I believe Winston Churchill had a years long backlog of work at the time of his death. He wasn’t able to put in as many hours at the bench as he had when he was younger. Trying to nip that in the bud would be wise for any craftsman.

A few gunsmiths have retired, but, take on work here and there that “interests them”, whatever that might be. Fresh talent, in either endeavor, seems scarce at the moment.

Best,
Ted