gunsmith school?

R

RevoShooter

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Yukon, ok
I'm looking to get into the trade a bit, as I've always enjoyed working on my own guns and doing things for friends guns. I'm an engine tech now, so a lot of that skill set carries over well, it would seem. Is there anything to the schools like Penn Foster? I'm curious if I'd just be taught a lot I already know or if it would truly be in my best interests to learn the trade. Any of you guys know anyone who has been through a program like that or would recommend it?
 
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that place is a scam; keep making money as a tech, and play with working on guns as time an money allow it. Way more $ in mechanic trades..
 
Isn't it Rose State College in Okla that offers Gun Smith classes?

If it were closer, I'd sure take some of the classes. I'm not far away from retiring. It would be a good way to make a few extra $$ for ammo or new guns.

Mike, need an intern? lol..
 
Took the gunsmithing class at Canadian valley vo-tech. Can't say that it will be a huge benefit to you if you already have a solid background. But it's cool to get in a group of people with the same interest and swap ideas. The guy that taught the class had been doing for a number of years and while these old timers don't get to wrapped up in tricking out M2's for 3 gun there is alot of knowledge there and you never know what tip or trick might come in handy down the road. Aside from that I have always had good experiences with Canadian valley vo-tech. They put on a nice class without an outrageous price.
 
First thing you have to be is an accomplished lathe/mill operator, with a ton of common sense from what I understand.

Mike is the authority on the background requirements. I'll defer any further info from him.
 
I was kind of hoping to get Mike's input on it actually. He's kind of the authority around these parts out seems. :)

Canadian Valley is a good school. I took welding there in high school and was able to become very proficient at it.

I'm not sure I'd make more of it than a part time career or hobby, as it seems tough to make enough money as a smith to get by full time right away. Anywho, I appreciate all the comments so far!
 
dennishoddy said:
Isn't it Rose State College in Okla that offers Gun Smith classes?

If it were closer, I'd sure take some of the classes. I'm not far away from retiring. It would be a good way to make a few extra $$ for ammo or new guns.

Mike, need an intern? lol..
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Murry State in Durant.
 
I almost attended Murry State myself. The program looks well put together, and the few I have talked to about it said it was a good base of knowledge. Two year degree, if you stick with it.
Instead I attended the machining school at Francis Tuttle here in OKC, and it was some of the best training I've had. (granted I was 18 at the time, with no prior shop experience) By the end of the first year I was NIMS certified on the manual lathe and mill both.
I have a few buddies that went to Canadian Valley for the same school, and both had good things to say about it.
 
Im not an authority on gunsmithing in general; I can only tell you my thoughts as they relate to my personal experiences. I am very good at the select few things I do, and am bewildered at the amount of knowledge a general gunsmith must have to do competent work of a wide range of guns.. Unfortunately, this often means that they do decent work, or acceptable work, but not top level work.
This is not always economically viable usually, because turning away more clients than getting them isnt the path to success.
I suggest you find a niche, that jibes with your specific interests, and submerge into that. At least youll have a great reputation in that area; if you make it.
 
mike cyrwus said:
Im not an authority on gunsmithing in general; I can only tell you my thoughts as they relate to my personal experiences. I am very good at the select few things I do, and am bewildered at the amount of knowledge a general gunsmith must have to do competent work of a wide range of guns.. Unfortunately, this often means that they do decent work, or acceptable work, but not top level work.
This is not always economically viable usually, because turning away more clients than getting them isnt the path to success.
I suggest you find a niche, that jibes with your specific interests, and submerge into that. At least youll have a great reputation in that area; if you make it.
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That right there is great advice. One suggestion is doing revolver work. As time goes by there are fewer and fewer of them that do truly great work if at all. If my Colt Python had issues I'd have to send it to one of the "big names" like Clark and probably wait on it for a year. Gone are the days of running it across town to the gunsmith and knowing he'll get it back in shape.
 
I understand that Bob Rodgers puts on a very good pistol smithing class. Geared specifically to 1911, very limited on class size (like 3) not many sessions per year and pretty expensive. However, when you are done, you bring home your own, personally built 1911. I've never been, just passing on what I've heard and read.
 
stan686 said:
I understand that Bob Rodgers puts on a very good pistol smithing class. Geared specifically to 1911, very limited on class size (like 3) not many sessions per year and pretty expensive. However, when you are done, you bring home your own, personally built 1911. I've never been, just passing on what I've heard and read.
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Cylinder and Slide puts on a few of those 1911 classes per year too. The closest one to me would be over in Joplin. I have always wanted to do it but I think it runs between $4000-5000 for a week long class.
 
jcameron996 said:
Cylinder and Slide puts on a few of those 1911 classes per year too. The closest one to me would be over in Joplin. I have always wanted to do it but I think it runs between $4000-5000 for a week long class.
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Quit chewing and you could have half of that in a year!
 
Charger Arms said:
Quit chewing and you could have half of that in a year!
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Now you are trying throw in logic and good sense. What the hell is up with that. Besides the last time I quit my wife told me to start again before we ended up divorced.
 
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