Opinions on Laser Engraving

[12coronas]

I have access to a CNC laser engraver and am considering engraving some of my guns.

First, the technnical.. It will engrave metal or plastic from microns deep to several thousandths of an inch. The resolution is incredible so it can engrave down to the barely visible level.

Now, my questions are...

1. What parts of the gun are best?
2. Should the engraving be highly visible or hidden so that only I know where they are?
3. What info should be on there? Name only? SSN? It would be nice to have a way to contact me if the guns were stolen and recovered/bought by someone. So phone number or email address?

Also, let me clarify a few things. I would not do this to a milsurp gun or anything of collector value. I would not intend on selling any of these guns (never have, never will).

 

[SavageMOA]

Are you doing this in case of theft? Or is this for aesthetic purposes?

 

[crushbup]

I'd say name would be good, but addresses and phone numbers change.

 

[deadin]

I would not intend on selling any of these guns (never have, never will).

How long have you owned guns?

 

[12coronas]

This would be more for theft reasons.

I have owned guns for 20+ years.

 

[Armed 24/7]

I would reccomend putting your name and city of residence somewhere near the serial number. The cops will have to log the serial number if it is recovered and they will see your info. They can look you up by name/city (ever had a collection agency find you)

 

[rbernie]

I can't tell you how many guns sit collecting dust at the local shops instead of selling, all because the previous owner engraved personal information on it.

Don't do it. The S/N is ID enough, and if they can read the S/N they can tell that it's yours. There is zero value-add to putting personal info on the weapon.

 

[2RCO]

I wouldn't put my SSN on a firearm because you are aiding the thief in possible ID theft as well. Also I think I would keep my guns at the serial number only level.

 

[Crash_Test_Dhimmi]

Laser Engraving? on a gun forum... are we talking like a Phased-plasma pulse rifle in the 40-watt range? That will do some engraving.

/sorry I couldn't resist

 

[REDMASTA]

picture of chuck norris

 

[Gunfighter123]

I agree ---- the value of a firearm with somebodys name on it will detract.

Maybe the last 4 digits of your SS number --- but why bother if you already have the guns serial number recorded ??

 

[leadcounsel]

I would wonder if engraving would create additional spots for rust to form because you are removing the the protective finish.

I agree that I wouldn't engrave my guns because it destroys resale value and, also, if God forbid they are stolen and used in a crime then even if the serial number isn't traced back to you, the gun will be and you may be implicated. Or if you sell in a FTF transaction, this could also be the case.

I would possibly consider engraving a special firearm, like a commemorative piece - like ones Soldiers in my unit bought when we returned from Iraq.

 

[heron]

How 'bout the text of the Second Amendment?

 

[ThrottleJockey]

+1 Second amendment text!

 

[BSlacker]

I am in the group that says no to adding anything.
Using the laser you could do some tricky stuff though that even looked good on a firearm. Do a tiny area for ID or put something in an area not seen when in use, if you can see it they can mark it.