Armory Sponsor
Posted: 4/24/2013 1:49:59 PM EDT
I have been repairing and cleaning firearms for friends and fam. I have decided to start a business, and have everything registered. That is the easy part, the scary bit is the fact this is becoming more real. I love firearms, and I enjoy working on them even more. The problem is, I have a hard time figuring out a plan. I'm looking at all the possibilities, and equipment, machines, and tools out there. I need advice from people who understand, and have been here.  Please HELP!!! |
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My SOP when I got into doing this as a business vs. a hobby was this:
#1 Do not take in any work that you are not equipped to handle, whether that be from the tooling or knowledge category. #2 The second time you are asked to take on a job you have previously turned down (see #1) then seriously consider that as a sign that you need to learn and become equipped to do the job , especially if the ROI can be covered in a reasonable time frame. (Really specialized work such as metal refinishing, etc. is an exception in my case, I don’t plan to get into that but do take it in and farm it out to others that do refinishing as a full time). #3 Always do your best work. The” I don’t care how it looks as long as it works” approach may satisfy the customer that wants it fixed quick and cheap - but the next person that sees the finished product will take that as an example of your normal level of quality. |
| It takes time... I started a small custom shop that I run out of my garage, and I just slowly collect tools and equipment. Usually, based on what job I'm doing at that time. For "practice parts" I went through some of my personal collecting and fiddled with them. Sometimes, you can run across non-functional firearms through GunBroker or similar companies. Biggest thing is don't get discouraged. You'll have good and bad days (sometimes several of each in a row). |
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Is there a way to get busted parts to practice on? I have seen guys selling firearms for very cheap that have been through fires. I think if you can get an in, or find an auction from, insurance companies who deal with damaged guns you might find parts on the cheap. |
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There is just so much that can be done, sometimes it's hard to find a good solid starting point!  Out of all the tools out there which should be a must? (Aside from the basics. I have files, drivers etc. Im talking a out the most versatile to this profession. WTB ads in EE. Trash guns at scrap metal prices. Plenty of guns for buybacks that way, too. |
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When you get in over your head, when you get a firearm problem that you're clearly not qualified to deal with, the best thing to do is to swallow your pride and take it to someone who you know can do it right.
Be honest with all involved. The guy who does the work will probably appreciate that you recognized his talent in that particular field, and the gun's owner will appreciate that you cared enough about the job to take it to the best guy available to deal with that particular issue. You might not make any money on that particular job,but at least it won't cost you undue time, money and possibly customers and most importantly, your reputation. Screwing up a customer's gun will always cost you something... |
| A few things that have not been discussed, # 1 Get a good software program for your book keeping needs.( Know what Return On Investment is for example) #2 Invest in some of the NRA Gunsmithing Guides that have the parts break down diagrams etc. # 3 Have a good place to work. (Note in some states / cities you can not sell guns from home or have a retail business in a non retail zone). #4 Trigger jobs can = money but some times they = getting sued so use off the shelf parts when ever possible.( Yes you can alter the trigger pull for YOUR firearms but you can not sue yourself, you can be sued for doing the trigger job for some one else even if it's correct and the shooter make an error). #4 Even the on line classes like Penn Foster are worth some money to increase your knowledge base but real in class instruction is priceless. For example the online class can tell you about working on a fire arm but until you do the work you might not know how to do it.#5 Get some insurance from the NRA to cover your shop in the event that something goes wrong ( See #4). #6 Some colleges have classes on how to run a small business or go to the local Small Business Administration guys, they know a lot of information on how to manage your business and keep you form going broke.#7 The local college might not have a Gunsmithing class but should have some on machine tool technology or welding classes etc. #7 When you have a resale permit never pay retail for tools , equipment etc. The companies should ask for your number before you order and give you a discount. |
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Let me give you a suggestion that REALLY helped me when working on firearms. Go to your local community college and take as many of these particular classes as you can. Technical Math 1 and 2 ( known here as GTC 107 and GTC 108 ) Machining theory and processes ( GTC-102 ) Introduction to Machine Trades Blueprint Reading ( known here as DFT 114 ) Properties of Materials ( GTC-216 ) Manufacturing Welding ( GTC 129 ) These classes are a GREAT introduction ( and ONLY an introduction ) into SOME of the theory and processes that are involved in manufacturing. Let me put it to you this way.....almost all of the greatest gunsmiths in the U.S. today are trades machinists FIRST and gunsmiths second. The more you know about manufacturing....the more you will be able to apply EFFECTIVE solutions to problems you WILL encounter in gunsmithing. |
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Quoted:
A few things that have not been discussed, # 1 Get a good software program for your book keeping needs.( Know what Return On Investment is for example) #2 Invest in some of the NRA Gunsmithing Guides that have the parts break down diagrams etc. # 3 Have a good place to work. (Note in some states / cities you can not sell guns from home or have a retail business in a non retail zone). #4 Trigger jobs can = money but some times they = getting sued so use off the shelf parts when ever possible.( Yes you can alter the trigger pull for YOUR firearms but you can not sue yourself, you can be sued for doing the trigger job for some one else even if it's correct and the shooter make an error). #4 Even the on line classes like Penn Foster are worth some money to increase your knowledge base but real in class instruction is priceless. For example the online class can tell you about working on a fire arm but until you do the work you might not know how to do it.#5 Get some insurance from the NRA to cover your shop in the event that something goes wrong ( See #4). #6 Some colleges have classes on how to run a small business or go to the local Small Business Administration guys, they know a lot of information on how to manage your business and keep you form going broke.#7 The local college might not have a Gunsmithing class but should have some on machine tool technology or welding classes etc. #7 When you have a resale permit never pay retail for tools , equipment etc. The companies should ask for your number before you order and give you a discount. Good info above One other point about #7 above (the last #7  ) , Be sure you , or your accountant, understands local and state tax laws. For instance in Kentucky while I can buy equipment, tools, supplies that may not be for resale without paying "sales tax" I am still liable for paying “use tax” to the state on that item. If you are going to expense the item be sure the.gov gets their share because they will be watching.
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