** UPDATE** Possibility Of Starting A Side-Gig Involving AG's?

[Nail Gun]

Allow me to preface this by saying I have been a lifelong tinkerer to the extreme.  I began as a youngster with RC airplanes which evolved into designing and scratch-building my own planes, rebuilding glow engines etc.  From there my talents evolved into bow-making, furniture making, power tool repair, restoring and using vintage hand tools, etc.  In fact, my user-name comes from a previous career that involved selling and repairing pneumatic nailers.

Over the past few years my interests evolved into personal gunsmithing.  I've been interested in becoming a part time gunsmith.  Unfortunately I lack a lathe, milling machine and formal training.  I'm also fairly turned off by the potential liabilities, BATF scrutiny, licenses, etc from working of PB's.  Since re-kindling my interest in AG's I see a whole new world of possibilities.  I've developed a passion for working on them and pick up more than I should with the sole intention of modding them. 

Recently another member ran across some pics of a project I had done and reached out to me about doing some stock work for him.  He really got me to thinking there may be the possibility I can fill a niche doing stock mods.  Specifically I have in mind improving ergonomics, improving balance, lightening, strengthening (where necessary) etc, etc, etc.  That would fall in line with my woodworking interests and combine it with my AG passion.  What could be better?

Would y'all consider that to be a potentially feasible opportunity?  Would there be any interest out there?  Most important, what pitfalls and issues can I expect to encounter? 

[michaelthomas]

The only pitfall that I can see is that your taking something you love to do and you are making work out of it.

The only thing that has ever accomplished for me is removing the fun from a previously enjoyable hobby.

Some people do it and really seem to enjoy it.......and I usually do for a short time.  I've pursued this sort of endeavor many times. (Not AG, though)  I have done it enough to finally learn from it.......lol.

I never made very good money doing something I loved.  I rationalized that the money was less important, and the enjoyment was worth not making much money.  Eventually..... the stress of finances overcame the fun.

For me its better to make good money doing something I don't mind (maybe even like)......and do as little of it as possible.  That leaves lots of time for fun hobbies without the pressure.

I say go for it. 

If it turns out like it has for me......it's a good experience, anyway.

If it doesn't......good for you.

You'll be happier if you don't let dreams pass you by......even if they don't turn out like they were planned.

Mike

[Evan]

I'm sure you have done the research but it seems this largely depends on how part time you want to be, how much income you need to make, and ultimately your skill level.  As a woodworker myself it is difficult to get out of projects what you put into them.  It seems the market may be relatively small for what your are proposing but again it depends on what your needs are. 

I would recommend you develop a business plan at least as an exercise if you plan to invest much cash.

That said if you really enjoy and can afford to take the risk go for it!

Love to see what you have produced stock wise.

[mrb02334]

Mike and Evan gave you some good advice. Why don't you do a couple of mock-ups and post them. The forum members will let you know if there is any interest. It might even take you in a new direction that you haven't thought of. You won't know until you try. I'll be watching for your posts.
Best of luck,
Jon

[stalwart]

"The only thing that has ever accomplished for me is removing the fun from a previously enjoyable hobby."

My experience has been the same. The only thing that mitigated that for me (in other pursuits) was to keep the focus on R&D so there was always something new to do.

I am retired, and not interested in "working", but have been thinking about asking about "Micro Vendor" status. I was here to ask about this, and saw this thread.

Folks seem to like my work, and most of what I make could easily be done in limited runs at far better prices per piece. Being able to sell the extras would help defray some development costs.

I say go for it with gusto... keeping in mind the good advice here. Given your background, I'd bet you will have plenty of interesting and rewarding things to do, and if something becomes too "popular", and results in (yuk) "production"... sub it.

Best of luck! Economies recover from the roots, and this one needs guys like you to take on the risks.

[Nail Gun]

Thanks folks.  That's good advice.  One reason I never delved into making a side business involving my hobbies was my concern for ruining a hobby.  I'm thinking AG's may still remain a hobby simply because of how much I do enjoy them.  I also love helping folks out and it seems like the AG community may be an especially rewarding group to work with.  Therefore I hope the enjoyment stays enjoyable.  (if that makes any sense)

I'll begin my next project shortly.  Hopefully it can lead to more down the road. 

Cheers!

[daveb50]

I remember a Friend once telling me "When your Hobby becomes your Business, you need a new Hobby". It was a Radio Control Hobby Shop owner, a year or so after buying the shop. He had been working more and more, and showing up at the field to fly less and less. I would suggest making your builds/ items in your spare time, only offering them for sale upon completion. That way you can slow down or stop whenever you want.

[Bicycleman]

Dave, you didn't mention anything about family, finances, and other commitments (Church, Community, etc.); so without know any of this I am only shooting in the dark.  What I will say is that you are going to work much harder for yourself than you ever did for someone else; and you must be willing to face failure as well as success.  With this in mind, you are young enough to succeed or fail and be able to live through it.

