Rising Gunsmith Needs Help!

[Coup]

Greetings folks.

I'm a new cookie to this jar and it seems you all look like good folks to me - I do appreciate a place I can talk amongst the local population and not the handful of people on the east coast as I typically end up speaking with. Anyhow, I was curious about something.

I've taken an interest in Gunsmithing ever since I acquired my first rifle, loving very much to disassemble and reassemble the dear thing until I knew each part by heart. Even tried doing it blindfolded and got most of the way there! Anyhow, after enrolling in the self-taught course in which the tools and lessons are mailed to you (not any 'classes' around this place I could attend that I am aware of) and twiddling with a new rifle I had purchased, it donned on me that I really wont know as much as I should when it comes to firearms unless I become an apprentice with someone who really knows their stuff. I just am not as mechanically inclined as my father is, and really need someone who knows what they are doing to show me the method behind the text - I am very much a visual learner.

Does anyone know of gunsmiths willing to take on apprentices or someplace I could attend in Denton or the DFW area that would teach me everything I needed to know about Gunsmithing in the hands of an experienced teacher?

[Coup]

No one knows?

[asleepatthereel]

Good question Coup. I would be interested if there are any in the Houston area as well. Have you tried calling a 'smith and asking where his/her training was?

Theres some good reading at www.theboxotruth.com

[Coup]

There is one in Ponder but he says he wont take apprenticeships. I think I might ask around and see where the local smiths got their training - that's a good point. Thanks for the advice. :)

Anyone else have anything else to add?

[frankie_the_yankee]

If thre's a large gun dealer in your area that has a big gunsmithing operation going on, you might try to get an entry level job as a helper or something.

McBride's here in Austin seems to be such a place. there always seem to be 2 or 3 people in the gunsmithing department on any given day. I figure there has to be one or more places like that in The Big D area.

Your training should help you at the entry level.

Don't expect to get lucky the first try. You might have to keep pounding on this for a while before you get a "hit".

Good luck.

[Tactical_Texan_CHL]

Check into Gander Mountain. I know they have gunsmiths on site in many of their stores. Maybe you could get a job at the gun counter and help out the 'smith from time to time?

[Charles L. Cotton]

The NRA sponsors a mini-gunsmith school every year. I think it's during the summer, but I'm not sure. It may be worth a call to the NRA HQ to find out. Not only would the course be helpful, it would give you the opportunity to talk to the instructors about an apprenticeship in your area. Maybe they could give you some leads

Chas.

[Coup]

Wow guys, thanks. That's really helpful. I'll look into it. :)