July 10, 2015, by Kathryn Smith – For an army veteran, gunsmithing is an obvious career choice, considering the nature of life and work he/she has led. For those who don’t know, gunsmithing is a major industry that involves building, repairing and customizing handguns, shotguns, rifles and other firearms. The US army consists of some of the world’s most talented and well-trained gunsmiths. A career in gunsmithing is a promising one too. If you are one of those who is passionate about the design and history of firearms, then the following is a helpful guide to choosing a career in gunsmithing.
Knowing the Time Commitment
Gunsmithing is all about metal and wood working skills and advanced tooling. Hence, one needs to be precise in all that they do. As a thumb rule, you must be well-versed in chemistry and math to take up a career in gunsmithing. If you have no prior experience or knowledge, it could take 4 to 5 years to master the art. There are many gunsmithing schools online that offer formal education and apprenticeship.
Taking Up a Machining Program
For an aspiring gunsmith, it is important to choose a comprehensive machining program to make a strong foundation initially. The program helps you develop the skills required to operate machines and shape metal objects, typically used in gunsmithing. The machines involved in the process include CNC equipment, mills and lathes.
Choosing a Gunsmithing Program
After completing a machining program, you might have to choose a gunsmithing program. While there are quite a few online gunsmithing schools, there are only a handful of schools offering the program in a physical campus. But don’t worry. Today, online education institutes are no way inferior to physical or real-time classes. An online gunsmithing program should do the job for you. However, you will have to ensure that the program and the institute you have chosen are completely accredited.
The Next Challenge – Finding Apprenticeship
After successfully completing your machining program and the all-important gunsmithing program, it is now time to find a gunsmith who is in search of an apprentice. Working closely with someone who is an expert in the business, is the most appropriate way to hone and develop your skills. Your internship is a crucial stage towards stepping into a career as an ex-army gunsmith. Hence, make the most of your time to learn and make important connections with professionals in similar field.
Getting a Federal License in Firearms
To become a gunsmith, you must have an FFL or Federal Firearms License that enables you to temporarily practice and possess other’s firearms (in this case – your customer’s firearms). Getting this license is absolutely essential as you need to physically own and protect your customer’s weapons until you fix them and hand them back over.
The Army offers a range of valuable opportunities for individuals interested in gunsmithing. Members in the army who are interested in a career in gunsmithing have the best opportunity to capitalize the training provided to them during their service.
A secure, benefit-rich and lucrative job is all that one can ask for. And what better than getting an opportunity to service in the army? – A good thing to grab in this weak economy. Best of luck!
About the Author: Kathryn Smith is a tech and military blogger who contributes and shares her experience on different blogging platforms. She loves to study and write about the military during her spare time. . Of late, she has been collecting various sources for Military Practice Quiz to help the young and budding National Heroes.