Want to be a Gunsmith? Check out the Sonoran Desert Institute!

[@quietm4]

I worked for a gunsmithing company for a few years, and I've sat in on dozens of interviews with gunsmith candidates. Whenever an SDI graduate shows up, we know it's going to be a shit show. Learning to be a competent gunsmith is nearly impossible by remote learning and watching videos online. You need hands on experience under the watchful eye of a skilled gunsmith. Most of the best gunsmiths I've interviewed come out of Yavapai College in Prescott, AZ or the Colorado School of Trades.

[@Diplorable]

@@flyinggoose1456 good advice thanks I've been looking into becoming a gun smith, I love firearms I wish I discovered this year's ago!

[@charlesgallegos8342]

What other schools that have the hands on aspect that you suggest

[@alfredosanchez7747]

Do you know any hands on gunsmithing schools in California I got 15k n I'm looking for a legitimate gunsmith school I absolutely love every firearm and every aspect I seriously looking to work into the firearm industry so I'm wondering if you have any recommendations

[@captaingrey6336]

I just decided that now is the time and I'm enrolling. 43 years old, been shooting and working on guns since I was 14.

[@texasreloader5844]

It's not a scam, I'm actually receiving an associate's degree from this institution. They send me boxes full of gear and Gunsmithing equipment all the time, it's the best decision I ever made.

[@ksvet06-07]

I graduated from s.d.i. December 2020

[@platypus1287]

Lol “gunsmithing”

[@texasreloader5844]

@@platypus1287 that's right, gunsmithing.

[@platypus1287]

@@texasreloader5844 putting an ar together isn’t gunsmithing🤣🤣🤣any clown can throw together some legos

[@texasreloader5844]

@@platypus1287 mhm. We do more than that my man. But you have the right to your opinion.

[@therocinante3443]

The Sonoran desert is probably the most beautiful landscape I've ever seen. Going to school out there would be rad

[@marshallkarl7956]

It’s 100% online/ at home. No offer of an in person course sadly

[@ksvet06-07]

I graduated from S.D.I. in December 2020. My biggest take away from the course itself is. You get out of the program what you put into it.

[@Serenityindailylife]

But, it's very outdated.

[@zachdevine871]

Do you learn how to mill out 80% lowers?

[@Serenityindailylife]

@@zachdevine871 kinda... its their final kit they give you. You choose which one you want at the beginning but it's kinda your final module. You have to do stuff like build a muzzleloader kit and apply hydrographics, you know. All of the 1990s stuff nobody ever comes into a shop for. Other stuff like mlok and pistol smiting are left out. They aren't sure if that new fangled pistol thing will catch on. I mean, who would want a firearm you can wear under your shirt....absurd. they might pick up a class on dueling with pistols if there's enough interest. Unless a woman shows her petticoat and some has to defend her honor.

[@fishin_da_hood5020]

@@Serenityindailylife do u get to keep the kits?

[@birdupproductions3175]

Do you need diploma/ged?

[@codyjenn8785]

I'm having problems with my week one firearms safety assignment what is the best and easy way to write it

[@chadmann2724]

What are the requirements?

[@eaznutts5714]

Isn't this the same place that calls you about your cars warranty?

[@Serenityindailylife]

I wish they had a pistol course. Unfortunately their finishing is limited to hydrographics and their advanced course is limited to the AR platform.

[@Serenityindailylife]

Funny thing I heard... sdi is in the business of separating Veterans from the post 9/11 GI Bill. The only one more effective is congress itself but both are equally rewarding towards veterans. Been in a congressional office (worked there for 3 years) trying SDI if they can get their crap together and offer something that's relevant to modern times.

[@Serenityindailylife]

@@flyinggoose1456 They discontinued the course on the 1911.

[@antoniotaylor9276]

I just enrolled this month and to my knowledge as long as you're not in a commie state then they still offer all the classes

[@joekarpinski5727]

Multiple opinions in the comments. Nobody will stop you from doing your own research before committing to any program. What you put in is what you get out

[@devinleenhouts6562]

Been looking at the degree program for a while

[@tacticalrabbit308]

I would look at the wood working section to build stocks for a single type of firearm no one that I have talked to makes a stock as a replacement for the Ruger M77MK2 rifle set-up as a direct drop in stock .

