Armed Lifestyle - Issue 2 - June 2022

Additionally, all the anti-gun rhetoric from the “left” constantly being
pushed through misinformation, liberal media and straight out lies
about owning firearms which is not only putting gunsmiths in a bad
light but the common firearms enthusiasts as well.
WHAT HAS HELPED THE GUNSMITH INDUSTRY IF AT
ALL?
Jim: The Internet, I worked on guns before we had the internet, the
knowledge available now (if you know what to look for) is almost
endless and amazingly quick. But I must stress when it comes to the
internet be very careful of the info you choose to accept as credible.
VINCE BUCKLES
Vince: I think the internet and information age in general has given the
industry a wider reach, particularly for smaller shops. In the past, your
customer base was limited to those who read print magazines and
happened to see your paid advertisement, or folks in your local area.
Nowadays, any gunsmith with a iPhone can photograph his work, crop
and edit the photos, post them to social media accounts, make their
own hashtags, and develop a following and customer base without
spending $300 to have a tiny 1/8 page black and white ad in a gun
periodical. If you are a gunsmith that complains about technology
and social media, you are being left behind. You must adapt or die.
Marketing yourself effectively online is absolutely paramount these days.
Brett: The expansion of competitive shooting sports has been a
driving force for gunsmiths in recent years. USPSA, 3 Gun, Long Range
Precision, Cowboy Action Shooting and the like have grown rapidly
on the national levels. Professional as well as new competitors want
the best guns and gear to compete with and the modern gunsmith
is waiting to give them just what they desire! The clients’ guns are
tailored to their personal shooting style and sport of choice from a
plethora of guns, gadgets and accessories. This expansion of shooting
sports has been a major boost to the industry in my opinion.
FINALLY, WHAT STEPS DO YOU THINK ARE NEEDED TO
PROTECT THE INDUSTRY FROM LEGISLATION AGAINST
LEGALLY CERTIFIED SHOPS?
Vince: We need to stop electing the same corrupt legislators. I encourage
every member of the shooting sports community to consider running
for a state or federal legislative office, or at least volunteering or
contributing financially to the campaigns of those candidates who are
uncompromising advocates for the 2nd amendment. We need to beat
the enemies of our industry at the ballot box, in congress, and through
lawsuits against the mainstream media when they maliciously and
intentionally portray our industry as illegal, unsafe, or careless about
who we provide weapons to. The biggest supplier of illegal weapons to
criminals in the last 10 years is the Department of Justice, and it is high
time our industry starts running for office to gain a position where we
can oust and prosecute the criminal entities within the both parties. It
is high time we see a limited federal government where most of the
power belongs to the States. That is what our founders intended. Read
the Articles of Confederation, and check out Patrick Henry’s statements
on the Constitutional Convention. We are constantly led to believe that
we are bad citizens if we don’t buy into the bullshit idea that we are
governed by our own people. No we aren’t. Not until we stop electing
the same criminals.
Brett: I believe that gunsmiths across America should become more
involved in their local government by attending town / city meetings,
joining their local chapter of the Chamber of Commerce, writing their
representatives and expressing their concerns. Not just gunsmiths, but
all gun owners! It this our right as Americans to tell our government
officials what we stand for and to not exercise that right will just mean
unjust legislation being passed, thus ending our one of our most
valued freedoms.
In wrapping up this article, one of the clear aspects between each
of these talented gentlemen is how the same sentiments can be
conveyed in such different ways, each with a great point of view and
passion for what they do. From the man of few words that can speak
volumes with just a look on his face to the eagerness and energy of
a newcomer, whose skills and body of work are far beyond his years
in thus far. As I mentioned before, I often find myself relating to Vince
the most due to common backgrounds and situations in life currently.
Jim has been a big brother / father figure in the industry for me with
his wisdom and insight, while in contrast, I feel like a mentor for Brett
in doing my best to help open doors and give his work the exposure
it is very well due on his path to even more success. All three have
appealed to my love of history, hate of politics and passion for the art
of gunsmithing.
Like these fine gentlemen, I urge you all to get involved in your local
government, voice your opinion and support your local gunsmiths. I
highly recommend joining the NRA and USCCA if you have not done so
already. One of the best things you could do to really see the industry
up close and in person is to make a trip to the NRA annual meeting
or USCCA Expo and get to meet some of the great folks in the industry
face to face, discuss current topics and see some of the best guns and
gear currently available. Till then, get on the range, take your loved
ones, teach a kid to shoot but most importantly, be involved! Special
thanks to Jim Fuller, Vince Buckles and Brett Smith for their time in
sharing their thoughts and giving us a look into their mindset. Till next
time my friends, Train Hard and Continue the Fight!!
GUNSMITHING: AN INSIDE LOOK
Jim: Don’t elect Politicians, elect PEOPLE that care about freedom and
god given rights and getting the government out of our way.
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