And in summation, you must realize that if you are not careful, you could wind up a rich man.  hehe  I wish you GOOD LUCK in what ever you decide.  Plus HAPPY 36TH BIRTHDAY NEXT WEEK!!!!

Mike (Lafayette, LA area)

[Nail Gun]

Dave, you didn't mention anything about family, finances, and other commitments (Church, Community, etc.); so without know any of this I am only shooting in the dark.  What I will say is that you are going to work much harder for yourself than you ever did for someone else; and you must be willing to face failure as well as success.  With this in mind, you are young enough to succeed or fail and be able to live through it.

And in summation, you must realize that if you are not careful, you could wind up a rich man.  hehe  I wish you GOOD LUCK in what ever you decide.  Plus HAPPY 36TH BIRTHDAY NEXT WEEK!!!!

Mike (Lafayette, LA area)

LOL>  Mike, I stayed in your neck of the woods the other night.  In fact, I think I may be hooked on a little restaurant off exit 97 off I-10.  It wasn't the food that hooked me either

Anyway, yes, I have 3 kids and #4 due in January.  They are involved in too many activities to count.  That's one reason I'm considering something.  I don't intend to get rich, however, I do need to find a way to supplement income.  I'd rather works 90 hours a week than allow my kids to miss out on something they truly enjoy.  They're worth it!

I have worked for fortune 500 companies and I'm also attracted to the idea of breaking my neck for my own personal gain too .

Thanks for reminding me I'm one year closer to death next week    If this works, I'll extend you a LA Boy discount just for noticing!    

[robert w]

Dave, you didn't mention anything about family, finances, and other commitments (Church, Community, etc.); so without know any of this I am only shooting in the dark.  What I will say is that you are going to work much harder for yourself than you ever did for someone else; and you must be willing to face failure as well as success.  With this in mind, you are young enough to succeed or fail and be able to live through it.

And in summation, you must realize that if you are not careful, you could wind up a rich man.  hehe  I wish you GOOD LUCK in what ever you decide.  Plus HAPPY 36TH BIRTHDAY NEXT WEEK!!!!

Mike (Lafayette, LA area)

LOL>  Mike, I stayed in your neck of the woods the other night.  In fact, I think I may be hooked on a little restaurant off exit 97 off I-10.  It wasn't the food that hooked me either

Anyway, yes, I have 3 kids and #4 due in January.  They are involved in too many activities to count.  That's one reason I'm considering something.  I don't intend to get rich, however, I do need to find a way to supplement income.  I'd rather works 90 hours a week than allow my kids to miss out on something they truly enjoy.  They're worth it!

I have worked for fortune 500 companies and I'm also attracted to the idea of breaking my neck for my own personal gain too .

Thanks for reminding me I'm one year closer to death next week    If this works, I'll extend you a LA Boy discount just for noticing!    

Lafayette ,la.? I spent a full year down there when I was a single young man , like 25 . anyway I met the cutest lady there I think I ever seen. she and I went to a lot of movies and did a lot together . when my job ended there she was very sad and dumb as I was I left and now wonder about her . I was still runnin wild and didn't have any ideas of settleing down . but she was a fine looker . I drove a truck 5 days a week from orange ,tx to vinnese  lousiana or as I called  it the end of the world

[Tater]

I've never attempted anything like that so no advice to give, but if/when you start up I wish you all the best. Hopefully I can but a custom stock from you someday.

[phantomshtter]

The only pitfall that I can see is that your taking something you love to do and you are making work out of it.

The only thing that has ever accomplished for me is removing the fun from a previously enjoyable hobby.

+1, My experience exactly.

[Bicycleman]

Robert, you said:  "I met the cutest lady there I think I ever seen. she and I went to a lot of movies and did a lot together . when my job ended there she was very sad and dumb as I was I left and now wonder about her "

Well, I married her. LOL

[robert w]

well you lucky dog. she would be about 56 now but she had beautiful olive tan skin and brown eyes and a very pretty face . but she was a full blood Cajun

[Nail Gun]

Folks, it's late, I'm tired and I have had a LONG past couple of weeks.  I won't add much narrative at the moment but will be happy to. 

Tri-5-Ron has been very helpful by being my first guinea pig.  He has been highly supportive, trusting and an absolute pleasure to work with. 

I have a lot of shaping to do still.  The finish should be awesome and unique.  In the mean-time, I am too impatient to wait to post some pics.  All comments and suggestions are welcome. 

BTW, this is a factory M-Rod stock...

Before:
 

Getting Dirty:


As She Is 10/08/13:


Enjoy

[Gertrude]

OK Guys,
 This is the very first time Dave has shown me what his plans were, for improving the Marauder's "Fat Boy" Stock.
 I have not seen it before now.

 I gave Dave "Full Artistic License" to "Do As He See's Fit", and I must say,... Very VERY IMPRESSIVE Dave !
 It looks GREAT so far ! You are doing an Outstanding Job ! Heck,...  Are you SURE that is a Factory Marauder stock ? LOL!
 You have certainly shown that maybe there IS something that can be done to "salvage" the big fat Marauder OEM stock !

