Question about building rifles

[Manatee]

You normally don't have a prison sentence as the downside to an oil change.

I really don't want to burst your bubble, but building an AR really isn't "gunsmithing". Any mechanically adept person with a few tools can put one together in an hour or two.

It takes years and lots of customers to build a reputation as a gunsmith and to be able to charge a "living wage" premium for that business. Frankly, it's not a very lucrative field unless you also have the ability to supplement that income with gun sales. Hence, the FFL.

 

[KC101]

You might check with a locale gunsmith and ask about apprentice work then move on once you've got the experience. You will want the FFL before doing anything for anyone else, trust me.

 

[Trooper]

The guy from Ohio who does upper assembly builds at the Indy 1500 is Tony
Tony's Customs | AR-15 Uppers & Parts | Your Upper. Your Way.

Custom Built Arms is another place.

You might want to order parts kits to sell plus furniture. That would be a start. Work with a LGS to provide the lower receivers (serialized) so that they handle the FFL portion. (Anderson manufacturing is a good source). Customer comes to you and has you assemble. You might even have the LGS rent you a corner to work out of.