There is something I call "The Maker's Curse", in which one makes something, shows it to someone, and, on getting the reaction, "OMG that looks amazing!" proceeds to list every flaw and regretted decision. I will attempt not to do that here. Nevertheless, I think it's useful to reflect on lessons learned and opportunities.

Obviously, I learned a bunch about the M3, just through use, and since it is relatively new to me, especially about the gas system. But I am already fairly familiar with metalworking, including heat-based cutting, as I've done a fair amount of plasma work. That said, if I did this again, I'd CNC it. It would have been faster, cheaper, and done just as good a job, if not better.

I think the big area for growth for me on this one is leatherworking. I think the finished work is okay, but it's well short of what an experienced leatherworker could and would do, and something I'd like to try to improve on. I'm taking a class in November at Nova Labs that should help.

If I tackled this again, I'd want to do it as a collaboration. My older daughter is studying graphic design, and her aesthetic sense is superior to mine. It would have been very valuable to me to work with her on the what, allowing me to focus more on the how, and I think the end result would be improved by it.

That said, it is basically impossible to make the first of anything perfectly. So one has to accept there will be things one could improve. I think this one came out pretty good, and she likes it, which is the part that matters. If there is a second or third or tenth, they will assuredly be different, and better in some ways. But it's okay if that doesn't happen.