Is Gunsmithing a lucratve Business?

Well, its sounds like you are in a good position to try to enter the field. (Meaning you can live without any additional income, for a while).

Now, there are alot of "lousy" gunsmiths out there so be prepared to do absolutely the best possible work you can. Word of mouth is the best advertising you can get (Speaking from experience, although not in the gunsmithing business). When buying tools and equipment, balance the cost against the potential earnings. Don't buy equipment that'll only be used occasional. Overhead is a killer (again speaking from experience.) This may mean that you cannot do certain jobs, on occasion, but that's OK.

Of all the successful gunshops in my area, the ONLY ones that have been around for more than a few years, are the ones that have top-notch gunsmiths. There's little money in selling guns (too competitive), a bit more in selling accesories (but that requires a substantial inventory). But a really good gunsmith around here, is worth his weight in gold.

Now, with most of these guys, they'll do a simple job (<10 minutes) for free. Because they know when I need something more major, I be back. A goof policy IMO.
 
Dfaugh and SRG I am good in my present field now, highly respected among peers. I always have earned the respect for my workmanship in the trades. I was once called a loser in my knockabout years 18-21, and man did it hurt because I was a loser. Ever since then I always went the extra mile in "learning the trades" and that carried over into helping my fellow man. I help the fellow man always. Having talent and being good in the trades doesn't mean that you will be sucessful in business, this is well known. I have a gift in teaching and inspiring midcareer soldiers to do what I did in the Army and certainly changed many lives around in doing so. My passion is my hands nonetheless. I can tear apart allison transmissions and put them back together. Cummins Engines, same way. General motors 4L80-Electronic transmissions are a breeze. I got into the electrical field while in the Army even though I wasn't required and got a thorough understanding in that field. I love welding fcaw and gas, iron working as well I am sure I can apply some of these skill into gunsmithing. I work a little in metalurgy as well. Al Nasiryia Iraq (Jessica Lynch) was a disaster for a convoy because that convoy broke down and got attacked by Iraq troops. Soldiers got killed and the leadership failed them in every way " I will not elaborate why". This is why it is my passion to teach mid career soldiers how to trouble shoot and fix equipment.
The Ordnance Center and School is moving and I am considering Gunsmithing.
 
Wow

A transmission shop earns a heck of a lot more money than gunsmithing does. A small shop in the back yard could earn you enough money to be very happy with if that is what you are after.

There is no reason why you cannot be successful at gunsmithing. Successful has different meanings to lots of different people. A lot of smiths are successful at doing a good job on the work they do and are still broke most of the time, but they are happy doing the work they do so they are successful in life. Some actually turn a dime or two over each month and some actually make enough to survive for years and are happy with that. I wouldn't go into it blindly nor would I want anyone to tell you that the field is wide open without knowing it can be a tough business to break into.

The one thing you have going for yourself is the pension you will be drawing will be your main income. I was in the same boat myself and it most likely allowed me a lot more leeway when I first got started. Yes, you can pay the bills with the income from gunsmithing, but you may need help along the way. As my Grandmother used to say, the only thing for you to do is rear your ears back and dive in headfirst to find out if you can make it. Best of luck with it!

I still say a man with your skills would be better off sticking to what he knows best, but this is you we are talking about so I think you can do it with the skills that you have.
 
"...an entry level gunsmith?..." They have a very difficult time finding a job and the pay is low. Just like any other FNG in any trade. Nobody wants an inexperienced worker. And pay very close attention to what Jim says.
Mind you, you will also find that most companies will fall all over themselves to hire an experienced military guy.
Talk to the guys you know who are already retired. They're your best source for the 'infamous' non-advertised job market. As sad as it is, who you know is more important than what you know on civvy street.
 
T.O'heir Quoted

"...an entry level gunsmith?..." They have a very difficult time finding a job and the pay is low. Just like any other FNG in any trade. Nobody wants an inexperienced worker.
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I can "entry level" circles around any FNG and that includes more than a few trades


Talk to the guys you know who are already retired. They're your best source for the 'infamous' non-advertised job market. As sad as it is, who you know is more important than what you know on civvy street
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Networking is good, I'd rather base it on reputation rather than hobnobbing with like minded people sometimes. I can personally tell you that there is a healthy percentage of untrained Retired military out there now. You can lob a mean grenade but it doesn't translate too well on the civilian market. Infamous is a term often used superfllously . It's usually applied to a single person for gaining notariety using negative public attention. (Cato Kaitlin) did I spell his name right. If I wanted to lob grenades for 20 years I would have done it.
 
Networking is good, I'd rather base it on reputation rather than hobnobbing with like minded people sometimes. I can personally tell you that there is a healthy percentage of untrained Retired military out there now.
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Yeah. Speaking as a business owner, they're all going to do better than you are. Reputation is a maintenance and an exit strategy, not an entry strategy.


You can lob a mean grenade but it doesn't translate too well on the civilian market.
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Yes. You're making that quite clear.

Good luck.
 
U.S. FSC RET:

As a fifteen-year self-employed entrapraneaur, I have created and sold a successfull business that will be ten years old next year, defying the odds.
There is nothing sweeter than having the marketplace vindicate your efforts by the sale of your business.

Your pension income will make you a fierce competitor. Unlike your competition, you will not have to make money, a wonderful luxury.

GO FOR IT! Do not listen to nay-sayers, wife and/or family especially. These work-a-day schmucks will always come up with all kinds of reasons why you shouldn't take a reasonable risk. Ignore them like the plague.

Let's say you go for it and flop. You lose a little money. So what, you'll make more. You had fun. You learned a lot. But best of all, when you're 85 years old you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you gave it your best shot. Priceless.

Kowboy
 
Jammer Six I couldn't agree with you more. No offence to lobbing a mean grenade, we need those kind of guys. You should of heard the squalling and crying during the first gulf war build up, the staff needed guys to do the killing to get there.
 
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