Forums
New posts
Search forums
What's new
Articles
Latest reviews
Author list
Classifieds
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles and first posts only
Search titles only
By:
New posts
Search forums
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Forums
Rifles, Reloading, Optics, Equipment
Gunsmithing
Gunsmithing School?
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Black Diamond 408" data-source="post: 148479" data-attributes="member: 1563"><p>Jerry,</p><p></p><p>Gunsmithing for a living can be very rewarding, however it will take a while to build up a client base. It depends on the area you live in as to how many back yard gunsmiths there are, the economics of the area. I have been doing this for over 35 years now, full time, part time, it just depends on what the area will give. Usually you would have to start out in conjuntion with a large sporting goods store, to get thier general repairs. Custom gun work is the most fun, but will take the longest to get any sort of reputation. Back in the 80's, when my business was the best there was no internet, it was mostly all local and word of mouth. It was hard to suport a family on that type of income. Now days with internet, message boards and such you can reach a large number of people with a minimal cost. The only advertising i had was newspapers, and then it was mostly seasonal. We took on Remingtons warrenty work for a while, but that was a big pain in the rear!</p><p></p><p>Start up costs can be spendy, first you need a very good lathe, capable on putting on large dia barrels. A good vertical mill (bridgport style) and numerous other items.</p><p>Watch out for used equipment, your buying someone elses worn out machines. There are good used machines available, have it checked out by someone first. The quality of your work will be shown by the quality of the machines you use. </p><p></p><p>Be prepared to work on mostly junk, also be prepared to find out the general public, (i deal with farmers here) wants it for a cheap cut rate price.</p><p></p><p>I wish you luck, as i said before it is a very rewarding business, hobby or sideline.</p><p></p><p>If you want to chat sometime, send me an email.</p><p></p><p>Dave</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Black Diamond 408, post: 148479, member: 1563"] Jerry, Gunsmithing for a living can be very rewarding, however it will take a while to build up a client base. It depends on the area you live in as to how many back yard gunsmiths there are, the economics of the area. I have been doing this for over 35 years now, full time, part time, it just depends on what the area will give. Usually you would have to start out in conjuntion with a large sporting goods store, to get thier general repairs. Custom gun work is the most fun, but will take the longest to get any sort of reputation. Back in the 80's, when my business was the best there was no internet, it was mostly all local and word of mouth. It was hard to suport a family on that type of income. Now days with internet, message boards and such you can reach a large number of people with a minimal cost. The only advertising i had was newspapers, and then it was mostly seasonal. We took on Remingtons warrenty work for a while, but that was a big pain in the rear! Start up costs can be spendy, first you need a very good lathe, capable on putting on large dia barrels. A good vertical mill (bridgport style) and numerous other items. Watch out for used equipment, your buying someone elses worn out machines. There are good used machines available, have it checked out by someone first. The quality of your work will be shown by the quality of the machines you use. Be prepared to work on mostly junk, also be prepared to find out the general public, (i deal with farmers here) wants it for a cheap cut rate price. I wish you luck, as i said before it is a very rewarding business, hobby or sideline. If you want to chat sometime, send me an email. Dave [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Forums
Rifles, Reloading, Optics, Equipment
Gunsmithing
Gunsmithing School?
Top