I'm no expert on gunsmithing but was wondering if anyone here might know what the top gunsmithing school might be? I have a nephew who is interested. He's only in high school but is very interested, he wants to learn it all but is mainly interested in auto rifles, long range rifles, and double rifles. Anyway I told him I would ask around for him. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I have had a desk job all my life. A fair bit of farm field supervision and management work in my early days but it was still management. I was always keen on handy man work but never good enough to be great at it. Just passable at best.

My personal view is that gunsmithing is something that is best learned the tradition was - by apprenticing under a Master. From what I can understand of this young man's interests, the skills required are very varied. Auto rifles are so different from long range rifles & double rifles are almost another world altogether. The art and craft of DR work is so unique that it is unlikely that any school could teach them. Good luck to him.

I see your address is Ca so I would imagine Lassen Jr College in Susanville would probably be the most economical if it is still open. If not then I would reccomend Trinidad State Jr Colllege in Trinidad,Co though I doubt you will get much instruction on double rifles in either school. Colorado School of Trades is another good Colorado school in Denver.

Let him start at Lassen (I took some courses there) and then as his basic machine/smithing skills develop he will naturally drift towards one area or another. He will also make contacts that will lead to opportunities in shops across the country. Tell him, good luck!