Looking into becoming a gunsmith

[Requiem]

Hey, all.

I'm sure this thread is a bit out of the ordinary, but I think I'd like to pursue a career as a gunsmith. I know they may not make a crapload of money (especially the newer ones) but I think it would be something that I'd enjoy. Now, I'm having trouble researching what routes there are to become a certified gunsmith, and which would be best for someone knowing next-to-nothing.

-I've seen a DVD series kind of thing (here), but I'm skeptical...
-There's Lassen Community College (which I've never heard of, but apparently is well known)
-And I'm not sure, but I imagine there could possibly be online courses for this as well

Also, is the demand for gunsmiths recently [and possibly later on] high, or low?

Any and all help is appreciated, gentleman. I realize this thread may be abnormal, but I'm really in need of some advice and direction here.
Thankyou,
-Brian

[bountyhunter]

As I am want to say on occasion: around here (north kali) the good gunsmiths charge like brain surgeons and strut like movie stars. It's the reason I trained myself to gunsmith many guns, so I could do the work myself. I considered taking work for $$, but you need insurance, licenses and all that crap. kali is not a gun friendly place and that's probably why there are too few gunsmiths and FFL holders.

Good luck, I doubt gunsmithing is a good career choice around here.

[C.G.]

Contact Pulsar:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/member.php?u=2957

He went to Lassen a few years back and should be able to tell you more than anybody else.

[randy]

You need to be able to operate a lathe, mill, and calipers.

[maxicon]

And you need to remember the old joke:


How do you make a small fortune as a gunsmith?

Start with a large fortune!

[hung380]

https://www.practicalmachinist.com

Has a gun smith forum and you can learn alot from those guys.

[GuyW]

There are apparently 2 classifications of "gunsmiths" these days.

1. Parts-changers. BATF lets these guys get by with a FFL.

2. Actual old-school build-a-part gunsmiths. BATF requires them to have a manufacturers license.
.