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 Dear Folks
Working with gunsmiths all these years we've noticed some traits or "Rules" if you will, that seem to be common with the really great. You'd figure automatically that they were things directly relating to their ability to work on guns - surprisingly they have nothing to do with gunsmithing!
So, for this month's WebBench, I want to discuss the three we consider most important and have put at the top of the list.
The First Rule is Building Strong Relationships. This is a people industry. We deal with people's passions, their loves, helping deliver experiences to people. So, the first priority in developing your business or career is to spend time building better relationships with your customers and your community. Get to know your customers' loves and particular passions in the shooting world. Help them get better at the discipline they've chosen - what it is that turns their crank. We shooters and gun folks are a close-knit family, and word will quickly get out in your area as to who is great to deal with and who is doing the really great work. Building strong relationships with your customers should have some generous long term effects. The idea is build a customer for life, meeting his or her needs with a smile and real service. Make yourself known in your community, too. Get out and sell yourself and provide everyone with good service and good attitude. People do remember the great folks at the gun shop as much as they remember the not-so great people who might have done shoddy work plus has a poor attitude to match. That good word of mouth is truly the best advertising you can have.
Second Rule is Do The Right Thing. This is a pretty simple rule in our industry, because it is filled with great individuals who almost always act for the greater good of our industry and each other. Just remember that you're in business for the long term and even though sliding a little sideways "just this once" can be mighty appealing, it is a dangerously short-term view of things. "Doing the right thing" every time has enormous long-term benefits every time you do it. People remember being treated fairly and honestly, not being taken advantage of, not being lied to, not being scored on. They remember being treated as a person, not a number. They drop that phrase into their discussions about you, "Go see Bill, he'll do you right." People don't forget that you're that guy who is going to do the right thing.
Third Rule is Become Excellent. This is probably the most important of all three rules. The trick here is to find the one thing you can excel at effortlessly. The thing you really get satisfaction in doing. It can be something really simple; or it can be extremely complicated. Challenge yourself to spend time developing the skills you need to make you excellent. These skills could be as tactical as fitting shotguns, doing trigger jobs, finding and fixing other guns, to simply spending your time helping and talking to your customers. Maybe you have a flair for engraving, checkering or machining. If you enjoy it, pursue it. You will know you have found your strength when it is the one thing you look forward to doing all day. It will be the thing you do that when you sit down to do it, you lose track of time. The project totally engulfs you without making you feel tired at the end of the day. That's what passion is and that's the thing to look for as you begin or continue your career. So find your strength, make sure that your day is filled with playing to this strength. Soon, you will find yourself developing a reputation for being excellent at doing a certain job or operation.
These are the first three rules you should consider on your personal Road to Professional Excellence. Do an honest evaluation of yourself and see how well you stack up in each of these areas. Remember, none of these rules are a one-time event, something that happens overnight or even in a few weeks. They're paths that can take years of following to develop and grow this all encompassing - but vitally important - part of who you are and where you want to take your business.
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 C. J. Weapons AR-15/M16 MK-16 Combo Tool
Compact, all-in-one pocket toolkit has 11 basic tools needed to clean and service any AR-type rifle just about anywhere—at the range, in the field, on deployment. Think of it as a Swiss army knife for your rifle that's so convenient and easy to use you may even reach for it at the workbench when other tools are available.
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 Brownells Gunsmith Kinks - July 2008
I finally got the Colt together and test fired that I had to repair after cutting into the firing pin safety hole. I have installed many BMCS sights, a couple of which have been on series 80 Colts. Somehow on this one I had brain fade and forgot about the hole.
[Read More] |
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 Installing A Free Float Handguard
NEW!!! Follow some of the expert gunsmiths at Brownells as they walk you through simple procedures for customizing, repairing, and maintaining your firearms. This month's video feature is a demonstration of how to install a free float handguard.
[Watch Video] |
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Brownells 3rd Annual Gunsmith Career Fair
If you're a gunsmith who wants to grow your career, a gunsmithing student just starting your career, or a gun shop that wants to grow your business, you'll want to attend Brownells 3rd Annual Gunsmith Career Fair, April 17th and 18th, 2009.
[Read More] |
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Brownells Gunsmith Corner
Question: I recently went to the range to shoot my newly purchased Savage model 12 F-Class in 6.5x284 Norma. I had mounted a new scope and bore-sighted the rifle. At 50 yards my shots were nowhere near the target, nor were they at 25 yards. By watching the dirt behind the target frame I discovered the bullets were impacting way to the left.
[Read More]
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That's When the Fight Started..
My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion, and I kept staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table.
My wife asked, "Do you know her?"
[Read More] |
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Fast, Fast, Fast Relief!
Most anyone who owns an AR15 develops a strong attachment. They are amazing little rifles. The AR15, and its variants, are the firearm equivalent of auto racing's Chevy or Ford small block engines. If you like firearms, and you like to tinker with them, the AR15 offers virtually endless opportunities.
[Read More] |
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