The problem is there is no internationally or even nationally recognized licensing body for gunsmiths. There is no testing or qualifications required. Any A-hole can hang out a shingle announcing to the world he is a "gunsmith". I have been a machinist since 1987 and am more than capable of doing many gunsmithing jobs but I would not dream of calling myself a gunsmith. To me a real gunsmith is an expert in machining and woodworking plus bedding and all the other parts of the trade. Perhaps that is why many specialize in stock work or metal work or whatever. It would take three lifetimes to be a master of every part of the gunsmith racket.
