Want to be a gunsmith?
- Thread starter 7x61
- Start date
Gunsmithing
I have always wanted to be a gun smith but i had no real way of getting into it i think its amazing all that can be do to help someone with problem or jammed or broken equipment i think thats part of the remward and allure of working with your hands.
I have always wanted to be a gun smith but i had no real way of getting into it i think its amazing all that can be do to help someone with problem or jammed or broken equipment i think thats part of the remward and allure of working with your hands.
CST Grad C.Nixon
Regular
- Location
- Saskatchewan
Hey Everyone! 
Ive just noticed this Gunsmithing section on this forum probably for the first time since Ive been a gunnut Ive stumbled upon this thread here, and I thought Id give my insight to this matter on people wanting to get into the trade
I received my Associates of Occupational Studies Degree in Gunsmithing from the Colorado School of Trades, I would recommend that school to anyone who wants to get a good start in this trade, however I cannot emphasize enough that you should not get the assumption that once you graduate from ANY post secondary facility/online course in gunsmithing that you can immediately be able to turn key on an operation and start earning profit, the school hammered home that most gunsmiths will not see a profit within the first 3-4 years of operation. I believe I saw earlier in the thread that a retirement or side job was noted, I too have to agree with this, the market in Canada is very small, and yet there are already established operations already running with reputation, and as a newbie gunsmith, you would have to become the next Jerry Fisher to even be noticed & begin to establish a reputation...
Dont get me wrong Im always excited to see more gunsmiths in this country, however upon my return from the School, I began to ponder the idea of taking an apprenticeship from a qualified 'smith out on the west coast (who shall remain nameless) this is what I received in an email in regards to this matter...
QUOTE:
With regard to employment in the gunsmithing business, there are several things to take into consideration:
- Nobody that we are aware of is registered to take on apprentices as there is no recognized Canadian gunsmithing apprenticeship curriculum.
- The gunsmithing and firearms trade in Canada is very small, especially when compared against the US.
- We have no largescale arms manufacturing industry other that the govt. in Canada.
- An existing business would be liable for any errors and costs incurred in your learning process.
- Backyard and hobby gunsmiths undermine the profitability of established and registered gunsmiths.
Most of the businesses that we know of have their gunsmiths as independent contractors or are small family operations. I suggest you look for apprenticeship/employment in an industry, ie machinist, tool and die maker, etc, in which you can have a regular job and at the same time gain hands on experience in skills that are required in gunsmithing.
END QUOTE
It was a shock to read this after returning home from my venture in the USA, but I realize that it makes perfect sense... Yes the market is massive in the USA however the main aspect that can make or break an establishment there is LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION, as I have several of my fellow graduates who are now located in central Washington and theyre up to their necks in work.
Personally I would recommend any of the USA schools for Gunsmithing to get a good footing in this trade, I realize there is a school here in Canada, however with the laws they provide in the USA the freedoms/exposure to much more variety of firearms can be achieved, thus can expect a bit more diversity. But thats just my $0.02 on that.
I have pictures posted of projects I have completed in the Photos and Videos section for those who may be interested in the Colorado School of Trades and good luck to any of those out there who would like to be apart of the Gunsmithing family!
Cheers!
Ive just noticed this Gunsmithing section on this forum probably for the first time since Ive been a gunnut
Ive stumbled upon this thread here, and I thought Id give my insight to this matter on people wanting to get into the trade I received my Associates of Occupational Studies Degree in Gunsmithing from the Colorado School of Trades, I would recommend that school to anyone who wants to get a good start in this trade, however I cannot emphasize enough that you should not get the assumption that once you graduate from ANY post secondary facility/online course in gunsmithing that you can immediately be able to turn key on an operation and start earning profit, the school hammered home that most gunsmiths will not see a profit within the first 3-4 years of operation. I believe I saw earlier in the thread that a retirement or side job was noted, I too have to agree with this, the market in Canada is very small, and yet there are already established operations already running with reputation, and as a newbie gunsmith, you would have to become the next Jerry Fisher to even be noticed & begin to establish a reputation...
Dont get me wrong Im always excited to see more gunsmiths in this country, however upon my return from the School, I began to ponder the idea of taking an apprenticeship from a qualified 'smith out on the west coast (who shall remain nameless) this is what I received in an email in regards to this matter...
