How Veterans Turn a Passion for Firearms into a Paycheck
This month, let’s talk about Vets and the firearms industry. What better fit is there than veteran service members and firearms? So how can you turn this relationship with firearms into a career that is rewarding and pays the bills? Let’s break it down.
Gunsmithing
Today military vets can feed their passion for firearms and turn it into a career. If you want to dive into becoming a gunsmith, there are schools that offer certificates in gunsmithing. Most schools that offer gunsmithing programs work with vets so they can use their GI bill to pay for their schooling. The VA also offers to vets who have a VA disability rating of 20% or higher a way to pay for schooling through their Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program. This program pays for your schooling and has been known to pay for tools and equipment.
So, starting that career in gunsmithing is doable. Schools like MGS make it possible to learn gunsmithing at your pace, and course structure and topics you are taught is something you can truly use and apply to your job every day. One word of wisdom that I have shared in the past and will echo again. Don’t quit your day job to jump right into opening a gunsmithing shop. Let the business grow. You may find out in a year or so that being a full-time gunsmith isn’t the best fit for you. But what if your passion for firearms doesn’t include becoming a gunsmith? There are many areas in the firearms industry where you can find the right fit.
Certified Armorer
Becoming a certified armorer is another avenue you can take to get into the firearms industry. Firearm manufacturers like Glock, S&W, and Springfield offer armorer-level training that can get you the credentials you need to get to work on specific firearms. The courses make you the subject matter expert in specific firearms. In some cases, you can use these certifications to get a job at local gun shops, ranges and even do work on law enforcement firearms.
Firearms Instructor
Becoming a firearms instructor is extremely rewarding and an important area in the firearms industry. Let’s look at the facts. Firearms are not as widely accepted as they used to be 20 years ago. When I was growing up, firearms were a part of you growing up. Learning how to shoot and care for your firearm seemed like the same thing as playing baseball. You had to learn the fundamentals, how to hit what you aim at. Becoming an instructor who is a veteran, carries a level of respect others don’t get.
There are many ways to become an instructor. The NRA has multiple programs you can enroll in. Depending on how much work you want to put in, you can become an instructor for those who want to become instructors. You can use your NRA credentials and teach at local ranges and work with law enforcement agencies. Your certifications can open many doors in the industry. Today conceal carry courses are held all the time. Teaching these classes can be very lucrative.
Shooting Ranges
As a veteran, the public holds you at a higher regard or respect than those who haven’t served. Shooting ranges need people like you. They need people who command respect so they can keep their range safe. Check in your area where you can get certified as a Range Safety Officer (RSO). The NRA offers a course as well. It may not be a full-time position, but it will get you in the door and open other opportunities in the future.
Gun Shops
Gun shops always want vets behind their counters. I don’t know what the percentage of gun shops are owned by veterans, but my guess is pretty high. Shop owners that are veterans like higher vets. Most business owners feel like they can trust veterans more. It’s also a way we want to give back. Knock on some doors in your local area and see what happens.
Other areas
The last place vets can get their start in the industry is if you have firearm industry manufacturers in your area. All these companies want to hire veterans. Other industry partners offer opportunities where you can work remotely. They can use the skills you have perfected in the military to grow their companies.
The firearms industry continues to grow. Just look at the vendors at the last SHOT show or the upcoming NRA show. More and more companies are opening and existing companies are growing.
I wish you well in your search.
Semper Fi!
Written by: David Johnson, Leatherneck Gunsmithing
