Thinking of being a gunsmith? Legal questions

[bang_bang]

I've kind of got some interest in being a gunsmith. Plain and simple reason, I have no job, a whole lot of time on my hands, and a strong interest in the function of different firearms.

I have had experience in metal working during high school. I'm a rather crafty guy, good with my hands.

But, I have no idea about the legalities surrounding being a licensed gunsmith. I would try to be an apprentice with local gunsmiths, and hopefully get on at one of their shops since they are all booked solid for months.

I do not need an FFL to work at another person's shop right?

How/Where do I test/obtain this license?

What is the yearly fee for this license?

 

[krs]

Going around to the local gunsmith shops and applying for work is a VERY good idea for a first step toward a future in it.

Don't worry about the licensing part. You can't get that unless you're an operating business but you can work in a licensed shop without a licnse of your own.

Don't get discouraged...

 

[bang_bang]

I have to get to know the people at this shop better. I'm a new customer to them, but man are they nice.

Good prices, ammo is comparable to Wally World.

Took a pistol to them yesterday to get some work done on it. Gun got through, we talked a bit, then I asked him how much I owed him for his service.

He simply replied "Come back and see us." He insisted I didn't pay him, so I bought a pack of primers and called it even.

 

[Jim K]

I recommend you follow up on the apprentice idea. Don't worry about licenses, as the shop will have those.

If you do get on, be willing to start out with the grub work (including counter work if the shop is also a store), then learn as you go. If the gunsmith will take time to teach you, so much the better.

You will not be trusted with high price machinery at first, but learn and ask questions (without being a nuisance!) and eventually you will be allowed to "hands on" the real tools.

Don't expect a lot of pay, though; you will be on near minimum wages or even piece work until you have enough skill to sell.

Jim

 

[koginam]

Jim is right most of the gunsmith apprentices we have work cleaning guns to learn disassembly and assembly as well as the counter, they are also responsible for general clean up. Most attended machine tech classes during the day. If you want to do the apprenticeship contact www.taogart.org they can help you get started.