Hey, i'm guessing since your on here you either own a gun shop, or were interested by the question, but either way your here and helpful information is a plus. I am 13 years old and i love hunting and guns. Im not a psycho with guns or anything, im pro guns and pro gun control. I have had the dream of owning a gun shop, because it is a job I would really really love because I would relate with the customers or others at the shop. I was wondering what kind of money it takes to start, what it takes to get a license, or what kind of license I need, what kind of schooling it takes. I plan straight out of highschool to join the army for a few years, i'm doing the 2 year enlistment to help with college and pass time, and keep myself out of trouble. Then when im 21 or 22 start my schooling and work on my license and gunsmith work to get ready for the shop. Any information would be helpful. Thanks in advance.~Silas
2007-12-18 06:09:59 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
You have your work cut out for you. I would suggest you do your stint in the military than look into a good Gunsmithing school. I started my shops 28 years ago while working full time as a Police Officer. I took every course that the police department offered including individual armorers schools offered by the larger firearms manufacturers. Back then it was much easier to get established and I opened my first shop with $60,000 savings and a line of credit at the bank.
Things have changed greatly now with almost constant changes in laws on both the state and federal level. Not only firearms laws, but insurance requirements, liability insurance,locations,record keeping,secure storage, alarm systems etc..The list just goes on and on. The costs have skyrocketed, and you would need major financial backing to start a shop in this day and age. I know I'm blessed to be doing something that I dearly love, but you have to keep an open mind and realize that it is not as easy as it looks. You will sacrifice some things as a result of your goals. It takes a major personal commitment on your part to even get started. Learn as much as you can, and take advantage of ANY educational opportunities that are offered you..Meanwhile start saving your money. And keep aware of all of the politics and laws that will change and have a direct effect on your ability to be successful in the trade.....
2007-12-18 07:04:04 · answer #1 · answered by JD 7 · 10⤊ 2⤋
Like others have mentioned opt to work in a sporting goods store, I worked in the gun section of a sporting good store while in college. Loved it. Good discount, wish I had made more money so I could have bought more.
You can take gunsmithing courses, and get an FFL license and order firearms for people when you are 21 or older if you have no criminal record. Cost $200 for the FFL license.
http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/faq2.htm
If you have guns at your location you need lockable storage in order to maintain your license. You have bookkeeping duties to comply with the regs.
If you want a "Store front" you'll have a bit tougher road to hoe. Rent, utilities, inventory, all can add up to a pretty hefty sum each month.
Do your homework and get a plan, consider working with an older gunsmith and work your way into assuming the business.
2007-12-18 16:16:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
My advice to you would be to try and get a summer job when you reach 16 or 18 at your local gunshop, until then you may want to do some research to exactly what "gun control" laws mean to the rights of every person who legally owns a gun. You claimed to be pro gun control, I really don't think you know what that means, otherwise you wouldn't have said it.
2007-12-18 14:18:45 · answer #3 · answered by boker_magnum 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Not quite sure about the licensing procedures in the US.
But here in the UK, It's about as easy as getting a private audience with the pope.
Even once you have been checked out on the police data base, fire arms officers visit your home to check out the security status of your property.
It took me 9 months to get mine, and i have a clean record, and secure home, good luck.
2007-12-18 14:59:10 · answer #4 · answered by dann_501 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to look at training, the U.S. Army can be of help, if you go into the MOS 45B
You also need to realize that "gun control" in the US is just the route to gun banning, so to support gun control is to oppose gun ownership.
2007-12-18 16:37:47 · answer #5 · answered by Gray Wanderer 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
go to a good gunsmithing school
2007-12-19 00:22:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
lots of money couple hundred thousand dollars
2007-12-18 14:13:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