SAIT Gunsmithing evening course (Calgary) is not running at the moment, hopefully this will change in the future.
 
I took (am taking) the Modern Gun School course out of the US. Sucks. Soooo much old outdated info & techniques. I've found myself several times answering a question " the book says ..... but I would do this...." A lot of 20-40 year old data that looks like photocopies of the original mimeographs (remember them?). And the tools ?!?!?! Didn't expect much and already had my own (tool designer by trade) but I wrote a letter to them that the micrometer they sent looked like it came from a seconds bin at a Bombay tool fair. Actually took the face off a file by breaking a corner on a piece of ALUMINUM. Best method to learn? - read everything u can get your hands on & take apart same. I offer to strip & clean guns for guys at work just for the experience. It's lead to some paid repair work & referrals. Also try to find a gunsmith who will share knowledge.

My biggest block to learning was me - afraid I'd ruin something. I finally decided I'm a big boy & if I wreck a part I'll buy a new one & chalk it up to experience. Haven't looke back yet.....now if I could just get my wife to agree to a mill & lathe in the TV room :)
 
RT - I with you on the course idea! I have been thinking about doing the same thing. Hearing your background about welding and being an aircraft mechanic, I think this is something you will pick up quickly. I am a licenced industrial mechanic with an extensive background in machining and fabrication. I think this is something we could have a lot of potential at. Not talking about going professional or anything though. But since I have started working on my own firearms, I have had a line up of people wanting me to work on theirs since they could not find a gunsmith.

In the end, I think that anything that will educate people about firearms is a good thing. I know a licenced gunsmith is the way to go, but it's nice to have people that are educated enough to repair their own firearms safely.
 
"You forgot paying the CFO $1000 for the "gunsmith license" they want you to pay for and waiting years to have them approve it."

I believe that varies from province to province, and as usual, central Canadians get it in the neck. - dan

You mean $1000 bribe included, right?

:cheers: Kazimier
 
Learning a hands on trade by books only is a bizzare concept, there is nobody to advise you when you are on the wrong track or you just need a hint on how to do it right. Kind of like a family doctor reading about brain surgery then trying it on you. As an aircraft metalworker I can tell you thet there is nothing better than having knowledgeable, experienced mentors helping you out when you are learning a trade.
 
There are NO official qualifications needed to be a gunsmith in Canada.

Not entirely true. In Nova Scotia, at least, gunsmiths (like locksmiths, carpenters, etc) are an apprenticed trade. That means you have to go the apprentice, journeyman, master route for qualification or it is illegal to hold your self out to be, and do business as a gunsmith.
 
Read all the books ya want about bein a welder then when ya get done go out and try doin the practical part of it.......you will find out how much ya still gotta learn.Same applies with being a gunsmith...read all ya want but without hands on experience it is just a waste of money.I had a buddy go thru the course and a gunsmith he is NOT!!!
 
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