 Lots of guys have worked to improve the Marauder's original stock by Choping, Shortening, Skeletonizing, Reshaphing, etc.
 Some of them look pretty good, some of them look even better... and for the guys who were mainly going after better appearance with a sanding and re-finishing,... some of them look really nice.

 But MANY of them, have delved into it on the pretense of mainly reducing the weight.
(The Mrod rifle IS a Heavy sucker all by itself !) Then,... once you mount a scope,... and any other accessories like Bipods, flashlights, etc. the thing practically turns into a "Tank".
 Most of the "Mrod guys" will want anything to lose a little of that weight. Especially the guys who are "Field carry / Hunting" with it . And just about everytime they look at reducing the weight, by cutting up that big fat OEM stock.
 Improved Ergonomics has kind of come in, as the "secondary objective" (IMO).

 Sure,... I've seen some that look pretty nice, but what I'm seeing as the BIG DIFFERENCE HERE,... is the primary focus on the Ergonomics. OUTSTNDING JOB ! BRAVO !...More specifically, on the Grip Angle !
 THAT is is HUGE IMPROVEMENT ! ! !
 Then adding to that,... the reduction of the "Palm bump's", (that the factory shape has). Those "Bumps" make the grip somewhat uncomfortable and REALLY "Fat" to hold onto.
 (Sure, some guys will say it's fine the way it is),... But this has been my daughters MAIN complaint with her Marauder.
  Both the Grip Angle (and the) "Daddy, it feels too fat ".
 She is constantly "fiddle-ing" with trying to get her right hand comfortable, and she makes no bones about preferring to shoot my rifle over hers, due to the angle of the grip on my Boyd's stock.

Oh Yeah,... Lets not forget the adjustable Cheek/Comb !
 Well THAT,... is just the Icing on the Cake !

OUTSTANDING JOB DAVE ! You have hit a Grand Slam, Home Run, Over the Fence,... and Out of the Park ! I LOVE IT !

 I'm sure a lot of Mrod owners here are going to be waiting with baited breath to see the final shaping taking place !
 I know I AM ! ! !

[palonej]

Lookin goooooood!!! Is this one for Cameron's rifle Ron???

[Gertrude]

Lookin goooooood!!! Is this one for Cameron's rifle Ron???

Yeah, That's kind of my hopes to get her to stop pressuring me for my Blaster stock !
 She REALLY want's my Blaster Stock ! LOL !

but who knows,... it may end up being my "we're goin' field huntin' " stock.
 I dunno,... I sure would like to have one of those Peterbuilt stocks like Scott has,... (I think that is just too sexy looking in the part wood / part black !)  LOL!
OR,
Maybe get me one of the Blaster stocks with the raised comb from Golddredger.
 Problem with that tho,... he seems to have gone away, and we dont see him on the forums anymore. Not sure I'd want to send off the cash to someone who is not a "regular" here.

[Nail Gun]

Lookin goooooood!!! Is this one for Cameron's rifle Ron???

Thanks!  You should see it now. I did a LOT of shaping around the grip. I have a couple more things to do then I'm on to finishing and shipping. I sent Ron one final pic but that's the last he's going to see of it until it arrives back at his place.

Somehow I foresee a shooting match to determine who gets what

[Gertrude]

Ok Guys,

Nailgun (Dave), has sent me an update on the progress of the reworked / reshaped factory Mrod Stock.
Just thought I'd give you all an update here.
 After the (previous) last pic, he was handling the stock some more to check for it's natural feel and ergonomics. He was unhappy with the feel of how the grip turned out in the final pic you saw. He felt it was not a natural feel, and not what he wanted to turn out.
 He felt it was too up-and-down and too far back from the trigger. SOooo,... he decided to rework it some more, and is in the process of building it back up, re-shaping and re-attacking the ergonomics.
 (remember,... this is the first time he has ever "touched a Marauder stock", and he does not even have the complete gun).
 He ONLY has the stock, and has never handled or fired a Mrod. This is truely a "flying by the seat of the pants" project. Hahaha.
 
 All is well on my end, as we entered into this project completely blind and unassuming.
 This is a full-on R&D / Experiment, and a "figure it out as it goes along" kind of thing.
 He has full "artistic license" and I'm completely fine with Whatever he does with it, Whatever/however it ends up as, AND Whenever he has the time. In other words, there is absolutely no expectations or time constraints with it at all.

 Dave very much wants to get it right and have this be an impressive and quality job.
  In his own words, " I refuse to turn out anything less".  That shows to me that he holds quality workmanship in a high regard.
 You gotta love a guy for that, Right ?

It doing the rework and additional material removal, he feels it was necessary to reinforce with fiberglass.  This also allowed for more material removal behind the grip.
 In doing so, he reports the grip feels MUCH better... and has allowed for more material removal in the palm area similar to what you see on a Challenger Stock.  Looks pretty darned fine to me !



reply here, and let him know what you think of it, and it's progress.