I'm sure we have a couple three on here.

How did you learn?

Self taught? College?

If you're not self taught, where did you learn?

Is there a "degree" for such a thing?

I know there used to be a College in Denver that specialized in it as well as several other smaller colleges. The Vo Tech in Pine City, MN had a program too.

Trinidad Colorado Rob!

Self taught gunsmiths are the biggest threat to democracy. lol

Brownells has a nice program in conjunction with the area community college.

Its a full time 40hr week class.

I know a couple of young men who went that route.

One guy did the apprentice route with a local gunsmith, hands on and learned from one of the best. It was part of buying the business from the guy who was looking to retire. The guy lived in the middle of nowhere and was always busy cannot think of a thing the old boy had not done in the gunsmith field he could build you whatever you asked for.

The apprentice owed a local bar also in the middle of nowhere also when you walked in the bar the gunsmith shop was a window on the right, if you walked straight ahead the bar was there. Never figured that would be allowed for many reasons but it went on for years until the bar burned down,

I was self taught I guess you’d say. I’ve enjoyed learning how every piece and part moves and works. Made or reconstructed parts for several old guns. I’ve always thought about getting an education in gunsmithing but haven’t yet.

Taught from my father

I stand corrected.

a good gunsmith is always busy. walked into a local shop in garnet last weds. must had 25 guns with tags waiting on repair

I have a guy I use for my more complicated works. He trained in the Mid west at some Winchester restoration place.

I just saw an ad for classes with the "Sonoran Desert Institute", where I think they send you all the supplies you need, and you learn at home. Just another place to check out.

IMO learn at home is a scam. Nnless you already own and are familiar with the use of a milling machine and lathe, have some experiance in woodworking, then you might get your money's worth, but I doubt it. Either go to a full time school or get a job as an apprentice is my advice.

Went to Trinidad State Junior Collage back in the late 70's, lived off campus, me and dorm living didn't work out, enjoyed it immensely

Just google it, no need for proper training.

It's amazing the things you can find on Google. I found a step by step breakdown and putting it back together of that Savage 24 on there. Which I'm gonna have to do since the jerk on gunbroker sold me a defective gun and won't make it right.

Which is what got me thinking about it... seems like it would be a cool hobby to get into... a skill that would always have a demand.

My opinion might change once I tear into this gun though, haha

Replacing parts, assuming you can buy them, is usually not difficult. especially with a camera in your phone. take pictures as you go. a smith needs to be able to make parts, modify parts, make and fit stocks, etc.

It is a cool hobby.

When I slacked off racing, I started building guns for myself. I'd get an action, buy a barrel blank which I thread and chamber then install.

I won't call myself a gunsmith tho.

Is it a firing pin problem???

I'm guessing the extractor. I remember her saying it didn't eject the 22 casing.