Know-How Exchange : Strategy

Dig at local level. Talk to obvious gun owners, e.g. police, farmers, hunters clubs or groups and find out where they currently get their guns serviced, buy ammo, etc.

If all the expenditure in the category is going outside the immediate area, and the services they are getting are unsatisfactory or inconvenient to use, then perhaps you have identified an opportunity.

If you can collect contact info as you go, you can create a database for further research once the initial "is this a good idea" question is answered, to design the product/services you create to fit the market requirements.

Agree with Chris, since you don't want to do Web research.

I'd suggest that you also quantify whatever data collection you do. If you end up needing to borrow money for your enterprise, the banks/investors will want to see some numbers.

John

Start by simply creating a website focused on your gunsmithing business. Make sure you join (for example), Google's Local Business Center to fine-tune your SEO. Perhaps place a free offer on the website to get people interested enough to call you.