Online / Distance Gunsmithing training

[Anna's Dad]

Are the online / distance classes worth anything or do you pretty much need to attend an actual technical school or college to really learn?

I'm interested in gunsmithing but more as a hobby than a trade (I'm a full-time computer geek) so leaving the state to attend a real school isn't really practical.

I'd appreciate any thoughts.

Regards,

 

[PinnedAndRecessed]

I only know what I've read on this, and other, gun forums.

Dfariswheel is the most educated in the matter. Here's what he recently said,

Here's the hard, cold facts about gunsmithing.

If you're planning on being in the business as a pro, you're not going to get there with a correspondence or some kind of online course.

Businesses that hire gunsmiths want people who they KNOW have learned the job and can do the work.
That means a diploma from a GOOD attendance school like Colorado School of Trades, Trinidad College, Lassen College, or one of the others.

Show up looking for a job as a gunsmith with a correspondence course diploma, and they'll file your application in the waste can.
This is just the way it IS.
They need PROVEN skills and knowledge, and you don't get that by mail or online.

You can get a correspondence course and start your own business, but I'll take any amount of money that you'll bust out in less than a year.

From here:

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=216850

However, since you're just looking to further your hobby, I can't see as how it would hurt.

 

[hooks]

There is an online course being taught right now by well known gunsmith Dave Sample. The classes have been full, and the ciriculum is well recieved. Who knows, maybe the next Chuck Rogers is in this class. Most of the online course is taught around not having access to a lathe or mill... just hand tools. More experience in Metalurgy, machining, parts fitting ect is need to prepare yourself for situations you might run into if gunsmithing is someone's goal. I wouldn't mind taking the course myself, but just for my own knowledge. I just don't have the cash to get started.

 

[SL4SI]

Here is one you can check out. From what I've read they seem to have a good reputation.

http://www.americangunsmithinginstitute.org/
You can also check their main site
www.americangunsmith.com

 

[dfariswheel]

For hobby work FOR YOURSELF, a correspondence or video course may be good enough.

The problem with these is, you have no professional looking over your shoulder, so you never really know if you're doing it right.
It's entirely possible to graduate from one of these courses and be a total gun butcher.

However, these are a good way to start, but again, ONLY for yourself.
If you want to do someone else's guns, you have to have a Federal Firearms License, AND you'd damn well better know what you're doing.

Friends with ruined or damaged guns will sue you just as fast as some total stranger.

 

[gezzer]

Gunsmithing is machine work and woodworking, check out your local tech schools and adult night classes in your area I'll bet there are many.

 

[hooks]

Gunsmithing is a learned craft taught and experienced over years. No one becomes a gunsmith overnight. Online classes ect...are just the beginning.

 

[Ain't_the_average_NRA]

Online Gunsmithing...

Anna Dad...

I had a simialr question as you and was wonder what you ever decieded. I have been looking at a distance course sponsored by Penn Foster school here in PA. Like you I was looking to take the course more for my own better understanding and appreciation of firearms. However at $700 I want it be worth the money and time.