Gunsmiths, how did you get started?

[Kimio]

This may sound like a silly question, but I was wondering how many of you garage gun smiths and professional gun smiths got started.

I've entertained the idea of just getting into the trade, maybe not as a source of income, but more so as a hobby. Did it start off with you just performing some DIY projects on your own guns, or did you sign up for an apprenticeship with a local smith?

I love firearms, I love learning and tinkering, though what holds me back the most from trying out any sort of intricate work is the utter lack of knowledge I have on the subject and the fear that I'd irrevocably screw something up on one of my guns. Not to mention the current lack of tools of course.

So if those of you who practice this art, may I ask how your humble beginnings, well, began?

 

[Dfariswheel]

There's a big difference between doing hobby work on your own guns, and doing work on someone else's guns.
Whether you take money from someone to work on their gun or not, all the same standards and hazards apply as if you were working in a big gunsmithing shop.

Botch YOUR gun and you have no one to blame but yourself, and no one to explain anything to.
Botch someone else's gun and you have to explain to them. This can range from an abject apology to being sued.

To start off on hobby work, I recommend buying one of the Jerry Kuhnhausen shop manuals on a gun you own.
STUDY the manual, then use it to disassemble your gun and learn how it works.

Then attempt a simple gunsmithing job like installing a new mainspring housing or trigger in a 1911, or a trigger spring kit in a revolver.
As you become more familiar with the gun, attempt higher level jobs like installing a safety in a 1911 or a different front sight in a revolver.
Learning how to strip and refinish a wood stock, or correct the fit of wood grips on a revolver are not hard and boost your skills and knowledge.

From there, you just work your way up to more complex jobs as you feel comfortable.
You buy tools as you learn that you need them.