Are there any basic GunSmithing Classes out there?

[SoCal Gunner]

I'd really like to learn more about the inner-workings and basic tunings as an average Joe. I'm not looking to start a business or complex machining (I don't have the tools anyway).

I have always read the manuals of my firearms and I can perform a simple field strip on them. But I'm looking for more and I learn much better by doing than by reading.

So that got me thinking, are there classes out there? I'd love to start with a staple firearm like a 1911.

[AAShooter]

Look into the NRA gunsmithing program taught in the summer at Lassen Community College in Susanville, CA. They offer one week classes in a variety of things. Lassen Community College offers week long classes in a variety of gunsmithing disciplines throughout the year.

I have taken two classes there. Although it has been a while, in the summer I stayed in the dorms and bought a campus meal plan. With everything, including the class, it cost less than $200 for the week.

Here is a link for you: http://www.nrahq.org/education/gunsmithing.asp

Here is a link that shows the classes offered. I am not sure this is for Summer 2011.

http://www.nragunsmithing.com/lassen.html

[Gunsmithing]

If you looking for just a internet type http://www.pennfoster.edu/

Are you looking to be a gunmsmith or just do your own work as a hobby?.

Dave

[bigboy]

I think I've read from a magazine about a gunsmithing course where you can enroll online or write them and they're going to send you a DVD with explanation on how a certain firearm works. I think I read it on weapons of law enforcement, or something like that.

[SoCal Gunner]

If you looking for just a internet type http://www.pennfoster.edu/

Are you looking to be a gunmsmith or just do your own work as a hobby?.

Dave

No, I'm not looking to take work away from anyone - strictly hobby and more so for the knowledge.

[AAShooter]

If you looking for just a internet type http://www.pennfoster.edu/

Are you looking to be a gunmsmith or just do your own work as a hobby?.

Dave

I am always skeptical of online programs learning hands-on skills. Do you have experience with this program? If so, can you share your experience.

[SoCal Gunner]

Look into the NRA gunsmithing program taught in the summer at Lassen Community College in Susanville, CA. They offer one week classes in a variety of things. Lassen Community College offers week long classes in a variety of gunsmithing disciplines throughout the year.

I have taken two classes there. Although it has been a while, in the summer I stayed in the dorms and bought a campus meal plan. With everything, including the class, it cost less than $200 for the week.

Here is a link for you: http://www.nrahq.org/education/gunsmithing.asp

Here is a link that shows the classes offered. I am not sure this is for Summer 2011.
http://www.nragunsmithing.com/lassen.html

Boy do I wish there was something like that locally. It's not the $200 (how can you beat that???) it would be the time away. Even so, I would maybe do it if I could line up a couple of the classes at the same time that I had interest in.

Seriously, how do people learn the basics without working/interning at a gunsmith or having a Father that passed it on?

[Gunsmithing]

If you live Clovis or Fresno I would come by and help you. Most of time the work is not hard. The worst is you have to send the firearm to a gunsmith as a gun in the bag. At first do not use a file or a drill as hard to put metal back. Just buy a book or if have lot of money do online, video or the one week school. Sub out your machine work as this takes a long time to learn (from 10,000 to 20,000 yrs working in the trade).


If you doing this just as hobby the bad new to work any one else firearm you will need at less 5 License to do the work.

Dave

No, I'm not looking to take work away from anyone - strictly hobby and more so for the knowledge.