Question from the new guy

rbs · July 20, 2006, 09:34 AM

Hey folks, I just joined the forum. The threads look good so far. I have a question about home study gunsmithing courses. I'm fixin to retire so I want to do something I like. There is not a resident course any where close. Any recommendations?

KSFreeman · July 20, 2006, 09:39 AM

Welcome to TFL!

Have you checked out AGI's dvds?

Majic · July 20, 2006, 07:14 PM

Unless you are a machinist or have one willing to teach you machine shop equipment then forget it. That is not something you can learn from a book or video. You also need to learn to use precision measuring instruments. They require a touch that also is not learned in a book.

Wyo Cowboy · July 20, 2006, 08:11 PM

I wouldn't go as far as Majic, but trying to learn gunsmithing from a book or video is like trying to learn how to fly the same way. You might have the concept, but the landing will be "interesting" at best. A number of colleges and vo-tech schools offer machining and/or gunsmithing courses. These won't make you a master smith but get you started and get you above the "garage gunsmith" level. I do have a few of AGI's video courses. Their great for seeing the finer points of a full strip and re-assemble of various firearms. But they sure haven't taught me much about advanced gunsmithing. What little I do know (and I do mean LITTLE) came from learning at the table of a master, which, of course is really the best way. Best wishes to you, don't give up the dream!

July 20, 2006, 09:34 AM	#1
rbs Member Join Date: July 20, 2006 Location: The Heart of Dixie Posts: 31	Question from the new guy Hey folks, I just joined the forum. The threads look good so far. I have a question about home study gunsmithing courses. I'm fixin to retire so I want to do something I like. There is not a resident course any where close. Any recommendations?

July 20, 2006, 09:39 AM	#2
KSFreeman Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2001 Location: Lafayette, Indiana--American-occupied America Posts: 5,418	Welcome to TFL! Have you checked out AGI's dvds? __________________ "Arguments of policy must give way to a constitutional command." Payton v. New York, 445 U.S. 573, 602 (1980).

July 20, 2006, 07:14 PM	#3
Majic Senior Member Join Date: May 24, 2004 Posts: 3,888	Unless you are a machinist or have one willing to teach you machine shop equipment then forget it. That is not something you can learn from a book or video. You also need to learn to use precision measuring instruments. They require a touch that also is not learned in a book.

July 20, 2006, 08:11 PM	#4
Wyo Cowboy Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 2005 Location: Northern Wyoming Posts: 343	I wouldn't go as far as Majic, but trying to learn gunsmithing from a book or video is like trying to learn how to fly the same way. You might have the concept, but the landing will be "interesting" at best. A number of colleges and vo-tech schools offer machining and/or gunsmithing courses. These won't make you a master smith but get you started and get you above the "garage gunsmith" level. I do have a few of AGI's video courses. Their great for seeing the finer points of a full strip and re-assemble of various firearms. But they sure haven't taught me much about advanced gunsmithing. What little I do know (and I do mean LITTLE) came from learning at the table of a master, which, of course is really the best way. Best wishes to you, don't give up the dream!