IVG offers Gunsmith Tech ‘Master Craftsman Series’
Tuesday / May 17, 2016
Robert “Bob” Strosin, Metal Engraving instructor.
Iowa Valley Community College Grinnell has announced it will be offering Gunsmith Technology continuing education courses this summer as part of its “Master Craftsman Series”. These classes will feature the finest craftsmen in the world of firearms as instructors. Classes are open to anyone interested in the crafting of fine firearms.
The first class, Metal Engraving, will take place July 25 – 29, and will feature Robert “Bob” Strosin, a Firearms Engravers Guild of America (FEGA) “Master Engraver”. Bob started engraving in 1980, and just two years later began serving on the FEGA Board of Directors. He later served as the Treasurer and eventually President of the Board.
The second class, Advanced Metalsmithing, will take place August 1 – 5, and will cover various finishes used on the metalwork of fine firearms. The student will learn proper methods of hand polishing to obtain a smooth, ripple free surface. Once the parts are prepared they will be rust blued using traditional methods. Small parts will be nitre blued to create accents. As time permits, other finishes will be explored such as color case hardening and French gray.
The course is taught by Steven Durren, a Professional member of the American Custom Gunmakers Guild in the categories of Metalsmith and Stockmaker. He works full time building and repairing fine custom firearms.
Steven Durren, Advanced Metalsmithing instructor.
Students will be expected to provide their own firearms for projects for the class. Fees for each class are $400 per person, with an additional $95 tool fee in the Metal Engraving course. Students will be responsible for their own meals and lodging. Registration and refund deadline is two weeks before the start of the course. (Refunds will return 80% of registration cost)
Both classes will take place on the campus of Iowa Valley Grinnell, 123 6th Ave. West, Grinnell.
For more information or to register, go to www.IowaValley.com, look under ‘Find A Course’, and choose ‘Industry and Trades’. Scroll down to the bottom to find the ‘IND 9051 – Advanced Metalsmithing’ and ‘IND 9052 – Metal Engraving’.