Gunsmithing: handguns all the same?

[Dlowe167]

I was thinkin about doing some gunsmithing classes. I noticed some gunsmiths specialize in Rugers and other makes. So is it like automotives? U get a mechanics degree,but mercedes is a specialty. Are all auto loaders fundamentally the same? Revolvers,etc.?

 

[mljdeckard]

Fundamentally yes. There are many aspects that are the same or similar between different brands.

If I were a gunsmith, I wouldn't start advertising that there are guns I WON'T work on. I would want all the business I can get.

 

[Dlowe167]

Its what I was thinkin. I have 5 different makes,the inside are really the same. Maybe different feature or safety

 

[WardenWolf]

Gunsmiths are basically engineers at heart. Any engineer will pick up on the core concepts and similarities of something and be able to easily adapt between them. So yes, to an engineer or gunsmith they're all basically the same.

Gunsmiths often state that they specialize in certain things. It's really what they enjoy working on the most, or whatever gets them the most money (1911's seem to be the most common there). They become an expert at fine-tuning that firearm. However, that doesn't mean they won't work on any other firearm. The concepts are the same behind all of them.

 

[Old Fuff]

So is it like automotives? U get a mechanics degree,but mercedes is a specialty. Are all auto loaders fundamentally the same? Revolvers,etc.?

It depends somewhat are what you're doing. Different makes and models are indeed different, but some current handguns are designed to be "fixed" by installing drop-in parts or sub assemblies; (Think Polymer frame pistols) while older guns may require hand fitting of parts, and they aren't all "hand fitted" the same way. Pistols and revolvers are somewhat fundamentally the same, but there a lot of in the details.

For some low-cost background go to this site, and order a copy of they're print catalog. Also explore the site while you are there.

www.brownells.com

 

[9mmepiphany]

Revolvers have the greatest differences. I know a couple of guy who can tune a Colt leaf spring action very well, they can also do a nice competition or duty S&W, however I know some top names in tuning S&Ws who won't work on a Colt.

Just about anyone can work on a Glock or S&W M&P with a little knowledge, but unless they have some references, I wouldn't trust them to work on a SIG Classic P-series or a S&W Gen3. Many top end 1911 guys not only don't work on other platforms, but even limit the 1911 platforms they will work on

 

[RhinoDefense]

I've got specialties that I can handle just about anything coming across my bench (AR15/M16, M870), am well equipped for others (1911s, Glocks, GP100s), and others that I can probably work on since I have the basic tools and knowledge to fix reliability, replace parts, or tune with a bit of work.

I started my gunsmithing career as a specialist only and gradually opened it up over the years. I've told this to many aspiring gunsmiths: I built and sold hundreds of custom firearms, but the number one gunsmith job that keeps paying my bills are the simple detail cleaning and scope mounting.

Oh, and if you ever have an exposed spring, wear eye protection. Seriously.

 

[BCRider]

Those 5 semi autos may appear to be the same at first glance. But there is little doubt that each has features that you simply do not appreciate at your present knowledge level as to specific parts and what is needed for the gun to work well.

I've got a pretty fair collection of semi auto guns. And aside from the fact that they all have slides and separate barrels and a recoil spring along with a chambering ramp there is very little that is similar.