Hello I'm wanting to start gunsmithing for myself I have a strong mechanical aptitude and most of the necessary tooling minus the larger things like lathes and milling machines, I want to start with older rifles that need some tlc and can't find a good source to obtain them. I'm also looking for courses either online or in Alberta I understand NAIT and SAIT used to offer these courses but I'm looking for recommendations on how to start doing this for myself.
Where to start with gunsmithing?
- Thread starter mcgrizzle
- Start date
There are some "stickies" above your post to look at...
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/threads/want-to-be-a-gunsmith.138983/
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/threads/tootalls-gunsmithing-article.67673/
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/threads/want-to-be-a-gunsmith.138983/
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/threads/tootalls-gunsmithing-article.67673/
I did neither tell me of any courses or information in Alberta or where to find project rifles. Googling as always just leads me down rabbit holes of outdated information and missed opportunities. thanks though.
Thank you! lots of cool items there for sure.
Do you know of anywhere I could find firearms in worse conditions I can try to restore?
If you’re looking for project rifles intersurplus and frontier are your best bet to start haha
Its sure looking that way there's lots of information online but I would definitely appreciate a more hands on learning experience
Go to the current Switzers Auctions. In the Accessories auction there is a large number of basket cases. In the Utility Rifles and Shotguns auction there is a larger number of guns that are better than basket cases.
You might call Intersurplus and see if they have any odds and ends of project grade guns that they aren't advertising.
You might call Intersurplus and see if they have any odds and ends of project grade guns that they aren't advertising.
Awesome! thank you
Butcherbill
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
If you have any gun shows local to you it’s a good place to look for project guns or parts.
NAIT/SAIT offer gunsmith machining courses semi regularly. - dan
There's always somebody advertising for "junk guns" etc. etc. Hoping of course for some Rolex's among the Timex's, or at least the odd Seiko that the owner doesn't recognize. 
If you want to be a gunsmith, as opposed to a gun mechanic here's a site that shows where the bar should be set. https://vicknairgunsmithing.########.com/2014/
If you want to be a gunsmith, as opposed to a gun mechanic here's a site that shows where the bar should be set. https://vicknairgunsmithing.########.com/2014/
If the OP has a strong background in machining, the SAIT course won't teach him much of anything. Really it is just a basic lathe course with a few odds n ends thrown in, like how to use a chambering reamer. The course is only worthwhile for a neophyte.
go to gun shows, but those are not always a cheap place. Post wtb in the EE, but problem being these days shipping is a killer on cheap stuff.
Yard sales and ask if any old guns you want to sell. I don't but know some do and find some, usally older widows.
- Location
- WMU247 near Edmonton
auctions are good places to get project guns. I will add Wards Auction as a source, I try to go to their live auction rather then just bidding on line.
its good fun too.
OP - Here's a crazy idea. Why dont you offer to apprentice with an existing gunsmith? Most provinces have funds available for this, so you actually get paid to learn. Most gunsmiths are getting older, and would likely welcome an apprentice as a potential successor to their business (a win/win situation.)
Last edited:
