LHRGunslinger
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Is it worth the money or should I look into an apprenticeship?
Gunsmithing School
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k_randomfactor
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I think it's worth the money.
An apprenticeship can last longer and, depending on where you apprentice, what you learn can be limited. School may teach you more, in a pretty structured environment. The schools are also a known quantity, and may help when getting a job after you get done. The schools also have a larger budget, so you may get hands on with more, and different, things.
Also, keep in mind that either way, you are learning a pretty 'basic' skill-set. Where you end up will teach you a bunch more. Both end up being apprenticeships in a technical sense.
I went to MSC in OK, and I was surprised at how much I really learned while there. I was also surprised at how much I still had (and have) to learn.
An apprenticeship can last longer and, depending on where you apprentice, what you learn can be limited. School may teach you more, in a pretty structured environment. The schools are also a known quantity, and may help when getting a job after you get done. The schools also have a larger budget, so you may get hands on with more, and different, things.
Also, keep in mind that either way, you are learning a pretty 'basic' skill-set. Where you end up will teach you a bunch more. Both end up being apprenticeships in a technical sense.
I went to MSC in OK, and I was surprised at how much I really learned while there. I was also surprised at how much I still had (and have) to learn.
earlthegoat2
Member
School is the way to go these days....but.....you will also have to "apprentice" once you get out under someone who has been at it awhile if you want to be like one of the old school gunsmiths who can pretty much do it all.
There are also opportunities for graduates to work for manufacturers that still do machine and hand fitting of parts such as Smith and Wesson Performance Center or Springfield Armory Custom Shop. While attending school try to make contacts in these areas as well as asking about possible internship opportunities after graduation.
Gunsmithing in the old school is a sure ticket to a life of poverty. Working for an established company, while less glamourous (IMO), is at least a steady paycheck.
Another thing to consider is to go back to college after you have attained a position somewhere and pursue a Bachelors Degree in a Business related field such as Economics or Accounting. Even though you like tinkering with guns these degrees could help you start your own business or get a better paying position at the company you started with as a gunsmith. You could become a floor supervisor even.
Anyway enough about what is way too far into the future for you really be worried about. First go to school and make contacts with future employers.
As far as the track I took, I went to Trinidad State after completing a 4 year degree in Criminal Justice. This was 6 years ago after I got out of the military. So far I have not used one shred or either degree. I am in the minority but it is just something to think about.
There are also opportunities for graduates to work for manufacturers that still do machine and hand fitting of parts such as Smith and Wesson Performance Center or Springfield Armory Custom Shop. While attending school try to make contacts in these areas as well as asking about possible internship opportunities after graduation.
Gunsmithing in the old school is a sure ticket to a life of poverty. Working for an established company, while less glamourous (IMO), is at least a steady paycheck.
Another thing to consider is to go back to college after you have attained a position somewhere and pursue a Bachelors Degree in a Business related field such as Economics or Accounting. Even though you like tinkering with guns these degrees could help you start your own business or get a better paying position at the company you started with as a gunsmith. You could become a floor supervisor even.
Anyway enough about what is way too far into the future for you really be worried about. First go to school and make contacts with future employers.
As far as the track I took, I went to Trinidad State after completing a 4 year degree in Criminal Justice. This was 6 years ago after I got out of the military. So far I have not used one shred or either degree. I am in the minority but it is just something to think about.
Go to a gunsmith school...
and I recomment Trinidad St Jr College. I am class of 64. That way if you persue a gunsmith career, you have education in the field showing you are not jo bubba off the street that likes to tinker with guns. There are too many examples of that kind of workmanship in the pawn shops and gun shows.....chris3
and I recomment Trinidad St Jr College. I am class of 64. That way if you persue a gunsmith career, you have education in the field showing you are not jo bubba off the street that likes to tinker with guns. There are too many examples of that kind of workmanship in the pawn shops and gun shows.....chris3
LHRGunslinger
Member
Why Trinidad State Junior College and not the Pennsylvania Gunsmithing school?
earlthegoat2
Member
Trinidad and the Colorado School of Trades have the best reputation among GSing schools. I have met good smiths who came from Penn Gunsmithing School but the plce gives me a bad taste in my mouth because it is the gunsmiths school of Gander Mountain who by and large a bunch of hacks as it pertains to anything firearms and especially gunsmithing.
In the end Pennsylvania Gunsmithing School will be fine as any other established program.
In the end Pennsylvania Gunsmithing School will be fine as any other established program.
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