Want an engraved gun. Which one?

Based on your parameters, first off, for "legacy" I wouldn't buy one but rather invest in having a fine 1911 engraved for you after purchase and any mods you might want.

I'd shy from the SxS as they can be problematic in storage/display later and often the emotional attachment of a shotgun not otherwise used is minimal.

Both of my cents there..

A little over your price range.

But look at this one!!

If I didn't have better sense and less money, I would already have one!

http://www.edbrown.com/signature.htm

rc

Unless the engraving is done by one of the top 2-3 people in the country I would stay far away from having something aftermarket engraved. Personally I would look for a Renaissance Grade BHP in 9mm, they hold their value very well in good times or bad. Almost any factory engraved gun will hold value better than an aftermarket one though.

I voted for the shotgun since you only had 2 choices though. The high grade european shotguns with factory engraving hve held up pretty well in value over the years.

Go for the shotgun - it had a bigger canvas for the work. And there are PLENTY of excellent engravers, both here and abroad, that can do the work

Try here: http://www.fega.com/

It seems you need to ask yourself this question.

Do you want a handgun, or a shotgun?

I have engraved shotguns.
They don't get my, or anyone elses heart rate up that much.
Kinda like they are supposed to be that way to justify how much they cost.

But I still want a Ed Brown Signature Edition 1911 like I linked to.
1911's ain't expected to be that way!!

And they will get almost anyones heart rate up, gun person or not.

rc

Since I fell in love with SxSs long before I ever held a 1911, I voted for the shottie. While quality 1911s have been the rage for the past few years, quality SxSs have been admired and cherished for centuries. As oneounceload stated, it's a bigger canvas and to me, engraved shotguns looks less cluttered/busy than engraved handguns. If I were you tho, I'd be more interested in what my daughter liked than what trips the trigger for a bunch of keyboard commandos on the internet.

between the 2, I vote 1911. FWIW my "grail" gun is an engraved Colt SAA

my vote is for the 1911, preferably with a nickel finish or polished stainless.

NOOOOOO!

Engraved & Blued is the only way to avoid the gangsta bling look!

IMO: Engraving just doesn't show up right under a silver finish of any kind.

rc

Engraved & Blued is the only way to avoid the gangsta bling look!

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lol, to each their own.

if you are going to go with a blue finish, at leas make sure that it is a top notch deep polished blue. that is very classy too!

An engraved and blued M1911 would be the way I would go for a distinctive heirloom firearm.

rcmodel said:

NOOOOOO!

Engraved & Blued is the only way to avoid the gangsta bling look!

IMO: Engraving just doesn't show up right under a silver finish of any kind.

rc

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Are you talking about 1911s only. An engraved Single Action revolver does not invoke images of gangstas to me

I am a handgun person, by far. I own a Mossberg for utility and have way too many handguns just because I like them. That being said, I'd get the shotgun to hand down for 2 reasons:
1-In my opinion, a piece like this should be displayed and not sitting in a safe somewhere. It should be showed off and enjoyed by anyone who enters the room. It can be a timeless piece of history and your legacy 100 years from now. A shotgun would be seen a whole lot better than a 1911 or similar.
Just my opinion.
2- A larger gun allows the engraving to be seen easier, be more elaborate and allows a better platform for the beauty of the art versus the gun. It won't be like trying to put 5#of ammo into a 3# bag. If you can find a masterpiece that was engraved by a "noted" engraver it will hold it's value over time. I guess I'm saying a big gun would be better than a small gun because it's a piece of art and not a tool.

TennJed said:

Are you talking about 1911s only. An engraved Single Action revolver does not invoke images of gangstas to me

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Agreed. I think when tastefully done by a talented engraver, any gun can be classed up with some engraving. The key words are talented and tasteful.

I personally would go for the handgun but like others said, the shotgun makes for a better display piece.

I just thought... do a search for some of the "Mexican Cowboy" 1911s - usually in .38 Super - some of those fellas carry very nice Bar-B-Q guns. oft times they can be over the top but the style not only holds up to honest wear but seems to be enhanced by it,

For that matter - check out the Bar-B-Que gun thread for ideas. I can't find it to link but it's pretty cool.

While 1911s are not my thing, I think you made a good choice and I hope your child enjoys your choice. Enjoy it while it is yours and teach the new owner about it.

I love and appreciate a finely engraved firearm. If I could only have one, I would prefer a handgun be it a 1911 or a fine revolver.

The Browning Renaissance high power holds value well. The Liege engravers make the engraving stand out on a silver gun by rubbing the entire gun down with black ink which fills the engraving.

Have several Belgium engraved shotguns and pistols.....the handguns get more attention.

I'd look for one that is already engraved preferrably by the factory. A Colt 1911, Python, or Diamondback comes to mind....

if I could only pick between a shotgun or 1911 I guess Id pick the 1911. if you are open to other ideas I would suggest a engraved browning hi power or S&W revolver

I voted the custom engraved 1911, I found a 1957 Colt National Match I really liked last summer on Gunbroker ... my wife told me that if it went for a reasonable price to go for it, and that would be my anniversary present