doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com AGI

I would like to get feedback, pro or con, on the American Gunsmithing Institute. I am a disabled vet and the V A will pay for the course but I would like to hear from members of this forum. Thank you!

Are you wanting to make a living doing gunsmithing?

Or are wanting to keep occupied and learn something?

And how old are you?? I know it is politically incorrect to ask
but it has bearing on the answer.

Mike

Just my opinion for what its worth:

I recently corresponded with another board member about attending a gunsmithing program myself after I retire from the fed.

I would stay away from any "learn from home" type courses. In the gunsmith or firearms trade, there are just too many tasks and jobs that require a "hands on" approach to learning them.

I am a retired Navy Aviation Ordnanceman (Armorer). I have a very sound background in firearms assembly/disassembly, service and repair. I know how to bore-sight, re-finish stocks, good working knowledge of hot dip and rust bluing(and the preparation of), fitting pads, etc.

I'm also a pretty good trouble-shooter, able to pin down what is going on or wrong with a firearm. Each of these things I mention I learned from actually doing, over and over again.

Being a museum curator also gave me valuable experience identifying, examining, researching and documenting historical firearms and edged weapons.

I'm looking at attending a formal program now to learn more of the fine arts such as engraving and checkering. I seriously doubt that you could really learn any of those skills from a series of videos or self-paced books.

I would put that VA benefit to better use by attending a local community college in your area that offers a gunsmithing program or possibly tool and die.

Again, just my humble opinion. Maybe some "smiths" will chime in with other advice. Good luck.

skeettx:

How does age have bearing on the answer?

I knew a gunsmith who worked until his eighties.

When I toured the J.P. Sauer factory in Germany, a number of the stock checkerers were older women.

if you can make it go to the summer gunsmith class in trinidad colorado.alot of choices for learning basics and the double gun class single shot class and metal finishing /damascus classes are exellent.machine classes are good becouse the projects you make are tools you will need later good luck.age shouldnt be a factor, mark cooper, Mark Cooper Engraving

OldMaineWoodsman
Thank you for your service to our country!
And yes, I agree with you a residence school is much preferred.

I was not thinking older, I was thinking younger.
You see Parker10Gauge did not say he was retired from the military but a Disabled Vet.

Parker10Gauge, Thank you for your service to our country!

The VA benefits expire after so many years out of the military. Just gaining info to assist.

Mike

I thank everyone for their response. Not to get too personal but I am a disabled combat vet and the V A program is listed as a vocational rehab program. I am presently imployed but I will not be able to remain in my current position due to physical restraints. There are no gun smithing in house schools in Ohio. I am trying to incorporate my keen interest in guns (particularly doubles and single barrel shotguns) into something I can make money from. I guess in s way all of us in this fir would like that opportunity.

Parker10guage,
Thanks for your service and your as well as your family's sacrifice.Your current employer should make reasonable accomadations for you.If they don't, I have no respect for them. As far as the course is concerned, do whatever is best for you and your family.
Mike

Feel free to contact me via PM or email. I'm happy to share what I know.

For what it is worth....
I have bought a lot of their DVDs,s (mostly on "sales"). Great for an amateur but I can imagine trying to learn enough to be called a gunsmith.. While they are not bad people if you buy anything from them be prepared to be bombarded by them. They are big time marketers.
I was a silver member for a while but got tired of spending $30 per month for a DVDs about a gunsmithing a gun I cared nothing about! Kind of embarrassed that it took me so long to cancel. Kind of like an old fashion record club.
Jerry