Are there any practicing gunsmiths out there?

[Jstpssng]

Just a curiosity question; unfortunately they seem to be a dying breed. I don't know of ANY in this area who's under 60; and the guy I've gone to for years, recently had to retire when his eyesight failed.

This guy was good, too. He could look at any gun I brought and tell me what year they started and stopped production; which years had what parts; and pretty much knew what was wrong with it before he took it apart. Last year he put a peep sight and fibre optics on my 336 Marlin; without even boresighting, he set it dead on. It wasn't until later that I found out he did it all by feel and familiarity; he couldn't see, even then. Unfortunately most of the best talents these days are out fixing computers instead of firearms.

 

[MadReferee]

Contact Larry Carter. He is in Gray, Maine 207-657-4559 for a recommendation if you need a good riflesmith. He is mainly a competition pistol gunsmith and is the USA distributor and factory warranty center for Hammerli and Pardini. Larry's website is www.larrysguns.com .

 

[Jstpssng]

I started this thread mostly as a lament for what seems to be a dying breed... imagine my surprise when just 3 days later, the nearby newspaper did a writeup on the same subject.

Here's a brief summary; </font><font color="blue" class="small">( ...To the 84-year-old gunsmith, it may be a collectible, or a historic artifact or, at the very least, the jumping-off point for yet another meandering (and likely hilarious) story.

Bill Morrison is among the most skilled gunsmiths in the region ... )</font>

I don't know how long it'll be valid, but click below for a link
http://www.bangordailynews.com/news/templates/?a=126108 to the rest of the article.
I hope you find it as entertaining as I did.

 

[HGM]

It does seem to be a dying art. We have a couple around here and only one has good recomendations. I wonder if those "class'" that they advertise in gun mag's are any good. I wouldnt mind taking it up as a hobby for myself and friends. Might be something to think about. It's not rocket science and no one will take the same care of your guns like you would...

 

[MadReferee]

Back in the 80's I used to do quite a bit of gunsmith work for locals and friends. When the volume became more than I wanted to handle I stopped advertising and now just do minor repairs and accurizing for people I know.

If you want to do this as a hobby think long and hard about it. First there is the liability issue, even your own friends will sue if you screw up and the cost of insurance is in the stratosphere. Second is the fact that you need an FFL if you keep any firearm overnight. Third is the specialized tools you will need. Just take a look at the Brownells catalog and start adding up what it will take. I have over $10,000 worth of specialized tools just for gunsmithing.

Finally, make sure you are zoned for this type of "hobby". Getting the FFL will require a visit to the local town fathers and Chief of Police and they will quickly figure out what you are going to do.

MadReferee, owner
Perham Corner Competition Services
Firearms Services since 1984
Specializing in Estate Liquidations

 

[HGM]

Hmmm... Hadnt though of it quite that way, guess its our wonderful "sue everyone" system... I had thought about getting an FFL in the past to make purchases easier and alow me to get some collectables that arent allowed to the average joe. Guess I do need to look into it a bit further. Thanks for the info..

 

[MadReferee]

You will find it difficult to get a normal FFL if you are not a "real" business. The ATF frowns upon issuing licenses to people just so they can acquire firearms for themselves.

If you are only interested in collectables, then you want a Curio and Relic FFL. The requirements are less restrictive and I don't believe that you need to deal with the local town authorities.

You can go to the ATF web site FAQ's and get most answers. See Section I regarding gunsmithing activities and Section G regarding collectors licenses.

ATF web site FAQ index

 

[HGM]

cool, thanks..

 

[JeffRey30747]

<font color="blue"> "If you are only interested in collectables, then you want a Curio and Relic FFL. The requirements are less restrictive and I don't believe that you need to deal with the local town authorities." </font>

The C&R requirements are more relaxed and allow hobbyists to purchase items on the C&R list (for your own collection - not for resale or any type of business activity). The cost is $30 every three years instead of $300 every three years. ATF does require that you send the local chief law enforcement official a copy of your application but you needn't deal directly with them. I have a C&R. It is worth it's cost solely to get the trade discount at Brownell's and MidwayUSA.

Jeff

 

[MadReferee]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The cost is $30 every three years instead of $300 every three years)</font>

Not quite right. The renewal fee for a Type 01 Dealer in Firearms other than Destructive Devices license (a "regular" FFL) is only $90 for 3 years. I know because I just renewed mine.