[@waynehendrix4806]

Gen ed usually goes to accreditation within a particular state's requirements, versus a university system. I did a local tech school, and still had some gen ed to complete. (years ago) If I had an enjoyable option it might be "Medieval battle ax history, in the context of modern negotiations".

[@Serenityindailylife]

Unfortunately, they don't transfer credits from other colleges. I went to a very old and hard to get into college that is one of the first certified with national accreditation but they wouldn't accept my math, my psychology, or my science courses. mainly because they are a business that wants to sell you those courses.

[@brianschmunk9490]

Everybody thinks there a gunsmith , there mentors have a lifetime of experence

[@thomaspalmer7900]

I’m sure it’s a great program but very expensive!!!! I am going to enroll into MGS Modern Gun School gunsmith program. It’s not SDI but MGS is one of the 5 top rated gunsmith schools

[@Necroscope10]

You should have done a little more research before throwing in with them. There are hundreds of bad reviews and scam claims. A little disappointed in you Gavin.

[@pbcrisp4373]

Totally agreed.

[@commanderosis435]

Ive heard the same thing

[@soldier715]

Very shilly.

[@texasreloader5844]

I am a student of SDI and in my second semester, best decision i ever made! Shame on you, not Gavin, for feeding in to heresay.

[@pbcrisp4373]

Echo the comments below. SDI is just a gi-bill burner. Kinda wish fewer youtube channels would take this sponsorship. I wish you had stayed away, Gavin. You've already put together better ginsmithing content than they have...and you are self taught.

[@texasreloader5844]

Why though? It's an amazing school. I'm in my second semester and have been learning so much. On top of everything they've been sending me so...

[@pacman10182]

had a buddy that signed up though the GI bill, the sent him a muzzle loader kit & a dipit kit and put him though a bunch of worthless quizzes (I'm not sure how psychology is relevant), he ended up quitting and just kept all the stuff good if you want a free muzzle loader kit, but not much more

[@ksvet06-07]

Psychology is a general education requirement for the associate degree.

[@texasreloader5844]

Sounds like your buddy wasn't prepared to perform at College level. Which is what this is. I'm telling you I've gotten a bunch of stuff mail to me, but those endless quizzes that you spoke of, are not worthless whatsoever. They are necessary in part of your grading. You guys talk a lot but aren't even students

[@pacman10182]

@@texasreloader5844 worthless. Psychology is not in any way a necessary skill for gunsmithing Or for any field but psychology But please do keep defending a scam

[@thefifthbelfry92]

@@texasreloader5844 thanks man. I’m looking for reviews of SDIs Associate level degree and no one seems to talk about course work, itineraries, classes and general online college stuff. Is this worth GI bill months for this associate degree is what I want to know

[@winnmahuron6314]

When I lived in Colorado there were a couple of good schools, one in Trinidad and another in Lakewood which was closer to where I lived. It is the Colorado School of Trades. I think there will always be some folks that aren’t pleased with the trades schools but I look for the quality of the tools, both used in class and assigned to the student for purchase. It’s up to the student to learn what is to be applied in the program. I’m not so sure about this school from Rick’s descriptions.

[@leveractiongypsy1848]

I thought it was a cool vid, good looking programs - but expensive too. So heres my take - I've been studying gunsmithing on my own (shop/factory repair manuals, vids) for apx 5yrs and am pretty good with every aspect of every gun I own, including a 1949 Remington 141 rifle and a heavily modified 1911. I have looked into other schools and courses but they all pretty much are missing the same thing in my opinion. None of these schools carry the weight of knowing if you get 'their' certificate its going to make a big difference in you getting some great job gunsmithing or in the firearms industry or not. You might have better chances studying tons of good youtube vids gun specific and learn one gun at a time in detail, or study under a local top notch old timer gunsmith for a few years - and getting paid to apprentice - instead of paying out apx $10k a year for gunsmith classes. Not saying the school and courses here dont look great - they do - but keep in mind many people that might be looking at this as an option maybe have lost their 'old' business to covid bs restrictions and frankly dont have the money to do it even if they wanted to. Maybe do a raffle and raffle off a free tuition? I'm In! lol

[@jackwagon1798]

Yikes.

