Online gunsmithing school?

[Sediment]

I've been toying with the idea for quite a while and I spoke to the little lady about getting a degree or other certification in an industry. I repaired aircraft for the Air Force while I was enlisted for 8 years, but I was tired of the politics and garbage associated with Military and opted not to get my A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) license to work on commercial aircraft.

I have, however, always had a keen interest in guns and what makes them tick and perform to the maximum capability. I did a quick google search for online Gunsmithing programs and was hit with a large number of schools. So now I need to decide which school(s) would be best or would give me an industry recognized and respected license as a Gunsmith.

Any an all opinions are appreciated and I apologize to the mods if this is posted in the wrong place. I would love to hear from anyone who has taken/completed one of these courses and get their feedback.

 

[9mmepiphany]

there is no such on-line gunsmithing program...you'll have to attend a hands-on school or apprentice yourself to a nationally known gunsmith. a background in metalwork, machining and welding is very helpful

a slower way would be to work with a lessor know gunsmith to get basic skills, then take courses from well known smiths and then produce a quality and quantity of work to have it recognized in the industry...don't quit you day job while you're reaching this level.

 

[CWL]

I'd respect that as much as I would any other 100% online degree.

I'm sure schools offer them, but how many get jobs with these degrees?

 

[9mmepiphany]

i've know graduates of the Lassen College program and asked them just that question. the working smiths told me it was enough to get you foot in the door for a job at a gun shop where your learning really starts.

it's much like a law degree...it doesn't teach you how to practice law, it is so you're not a complete idiot when they ask you a question about the law

 

[mljdeckard]

A friend of mine did it through correspondence course, and got certified, but he found it difficult to make money. He is now a chopper pilot.

I think that a gunsmith is as good as his knowledge. Meaning, he needs to know something all the other basic-level smiths don't. You need a reason to be respected in the industry, to keep people coming to you and refer their friends. You need a reputation good enough that people are willing to send you their guns with a deposit, willing to wait weeks or months for you to get to it. If I knew what this factor was exactly, I would do it myself.

Otherwise, plan on making it a paid hobby.