DVD Classes?

[eejohnson]

Hi Folks,
I am interested in changing careers and trying to get into gunsmithing. However, I live in Northern Virginia and I am having problems even finding a local school with a good shop/milling class. I would be interested if someone knew of any local classes that may be helpful.

I think the best path would be to find a local smith who might take me in as an apprentice. Since most of the local folks seem to specialize in certain areas, I was thinking that knowing a little more book knowledge might help. To that end, I have been considering a DVD type course.

Does anyone have any experience with any “distance learning” type classes that were worth the money? Remember, I don’t expect to become a qualified smith just by watching some TV; I am just trying to up my odds of getting my foot in the door.

Also, I am aware of the NRA’s line of courses. They look great, but the investment would be a little steep (class + travel + hotel + donor firearm) for such specialized classes without better odds of an apprenticeship or paying job at the completion.

And, of course, if anyone is looking for an apprentice in the NOVA area please let me know!

Thanks,
Eric

 

[krs]

Here's a present for you: http://smartflix.com/

Remember me every time you learn something from it. ..

 

[rustycrusty]

Machine shop classes

Try the community college in your area, the one here in Richmond, Va. offers a very good course. Also try the AGI videos, they offer armorers and general gunsmithing courses. I've tried some of their videos and found them very good.
rustycrusty

 

[madcratebuilder]

Many community colleges have machine shop classes. Smartflix has DVD's on machining and gunsmithing. I bough a small mill and lathe several years ago, the DVD's from smartflix have really been a big help.

 

[Old Guard Dog]

Agi dvds

The AGI videos are excellent, but the complete courses are not cheap. May be worth the $$$$$.

Has anyone taken the complete course???

 

[krs]

In gun work the difference between videos and in-class learning is that in a class there's a chance for hands-on experiences. Not may people can learn something well enough to do it by merely watching a tape. In a class, and it needs to be the right class with an instructor who is more interested in seeing that people learn than in blowing his own horn there should be opportunities for each participant to "get his or her feet wet" without risking ruining his own guns.