Gun related careers...

[chiptopher]

Hoping some people may be able to shed some light on which firearm related careers are out there.

Been thinking seriously about police work and eventually becoming a detective since I consider myself to be logical and analytical. Love firearms, but would like to serve and protect the city I grew up in. Starting pay for SFPD is $75,000+ which is a plus.

The only thing I'm apprehensive about is becoming cynical seeing the unfortunate side of human nature on a daily basis.

Father is suggesting FBI, CIA, ATF and other government agencies, but I'm doubtful of working in the government sector.

Can anyone offer any advice to someone who has a B.S. in Communication with managment and sales experience? Good with people also. Hopefully this general synopsis is enough to offer some advice or suggestions.

Thanks a lot everyone! This has always been a helpful crowd.

 

[Autolycus]

Try applying for a position with a manufacturer or a gunsmith.

Law enforcement is probably the only other option. Maybe a hunting guide or something but I doubt you can hunt in San Francisco.

 

[Mr Crowley]

criminal? jk

 

[chiptopher]

Thought briefly about gunsmithing, but it seems like a job at a desk tinkering with small miniscule parts wouldn't be for me. But thanks for the reply Oldskoolfan. Hunting guide would be awesome. Gotta learn how to do that though. =)

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

Getting into law enforcement because you love guns is pretty much a recipe for disappointment.

 

[BullfrogKen]

Telling the hiring board you want to get into Law Enforcement because you love guns is a pretty good way to not get hired.


Gunsmiths don't just sit at the workstation. You've often got to shoot the thing to see what the problem is. And you've got to shoot it to see if you fixed the problem.

Try using that degree to work for a manufacturer or distributor, and see where you can go in the company once you're there.

 

[Dark_Harvest]

"Can anyone offer any advice to someone who has a B.S. in Communication with managment and sales experience?"


Honestly... If you're looking to make that $75k salary...

Stay in school and get a degree that will help you earn money. These days a Communication degree and 5 bucks will get you a beer... Unless your in S.F., then you'll need at least $15...

A masters or Ph.D. in engineering would be a good start.

 

[loop]

Take out more student loans and get an MA in business administration and make enough money you can afford to do what you want with guns...

About 30 years ago I switched my major from groundwater hydrology to journalism. A BS in hydrology would pay 10 times what I make as a journalist. OTOH, I wanted to make a difference. From time to time I fool myself into believing I have done that...

The big compensation for it all is that a relatively brief (five-year) stint as an outdoor and gun writer my gun safe swelled into a vault. Now it is just a pain to keep 150 or so guns from getting cruddy. I only shoot about a dozen or so on a regular basis, but I still have to keep them all in top condition.

The way I see it these days is: anybody want to buy 25 rifles sight unseen for $2,500?

Can't afford to hire someone to clean them...

 

[CRITGIT]

Your CHP is hiring currently to replace the huge wave of baby boomer retirements. There are some excellent opportunities within the parameters you describe.
Pay is good
Benefits are good
The work is diverse.
Opportunities are excellent.

Good Luck!

CRITGIT

 

[sherman123]

you could always be an armored guard and you don't have to deal with the downsides of police work

 

[Phil DeGraves]

Getting into law enforcement because you love guns is pretty much a recipe for disappointment.

+1.
Unless you get to be a firearms instructor/armorer, police officer is hardly a "gun-related" career.
Sounds like to me you'd be happier as a sales rep for a firearms company.

 

[Mossberg88]

I interned this past summer with Department of Justice - Interpol and met a lot of agents from many federal agencies, and it definitely is the way to go. I'm currently in the process for applying for a summer internship at the ATF Baltimore Field Divisions office.

 

[Geronimo45]

Coast Guard, Border Patrol, ICE (or whatever Immigration's moniker is these days).

My notions are that it could be easier to get into the ATF than Secret Service/FBI. The FBI is very sought-after.

Oh, and when filling out the secret clearance forms - be completely honest. They expect skeletons in your closet, and just want you to tell 'em so.

 

[chiptopher]

Thanks everyone so far. A lot of good responses. Definitely don't want to be a cop for the gun aspect only as I mentioned already. Sales rep for a gun company would be a great idea having previous sales experience. Will definitely look into that.

 

[CountGlockula]

Join the Marines as an officer, once your tour is done then join the local Police Department. You'll be adding more notches under your belt.

In the long run:
Military Veteran (sniper, explosives, heavy machine gun, explosives, etc.)
Law Enforcement

Result:
Firarms trainer for the military AND Law Enforcement.