Survey #1 Total surveys sent 350 Returned 231 How long have you been a professional gunsmith?                                                                                                  1 to 43 years,  average 19 years -------------------------------------------- How many employees do you have Average 3 employees, -------------------------------------------- What services do you offer?                                                        General gunsmithing 47%, specialize handgun 19%, rifle 23%, shotgun 11% -------------------------------------------- What types of guns do you sell? Handguns 72%, centerfire rifle 87%, rimfire 89%, shotgun 72%, -------------------------------------------- What other products do you sell? Ammo 99%, reloading supplies 63%, clothing 22%, airguns 31%, paintguns 10%, airsoft 2%, decoys & hunting accessories 26%, -------------------------------------------- Do you feel your suppliers are suppling you with the products you need in a timely fashion? Retail Yes 77%,  parts suppliers yes 85% -------------------------------------------- How did you learn the trade? Self taught 57%, gunsmith school 22%, apprenticeship 14%, military 5%, correspondence 2%  -------------------------------------------- If you attended a gunsmith school or correspondence school which one? Colorado, Penn., Murray, Trinidad -------------------------------------------- If you completed a apprenticeship who was it with? -------------------------------------------- Would you recommend this type of training to someone wanting to get into the trade? Yes 88% , no 12%                                                                                                                                                                                                                        -------------------------------------------- What were the most important things you learned during your training? Diagnoses, machine work,  customer skills, work ethic. -------------------------------------------- What do you think should have been taught, or more time spent on during your training?  Business classes, fixture making, metal coating, -------------------------------------------- Would you consider taking on an apprentice? Yes 72% no 28% -------------------------------------------- If you would not conceder an apprentice, Why? No room, cost of training, liability -------------------------------------------- If you would conceder an apprentice what would you want your apprentice applicant to know prior to starting with you? Machine operation, customer relations experience, work ethic. -------------------------------------------- What would you expect a four year apprentice to be able to do? Diagnoses, machine operation, work without supervision, bedding, truing actions, metal coating, stock fitting, welding, soldering, chambering -------------------------------------------- What types of equipment do you use in your shop? Drill press, milling machine, lathe, welding equipment, grinder,band saw,  -------------------------------------------- What type of medium do you use for advertising your services and products Word of mouth, phone book, trade magazines -------------------------------------------- Do you feel your advertising strategy is effective? Yes 86% -------------------------------------------- What type of FFL do you hold? Type 1 61%, type 7 28% type 9 10% type 10 less then 1% -------------------------------------------- Do you have a back log of work? Yes 97% -------------------------------------------- What is causing the back log? Not enough time, not enough help, waiting for parts, -------------------------------------------- Are their any new products or services you plan on adding in the future? Metal coating,  clothing, import firearms. -------------------------------------------- Do you own or lease your shop space? Own 54%  -------------------------------------------- What is the approximate square footage of your shop space?  1000 ft. or less 27%, over 1000 ft. 44%, over 1500 ft. 29%.   -------------------------------------------- Do you plan on expanding to a larger space? Yes 44%  -------------------------------------------- Do you sponsor any shooting events Yes 46% -------------------------------------------- Do you compete in any shooting competition's? Yes 26% -------------------------------------------- What type of insurance do you carry? liability 31%, theft 33%, -------------------------------------------- Would you recommend your insurance carrier? Yes 62% --------------------------------------------