Starting a small business. This might be something you all could get into.

[RX-178]

(modified slightly from my post on 'New Member? Introduce yourself here!')

I intend to start a small business of my own when I'm back in the states, offering consultation on federal and Texas law involving firearms, concealed carry, and self defense; choosing weapons for home defense and carry; non-firearm related self defense and other similar topics that I hope will get more people to stop seeing firearms as inherently evil.

When my collection expands further, I'm likely to start offering range time on some of my firearms as a service of this small business, charging a small fee for the service and for cost of ammunition. I mean, giving advice on guns, and letting people try out some of mine is something I've done on occasion anyway. I figure I might as well get paid for it.

I think it'd be a good way to supplement income, as well as spread more awareness on self defense and firearms beyond people that you know personally. And I certainly wouldn't mind a little competition for a good cause.

 

[spwenger]

The Best Way...

...to make a small fortune in the firearms-training industry is to start with a large one.

If you are not licensed as an attorney, be careful about advertising your services as a legal consultant.

That said, there is no doubt that many of our brethren can use some guidance and there are still those of us who plug away at the training for the love of teaching and the support of the RKBA.

 

[RX-178]

It's not really something I intend to make a living on. Just something I did anyway that I realized I could possibly pull in some money on the side with.

It's obviously not something I would do full-time. But I give firearms advice all the time, and I'm sure offering the service is a good way to spread it around to more people than before.

A good number of people on this forum would certainly seem qualified to do this as well.

 

[jakemccoy]

I like to see people start businesses and think out of the box. I hope it goes well for you.

 

[M1911]

If you are not licensed as an attorney, be careful about advertising your services as a legal consultant.

+1

Unless you are an attorney, giving legal advice can wind you in deep, hot water.

 

[Josh Aston]

Not a good idea in my opinion. Don't get me wrong it's great that you want to do something like this, but charging people for it isn't such a great idea. You've already been doing it for free, continue. Do it for the love of freedom and firearms, not the money. And like others have said, giving out legal advice without being an attorney is a really bad idea.

 

[TexasRifleman]

offering consultation on federal and Texas law involving firearms,

I'm pretty sure that requires a law degree and passing the bar exam in Texas.

 

[yakkingallover]

Also seems if you are charging people to handle your firearms you better be insured up to your ears in case something bad happens, a lawsuit like that seems like something you might never recover from..

 

[mnrivrat]

Notice how "legal" and "Law" always seems to pop into the equation ?

Land of the free - home of the brave Ya - right !

 

[bogie]

I'm guessing that someone COULD market themselves as a subject matter expert around personal protection, etc...

Mas, if you're reading this - you're not a lawyer, yet you consult on law, right?

HOW are you a subject matter expert? That's what you need to market.

"non-firearm self defense" - Gonna open a dojo type thing? Style it as a workout place, and also push self-defense, women's self-defense, and get qualified to teach concealed carry courses. An NRA cert is a good thing.

 

[brighamr]

I for one think it's a great idea. Rather than being a legal consultant, you could be a "personal defense advisor". Offer "introduction to self defense", "introduction to firearms", "advanced firearms", etc, etc. That would go over VERY well IMO.

Couple of ideas for you:
1) Get an Attorney to sort out everything (insurance, permits, zoning, etc)
2) If you don't have a personal range, try to get one that will be your biz partner (discounts for using their range in return for them selling firearms to your students?)
3) Get as many certifications as you can. Even if you don't think them necessary, potential clients will think highly of you (NRA, CPR, etc). I mention first aid, because part of all self defense should include first aid in case you need it after the situation is over IMO.


Seriously though, I could see how this could be a fun side buisness and possibly pay for your ammo/gun expenses

 

[RX-178]

My bad

I could've sworn that I'd mentioned I intended on getting a license to be a concealed carry instructor, but I didn't.

That's the major part about consulting on Texas firearms law.

A concealed carry instructor in the state of Texas is /REQUIRED/, law degree or not, to consult on Texas firearms law, as it is part of the written test given to a Concealed Carry License applicant.

And as for charging people, I WOULD do it for free as I have been, but only people that knew me personally would even ask me for advice. Advertising it as a service for a business is intended to get to people that I otherwise would not have an opportunity to advise, and 'free gun consultation' actually doesn't attract as much interest as if I approached it professionally.

 

[Weimadog]

John Ross http://www.john-ross.net/ccw.php seems to be doing what you describe.

He offers a Concealed Carry course, and during the range portion, people can shoot his various guns. He has machine guns too!

 

[Picard]

I think it's a great idea. I hope that your business goes well. Keep up the good work!

 

[bogie]

Hey, Dog... Did you take JR's course?

Still in the same spot? I -really- oughta get this Deutsch Strad "spruced up" a bit...

 

[Weimadog]

bogie-
I took the John Ross class, and I think it was about as entertaining as a CCW class can be.

The shooting part of the John Ross course is still held at his private range. It is a great opportunity to shoot a variety of handguns, and machine guns. This great shooting experience occurs in Illinois!