Change in career 9Gunsmithing)

[illuminatus99]

I've been thinking about a change in career, I've been a network engineer for the last five years but it just isn't fun for me anymore and it's getting harder to find work the great thing about it though is that it's highly lucrative in spite of usually being tied to a cell phone and laptop.

I'd really like to get into gunsmithing or even manufacturing guns, or possibly starting up a gun shop. I've got a few questions about it though

1) how much revenue do those generally bring in

2) is there a demand for gunsmiths that isn't already met (in the seattle area)

3) for manufacturing where would I start as far as licensing and capital investment?

I'm hoping that at least one of these would allow me to maintain my current standard of living, if not then chances are I'll get training as a gunsmith anyway and just do side work while maintaining a 9-5 job.

thought? suggestions?

 

[Khornet]

My impression

.....is that gunsmithing is a hard way to make a living. Fascinating, yes--I often have that fantasy. But it seems that if you are honest, and insist on quality, it's a tough row to hoe and not very lucrative.

There are more and more 'specialist' gunsmiths, finding a niche and staying in it such as the people who do only 10/22 work, .45
1911 work, specialize in customizing for carry, etc. That could simplify things and maybe be more profitable.

Another thing--if you're good, you'll become very busy. Then you'll be yearning for the simple old days with the laptop.

Nonetheless, don't take counsel of your fears. If you think you can do it, go for it. Someday I'll chuck my day job and open up Uncle Mike's custom rifle checkering and bamboo fly rod maker. That is, after raising my 5 kids, paying off all my debt, and winning the lottery.

Khornet

 

[Khornet]

Also

Check out the Brownells catalog, and their 'Gunsmith Kinks' books. In addition to all the useful gunsmithing technical data, there's a lot of info on the business aspect.

The Colorado School of Mines has gunsmithing courses, often advertised in the American Rifleman. I'd love to attend some day.

Khornet

 

[Kharn]

Don't quit your day job, start off doing it as a hobby and if you get the niche market every gunsmith needs to survive then you can do it full time.

Kharn

 

[TaxPhd]

Colorado School of Mines is a top notch engineering school. I think you mean Colorado School of Trades.