I would like to learn gunsmithing and have been checking out some correspondence courses and would like some opinions ore advice as to which course would be the best and any information anyone could give would be appreciated. Thanks, Johnny Reb

I suggest that you begin at the Library. The knowledge you gain from a couple good books will help you figure out what you want to do.

I think a handson course would be better IMO.

Otherwise you are better off reading up on the subject as he said.

Reb,

Years ago P.O. Ackley helped write the course and was on the board of the North American School of Firearms. It was a correspondence course.

There are three actual ways to learn Gunsmithing. Serving as an apprentice under a working gunsmith, attending a formal school like Lassen colledge, Trinidad or Colorado School of trades, or others, and finally, a correspondence course in conjunction with technical and machine training from a local trade school.

Since there is no actual "hands on" with the correspondence course, the material is written to contain a lot of information and is presented in a methodical sequence and written in a manner to make it easy for the student to grasp and follow. You don't learn how to rebarrel, checker, bed etc., but you do get an overview on how it is is done and why it is needed.

The correspondence course will cover firearm theory, design, ballistics and history very well. It also covers troubleshooting the various designs and focuses on their individual quirks. You will learn what is needed to improve performance and how to tweak a weapon to get better performance. The course materials provide a fairly comprehensive and useful reference library which you can refer to throughout your career. The material is based on sound principles and will not become obsolete as it does in the computer and electronics fields.

When you have completed the course, you will have enough knowledge to be helpful to a firearms business. This is only the first of many steps to becoming a working gunsmith. Completing a trade school gives you hands on experience with machine tools and actual gunsmithing projects which are viewed, guided and graded by the staff who are craftsman in the field they teach. Completing one of these courses qualifies you to assist as well.

I have met students of both correspondence schools and gunsmithing trade school and if in a position to hire either, would not hesitate in doing so.

Some people have family obligations and cannot attend a gunsmithing trade school, The correspondence course was created for this situation. Here the student works at his/her own pace and when time allows, they can sign up at a local trade school to learn machine shop practices and perhaps down the road, hook up with a working gunsmith to fine tune their skills. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Whichever way one goes, they should not let the opportunity fly by without giving it a shot if they are so inclined.

Good luck,

Malm