QUOTE:
With regard to employment in the gunsmithing business, there are several things to take into consideration:
- Nobody that we are aware of is registered to take on apprentices as there is no recognized Canadian gunsmithing apprenticeship curriculum.
- The gunsmithing and firearms trade in Canada is very small, especially when compared against the US.
- We have no largescale arms manufacturing industry other that the govt. in Canada.
- An existing business would be liable for any errors and costs incurred in your learning process.
- Backyard and hobby gunsmiths undermine the profitability of established and registered gunsmiths.
Most of the businesses that we know of have their gunsmiths as independent contractors or are small family operations. I suggest you look for apprenticeship/employment in an industry, ie machinist, tool and die maker, etc, in which you can have a regular job and at the same time gain hands on experience in skills that are required in gunsmithing.
END QUOTE
It was a shock to read this after returning home from my venture in the USA, but I realize that it makes perfect sense... Yes the market is massive in the USA however the main aspect that can make or break an establishment there is LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION
, as I have several of my fellow graduates who are now located in central Washington and theyre up to their necks in work.Personally I would recommend any of the USA schools for Gunsmithing to get a good footing in this trade, I realize there is a school here in Canada, however with the laws they provide in the USA the freedoms/exposure to much more variety of firearms can be achieved, thus can expect a bit more diversity. But thats just my $0.02 on that.
I have pictures posted of projects I have completed in the Photos and Videos section for those who may be interested in the Colorado School of Trades and good luck to any of those out there who would like to be apart of the Gunsmithing family!
Cheers!
wow, respect that you took that email like a champ, cos i would have cried my little eyes out lol. i agree (sort of) with what your saying -- like i realise its not a big booming industry here in canada, but i also think that if enough people are willing to pioneer it and show their enthusiasm it could be. another reason gunsmithing is relatively undergound up here (aside from the obvious fact that in the states you can buy ammo in walmart ... i dont think i need to elaborate) is because schools dont identify it as a possibly job option. right now, i'm working as an apprentice machinist -- i did the whole nine yards, like i actually got my DEP, and never ONCE did anyone mention this field. i find it ridiculous that these vocational centres, who are there to inform you what it is you can DO with a knowledge of machining, and broaden your hoizons, think its more likely that oneday youll work for NASA (not joking, it was mentioned... often ...to a LOT of people in my pogram). while the vast majority of machinists end up doing more and more CNC and less 'artisinal' work, there still is a place for manual lathes, handtools, drill presses NOT fitted with a jigg of some kind -- and i think that schools should let their students know what kinds of jobs there are for people who want just that.
I've always loved guns and militaria and it was my dream to enter the military and aimed for special operation. Unfortunately a blown out knee and 8 surgeries have put the kibosh on that idea....well I would still like to try but considering my knee sets off airport metal detectors I don't think it is realistic.
I love to work with my hands, I fix cars, motorcycles etc and I love guns so I have concluded gunsmithing might be the career for me.
I have currently an undergrad student finishing a 2nd specialist degree in history. I am contemplating graduate school but figure I could take somet time off to learn gunsmithing. I'm not scared off by the low income potential of the early years. I wouldn't be financially dependant on it but I would still like to earn a profit. I am thinking in the future there will be a shortage of gunsmiths based on our anti-gun society.
What would be my best options? I don't really want to go to the Colorado school. I was thinking of either the Pennsylvania or Quebec schools. Any opinions?
Should I try contacting "local" gunsmiths and talk to them? Would a pre-education apprenticeship be worthwhile? I was thinking of buying books on the subject and even just taking guns apart to see how everything works.
btw I live in Toronto and seing as how gun-ranges are illegal here I doubt there are too many gunsmiths in the city.
thanks in advance!
I love to work with my hands, I fix cars, motorcycles etc and I love guns so I have concluded gunsmithing might be the career for me.
I have currently an undergrad student finishing a 2nd specialist degree in history. I am contemplating graduate school but figure I could take somet time off to learn gunsmithing. I'm not scared off by the low income potential of the early years. I wouldn't be financially dependant on it but I would still like to earn a profit. I am thinking in the future there will be a shortage of gunsmiths based on our anti-gun society.
