Get .223 case engraved?

[Monkeyleg]

Today was my father-in-law's funeral, and he had the honor guard there for the three-shot volleys.

Anyway, they were firing M16/AR15's (didn't get a close look before they packed them away). I got one of the cases, and I'd like to have it engraved with his name. Does anyone know a source for that? I'm sure I could take it to a local jewelry shop, but I was hoping for something more special from an engraver who's into guns.

Another curious thing was that this was the first funeral I've been to where the honor guard used M16/AR15's. I've been to many the last few years, and they either used Garands or M14's, or a bolt-action that I can't remember right now.

Yet another unusual thing was that they would fire, then pull back the charging handle, and fire again. I couldn't figure out what was going on. When I talked with one of the members of the guard afterward, he said that they didn't have the budget for the blank firing adaptors. I think he also said that the neck crimping, which looks like fluting, inhibited extraction.

Just one last thing: if there are any THR members here who function as members of honor guards, I'd like to thank you. The guys there today did a terrific job.

 

[fredcwdoc]

I would think any one who engraves trophys would be able to do a shell case. If not maybe they can refer you to somebody who can.

Was the honor guard active military? It seems the VFW posts use the older rifles and the active military is using the M-16. At least that seems to be the case of the ones I have been to.

 

[Bob R]

Inside the folded flag is three more expended shells(or should be). Just a thought in case you wanted to engrave those and put them back. Generations from now will be able to tell who the honor was given to.

bob

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

but I was hoping for something more special from an engraver who's into guns.

Monkeyleg, I'd be glad to do it for you, at no charge of course. I've been a professional engraver for 35 years, so I can handle it.

I don't know how I could make it any more special, but I'll do my best. PM me.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I've been a professional engraver for 35 years, so I can handle it.

Larry:

Do us all a favor, please, and give us an idea what you can do. I think a lot of us could use engraving services now and then. Thanks, eh?

 

[JohnKSa]

Do us all a favor, please, and give us an idea what you can do.

+1

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

Do us all a favor, please, and give us an idea what you can do.

Nothing fancy, but I am one of the last pantograph operators in this city. (On second thought, I'm not ONE of the last, I am THE LAST.)

sm would appreciate this statement: "If I can hold it, I can engrave it".

I do caliber designations on rifle barrels for several custom gunsmiths in the area. I probably engrave about three rifle barrels a week on average, mostly 1000 yard custom rifles.

I DON'T DO fancy scroll engraving or any ornamentation, nor would I if I had the skills and tools. I have never been able to do something that I would not appreciate the end result of, and I don't care for engraved firearms (nothing against those who do, I've just seen enough engraving in my life, I don't want to look at it in my leisure time).

I just do basic diamond engraving. Most firearms are not a problem to hold, so long as scopes are not involved. My rate is CHEAP, $5.00 per line; I figure this is a favor I do for my brother gunnies.

 

[armedandsafe]

I have the small pantograph, but I've never figured out how to get the depth even on round surfaces. I've resorted to chemical engraving and etching, but would really like to do some stuff with the pantograph.

Pops

 

[Henry Bowman]

I have thought about this also.

Last May, my father-in-law died. His only grandchildren are my children, ages 8 and 3. At the cemetery, I asked the VFW honor guard if I could have 2 spent shells for the grandkids. They said sure, all you want. Some were presented with the flag, but I wanted the actual ones used to fire the volleys for him that day. They are tarnished and have been reloaded more times than anyone can count, but they are special (.30-'06, fired from Garands). Later, one of his nephews who is an Army vet and who I had noticed snap to a salute during Taps, said that he had overheard my request and who they were for and though that was really nice. He suggested using some Brasso to shine them up and to keep the green crud away.

I have thought about having 2 of them engraved so that they don't just become indistinguishable drawer junk in ten years. Larry, I'd be glad to pay $5.00 each to have his name and dates (1925-2005) engraved on them. I would trust you to handle them appropriately.

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

I have the small pantograph

Small pantographs pose a problem in that the entire carriage moves up and down with the cutter, making intricate work on round items tough. I have a New Hermes GTX Universal, the largest machine made. With it, and the other larger machines, the cutter stylus moves by finger pressure independent of anything else (am I making sense?).

Henry, check your PM's.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

unusual thing was that they would fire, then pull back the charging handle, and fire again

That seems pretty common, whether M16 or M1 (probably M14 too). The blank firing adapters look dumb, and they can send debris flying back onto the line of shooters, like paper embers. And they increase the noise, like a brake. Most salutes that I've seen manually cycle the action between shots. Nobody does "rapid fire" salutes, except at middle-eastern weddings.

The engraved (and polished) brass might make a nice inlay for a wood and glass display case holding the flag.

Sympathies on losing a family member.

Regards.

 

[dfariswheel]

Many jewelery stores and shops that sell wedding and graduation gifts are set up to do engraving on ink pens.

I once did a 30-06 case to commemorate a kids first deer.