Firearm Industry - Career's in SoCal?

[Chiefs3232]

Hey guys I'm a younger member on the forum and have primarily been working as a project manager/estimator for construction companies over the past 5 years, but as of late have been thinking about a career change. I really just want to devote my time and hard work to something that I really enjoy rather than just for a paycheck. With that being said, I make a pretty decent living right now, so my question is are there any careers in the firearm industry in SoCal that would be viable options for a career change?

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Exodus343]

When I was in high school I wanted to become a firearms designer/engineer
it was until I took Algebra 2 sophomore year when I realized math is my enemy... switched my career to sports/athletic training/rehabilitation right now and going to CC for it.

You could pick up gunsmithing?

[audihenry]

California is probably the worst state to think about a career (think long term) in that field. There's always a niche and always people trying to find and exploit it, but I would keep guns for fun only. Find something that you like and can make you the most money, then spend your money on all the guns you want. Don't chase something that isn't there.

[Chaos47]

Kaiser Defense and JD Machine are both Socal.. contacting them about positions would be a start.

Edit: Theres also Phoenix Arms in Ontario

[Ron-Solo]

California chased out the few manufacturers there were here back in the late 80's and 90's.

Raven, Davis, Jennings, Lorcin, and AMT (Arcadia Machine Tool) were all in SoCal. AMT made quality guns, the others.......not so much.

Ruger is located in Prescott, AZ.

[smokingloon]

FMK Firearms, Inc.
P.O. Box 1358
Placentia, CA 92871

http://fmkfirearms.com/CustomerSup/contact_us/index.html

[Chiefs3232]

Thanks for the help guys, I am going to have to contact those couple companies that are still left here in socal and see what they say. I guess it wont hurt to call and see if a career change is possible.

On a side note does anyone have any information on what it takes to open/start an indoor firing range?

[JamesY]

Funny, I am in the same industry/profession (PM/Project Controller) as you and was just thinking about this. I figured my best bet was to work for a defense company like Lockheed, BAE, Northrop-Grumman, Boeing, etc. They make some pretty interesting stuff.

[Cruznegao]

Funny, I am in the same industry/profession (PM/Project Controller) as you and was just thinking about this. I figured my best bet was to work for a defense company like Lockheed, BAE, Northrop-Grumman, Boeing, etc. They make some pretty interesting stuff.

It has nothing in common. I work for aerospace and all you see is part numbers on a computer screen. Even if you are on the shop floor, all you see is components.

Imagine working on a barrel only manufacturer, even the guy at the Cnc does not see that as a firearm...

[JamesY]

It has nothing in common. I work for aerospace and all you see is part numbers on a computer screen. Even if you are on the shop floor, all you see is components.

Imagine working on a barrel only manufacturer, even the guy at the Cnc does not see that as a firearm...

If you're a PM, you see everything.

[leitung]

When I was in high school I wanted to become a firearms designer/engineer
it was until I took Algebra 2 sophomore year when I realized math is my enemy... switched my career to sports/athletic training/rehabilitation right now and going to CC for it.

You could pick up gunsmithing?

Yeah same here, math is mine as well.

[dieselpower]

You are not going to like that as a career change unless you can afford to drop your income to near minimum wage. Managing a manufacturing line takes years of on the job training first. You can not just jump from one related field (managing a burger king or construction crew) into it.

You can start by contacting the listed companies and asking them, what you would need to have (experience wise) in to replace the current PM they have. That person may be looking to retire in 10, 15 or 20 years.... most of them will tell you, that they would like you to have worked for them for 10, 15 or 20 years before they trust you enough to replace their current PM.

You can then ask if they have any trainee positions open...such as shop janitor, parts cleaner, de-burrer, assembler.... you know the guys who make $8.75 per hour. After a year they will bump you to $10.00 per hour.

If you are a Machinist and can work a CNC, Lathe or Mill that may get you a job as a Craftsmen.

They may need an Accountant...if you have a degree in accounting or can prove you can do the job.

If you are serious... then prove that by getting the required skillset, machinist, accountant, engineer....

Its a business. No manager is going to give you a job just because you like the end product they build. They need you to perform a needed function.

Now some words of encouragement....
There is a PM working for a major firearms manufacturer who did exactly what you want to do. He had a 4 yr degree in engineering. He started by answering their phones for minimum wage, acting as a filter and relieving the Company Secretary of that position so she could do some real work. He then worked a second job at night (burger king) to supplement his income. Major manufacturers get THOUSANDS of calls a day... the little guys get some calls too. There is always a way in the door...you just have to be open to anything and be willing to put the time in.

Good luck

[dw1784]

how about as a tool maker?

socal has a large pool of cutting tool mfg that most east coast distributors order from.
lot of shops in socal that specialize in profile or single point/angle cutters.
plus there're schools all over socal that trains cnc operators, like NTMA for example.
(You don't need to know how to run a haas to run walters/anca cnc grinder but it certainly helps.)

Even though you rather be a gunsmith but somebody has to make the keycutters that cuts the rails. Or the cutter that slots the ar bolt head(lots of radii on that profile).

good luck with your endeavor.