3 months till I start gunsmithing

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frogomatic

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I graduate from CST at the end of October, and I've got a job secured. I'll be working in Kirksville MO, at D&C guns. We already have a lathe and are working on getting a mill. So I'll be able to do more than just part replacement. What I really want to do is build custom rifles. I've built one already, and am working on a second, so you'll have examples of the work I do. I apologize for the shameless advertising, but I'm a poor college student with a a lot of debt, and I could really use all the work I could get. If this is not somthing that is allowed, I apologize. I checked the rules and didn't see anything prohibiting this type of post so I hope it's cool. If it isn't please just delete it. Otherwise, PM me if you would like more detailed information.
 
Instead of private messages why dont you just explain a little more about what custom rifles your looking to build and what custom work you are capible of doing. If not PM me.
 
fair enough

building rifles on bare recievers is what I really love to do. I'm good at machine work, machine shop being where I got the best grades so far. I like woodworking and checkering, and have some talent for it. I'm trying to get into a metal engraving class, but that's still up in the air. I'm good at troubleshooting, I've taken all the armor's courses I could. Including colt's m-16/ar-15 and 1911 courses. Glock pistols. Beretta pistols. and Mossberg is coming up soon. I've not yet had a gun that I couldn't fix. I like sporterizing military guns, especially 98's. I like working on 1911's. I can cut and crown, make and install muzzle brakes. I do good trigger work. I can do sights, drill and tap jobs. that's a good overview I think. Any specific questions
 
Congrats on almost graduating. :)

I hope you are able to fullfill your desire to build custom rifles. I don't know how big a market there is for such a thing, but I expect you will being doing a lot of mundane things along the way as well.
 
that's to be expected. I know most of the work will be small stuff, but I'll take any opportunity I can get to show off what I can really do. Putting word out that I want to do these things can't hurt my chances of finding people that want just that.
 
Wishing you all success. The most important things contributing to your success will be your own skills, attention to detail, and your wife having a job while you build knowledge and a clientele. I speak from experience and now work as a Manufacturing Engineering Planner for airliners. My gunsmithing degrees got me my first aerospace job.
 
So are you saying you won't be able to do any gunsmithing work until three months from now?

Cause that's a shame since I've a M48 I want sporterized. ;p
 
Your honesty is refreshing. I remember being in the same position where I was willing to do just about anything to get out from under. Keep your head up and keep plugging away at it. If the work is good you'll build a reputation, it just takes longer than you'd hope.

Good luck,

gp911
 
congratulations!

Best of luck to you. I wish I had the mechanical skills to take up a trade such as gunsmithing. If you have the need for some illustration mock-ups for prototypes and so forth, just let me know.
 
Good Luck with the custom rifle making and in the mean time hone your trouble shooting skills.

You should know how each part interacts with its little friends, and for each model of at least the most common 30 guns to come in for repair. Most of retail gunsmithing is the smaller stuff - do it well ! It will help get you the time, experience, and reputation to go into more custom work.

Nobody is going to pay you what your worth when building a custom gun unless your work, and your reputation is impeccable. Keep high standards.
 
If your working with custom bolt guns, checkering and stock work will highlight your work.
Lots of smiths only do the plastic and metal. Yes accuracy is king, but it hard to sell if they all look the same.
Find a nich that suits you and light a fire on that aspect.
 
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