Any advice for a young aspiring gunsmith?

clandestine said:

SDI won't open many doors. I know this because many of my students are SDI graduates or active students. Many of them tell me that they are NOT happy once they graduate. The look at what they spent and what they received and don't feel it was a fair transaction. Many have trouble finding jobs that will support a basic lifestyle.

SDI isn't bad, but it's quite expensive and does not have nearly close to what a student in a gunsmith school would experience and employers know that.

SDI is a step up from an AGI online program.

Both are better than nothing but really only scratch the surface.

Depending on his options he may be better off trying to get into Colorado School of trades or a similar School that has a solid reputation for training Gunsmiths.

To be successful he has to try everything to be a real gunsmith, and it helps him find out what in particular the is passionate about doing. You will do this at a gunsmith school.

He could find a master gunsmith to apprentice him, but not all gunsmiths are good teachers and it won't give you a piece of paper showing completion. Finding a master to teach is not an easy task because many gunsmiths hold their trade close to the chest because they don't want to train someone who will try to run them out of business.

Where is this young man located? Does he or his family have the ability to pay for a Gunsmith School?

He will also have to spend a great deal of money on tools. Tell him to start now. Having tools for gun work can be useful for other things in life. I'll be happy to provide a list for him of the basics.

I would be happy to talk to him r his parents if they would like. He can come to my shop and see what I do. I no longer work on anything but the AR, but I can say that with God's help I am a nationally recognized expert in this one particular platform. I was apprentice trained and now the AR Industry knows my work and name.

No hard feelings if they are not interested in speaking to me. Just wanted to share my perspective.

He could go to a college that has a good gunsmithing program so he can acquire a degree in history. Engineering wouldn't be bad option either but depending on the school it could end up being a money pit for his particular career path.

If he plans to run his own business in the field, some business classes will certainly be helpful. Many gunsmiths are not good businessmen and don't do as well because of it.

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Doctor_M said:

Thanks, Chad. That's an awesome offer! I will pass it on. They are located in Carroll County, but I'm guessing if he really wants to do this, he will do what will give him the highest chance of success. I think he would really benefit from someone who knows what it takes to be successful in this line of work... I know a thing or two about firearms, but I really can't give him advice on what it takes to do this correctly as a career. We did talk last night about starting to acquire quality tools starting with the basics of a good gunsmith screwdriver and punch set. As always, I appreciate your insight and I'll let him know that you are willing to talk with him.

Thanks all for your input.

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clandestine said:

You are very welcome my friend.

If he wants to talk, shoot me a PM and I'll give you all my contact info for him.

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clandestine said:

SDI won't open many doors. I know this because many of my students are SDI graduates or active students. Many of them tell me that they are NOT happy once they graduate. The look at what they spent and what they received and don't feel it was a fair transaction. Many have trouble finding jobs that will support a basic lifestyle.

SDI isn't bad, but it's quite expensive and does not have nearly close to what a student in a gunsmith school would experience and employers know that.

SDI is a step up from an AGI online program.

Both are better than nothing but really only scratch the surface.

Depending on his options he may be better off trying to get into Colorado School of trades or a similar School that has a solid reputation for training Gunsmiths.

To be successful he has to try everything to be a real gunsmith, and it helps him find out what in particular the is passionate about doing. You will do this at a gunsmith school.

He could find a master gunsmith to apprentice him, but not all gunsmiths are good teachers and it won't give you a piece of paper showing completion. Finding a master to teach is not an easy task because many gunsmiths hold their trade close to the chest because they don't want to train someone who will try to run them out of business.

Where is this young man located? Does he or his family have the ability to pay for a Gunsmith School?

He will also have to spend a great deal of money on tools. Tell him to start now. Having tools for gun work can be useful for other things in life. I'll be happy to provide a list for him of the basics.

I would be happy to talk to him r his parents if they would like. He can come to my shop and see what I do. I no longer work on anything but the AR, but I can say that with God's help I am a nationally recognized expert in this one particular platform. I was apprentice trained and now the AR Industry knows my work and name.

No hard feelings if they are not interested in speaking to me. Just wanted to share my perspective.

He could go to a college that has a good gunsmithing program so he can acquire a degree in history. Engineering wouldn't be bad option either but depending on the school it could end up being a money pit for his particular career path.

If he plans to run his own business in the field, some business classes will certainly be helpful. Many gunsmiths are not good businessmen and don't do as well because of it.

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clandestine said:

.

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Doctor_M said:

My buddy's son is looking at career as a gunsmith/FFL. He is a good kid (don't tell him I said that) and has a passion for history (especially military history). He wants to combine his history studies along with gunsmithing skills to build a business around military arms.

He is looking at a program at SDI. I'm happy to give him what advice I can, but I thought that some folks in the business might have some good advice for a bright young man just starting out.

Thanks.

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FrankOceanXray said:

military?

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Pale Ryder said:

US Army MOS 91F, or
USMC MOS 2111.

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Pale Ryder said:

US Army MOS 91F, or
USMC MOS 2111.

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clandestine said:

e.

Depending on his options he may be better off trying to get into Colorado School of trades or a similar School that has a solid reputation for training Gunsmiths.

I second Colorado School of Trades. It has been one of the best for many years.

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