Gil I'm not sure if there are any unis here that run anything to do with gunsmithing but I could always look around, or maybe take up some kind of entry mechanical engineering thing. I've already tried a full engineering degree but failed, but maybe something a little less in your face I could do. Not too many gunshops over here seem to offer repairs, but there are armourers around.

Daan, yeah I alternate between terms because I kind of want to do both, but in Australiaicon armouring is the only one that is really recognised anymore, and hardly. Stock making would be handy but again not sure if that is a recognised trade. Gun clubs in my area are about the last place I would go to for help.

My government wants nothing to do with guns Sunray, and yeah you're right with all of that. Perhaps if was a tad older with more experience, but the dream of just being an apprentice to a practiced armourer when you're young... Doesn't seem possible anymore.

Woodsy, the parts-changing is what I was thinking about too, which is not what I wanted. I already get old beaten up guns and repair them but sometimes its a bit more than I can bit off, or the materials and tools to do it properly are very scarce and tool making requires even more work with knowledge I don't yet have. I don't want to get rich, I just like guns.

Bruce, I was under the impression that only India still had any kind of institution for gunsmithing. US doesn't sound too bad, but Germanicon is a bit extreme. At least the programs are still out there and not completely forgotten yet.

Thanks so far everyone for the insight.