I love Gunsmithing, how can I improve?

[virulosity]

I never thought I would say this, but I have had so much fun fixing and modifying and perfecting my guns that I might want to do this as a career. Is there anywhere local I can take some classes or get some more training? (Formal or Informal)

[thedrickel]

We would have to know where you are to know what is "local" for you.

[CavTrooper]

Colorado School of Trades. When I was doing research I was told this is the best school in the country by nearly every gunsmith I spoke with.

[461]

Lassen community college up in Susanville has a well thought of program.

[SDJim]

I never thought I would say this, but I have had so much fun fixing and modifying and perfecting my guns that I might want to do this as a career. Is there anywhere local I can take some classes or get some more training? (Formal or Informal)

A friend of mine goes here every summer and takes 2 or 3 classes during the summer intersession. It helps if you can get into your local ROP program and take machining classes first.

He really enjoys the program.

http://www.lassencollege.edu/Programs/Programs/programsgunsmithing.html

[Pulsar]

I just graduated from the Lassen program in May. The colorado school of trades is OK, but it's pricey as hell, something like $15,000 a semester for two years. Whereas Lassen is a community college and only costs about $450 in tuition a semester. Of course you gotta supply your own guns, but since it's for education you can write em off on your tax return. In all I spent probably $17,000 over a two year period, and that includes Rent, food, utilities, buying tools, buying guns, tuition, and general amenities.

And Lassen is one of the few NRA certified gunsmithing schools, even the Colorado school can't boast that. The program in it's current form at Lassen was actually set up by the guy in those AGI gunsmithing videos.

Oh and if your interested, woodwork is where the serious money is at for gunsmiths, most of us don't have the patience for it and the wood workers are far and few between.

[pacificcoast]

Oh and if your interested, woodwork is where the serious money is at for gunsmiths, most of us don't have the patience for it and the wood workers are far and few between.

what type of woodwork are you referring to? hardcore stuff, like checkering and inlay?

does the lassen CC program include that sort of stuff?

[Pulsar]

Yeah, checkering and inlay has some good money, but mostly it's just making the wood look good. A clean high gloss finish takes a long time to do, and several coats, with lots of sanding.

And yes, the lassen program has stuff on that, though to get some of the more advanced stuff you will probably have to bend an instructors ear, they are trying to teach the basics so you can get out into the world and start smithing, but all of them (there are several instructors) will teach you more if your interested.