Want to be a gunsmith?
- Thread starter 7x61
- Start date
I am planning on taking the PCDI course this summer. After that SAIT offers a gunsmitthing machinist course on their campus every Friday night for a couple of months.
I am an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer by trade, so already fairly mechanically inclined as well as familiar with the basics of machining and the tools.
Idea is to start with my own stuff. (I already do my own scope mounting, did a pretty good trigger job on my sks etc) Then offer small jobs to friends and eventually start a small part time thing when I get the space.
With everyone in the thread saying there is a lack of smiths around, what kind of work are you looking to get done? I've done some asking around Calgary and I am not sure there is a market here for someone like myself to go full time.
I am an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer by trade, so already fairly mechanically inclined as well as familiar with the basics of machining and the tools.
Idea is to start with my own stuff. (I already do my own scope mounting, did a pretty good trigger job on my sks etc) Then offer small jobs to friends and eventually start a small part time thing when I get the space.
With everyone in the thread saying there is a lack of smiths around, what kind of work are you looking to get done? I've done some asking around Calgary and I am not sure there is a market here for someone like myself to go full time.
not gonna lie, my gunsmithing is limited thus far to my own hardware, but anytime I've had to figure something out that i thought "hey, I should really be having a gunsmith do this" and then i make it work(I've had my share of failures too) I loved it... maybe once i get my red seal ill start building up a spot to do gunsmithing. maybe i will specialize in oh say vz58's or AR's
Been considering a career change, but how would someone get into the trade? Do you have to get endentured and do a couple years worth of hours then go to school like gettin an electrical or plumbing tickef? And are there any pre-apprenticeship programs out there?
windsorSoldier
New member
- Location
- petawawa ontario
great post. I'm a weapons technician with the canadian military, and aspiring gunsmith. nice to see an honest look at the trade.
TregenzaG&P
New member
- Location
- Vanderhoof, BC
Very we'll put. A couple years ago I completed a "Gunsmithing" course through online correspondence because it's all I could find. (Unless I went south.) The theories and instruction were good but with out someone to help with the physical, in-front-of-you instruction, it's been a struggle. I'm fortunate enough to own most types of firearms and can work on them anytime I want to better myself. As hard as it is to find a good apprentice, it's just as hard to find some one to apprentice with. Just keep leaning forward I guess!
- Location
- Vancouver Island BC Canada
I am interested in Gunsmithing but I can't even find a place to go to school for this on the internet. It's flooded with home study courses. I want to take a REAL Gunsmithing course. Or do I go for a machinist ticket or something instead?
- Location
- Vancouver, BC
If I didn't spend 4 years in university getting my undergrad as an engineer, and 2 years getting my MBA, this is a career I'd seriously consider. Automotive and firearms applications fascinate me as I love usable art, and both of those qualify.
When I retire from working with computers and electronics I'll open a garage/gun shop?
I very much encourage the young guys to look into this stuff, especially if they love mechanical stuff, and taking things apart like me. If I had parents that allowed me to own guns as a kid, then I would probably have been taking apart my Ruger 10/22 rather than my Apple ][
When I retire from working with computers and electronics I'll open a garage/gun shop?
I very much encourage the young guys to look into this stuff, especially if they love mechanical stuff, and taking things apart like me. If I had parents that allowed me to own guns as a kid, then I would probably have been taking apart my Ruger 10/22 rather than my Apple ][
- Location
- Sadly south of highway 40
I'm on my way up...slowly but I'm getting there
I have a mill, i have a lathe, i have grinders, punches, dies, hammers and most likely all the other tools required to do the job.
If not, the means to acquire them or make them. i also have a restricted PAL...the problem is finding someone to apprentice under.
Being a ticketed tradesman already, its hard to find someone to take me on part time, or even full time if i were to decide to fully commit. I would work part time FOR FREE if someone would just share the knowledge...
If not, the means to acquire them or make them. i also have a restricted PAL...the problem is finding someone to apprentice under.
Being a ticketed tradesman already, its hard to find someone to take me on part time, or even full time if i were to decide to fully commit. I would work part time FOR FREE if someone would just share the knowledge...
in your situation, may I suggest you should read Tootall's article about gunsmithing and consider other options.
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/67673-Tootall-s-Gunsmithing-article
why not consider gunsmithing as a hobby?
on the other hand, if you need the money, perhaps a locksmith position might be preferable.
that kind of work would also fit perfectly with gunsmithing as a hobby.
just my 2c...
