Where to seek mentorship and opportunities
- This topic has 3 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 1 month, 2 weeks ago by
.
-
Posts
-
Hello everyone,
A smige about me; I’m an Army vet, in my second year of machining, and a lifelong woodworker.
As the title suggests, I’m looking for opportunities for mentorship and growing in the craft. Specifically interested in fine rifles.
Obviously this alone leaves things fairly open ended, but I think it’s a good place to start the conversation.
Thanks yall!
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
I appreciate your input Dave!
This sparks additional thoughts that perhaps a Smith or company may be looking to add more manpower to their operation. I know most smiths are a one man band, so it’s probably a long shot to think I’ll be able to find one willing to take on an apprentice. But you miss every shot you don’t take!
Regardless of those possibilities, I’d love to try to utilize this forum to network and get to know some of the guys and gals in the business.
-Brayten
Hi Brayten, you can check out our Professional members in your area on on website here: https://acgg.org/member-directory/
Maybe one of them might be interested in an apprenticeship or can point you in the right direction!
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.