I’ll try to keep this short. Few years back when I was getting into shooting, knowing nothing, I was in the search for the off the shelf super precision rifle. My brother, a former competitive prs shooter suggested, “why don’t you shoot benchrest, since you are so obsessed with accuracy”, me: “what’s that”?? Did a small internet search, found the forum, and instantly became a paid member upon finding my new passion.
Now being in the forum, learning about precision reloading, using dial indicators, mics, Lathe’s, etc,... over the years I became obsessed even more. Then starting to follow all the incredible Gunsmith’s and machinists on this forum building the most accurate rifles in the planet peaked my interest once again.
Because of all this, I have taken a huge interest in machining, figuring it would become the next logical step in learning. Then, bam, corona happened. My career ended within a week. I was deemed non essential. My wife is blessed with a good job, and luckily we would be ok despite my unemployment. Not knocking anybody, I just did not want to sit and collect unemployment. So being in my 40’s figuring it’s not to late, I made the decision to make a career change. And very luckily in one day got a job as a shop hand in one of the best precision machine shops in the state.
Even tho I’d be making a lot less money, I figure, what else do I have going on? Now I am also signing up for Cnc precision machine courses and traditional machining courses in the fall. And even better, the owner who is a phenomenal machinist recognized my passion for this and has instantly put me on all the machines and has taken a real interest in teaching me. Best part is, he is heavily involved in the firearm industry and possibly wants me to head up the dealer and manufacturing of this side of his business.
This may not seem like much to most reading this. Through a few words from my brother, this forum and a virus, I just find it interesting how things can evolve in life. Don’t know if I will ever become a benchrest gunsmith, but very excited to see where this goes. Can’t thank enough several members on this forum for answering my endless relentless questions. I have just become so passionate about this since being on this forum, I can officially say it’s been life changing.
