Would it be advantageous to clean guns as an extra hustle? How many people do you think get others to clean their guns compared to how many really do it themselves? Not just a basic field strip but also removing the chassis and trigger assembly if need be. Barrel, chassis, frame etc... Would this be a good side hustle? Thanks.
Is cleaning a good side hustle?
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I don't know of anybody that likes cleaning guns, I know I don't. But it's part of the shooting "experience". It does give you a nice feeling when you're done.
Biggest problem you'd face is liability. What if you can't get the gun completely apart, or back together? The owner has issues after he gets the gun back, and blames you? The gun had issues before you touched it, which he didn't mention, hoping to blame you and get it fixed on your dime?
Biggest problem you'd face is liability. What if you can't get the gun completely apart, or back together? The owner has issues after he gets the gun back, and blames you? The gun had issues before you touched it, which he didn't mention, hoping to blame you and get it fixed on your dime?
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2nd thought - You would need references, some guns are really weird to strip. Gun Digest has books with exploded views and even basic instruction on dis- and re-assembly. A library of those would get expensive.
I clean my guns. I trust no one else to do it. But my younger, more "crunchy" neighbors who have weapons they never shoot would probably pay someone to clean their guns for them! My guess is they would pay to have a gun cleaning on retainer so to speak, seems they do that with snow plows. They want a long drive like mine, but snow removal is beneath them!
(Wife taught me the term crunchy
)
(Wife taught me the term crunchy
)
Ruger .44 Carbine, Security-Six, Service-Six, Mini-14, .30 Carbine Blackhawk
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Yesterday I would have said no.
But we were in Waco, TX visiting family this weekend and this morning at breakfast, I saw this business next door to the restaurant and they have apparently been in business a while.
The other side of the sign is pretty faded/weathered from the sun.
![Sky Rectangle Font Billboard Landmark]()
But we were in Waco, TX visiting family this weekend and this morning at breakfast, I saw this business next door to the restaurant and they have apparently been in business a while.
The other side of the sign is pretty faded/weathered from the sun.
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I’ve never paid anyone to clean my guns but I notice nearly all the LGSs and ranges offer the service. I can’t imagine they‘d continue to advertise the service if there was no market. Somebody is paying for it. I would think most are full disassembly and deep cleans rather than simple field strips. Ultrasonic may be a good value-added offering. What’s the worst thing that could happen if you offer the service and get no takers? If it’s a side hustle you’d enjoy, I say go for it.
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You might be on to something!
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I field strip clean my firearms, but I don't have the tools or an area (yet, working on that) where I would do a full disassembly. Not in my wheelhouse yet.
I'm going to have a local gunsmith do the ultrasonic cleaning of my 57' Hi-Std SuperMatic, so that it gets a good deep cleaning and it's done right. $45 is hard to beat from the local guy. In the big city it's $100.
But to the question at hand, it's obvious there are those that don't want the hassle, which some of us enjoy to one degree or another. It sounds interesting and others have talked about them liabilities. Research it, if it looks good, jump in or you'll never know.
I'm going to have a local gunsmith do the ultrasonic cleaning of my 57' Hi-Std SuperMatic, so that it gets a good deep cleaning and it's done right. $45 is hard to beat from the local guy. In the big city it's $100.
But to the question at hand, it's obvious there are those that don't want the hassle, which some of us enjoy to one degree or another. It sounds interesting and others have talked about them liabilities. Research it, if it looks good, jump in or you'll never know.
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That's interesting. I checked them out online and looks like they make ultrasonic cleaners. I don't see on their site that they will actually clean your gun.
Like others have mentioned, if you are not a gunsmith, there are a lot of potential liability, insurance issues and potential scammers saying you broke their gun. What if you disassemble and a spring pops out? Did you see it pop out? Was it missing already? Oh, here's a spring...where does that go?
I have a buddy who hates cleaning his Mk pistol because he has a hard time getting it back together. He's offered me dinner to clean it for him. I always tell him it's his gun and he needs to know how. I usually help coach, which last time was mostly just pausing and rewinding the video on the Ruger site for him.
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I think it's an idea that could get some traction ...
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I'd suggest while there is a niche you could carve out I don't think the money is going to be very good. There is also the issue of lead exposure.
I suspect most of the people not inclined to clean their own guns aren't shooting them often enough to require frequent cleaning.
If you're mechanically inclined and looking for a side hussle I know a few guys who make good money assembling furniture, BBQs and other random junk from Amazon.
I suspect most of the people not inclined to clean their own guns aren't shooting them often enough to require frequent cleaning.
If you're mechanically inclined and looking for a side hussle I know a few guys who make good money assembling furniture, BBQs and other random junk from Amazon.
Ruger .44 Carbine, Security-Six, Service-Six, Mini-14, .30 Carbine Blackhawk
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Really? because when I go to their website under "Improved Accuracy" it states:
and on their "ABOUT" page:
Home 2021 - The Gun Cleaners
A Clean Gun is an Accurate Gun SHOP NOW INCREASE SAFETY A well cleaned firearm is less likely to jam and function properly. If you are betting your life on a firearm, making sure that it functions properly is important. IMPROVED ACCURACY A properly lubed firearm will keep friction at bay, and...
theguncleaners.com
ETA: Apparently Waco, Tx is only one location.
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I LOVE to take guns apart and clean them. Especially guns that I am not familiar with. I have considered offering my services to the public but two things that I thought long and hard about convinced me to keep it to just my close friends and shooting buddy's.
1~ I don't want to get an FFL or a business license from my local gov.
2~ I REALLY don't want strangers coming to my house with guns.
1~ I don't want to get an FFL or a business license from my local gov.
2~ I REALLY don't want strangers coming to my house with guns.
I had an Uncle that had a small gunshop at his house . He would order guns for people and did some basic repairs . He also did a big business in cleaning guns . He had a lot of hunters that would drop off their filthy shotgun that had banged around the Duck blind all season or Deer rifle that got dragged through the swamp . Those guys didn't shoot for fun . They just wanted a clean , functional gun for the next hunting season .
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