Apparently, due to the pistolsmithing (and other) work I've posted here lately, there are those who think that I'm no longer working on shotguns (doubles specifically). I have no idea where that notion originates. Do these people think that I've forgotten how to work on doubles because I work on something else? Do they believe that "specializing" in one thing is the only measure of competence? If it is the latter, have you noticed that I've got a whole blog full of posts showing the incompetence of which "trained specialists" are capable?
The facts are these: Machines are machines and craftsmanship is craftsmanship. If you can comprehend one mechanism, you can comprehend any mechanism and, if you're capable of craftsmanship, then it doesn't matter what you're working on, be it a pistol, a shotgun, a watch or a motorcycle.
Since I'm on the subject of craftsmanship, here are a few tips in regards to the C-word:
#1 - The most important skill to develop is the ability look at your own work objectively, as if you were looking at someone else's, and if it's not up to snuff, either make it right or pitch it and start over. This is called being conscientious. For those unfamiliar with that word, you can find it in a thing called a dictionary. I realize that that can get expensive but that's good incentive to do it right the first time. Far too many people fall in love with their own work, seemingly in direct proportion to the amount of time that they have in it.
#2 - When you start getting impressed with yourself, take a deep breath, apply the above rule and embrace reality.
#3 - Don't be in a hurry to become a "master" because it will never happen. It matters not how long you've done anything, you'll never know it all. No matter what you do, you're always a student. In this business, especially, only the most arrogant dare to refer to them selves as a "master gunsmith/gunmaker".
See that? Sometimes free advice is actually worth more than you paid for it.
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