I have often wanted to pursue a career, or a sideline being a gunsmith/stockmaker. I really enjoy fixing things and I like woodworking. I know that you can't learn everything from a book and working with a good Smith can provide piles of real world knowledge. I live fairly close to San Antonio and was wondering if there were any gunsmithing classes available. I've looked at the community college websites and can't seem to find anything. I'm not looking to start this next week or anything, I just wanted to cast a line and see what kind of info ya'll have.
I know that I don't post very often at all, but I thought what better place to ask.

Thanks

I looked into a gunsmithing school up in Nebraska somewhere. It's a fairly short class (two weeks I think) you get some tools and in the class you build a custom 1911 for yourself.

I was wondering the same thing always had a passion for guns and I am in the dfw.

Lots of people are interested in gunsmithing. But the facts are that it generally doesn't pay very well (at first) and you are more than likely going to need a gun store to work out of to help drum up business. I'm pretty sure the school many smiths go to is in Colorado. It might be the school of Mines.

It's Trinidad Junior College. The closest one is Murray State in OKI:LAHOMA.

Most are two year programs. They usually offer some week or two week courses, but they are very specialized, not a complete gunsmith course in two weeks. I have been doing it for 20+. have been to numerous schools and trainings and armorers courses (law enforcement). I still need to learn a lot...

Thanks for all the responses. If that is the case about the schools, I guess I should probably dismiss the idea for now. I wasn't really looking to get rich with it, just more of a hobby or so. Actually, I would really like to do custom stocks, but I would need the gunsmith training to get the action/barrel fit up right.
I remember back in the 80's there used to be a commercial with that blonde haired lady about "learning at home" jobs. I think gunsmithing was one of them. Even back then I knew that didn't make sense. Now I will stick my neck out on this one, but what about online training. Haven't even looked for it, and probably won't. Just wanted to some thoughts on the matter.

Depending on what you want to do in gunsmithing, its like being a doctor, be a specialist. I don't know ANY gunsmiths that do everything...usually woodworkers go one way, machinist the other, and repair/technicians are the ugly step children...as far as gunsmiths go.

If there is a reputable smith near you, talk to them. They might be willing to start someone part time cleaning/testing guns, intake of customers guns, etc. Then have a idea where you want to specialize, then make use of special week or two schools, manufacturers schools, etc.

Hi
I'm new to this forum, been reading /luring for a while now and picked up alot of good info eventhough I've been a hunter for over 35 years. In reply to JaredM, I've heard there is a decent gunsmith school in Prescot, AZ. They offer a 1 and 2 year program. Stinger is right, the Colorado School is also a good choice, been training in gunsmithing for over 100 years, or so they say. Unfortunately, there are no schools here in Texas as far as I've heard. I wouldn't mind gettin some schoolin myself.

WTexSPA
---------------

"Aim small.......miss small" The Patriot

Sig226fan mentioned Murray State. It's in Tishomingo, OK. They offer 1 & 2 week specialized courses, as well as a 2 year full Gunsmithing course. Google "gunsmith schools" and Murray State is among the top results.