When I went to gunsmithing school the first time (CST) my machining background played a pivotal role in my success. However it was only a foundation and a set of skills that were part of the package.
I showed up there with the idea in my head that 'All I needed was a piece of paper.' The wind calmed and the sails went flat.
When I finished up a two year degree at MCC, I showed up at the door with a list of things I WANTED to know and NEEDED to know.
I benefited greatly, took my time and learned a great deal.
Great machinists don't always make the best gunsmiths and vice versa. Rifle builders and gunsmiths are two different animals.
Rifle building from a machinists' standpoint is primarily machining once the concept and the foundation are understood.
Drop off an LC Smith at a rifle builder's shop and tell them you want it restored, or take them a malfunctioning Browning A-5 and wait for the head scratching to begin.
Gunsmithing and rifle building are both apples, but they are are different colors and levels of sweet.
That's probably more like .05 than .02, but that is my observations from the past 18 years. [/quote
I agree. A gunsmith can do a lot more than build rifles. I also know a few that went to gunsmith school, been in business for over 20 years, and can't do a decent bedding job. If you have a hard core interest in something, you will learn it. Formal school, or not. I'm not a gunsmith. Far from it, but when I wanted to learn to build rifles, I learned the hard way. Today there are many that have been in business a lot longer than I was, and don't build them any better.
My point is, that if a school is available, go to it. It will save you time, and sometimes money. However, if it's not, and you really want it, there are alternatives. As said above, the internet is full of info, but it's up to you to decide what is correct, and what is not. Best of luck.
