Gunsmithing course? AGI video courses?

[Nick comas]

:banghead: I would like to be a gunsmith. I have had a couple of conversations with smiths in the past and we all agree that the best way to go about this is take a well know gunsmithing course, then work for an acomplished shop while I further my skills. That would be nice, but I'm not located near one of those courses and could not spend the 2 years away from my family. To compound the situation, I don't know of a local smith in my area.
Has any of you heard of AGI (american gunsmithing institute) or taken thier course?
Anyone know of a smith who is succesful that's gone throuh these courses?

 

[Higgy]

I investigated the AGI course. The price made my rectum pucker, but it seemd like the info was solid. My advice would be to learn machining. Go to a local tech school or college to learn it right, then take some time to watch DVDs and read gunsmithing books. Buy old crappy guns and "blueprint" them, meaning take them completely-apart and rebuild/refurbish/renew. After a couple years of dedicated self-study, you'll get to where you want to be to start your own shop.

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

If you're located in northern California, you have a gunsmithing school in your area. Lassen Community College in Susanville, CA offers a gunsmithing program based on a college credit system.
http://www.lassengunsmithing.com/

That would be the best way to get your basics down. I have viewed many of the AGI videos and they are good but I use them as "reference material" now that I have been through a formal program. I had to travel to Colorado from Oregon to learn gunsmithing. I can't speak for doing any type of apprentice work for a local shop but you may be able to land a deal with a shop doing gun cleanings for their consignment/used guns and work your way into repairs. You may look at Bolsa Gunsmithing in Westminster, CA if you want to stay within state lines. Good luck!

 

[Nick comas]

Sounds like fun. The only thin better than old crappy guns is new nice ones. Currently devising a plan for the machining time. Thank's for the input.

Yes I know of Lassen CC, but I can't spend the time from my family. Do you feel the videos that you received from AGI were thourogh? Were they worth the money to you for a video library? Would you say they were the best information you could find on the perticular topics.

 

[zoom6zoom]

You can rent a good number of the AGI videos from www.smartflix.net - they run about ten buck each. You won't get the support or the course feedback, but you can get an idea from them if you'd like to pony up for the full program.

 

[Nick comas]

That's a great idea. Thank you.

 

[Gungirlie]

I work for AGI and our videos are very through. We have a great support staff to help you through your course and even after you finish it. Please feel free to call in and ask any questions we are always happy to help. We have a large number of successful AGI graduates that run successful Gunsmithing Shops. We host teleseminars all the time where you are able to talk to some of our past students to ask them questions. Go to our website www.americangunsmith.com and sign up for the Free mini gunsmithing lessons and you will get emails when we are going to host another teleseminar.

 

[Nick comas]

I called AGI and asked for #'s of folks that had been through the courses working in the field somewhat close. The best the gall could do she said was Ohio. That was over a week ago, I have yet to see that # come across my e-mail. If you have some #'s of succesful students I would love to talk to them. Thank you for the input.

 

[Gungirlie]

If you call in and ask for me I can give you the phone number for one of our students that would be happy to talk to you about our course.

800-797-0867 Heather

 

[Bluehawk]

If you are truly serious about becoming a gunsmith for a career you will have to sacrifice and get a formal education such as the one in Susanville. I know one of their graduates and he runs a sucessful shop here in Riverside. His work is excellent and he commands $60 /hour labor. If you're not willing to sacrifice and put in the time...such as moving close to the college with your family...I would suggest learning it as a hobby and that can take you many, many years on your own. You have to decide what is truly important and beneficial to you and your family in the long run...there are no shortcuts in an area like gunsmithing.

 

[southerndude]

Bluehawk is so right.
To make money at gunsmithing or any skilled trade takes time, hardwork, and sacrifice.
Gunsmithing requires a good customer base and satisfied customers.
Buy old guns learn from NRA books/courses, and expect to starve until you build up a good rep.
"You crawl, walk, then run."