August 24, 2011, 02:27 PM | #1 |
Member
Join Date: June 4, 2011
Posts: 38
|
Gunsmith certifications
Is there any way of "testing" into a gunsmith certifications, like a knife maker tests into becoming a journeyman then master smith? Also, has anyone done the AGI program? To be honast, im realy sure what certifications there are for gunsmiths, i assume there are some, more for insurance purposes than anything else, but good repuatation and experience matters more than a piece of paper.
|
August 24, 2011, 03:10 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: February 13, 2006
Location: Washington state
Posts: 15,247
|
All you really need to be a "gunsmith" is an FFL and a sign that says "Gunsmith". Insurance, business license, tax ID, those are all nice to have, but there have been many gunsmiths who have appeared that had none of those. Much like knifemaking, there are industry organizations that offer training, but there is no formal, required certification process. I can become a "master gunsmith" simply by declaring myself to be so.
Reputation (good or bad) counts for some, but you get a reputation by working on guns. Most reputable smiths start out in trade school, an apprenticeship, or working with an experienced smith. When they relocate or start up their own place, they take their reputation with them. If they are any good, they might take a few customers along as well. Many are trained tradesmen (machinists, tool and die makers, mechanics, etc), and fixing guns is just more to their liking so they move into it, or they transition by using their previous skill in a gun shop. And of course, some feel that apprenticeship and training are a waste of time, because they fixed their Uncle Bill's rifle once, and it kinda works OK some of the time, even though it does have that grinder mark across the side where they slipped. If you are looking for a smith, ask around, people will recommend someone they have used before, hopefully with good results.
__________________
Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services |
August 24, 2011, 03:48 PM | #3 |
Member
Join Date: June 4, 2011
Posts: 38
|
I find that a little disapointing, I wanted to one day be able to be a "master gunsmith" however, if all it takes is a sign and an FFL, it kind of takes away from the title. Maybe i'll look into getting my FFL, save money on transfers if nothing else.
|
August 24, 2011, 06:04 PM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 8, 2000
Location: SLC,Utah
Posts: 2,704
|
Be aware that BATF requires you to use that FFL for a legitimate business. If your location requires a business to have a business license, resale tax number, business zoning, etc., you'll have to jump through those hoops also to procure the FFL. Unless, of course, you just get a 03FFL as a collector of Curios and Relics.
|
August 24, 2011, 06:14 PM | #5 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: December 17, 2005
Location: Swamp dweller
Posts: 6,187
|
Quote:
__________________
NRA Life Member, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, NRA Certified Pistol Instructor,, USPSA & Steel Challange NROI Range Officer, ICORE Range Officer, ,MAG 40 Graduate As you are, I once was, As I am, You will be. |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|