What would be my best options? I don't really want to go to the Colorado school. I was thinking of either the Pennsylvania or Quebec schools. Any opinions?
Should I try contacting "local" gunsmiths and talk to them? Would a pre-education apprenticeship be worthwhile? I was thinking of buying books on the subject and even just taking guns apart to see how everything works.
btw I live in Toronto and seing as how gun-ranges are illegal here I doubt there are too many gunsmiths in the city.
thanks in advance!
fat tony
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I think innovation is being stifled in this country politically, to save the jobs of nosepickers working in cushy gov't jobs. I would be far more interested in being "innovative" if there were less gov't busybodies sucking the lifeblood out of the economy. Ho hum have a nice day.
I think that if you wanted to be a gunsmith in Canada, you would be well advised to get into a time machine, go back to 1946, and set up a shop in say Vancouver.
EDIT: what passes for 'innovation' in Canada today is something that would give people such as Darrel Dexter a woody.
Good books to read if you want to get into gunsmithing:
The gunsmithing book by Clyde Baker, and Bill Holmes books. It seems like a harscrabble existence, but very individualistic and self reliant, which I like.
I would like to add that I am not a gunsmith, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.
One more thing: if the gunsmithing industry is uncompetitive, it's going to drive away customers and potential customers in droves.
I think that if you wanted to be a gunsmith in Canada, you would be well advised to get into a time machine, go back to 1946, and set up a shop in say Vancouver.
EDIT: what passes for 'innovation' in Canada today is something that would give people such as Darrel Dexter a woody.
Good books to read if you want to get into gunsmithing:
The gunsmithing book by Clyde Baker, and Bill Holmes books. It seems like a harscrabble existence, but very individualistic and self reliant, which I like.
I would like to add that I am not a gunsmith, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.
One more thing: if the gunsmithing industry is uncompetitive, it's going to drive away customers and potential customers in droves.
Last edited:
will look into those books and see what I can find at the school library.
I love innovation myself and I like re-inventing and improving old technologies. My main interest is militaria and would love to work on/design guns for the military but I would imagine that is a very limited field. Over the last 2 years I have been "mentally" designing a weapons system for the military that would be cheap and save lives. The minute I get a chance I would like to build it!
I love innovation myself and I like re-inventing and improving old technologies. My main interest is militaria and would love to work on/design guns for the military but I would imagine that is a very limited field. Over the last 2 years I have been "mentally" designing a weapons system for the military that would be cheap and save lives. The minute I get a chance I would like to build it!
fat tony
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
^Well Gerald Bull was innovative, however he was not on something called: "Team USA" - maybe that was a bunch of anti-American propaganda. I have a friend who has been a Professional Engineer for a while now. Once you get up to that level, all these pricks come out of the woodwork once they realize they can try and steal your intellectual property. I would keep that info close to my chest bro. Best regards, Tony 
^Well Gerald Bull was innovative, however he was not on something called: "Team USA" - maybe that was a bunch of anti-American propaganda. I have a friend who has been a Professional Engineer for a while now. Once you get up to that level, all these pricks come out of the woodwork once they realize they can try and steal your intellectual property. I would keep that info close to my chest bro. Best regards, Tony
Oh I plan on keeping it secret. The only problem is I am inept at computer programming and it requires computer integration so I am going to have to consult specialists....but I will wait until I get a patent etc.
I will have to make a decision which school I want to go to. The benefits of the Gatineau school is that I could live at my cottage while going. I think the Pennsylvania school will probably provide access to a wider range of weapons.
There is always the army. I mean, I am sure I can pass the physical testing and basic training etc. I just don't know if the health problems will cancel me out.
gunsmithing
Hi there, I was reading your form on smithing and it is some thing I have been thinking of, even my gun smith has told me I have the nack for it. I already have my big shop and its set up for welding as I am a welder.
Now when Im home I want nothing to do with welding and big things.
I guess I could ask jim(my gun smith) but as Im online now Ill just ask you.
