moto_stevo
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- Jan 23, 2011
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Jim K, thanks for starting this thread. Lots of good info
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Gunsmithing business
- Thread starter Jim K
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Mac's Precision
Member
Well, everyone's circumstances are different and so I can't say what works for you. Regarding the market for a gunsmith in another person's shop: I don't know what kind of businesses are in your area but I would STRONGLY suggest you do your homework first. You need to establish a realistic idea of what the market looks like in your area.
Just because Bob, Harry or Jim says that they make a killing doing gunsmithing doesn't mean your area is able to support it. Those guys might live in a very PRO gun area and they have customers 9 deep every morning waiting for the doors to open. They also may have worked long and hard to establish a customer base that is loyal. Do your leg work and really see. Go to the local shops and ask them. If you aren't looking to invest the thousands of dollars in equipment and running your own shop you had best be darn sure you have a place to work before you commit time to learning a trade and taking loans.
Regarding loans: I wouldn't advise anyone to take a loan on a "what if". Only take the loan if you have a 100% reliable method to pay it back. Speculating on your future ability to get employed as a 'smith is a bit risky. Don't take a loan based on a Gun Shop owner saying "yeah...you get trained...I'll hire you". Things change and if the market gets a bit soft...he may back out. You are in up to your eyeballs in debt...and no gunsmith job. Make sure you can pay the loan back with the work you do in construction. Make sure you have a bit of cushion in your bank account before you plan to negotiate a career change as there will be some time where income will be spotty. While the job might change your bills are a daily demand. You don't want to be getting upside down while you try to get the next flow of cash up and running.
I don't mean to sound discouraging, but rather take it as a word of caution and a directive to make darn certain of what you are aiming at before you flip off the safety. If you can get the stars to align and find a nice spot for you, the right shop, the right owner, it could all be great.
In the right circumstances working on guns can be rewarding. Now that doesn't mean to say you are going to make a million bucks. You likely wont. But the reward comes in personal satisfaction of turning out quality work. Satisfaction doesn't put the dinner on the table so make sure that what ever shop you connect with can provide. Be very honest about it, and when you think you've done enough leg work....do some more. Ask more questions. Know your market.
Also realize that "new" gunsmiths are treated with quite a bit of distrust. Until you have some time under your belt and a lengthy list of satisfied customers people are hesitant to have you fix their pride and joy. Gun shop owners know this and will also be hesitant to put a new man in the shop. You have a better shot at it in a shop that already does gunsmithing and HAS a senior 'smith on staff. You'll be hired and watched over by a trusted man.
This can be both good and bad. If he is a good 'smith you can learn a LOT from him. If he is a known 'hack' you want to be as FAR away from him as possible. Ask around, shake the trees, find out who is the VERY BEST in your area and go talk to them. Remember this guy get's paid by the hour, so if you are going to beat him to death for information and take an hour or more of his time, I'd expect to compensate him. I see it like this, your looking to gain enough information to base a life change on....$50.00 is a cheap fee.
Just because Bob, Harry or Jim says that they make a killing doing gunsmithing doesn't mean your area is able to support it. Those guys might live in a very PRO gun area and they have customers 9 deep every morning waiting for the doors to open. They also may have worked long and hard to establish a customer base that is loyal. Do your leg work and really see. Go to the local shops and ask them. If you aren't looking to invest the thousands of dollars in equipment and running your own shop you had best be darn sure you have a place to work before you commit time to learning a trade and taking loans.
Regarding loans: I wouldn't advise anyone to take a loan on a "what if". Only take the loan if you have a 100% reliable method to pay it back. Speculating on your future ability to get employed as a 'smith is a bit risky. Don't take a loan based on a Gun Shop owner saying "yeah...you get trained...I'll hire you". Things change and if the market gets a bit soft...he may back out. You are in up to your eyeballs in debt...and no gunsmith job. Make sure you can pay the loan back with the work you do in construction. Make sure you have a bit of cushion in your bank account before you plan to negotiate a career change as there will be some time where income will be spotty. While the job might change your bills are a daily demand. You don't want to be getting upside down while you try to get the next flow of cash up and running.
I don't mean to sound discouraging, but rather take it as a word of caution and a directive to make darn certain of what you are aiming at before you flip off the safety. If you can get the stars to align and find a nice spot for you, the right shop, the right owner, it could all be great.
In the right circumstances working on guns can be rewarding. Now that doesn't mean to say you are going to make a million bucks. You likely wont. But the reward comes in personal satisfaction of turning out quality work. Satisfaction doesn't put the dinner on the table so make sure that what ever shop you connect with can provide. Be very honest about it, and when you think you've done enough leg work....do some more. Ask more questions. Know your market.
Also realize that "new" gunsmiths are treated with quite a bit of distrust. Until you have some time under your belt and a lengthy list of satisfied customers people are hesitant to have you fix their pride and joy. Gun shop owners know this and will also be hesitant to put a new man in the shop. You have a better shot at it in a shop that already does gunsmithing and HAS a senior 'smith on staff. You'll be hired and watched over by a trusted man.
This can be both good and bad. If he is a good 'smith you can learn a LOT from him. If he is a known 'hack' you want to be as FAR away from him as possible. Ask around, shake the trees, find out who is the VERY BEST in your area and go talk to them. Remember this guy get's paid by the hour, so if you are going to beat him to death for information and take an hour or more of his time, I'd expect to compensate him. I see it like this, your looking to gain enough information to base a life change on....$50.00 is a cheap fee.
moto_stevo
Member
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2011
- Messages
- 69
Mac's Precision, thank you for your input. I will do my homework these next few months before making the hard decision. I believe the market to be decent here in Colorado.... Everyone I know is pro gun. I will find out for sure soon enough. We ( my family ) are not opposed to relocating either... So long as there are wild outdoors nearby
Thanks again,
Stevo
Thanks again,
Stevo
Mac's Precision
Member
You betcha...do what you have to ...just make sure you have all your ducks in a row. Let us know how things turn out. If you have more questions feel free to ask, we'll all do what we can to keep you on the straight and narrow. Best of luck.
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