Gunsmith school

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ChrisWilson

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Awhile back there was a post about the best gunsmith school around. Now that I'm looking for it again I can't find it. I've been a shade tree smith for years for myself and friends. I'd like to expand on it and get some professional training. What are the gunsmith courses available? Not wanting to do an online thing , prefer having actual hands on with some one looking over my shoulder to give advice and help with the end result being opening a small shop and doing it full time. Thanks
 

mr ed

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Secret! Always be asking questions and getting answers.
You only get out of it what you put into it.
They're not going to beat knowledge into you.
90 percent are almost as ignorant as when they started.
Take it from someone who's been there done that. And hired others.
 

Schlafftablett

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I graduated from the Pennsylvania Gunsmith School and subsequently taught there for several years and have been smithing for over 20 years now. I know guys who have attended every major GS program in the country and each has their strengths and weaknesses. If you're looking to do traditional gunsmithing and wood working (nothing production oriented) PGS is probably your best bet. Colorado and Murray have excellent programs as well but do not seem to have the stock making focus PGS does. Montgomery seems to have more of a machine tool focus than most of the others and two of my friends who attended there now do lower quantity production. Before you decide where to go, do what you can to speak with a couple graduates from each program and get their opinion.

Keep in mind too that you will 100% get out of any and all of these trade schools what you put in. I know plenty of great smiths and plenty of total d-bags that have the same receipt framed on their walls. You can almost always tell how a guys career is going to go based on their interest and aptitude in school; whether they are doing the minimum to pass or actually thirsty for knowledge and skill.
 

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