[patrilogical]

I'm a fairly young person, but I've found that I have a strong passion for firearms.
How would I, if possible, achieve an apprenticeship for a gunsmith in Southern California?

[Dillinger]

Do you know any gunshops or gunsmiths in your area?

[patrilogical]

I live near Norco, CA. Which is pretty much cowboy/gun lover territory. I can easily find one.
I guess the first step I should take is ask around the range I shoot at!

[Dillinger]

There you go. Ask around. See if someone is looking for some part time help. Don't expect to get a lot, if any, pay to start with. You are going to start at the bottom and the bottom might not be what you are expecting.

Just know that if you start down this road, it becomes a day to day event where you are wrong about what you thought, wrong about what you think, wrong about what you were just about to do.

And then you will start to learn what the smith is trying to teach you and it will wet your appetite.

Then you are going to hate that you can't learn "enough" to please your 'smith.

And that is when you are going to get really good. But it isn't going to happen overnight.

Just keep that in mind....

JD

[patrilogical]

Thank you. I realize that I will start of with little or absolutely no pay.

But I'm willing. I've looked a couple up on the internet and contacted them about apprenticeships.

If I obtain one or find more information about one I'll just post it in this thread.

[kdog]

As I heard, the german gunsmith school (yes, that is here in germany) still has open spaces.
I expect it would be a three year apprenticeship, but you would learn a hole lot about good german craftsmanship and a training for life.

I don`t know if they take any foreigners and as I read you don`t get any pay, but what you would get, is one of the best job trainings as a gunsmith there is.

Send them an email and ask.

Büchsenmacherschule Suhl

[stalkingbear]

I'd recommend you go through a on campus gunsmithing trade school program 1st. Then when you get out you'll be a lot better apprentice and will need less instruction. Your apprenticeship will be a lot shorter too.

[Patrick Sperry]

Originally Posted by stalkingbear

I'd recommend you go through a on campus gunsmithing trade school program 1st. Then when you get out you'll be a lot better apprentice and will need less instruction. Your apprenticeship will be a lot shorter too.

I can very highly recommend the Colorado School of Trades, and, if money and time permit, attending the Pueblo Junior College Gunsmithing program. Student loans and grants are available for both. My stepson went through both, and then went into the Army. He was an 11 BPG, with a secondary MOS of 45B. He's one hell of a Gunsmith now. So, what does he do for a living? Drives a truck for Werner's! LOL! He says that when he grows up (He is 35) he is going to be a Gunsmith, imagine that!

If you are stuck in California there used to be a program that helped to pay for apprenticeships there, check with your local Junior College Financial Aid Office.

Good luck on your chosen profession!

[superc]

I second the Colorado School. I have looked at their curriculum and think highly of it (Oh to be that young again..)

[Patrick Sperry]

Originally Posted by superc

I second the Colorado School. I have looked at their curriculum and think highly of it (Oh to be that young again..)

I hear ya"! I have taken a few of the short, or specialized courses. No, despite what your Drill Sergeant said? Your weapon really is not clean! There is no "average man" when it comes to fitting a Shotgun, or rifle either.
I also did a few other courses there.

Am I a "Gunsmith?" Like say bear, and a very few others here?

NOPE