Any schools with a gunsmithing program in Western Washington?

[MANollette]

Figured I'd ask here-I can't find any information on the subject, and the closest school with a full fledged program that I can find is in California. I worked with weapons a good deal during my time in the military (though I wasn't an armorer) and I'd like to follow up on that quite a bit. Anyone have any idea?

[addicted]

I'm interested in what you come up with. 

[Swannytheswan]

I don't know but I would try to get on at a good Gun shop that does that sort of thing and get some experience there also most of it is machining so a machining program would help you gain some of the skills you need.

[MANollette]

I'll keep that in mind if nothing else does come up, thanks. And I was looking into an apprenticeship or some form of work at a gun shop or sporting goods store, but I'd like to be a good deal more knowledgeable before I make my attempt at that.

[Swannytheswan]

I know renton has a good machining program

[bobcat]

Maybe check with Olympic Arms in Olympia.   

[6x6in6]

I think the nearest in classroom smith school is Lassen C.C. which I think is in Susanville, CA.

[MANollette]

  Yep-Lassen's the closest one that I could find too, which is why I was asking. Figured I'd make my attempt at it-hehe, not exactly driving distance. And what were you referring to with Olympic Arms, bobcat?

[bobcat]

Olympic Arms:   http://www.olyarms.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20&Itemid=27

[MANollette]

Oh I know the place-I meant what about them. Seems like the kind of place that would require a deal of experience to become involved with.

[bobcat]

I don't know- just thought you might check with them for on the job training. They build a lot of guns, must employ quite a few people.

[MANollette]

A fair point-couldn't hurt to get in touch with em about it either way. I'll call down there tomorrow, thanks 

[Swannytheswan]

Olympic has about 30 employees but I would say you would need some machining experience as they machine all there own stuff its a cool shop though they do hand fit all their guns so that would help a bit.

[MANollette]

Always with the required prior experience  makes a guy wonder where the heck you get the experience in the first place if you have to have it to start. Still, I've got a direction to go in now at least.

[Swannytheswan]

Maybe try to get a job at Wade's in bellevue I know they do some Gunsmithing there. Is this just a wild hair or is this what you want to do.