Thread: How to start gunsmithing

Hello I am only 14 and wanting to get into gunsmithing I have a drill press,and a very good lathe just don’t know how to use it,I have basic wood/metal working tools and knowledge in disassembling and working of a firearm,how do I start gunsmithing more in-depth how should I start.

I would see if there is a local high school that does night classes. See if they'll accept you.

With luck they may do a course that uses a lathe.

Number one rule about tools is that if you don't know how to use it don't touch it.

If you had something old and not very valuable. Then I'd check out midway USA videos and see if you could bed the action. Pillar bed the stock. Refinish the stock with boiled linseed oil etc.

One gun smith I know was asked this question and his reply was; Find a trade that will help with Gun smithing. Something such as fitting / turning or fine engineering. etc. Use that as your trade and industry the develop those skills to do the same tasks in Gun smithing. The reason is Gun smithing is a passion that will not make money. Use the engineering skills to fund your passion as your passion will not fund you. Then enjoy your life. It is far to short to waste. He was a armourer in the armed forces and had other engineering tickets (Boiler maker, welder , fitting and Turning or similar) All of his other trades were his income and his Gun shop was a hobby that he spent his money on. And if you follow politics, it seems that the govt is working hard to try make sure all gun smiths will be unemployed in teh future...(They dont want us to have them)

Got yeah I’m not gonna ever touch it know people who can use em,just need to get them motivated to show me

Ie dads 303 with shot out barrel����

First up which will really help with your skill set is get some really good flat files and learn to file square ie flat to the surface.
My gunsmith who is now a member of the gunmakers guild in London this was his first job to learn before he was even let lose to learn how to make and build guns.
Spend ever evening doing this and you will soon get the hang of it. You can then move forward to the next skill set. It like a carpenter learning how to hit nails.
Good luck

as you say your only 14.... so look for an engineering w/shop and ask if you can come sweep the floors after school.... theres your foot in the door when your ready to leave school you may have earned yourself an apprenticeship in one of the trades mentioned above....... get a driver licence and firearms licence as soon as you can after you turn 16 the rest is time and experience @timattalon nailed it with his post

Get yourself trained in a trade such as Fitting and Turn, Fitter Welder, Tool Maker etc.
The rest will follow once the foundation skills behind being a Gun Smith are learnt and practiced.

Good Luck.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Teach yourself how to use the lathe.

There are several excellent YouTube resources. Abom79 is one I would recommend.

Start off by using the lathe to make some tools. A spring loaded tap follower is a good starter project. Then make a headstock spider to hold and center barrels at the outboard end.

Save up your pocket money and buy the best measuring tools you can afford. Accurate measuring is the basis for all prescision machining.

A nice cheap way to increase your skills is learning how to grind HSS tool bits. Buy several blanks and grind bits for a variety of materials and types of turning. It is a skill that will help you for the rest of your life.

Welcome young fellah. Some good advice above.

It is very important that you get some basic engineering training. High school or polytech is a good grounding, a part-time gopher in a precision engineering shop is also very good. Learn the basics before you start doing much on your lathe. Mistakes with that can be very very expensive, or downright dangerous! Gas and TIG welding skills are also valuable. The ability to use all hand tools is paramount (engineering and carpentry). Try making various things (not necessarily gun related) out of wood and metal, taking particular care on fit and function. Take mechanical things apart and reassemble them so they still work (clocks, door locks, small engines, etc) as this will enhance your ability to understand mechanisms and diagnose problems. Finally, don't be put off by people! Follow your dream and strive for excellence. After 50 years as a gunsmith I can assure you that there are many more lucrative jobs, but I wouldn't change a minute of my life!

I see you are in Southland which is not too far from me. Give me a PM and you can come and visit and I can give you some pointers.

Ph the NZ Army recruiters and ask about becoming an Armorer in the Territorials. I am guessing you can do TF while still at school when you turn 16

Originally Posted by gundoc

I see you are in Southland which is not too far from me. Give me a PM and you can come and visit and I can give you some pointers.

Nice one.
If was a bit more local to me I'd give him some pointers on the lathe.
Just learning the basics of setting up a 4 jaw chuck is a good start.
then its sharpening tools and drills before you start getting machining time.