I do not need a business license as i do not go over 30.000 with my at home welding shop and because of my house zoning. I always end having 6 months off from my real welding job, so I have lots of time. How do you go about getting a gun smith license? Also when and if you get a gun smith license does that let you work on any type of firearm? I have been in and around shops my whole life and played with mills and lathes, so Im not just blowing smoke around. This is something I really am in to, so any help you can pass on would be great.
Hi there, I was reading your form on smithing and it is some thing I have been thinking of, even my gun smith has told me I have the nack for it. I already have my big shop and its set up for welding as I am a welder.
Now when Im home I want nothing to do with welding and big things.
I guess I could ask jim(my gun smith) but as Im online now Ill just ask you.
I do not need a business license as i do not go over 30.000 with my at home welding shop and because of my house zoning. I always end having 6 months off from my real welding job, so I have lots of time. How do you go about getting a gun smith license? Also when and if you get a gun smith license does that let you work on any type of firearm? I have been in and around shops my whole life and played with mills and lathes, so Im not just blowing smoke around. This is something I really am in to, so any help you can pass on would be great.
CST Grad C.Nixon
Regular
- Location
- Saskatchewan
You should get in contact with your CFO in your province, there are certain business licenses that pertain to gunsmithing/firearm repair, contact them and they will let you know as to what to get, I wouldnt advise trying to seek any information here online from this forum as everyone seems to be a legal advisor from a keyboard these days
Just contact the CFO, they will let you know what you need... Cheers,
CST Grad C.Nixon
Regular
- Location
- Saskatchewan
Online courses can provide a very limited amount of information as this is such a very 'hands-on' trade, It would always be wise to seek a Gunsmithing facility to learn from individuals/professionals who have many years in the industry, as I have witnessed numerous students who simply could not grasp the concept to even hold a file correctly, all throughout the course I attended their work suffered, yes you can teach these people all day and night long, yet they still just do not get it (aka. too far gone
) ... thats just my 0.02... 
I'm thinking of taking one of the online courses in a year or 2 but im mostly wanting to learn some basics to do some work on my own firearms. I work as a ships navigational officer so i get a lot of time off, typically 2 weeks on 2 off. I tend to get bored on my time off so i figure it wouldn't hurt to take a course learn some basics and then over time pick up bits and pieces of the trade as i go along. I don't plan to make money at it though if i find I'm capable of good work years down the road it would be a wonderful retirement job or something for money on the side. Id never promote myself as a professional or anything just someone with an interest and wanting to learn more. What do you guys think would the online courses suit someone like myself. I do have some aptitude for hand tools as i worked in a garage as a student till i got my watch keeping mates license and went to sea. Thanks
Christian
Christian
danieldelamont
New member
- Location
- calgary ab
Young gun inerested in becoming a gunsmith location Calgary
I want to end up as a gunsmith and possibly have my own little gun sales counter somewhere. I'm located in Calgary I'm looking into courses at sait to enable me to one day open my own shop or team up with a good crew to build and service quality firearms usefull specifically for Canadian gun laws. I want to be the guy making the most wanted Canadian guns.
Any advice, guidance or warnings would be appreciated please PM me if you'd be willing to give me your 2 cents.
I want to end up as a gunsmith and possibly have my own little gun sales counter somewhere. I'm located in Calgary I'm looking into courses at sait to enable me to one day open my own shop or team up with a good crew to build and service quality firearms usefull specifically for Canadian gun laws. I want to be the guy making the most wanted Canadian guns.
Any advice, guidance or warnings would be appreciated please PM me if you'd be willing to give me your 2 cents.
- Location
- Keswick ON
Could anyone recommend a gunsmith in the Newmarket Ontario area. I'd like to get a fold down peep sight installed on a Remington 597. Thanks
WestIslandRifle
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- QUEBEKISTAN, Canada
I;ve always wanted to do the course for gun smithing i have hade to do some amateur stuff at work for members of the range and would really like too do it . only problem i live in montreal and the only school i know of is near gatineau valley( maniwake) area its 3 hours est. each way anyone know of one withing 200km of montreal?
The only actual gunsmithing school in canada is in quebec, in maniwaki. Ive been attending the course since june and its decent and a good solid course. However it is pretty much all in french so its really not too easy if you dont speak french like myself but it is dooable. Im doing great in it regardless of the language barrier
McLean
McLean
