Engraving vs. surface material?

[boredelmo]

So to engrave a gun, on say a blued firearm, one must strip to gun of the finish, engrave and refinish it.

I want a simple engraving that would only be one letter.

What if i had a brushed chrome firearm, can it be engraved without having to refinish it?

I guess my real question is, What is the best surface finish for an easy single letter engraving?

 

[Jim Watson]

No, you don't have to strip the blue, it is possible to cut engraving through the blue and have white figures against the black. Something simple like a monogram might look ok, if you kept the area oiled or waxed to protect the naked metal.

Chrome is hard, it would be difficult to cut engraving through it and again, it would leave naked steel in the design.

Stainless steel would be the simplest. I have a S&W 640 with high coverage scroll, the background blackened for contrast. Looks good.

 

[boredelmo]

Mr. Watson, do you have any idea on pricing for engraving something so simple?

 

[Jim Watson]

I haven't a clue. How ornate do you want that one letter to look?

 

[mp510]

If your looking for something simple, it probably won't cost much. HDPS (Homeland Defense and Police Supply Corp. ---> www.hdps.org) will do ATF spec maker engraving (geared towards the Form 1 NFA crowd) for $25 plus return shipping. This would normally consist of the individuals (or corps) name and location.

I recommend contacting Ed Montana at HDPS and getting a quote. He is real good guy to work with.

 

[boredelmo]

Oh man that sounds just like what i need. Thanks a bunch.