pistol engraving

[simonstough]

I have been contemplating buying a "his & hers" pistol set for my wife for our anniversary in may. i'm not really particular of auto loader v. revolver, they aren't really going to be carried or used for home defense, but more of a range toy. that's not really important, what is important is the engraving. i'm a machinist so i could just have my CAD/CAM guy make something up and throw the slide/frame into the cnc, or i could take it to the smith a few towns over and have him do something, ive heard hes pretty good but haven't actually seen his work. my question is; do any of you have any engravings? would you recommend the traditional method or the newer faster cnc? pros and cons?

 

[rcmodel]

Real Engraving is engraving.

IMO: CNC machining or Laser engraving words & letters or scroll work isn't.

This is real engraving:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57780_757751_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

This is machine engraving:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57780_757751_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

This is laser engraving:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57780_757751_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

rc

 

[Collector0311]

I had the cylinder done on my 637. I love it. I had the option of laser/CNC but I felt like it lost the appeal when a computer became the middle man. I wanted someone's art and talent on my weapon. Sure, there will be slight imperfections here and there but that's character. Good luck with your decision!

 

[CraigC]

You might be a little late to have something done by May. Most good engravers are going to be at least several months out, if not a year or two. I agree that machine work is not "engraving".

This is hand engraving:

 

[MrTwigg]

Laser "engraving" can be accidently polished off !

 

[Collector0311]

My engraver had me done in just over a week. Let me know if you'd like his info. He's not backed up.