Reply To: Where to seek mentorship and opportunities
Hello Mauserguy ,I didn’t catch your name? You are correct this is a good place to start. I will try to give you the best advice I can.
Start by building 3 or 4 rifles or shotguns doing the best you can. Then call or write to any high-quality gunsmith or gunmaker within driving distance and ask if you could bring the examples of your work to have him look at them and give you advice. Visiting a gun show to show your work to an existing gunsmith for advice would have the advantage of meeting on neutral ground. This gives the gunsmith a chance to judge your work and possibilities, it also gives you the chance face to face to start building a friendly relationship with the gunsmith.
Most any gunsmith I have ever known has always been willing to give advice when they can actually see your work and hold it in their hand. Put in the work, make the effort, build a relationship – and then ask for ‘in shop’ how to help , then go from there.
There are two other ways – 1. Offer at least $750.00 a day for personal in shop tutorials. 2. Go to one of the 10 gunsmithing schools.
Good luck with your quest, I know we all would appreciate knowing your name.
Dave