[@Snailpowerdford]

Love the channel Gavin, love the normal content…. This is a stretch. Yes they provide an useful knowledge base to someone interested in dabbling in gunsmithing/ firearms technology. But let’s be real, It’s not even remotely close to the knowledge level needed to be possibly productive in a firearms job. Yes SDI is a good sponsor for many channels, and I’m sure they do a great thing for some people, but just like all tech schools, they are a business and helping promote a business that hides behind education to make money. I don’t dig it man. Sorry just my opinion. Hope you can get back to the core UR videos.

[@texasreloader5844]

Base knowledge??? Lol i can tell you arent SDI students.

[@Snailpowerdford]

@@texasreloader5844 I haven’t been, thought about it. Talked to a few “graduates” 5 and 2 currently enrolled at the time……. Only one liked what he had received and the knowledge he got out of it. He was late 50s and retired. I’ll leave it at that. Oh and not a single one had made a dollar after school with there new “skills”

[@texasreloader5844]

@@Snailpowerdford with all due respect, the folks that I've noticed hating on the school are the ones who couldn't get through it.

[@MarshmallowAce]

Well heyo there Rock!

[@platypus1287]

Sellout to a scam

[@JohnThomas-gj2zg]

This is some really good information thanks for sharing this .

[@blakelafleurCECOLC]

Hey Gavin (should have commented on the last video) I’m super interested in knowing more about actions. Do you know of a KZbin channel that specializes in actions and explains how they work and the differences in them? Thanks

[@KITDFOHS]

The only reason to go to SDI is for the GI bill VA BAH stipend. Look at the content of the program, you can learn everything they teach open source. Go talk to anyone in the gun industry, this is the biggest joke of a program ever. Better off getting a degree in CAD/CAM manufacturing and drafting. No joke an AA in mechanical engineering is far more useful

[@texasreloader5844]

So go get an engineering degree buddy. There are those of us for whom this is cultural, our lifestyle. I live in Texas and I have a degree in firearms. Get it?

[@Bagheera98]

With your said statement, I could learn the same thing someone can with an engineering degree entirely online. Everything is on the internet. You can learn computer science by getting on the internet and doing research. Everything is free with enough research. What isn't free is the structure of the courses and the knowledge of the instructors/classmates.

[@KITDFOHS]

Based off of what I've had current and former students of the program tell me about it, many of whom are vets and used GI bill or Tuition Assistance while on AD, they did it because it didn't cost them anything but the quality of instruction was not good and they would have been incredibly disappointed and pissed if they had paid out of pocket for it. I've seen some of the curriculum. It's not all that well done.

[@Bagheera98]

@M B interesting. What parts of the curriculum have you seen, and what assignments have you seen to apply the information given to learn it? I'd say, given a military education, you will be far more informed of firearms systems than your average person. The curriculum isn't built just for veterans, which is the primary negative comment about SDI. Funny enough, all I've ever heard from people entering boot camps and such is someone utilizing their GI bill and feeling cheated out of it. This is possibly due to people not wanting to adapt to the academic scenario. You are supposed to research things on your own and learn from the resources given. Not being fed all information through academics is meant for you to learn and to learn through your research by writing essays.

[@KITDFOHS]

