15
15
0
One of my semi-auto pistols was acting up. I broke it down, even the firing pin assembly. Did a thorough cleaning and inspection and then put it back together. However something I always do with any weapon that I feel presents a safety issue is have it looked over by a licensed gunsmith. One in my area is the go to guy for a very large area in the Chicagoland area. As such he has plenty of business. That means for me a simple inspection and test fire - 14 weeks lead time. A simple google query and its clear there is a lack of gun smiths for what I would consider a healthy gun market. Is this a regional problem or is there truly a lack of licensed gunsmiths in America.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-smithing/618993-real-gunsmiths-disappearing.html
https://makerslegacy.com/gunsmithing/gunsmith-schools/
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-smithing/618993-real-gunsmiths-disappearing.html
https://makerslegacy.com/gunsmithing/gunsmith-schools/
Posted in these groups: 
Firearms and Guns
91F: Small Arms/Artillery Repairer
Handguns and Pistols
Rifle Shooting
Firearms and Guns 91F: Small Arms/Artillery Repairer Handguns and Pistols Rifle Shooting
Edited 3 y ago
Posted 3 y ago
Responses: 12
1
1
0
In my experience it's a very difficult trade to get started in. You'll often have to open up your own shop in order to make a living and get experience. Several of the gunsmiths I've known aren't prone to taking on apprentices either. I was told by one that my online certificate I got in addition to military training during 91F AIT isn't good enough to take me on as an apprentice and was essentially worthless training.
(1)
(0)
Suspended Profile
Exactly! Military weapons are not the same as civilian weapons. I got out thinking I could get in to Ithaca Gun Company… but they shut down local operations very shortly after discharge!
SGT (Join to see)
Sgt Michelle Matwiejow a lot of the same concepts apply between the two. The difference is the type of work that is done. Military armorers below depot level don't do machining or certain levels of repair. Most of what we do is inspections and replacing broken parts with minimal fitting required. If a receiver or another part that we don't have the tools or knowledge to repair is damaged we send it up to a depot level for repair or replacement. Amorers are capable of being apprentice gunsmiths but gunsmiths don't want to take the time to train them on the machining side of the job that was missing in MOS training.
(1)
(0)
0
0
0
Sorry brother but there's only a few places to get gunsmith education and certification..wait times averages 2-3yrs
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google