Advice on getting a foot in the door of the gun industry

[Vorpalis]

About three years ago I finally discovered my calling in life: to design and build firearms. Ever since then, I've been trying to get my foot in the door every chance I get – almost any position would do to start – but so far I've been unsuccessful, so I'm reaching out here for ideas.

I've learned that the gun industry – like the I.T. industry I'm currently in – is woven from personal relationships, not resumes and LinkedIn profiles. I've connected with a few industry people by chance, and followed-up, but nothing has come of these. If I could only make enough of these connections, I know that sooner or later one would "click", but I'm not sure how to go about making that happen.

So, I'm reaching out to any and all of you for ideas or leads: how would you get your foot in the door? I appreciate, sincerely, you taking the time to respond.

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[cooper]

What about " tnw tsw" sorry not sure of exact name. They build slick take down AR glock mags. They are out of Vernonia? Hear they are great folks...maybe even hiring from temp agencies...Maybe a lead...

 

[clearconscience]

What do you do or what are you offering?

Do you just want a job? Or are you wanting to design the next big hit?

If you just have a new idea for a firearm then you would need to get a patent, and create a prototype.

Then go to gun manufacturers and pitch your idea.
But it's all about exposure and creating a buzz.

How many other people have the same need/want?

I would love to get into the industry too.

 

[Stomper]

You need to marry the ugly daughter of some gun magnate... it's the only way.

 

[Medic!]

Sounds like a good way to hate your hobby.

 

[HuckleberryFun]

You need to marry the ugly daughter of some gun magnate... it's the only way.

Just don't marry a Glock. Functional but butt ugly.

 

[Stomper]

That's just glocked up.

 

[Medic!]

About three years ago I finally discovered my calling in life: to design and build firearms. Ever since then, I've been trying to get my foot in the door every chance I get – almost any position would do to start – but so far I've been unsuccessful, so I'm reaching out here for ideas.

I've learned that the gun industry – like the I.T. industry I'm currently in – is woven from personal relationships, not resumes and LinkedIn profiles. I've connected with a few industry people by chance, and followed-up, but nothing has come of these. If I could only make enough of these connections, I know that sooner or later one would "click", but I'm not sure how to go about making that happen.

So, I'm reaching out to any and all of you for ideas or leads: how would you get your foot in the door? I appreciate, sincerely, you taking the time to respond.

OK. You say you found your calling?

So what do you have to bring to the table?

 

[albin25]

Sorry if this seems blunt.
Any actual skills to speak of? Maybe mentioning what you're capable of and producing some examples of what you can do. Do you even know how a gun works? Have you actually designed and then produced something to show us?
Wanting and wishing without proven skills will not open doors.

signed,
Your Dutch Uncle

 

[etrain16]

Check out this thread, some of the info may apply to you - it includes some good info from one of our local gunsmiths and forum member @Velzey:

Gunsmithing - Apprenticeship

 

[Who The F R U]

Don't do it.
Get a real job and do it as a hobby until your hobby turns into a real job.
Then you will be a crusty gun MFG like the rest of us that do it for a living.

This is us:
jnc-manufacturing

 

[CountryGent]

If you don't mind me asking, do you have a working gun design you'd like to turn into a marketable product? There are individuals that are willing to put up capital for viable products. If the answer to the question is in the affirmative, I can understand not wanting to go too far into details on an open forum though.

 

[PDXSparky]

Sounds like a good way to hate your hobby.

That's what it sounds like to me too.

 

[cooper]

Don't do it.
Get a real job and do it as a hobby until your hobby turns into a real job.
Then you will be a crusty gun MFG like the rest of us that do it for a living.

This is us:
jnc-manufacturing




WHATEVER you do stay as far away from TNW as possible, That guy is a crooked POS.

JUST TOURED JNC SITE.....AWESOME. A BOOKMARK

 

[v0lcom13sn0w]

Sounds like a good way to hate your hobby.

exactly. i hate working on cars after im off work

 

[Velzey]

Design and build is the best thing for you to do, so get working on it. Do you already have any ideas or?
You have a good group of folks here to help.