​@@Bagheera98Multi part answer below 1 - I only know what I know about firearms systems because I started out as Infantry and because I ran my own gun shop and did gunsmithing prior to enlisting. I learned through reading, research, and trial and error. Didn't know how to use a lathe so I bought one and started making mistakes. 100% this is not the best way to go about doing this, fully advocate for going to a community college to get trade specific training because I ended up wasting a lot of money buying the wrong stuff or breaking stuff. Generally speaking your average grunt will know the weapons systems...usually. There's a lot of people in the military who are like cops, to them it's just a tool and they don't really put much thought or effort into it. 2 - I hold multiple degrees. 2 of which I got before the military and 1 while I was in. Could "adaptation" be a factor, yes. But from what I saw it's more a result of the curriculum and the delivery. I've got almost 20 years of instructor experience under my belt now, and ~7 years doing curriculum management and design with a lot of it being online delivery over the last 3 years. Do they have the base concepts down - yes. Is it well delivered and executed by the instructors - no. Is this the fault of the curriculum or the fault of the instructors - yes. Some people are just not good instructors, that's a fact. Some of the curriculum is just poorly written. Combine poorly written curriculum with not great instructors and you get a bad product. The "tests" are a joke, just like the military tests, you can CTRL + F everything. Hands on grading is all over the map. 3 - I've seen most of their AA degree program. There's a lot of video "lectures" which is quite literally the same thing as watching a YT video, production quality was alright to decent but not phenomenal. Message board chats were more miss than hits. And just like in college instructor involvement varied greatly person to person. Some were really good, some were not. A former teammate of mine is in the degree program right now because he sees it as a free $800 a month from the VA. He will call and we talk about it from time to time, it's always good for a laugh. I facepalmed really hard at some of the modules. From memory the ones that stuck out as not good were: troubleshooting, firearms finishes, machining, business plans (this one was enraging), and optics. The "gen ed" courses they include are for the purpose of getting an AA degree - those are "whatever". Frankly if you can transfer in those credits from a community college you'll probably come out ahead financially. Their "advisors" are trying to churn people through fast so you better hold your ground if you're working a full time job and doing their curriculum. Credit where credit is due, they are making improvements to the curriculum but overall I don't see this program being worth your time or your money. I'm possibly jumping back into doing gunsmithing as a small side business right now, and I'd be looking to hire a few employees. If all you show up with is a SDI degree and a portfolio of your school projects it will mean little to nothing to me. I will want to see your portfolio, preferably bring me some of your pieces to handle myself, and then a skills interview and a probationary period for you to show me what you can do, or demonstrate to me that you're trainable. None of this stuff is "hard" per say. You just need to show up, check your ego, and do the work to learn how to follow the process. I also like to highlight the realities of economics to people, and everyone's situation is unique and has to be looked at on an individual basis but here's the quick and dirty I tell EVERYONE who's looking to going to school for something. Assuming you're getting a student loan for this program. What is your earning potential after graduation and how long will it take you to pay back the loan in addition to keeping your bills paid. You better do a good budget analysis and be realistic about how much you'll make. Most gunsmiths don't make a ton of money, nor is it regular/steady income if they're on their own, and you still have to cover your living expenses. Check indeed.com and see what the average gunsmith salary is. It's about $18 an hour with some making more and some making less. If you work for someone for 40hrs a week that's $38160 before taxes, so post federal taxes you're earning approximately $34K a year not factoring your state income taxes. So, can you make that work with your living expenses? If so how much extra do you have so you can pay back that student loan and still have some money in savings for emergencies and luxuries? And if you're gonna strike out on your own and be your own boss, a business loan and presenting your business plan is a whole other discussion point that will probably further crush you if talking about income post graduation didn't already do that.

[@Libertarian_Neighbor]

When I looked into this it seemed like a scam. They don’t actually certify you and teach you very basic skills. Basically, you come away with nothing other than a piece of paper saying you learned how to change sights on a Glock.

[@texasreloader5844]

Wrong, im earning an associates degree in firearms technology.

[@Libertarian_Neighbor]

@@texasreloader5844 Does that make you a licensed gunsmith?

[@texasreloader5844]

@@Libertarian_Neighbor that's the end result and would require simply applying for an FFL license upon completion of the associates degree.

[@chadmann2724]

@@flyinggoose1456 it’s a college, not just a class.

[@Serenityindailylife]

Not that it matters but you never told us that you were Gay, not sure what it has to do with gunsmithing but ok... not sure your partner liked being "Outed" but we support you, friend.

[@cw2a]

🙏🤘🏼🤟🏽😜

[@platypus1287]

Scam

[@antpassalacqua]

this one’s an L gavin

[@texasreloader5844]

It's really not, it's an amazing school and I know because I am a student there.

[@antpassalacqua]

@@texasreloader5844 you don’t need to stay in the comments section and continually shill for SDI

[@platypus1287]

@@texasreloader5844 have fun wasting your money on basic gun knowledge

[@texasreloader5844]

@@platypus1287 how would you know its basic gun knowledge are you a student? I didnt think so, you are entitled to your opinion of course, but youre wrong about the school.