A Parallel Between Carpentry and Gunsmithing

I love finding parallels in different trades.

A good carpenter knows that a 45 degree cut in a corner will open up as the materials shrink. Its like 101 level finish carpentry, yet it happens all the time because it’s fast and easy. The proper method is to cope the corner but it takes a little more time and skill.

The point is that either the installer wasn’t trained properly or just didn’t care. The trim was installed and he got paid. Approximately 6 months later, half of the corners in the house look like this but the dude is nowhere to be found.

How does this relate to guns? Because assembly techniques (read craftsmanship) matter. I don’t doubt that the average Joe can figure out how to install baseboard or put the parts of an AR together with little to no training since it happens all the time.

Just like this “carpenter,” many employees of gun companies are putting parts together as fast as possible and usually competing with their co-workers to see who can do the most in the day. They may even get a bonus if they exceed a certain quota. As long as the paint covers the trim or the gun passes a basic function test, someone cuts a check. Dont believe me? Google a factory tour of any gun manufacturer.

How many times have you heard someone complain that “they don’t make them like they used to”? It’s because in the race to the bottom, sloppy work is encouraged, even if it’s encouraged indirectly.

It costs more to get a good product, not just because of more expensive material costs, but because you have to incentivize someone to give a damn.

Many many people can assemble an AR. Fewer still have pride in their work, and they are the ones you should have crafting your self defense tools.