rifle smith job

[smackumdown]

hi all
this may not be the place to post this but i wanted every body to read it
I'm 17 years of age and i live in England
I'm very interested in general riflesmithing/precision engineering wildcat calibers and targets/varmint shooting and as the title suggests I'm looking to find a job as a trainee rifle smith...but as the rifle smithing industry in England is pretty small at the moment jobs are few and far between so in-order to get into this line of work iv decided to come to you people for help.
At the moment iv barely any experience in this line of work but I'm that keen that I'm sure i will learn quickly.
since i left school iv been a training as a gamekeeper and come may it will be two years but as time goes on I'm realizing that this job isn't for me and id like to move on
so if you follow me what I'm trying to say is that I'm that keen id be willing to move to America to get a job as an apprentice and learn the trade

can any body suggest anything that might help
or know of anybody who is looking for somebody to work for them
is this a wise idea

thanks in advance
w sharman

 

[Rustystud]

Mr. Sharman:

If you have finished your highschool years I would recomend you consider coming to the United States and attend one of the several Gunsmithing Schools. Most have a two year programs. Upon your completion you can get a job either in a rifle manufacturing company or a small custom shop for a few more years. Then decide if you want to open your own shop. But you will be adequately educated and have some viable experience under your belt. Another alternative is joining the military and get a job as an armorer and work your way up in the shop ranks. Just a couple of ideas.

Rustystud

 

[smackumdown]

thanks for your reply
if it would help i would defenetly go to one of your gunsmithing schools
if known how easy would it be for me get into one of theese schools
what sort of qualiications would i need
thanks again

 

[garyw]

SMACKUMDOWN. i know 4 gamekeepers here in the u.k and they dont do the job for the money! i say follow your instincts and head off to the U.S.A. if you find what your looking for great im sure the good folks over there will look after you.you only pass this way once so go for it i wish i did when i was alot younger.
best wishes garyw

 

[Kav]

Not to rain on the parade but, what kind of money lifestyle are you expecting/wanting to live. One who has owned his own buisiness and been involved in building custom cars/motorcycles and stocking/painting rifles... don't expect much $$$,I averaged 12-15.00/hour after bills were paid). I believe many gunsmiths will tell you much the same. It'd be a great gig to pay for college etc but you are going to struggle at times and begin the rob Peter to pay Paul syndrome because you will be at mercy of those who are paying for toys. So, if nobody is building a new toy and you're slow you're SOL cause the bills continue to roll in.

Not trying to be a bummer but many who have never been involved in such buisness think "how awesome it'd be..." but when you look to future profits or expanding your horizons it can look bleak at times. To give you an idea... Uncle Sam pays me over twice what I used to make at an enlisted rank and upon completion of OIS I will be making three-fold my past income.... no my new employment doesn't have the "COOL!!!" factor but "COOL!!!" doesn't pay the bills or give me the $$$ I want for my Wife and future children.

The idea of working for a gun manufacturing company seems like the better gig of the two for more reliable/steady income.

 

[smackumdown]

thanks all again
kav i see what you are saying and i appreciate but at the moment my wages are very poor anyway and whats worse realy being paid poorly to do something i want to be doing or being poorly to do something i dont perticaly want to be doing
also if i do not try i may regret it or the rest of my life

thanks again
keep the info coming

 

[Aussie_bob]

Well coming at it from another angle here in Australia first you have to be a fully trade qualified Fitter Machinist. So if you were to get an apprenticeship as a fitter & Turner then you have something to put food on the table while doing the gunsmithing.

 

[smackumdown]

hmmm
im hoping America will be easier to get into
it all depends on weather i can get into a college and be able to afford to live plus have a roof over my head

 

[tmbryant]

Another college you might look at is the gunsmithing program at Trinidad, Colorado. At least for this semester, some of the lathe classes and some others are being taught by Benchrest Hall of Fame member Tom "Speedy" Gonzales.

Gunsmithing at Trinidad Junior College

Kav's correct on the money gunsmithing makes. You wind up working your tail off and then wonder what happened to the profits at tax time. Most of the profits go back into the business for new chambering reamers, tooling, etc.