handgun engraving - Revolvers

[Dudemeister]

Has anyone used Michael Gouse to engrave their gun, or bought a Michael Gouse engraved gun?

For some reason, I've got am itch for a Cimarron Thunderer, and I want it engraved. I looked at his work, and it appears to be nice, however, most of his photos are pretty low quality and I can't see a lot of details, especially as it pertains to the depth of the engraving.

I'm curious if anyone here has seen his work close up and I'd like to hear their comments.

Also If you can think of any other engraver that won't break the bank.

I'm looking at spending about $1000-1200 including the gun, which is about $500

Note:
I was also looking at the Taylor LAser engraved Cattleman, and frankly that looks pretty nice. Taylor claims that he final work is hand "chased" to remove any tell-tales of the laser work and add depth.

The only problems are that they don't offer it in a Thunderer grip, and they use the same pattern on all their guns, which means there must hundreds identical guns out there.

 

[Dudemeister]

No one? 89 views and not one single comment?

 

[Schwing]

I am afraid I don't have an answer but am posting for the bump since I am also interested in this. If I do this, I want it to be unique as well.

 

[Jim K]

First, do you want engraving or laser work? They are not the same thing, and I beg to doubt that anyone can "remove any tell-tales of the laser work." Hand engraving is art, and every gun is unique. It is like painting. Laser "engraving" is machine work, and as you say, is usually done to a pattern. It is like printing.

Now both can be nice and done well, can add to the value of a gun. But if you are going to spend any significant amount of money, I would recommend a lesser amount of "real" engraving as opposed to a larger amount of laser work. And of course, a hand engraver can engrave anything you want.

Every engraver has a collection of photos of his work that he will send to any serious enquirer. But most of the top engravers are heavily backlogged, so if you really want top quality engraving, try www.fega.com and check the list of master engravers (under ENGRAVERS) and pictures of their work.

Jim

 

[Dudemeister]

I'm quite aware of the difference between the two, but after seeing some of the closeups of this laser engraving from Taylor, I was surprised how good it looked.



Frankly I wouldn't be adverse to it at all. If they'd offered this in a Thunderer grip I'd have bought it on the spot.

On the other hand, the master engravers at FEGA, want far too much for their work. I'm not saying it's not worth it, I'm just saying it's way out of my price range. I don't want an heirloom, I want a nice piece that I can take out to the range. And spending $5K+ for a engraving job is not in the cards.

Michael Gouse does this for $500 and up, and after talking to him, I know I can afford his services, but I still liketo get someone's opinion, someone that has seen his work first hand.

 

[StrawHat]

CraigC should answer this, he has had work done by Gouse. Here is the thread.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=730595&highlight=engraved

 

[CraigC]

I had the Cimarron Open Top in the link above engraved by Gouse late last year. He did a fantastic job, gave me exactly what I asked for, was very easy to work with and his turnaround was quick. The whole job with the engraving and refinishing by Turnbull didn't take more than six weeks. I had heard good things about his work and wanted to get my next custom Ruger engraved. Rather than taking the chance with a $3000 custom, I started with a $500 Cimarron. I am VERY pleased with the outcome and will absolutely utilize his services again, including a few custom Rugers.

 

[CraigC]

Also look for posts by "mm6mm6", he has had several done by Gouse and was one of the reasons why I chose him.

http://www.thehighroad.org/member.php?u=86165

 

[Jim K]

As I said earlier, the laser job is very good and certainly dresses up that gun, but it is not true engraving. The Crouse work is impressive but, being handwork, has some flaws. I do not know him but IMHO he is good but will become better with practice.

That, really, is the difference between a master engraver and a journeyman. The master first and foremost, is an artist. He could work in oil and canvas as well as in steel, and some engravers have done just that. His work will be meticulous and painstaking, and he will make few if any mistakes. His layout will be perfectly fitted to the gun because he has studied guns and worked out his designs. His circles will be circles, his straight lines straight. And all that, not the physical work, is what the customer pays for.

FWIW, I have tried a little bit of engraving and I come up very short on the art. It is not about cutting a line in metal, that I can do. And I can take a brush and slop on paint, but I am not Da Vinci because I am not an artist. If I try to draw an eagle, it will come out looking like a bedraggled crow, or maybe a possum. So whatever you do, don't let me engrave your gun.

Jim

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Does he do any Celtic designs?

 

[horsemen61]

We'll from what I have seen the man does exquisite work

 

[Dudemeister]

I just called him again today to find out if he was able to find a Thunderer (he'd buy it and engrave it, rather than me buying it and sending it to him. On a hunch I asked what type of payments he takes.

He's not setup to take cards or PayPal, only cash, checks or money orders.

Well, that puts a damper on the whole thing, because I don't have $1000-1200 in cash. So engraving will have to wait for a while until I get some cash on hand.

 

[huntershooter]

Not a revolver, but this is a Gouse engraved pistol.
It is obviously not completed.