Although I'm sure there are a few successful gunsmiths out there who started out as you are proposing to do - for every one that "got there", there arehundreds who didn't. There is a lot to know about this stuff.. .

I live fairly close toTrinidad, Colorado and personally know at least 20 people who graduated from the gunsmith school there. None of them could make a living at gunsmithing. And what you are planning to do, without formal instruction or apprenticeship, is probably going toproduce what is often known as a"gun show special". The amount of education and equipment aquisition necessary to competently do what you are describing is a major investment - both time and money. Either do it right or find another hobby to pass away the long winter.