Adam,

H&H and I think a few others in Europe have
apprenticeship programs (Suhl etc).

In the 60's - 70's (H&H) found it hard to get workers/
apprectices but I believe a pogram was put in place like
careers etc and the situation has now alleviated itself to
an extent.

Re CNC, IMHO, it doesn't really matter how the excess metal is
taken off, it is how it is finished that is important and this is where
the real skill is to be found. We seem to forget that barrels have been
machined since day 1 and it is the final boring, striking that is
so important.

Too many people who are machinist's call themselves gunsmiths !

Good luck.

500 Nitro