[dahmer45]

So I'm thinking of becoming a gunsmith later on in life and I've been searching the internet for good sites to learn the basics on, ie how guns work. I know how they work but I don't know how the internals work. Is there a website or something that has like cut aways of different guns? If so a link would be great. Thanks in advance.

-Dahmer45

[1 old 0311]

There is a school in Colorado(?) that has advertised in the gun mags for years. Don't remember the name. Go to a bookstore and search the backs of the mags.

[dahmer45]

Ok thanks.

[Mike W.]

Kevin Quinlan states: "There is a school in Colorado(?) that has advertised in the gun mags for years. Don't remember the name. Go to a bookstore and search the backs of the mags."
There are at least two in Colorado: The one I think you're speaking of is Colorado School of Trades, and the other is in Trinidad College at Trinidad, Co. There are at least two in the SE, one in NC, maybe one in Tn. Also one in Pa.
Check out the NRA site and inquire, Search, until you find Gunsmithing Schools. There are quite a surprising few in various places around the country, even one in Ca, Lassen Jr or college I think. The one in Trinidad is a full two year Jr. college course; you have to take college courses such as business and economics to help get you on the right track for running a small business, also drafting for making & reading blueprints. There are also summer classes there from a few days to two weeks in many if not most. The others vary and the one in NC I've called and gotten info by mail, the offer the same type's of things, from a full 18 to 2 year set of college courses to shorter one and two week specialty courses throughout the summer and some parts of the year.
I too hope to go that route but am in a situation wherein I can only get away with difficulty. And none of the longer courses are cheap. The smaller courses offer things such as beginning engraving, bluing, alter, blueprint and make a bolt action rifle, various AR type courses, making a target rifle, or pistol, from 1911's to race guns, aspects of pistol smithing and armorer courses for those interested in being and doing work with LE departments and to get into those at least one, Trinidad, has to certify from a Police or Sheriff dept that you actually are involved as a LEO. The tactical Law Enfrocement type work that is taught is tightly regulated, so as not to run into individuals saying one thing and actually being something else, you know, no legal problems from that kind of knowledge being taught to the wrong hands & mind. Even more true after 9/11.
The one is NC offers help getting one a job after completing the full course of study; the gunsmilth, Bob Dunlap who is in some of the AIG video's/DVD's is an instructor at this or another g/s school in the SE.
NRA has the fullest list and if it is still in place, they have small scholarship funds available. Last time I check was in '02 when I was still teaching shop in public school here in Ga. Haven't been able to act on it yet, but, Lord willing, someday I will.
Hope this helps: know of several people who've gone to Trinidad to school and at least one supposed to be in business.