Anthony Fleming works too hard at gunsmithing to call it a hobby, but he loves it too much to call it a job.
The Sparks-area gunsmith,who specializes in restoration of firearms from the turn of the century,works full time as a casino supervisor.
But in his free hours, he draws customers from around the world who want his painstaking craftsmanship with older weapons.
He'll be among about 90 gunmakers and firearms engravers showing their work Jan.
28-30 at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino.
The show is expected to draw about 1,000 people, who'll pay $20 each to see one-of-a-kind firearms.
The reason Fleming is in high demand: Fleming is one of a small number of gunsmiths in the world skilled at a process called "slow rust bluing." The technique, which was replaced by chemical processes in the early 20th century, requires at least a week of work as the gun's low-luster finish is rusted into the metal.
Slow rust bluing is required during the restoration of most double guns, which are soft-soldered.
While experts in restoration quote prices ranging from $300 and up for slow rust bluing, Fleming says the number of hours required for the work make it a poor way to make a living.
"There's a lot of hard work in it," he says.
"You wouldn't do it if you didn't love it."
A graduate of the gunsmith program at Lassen College, Fleming learned slow rust bluing while he worked for Jenkins Enterprises, a California firearms maker.
