I am thinking about having some engraving done on a Ruger #1 and/or a Contender flatside frame. I have never had any engraving done before and was wondering if anyone knew of some sites that show examples of different patterns and styles of engraving. How do you go about explaining to an engraver what you want? Show pictures or just give a general idea what you want and leave it up to his/her discretion?

Thanks,
Tim

If I was going to have this work done I would contact several of the people doing the work (they normally advertise in all the gun publications) and ask them for examples (pictures) of their work.

Normally, crafstmen are proud of their work and have many pictures of that work to show prospective clients.

Since this is a "no going back" procedure I would certainly make sure that my ideas and the engravers ideas matched up really well before the work got started.

Rick

Tim,

I went to my search engine and typed in "Gun Engravers" and came up with about twenty web sites on this topic.

The Firearms Engravers Guild of America is located at: www.fega.com and they have pictures, list of members, etc.

Handy thing, those search engines!

Hope this helps,

Rick

You could always shoot this guy an email:

Roger Kehr
Kehr Engraving Company
Kehrengraving@comcast.net

Do a search here on the forum and you will find many examples of his fine work. Just cover the keyboard in plastic first to protect it from the drool.

I was going to recommend FEGA also. The engraver will come up with artwork that he will transfer to the metal before beginning the cutting, so you could check that out first and make sure it looks the way you want.

I had Roger do an inlay for me on my triggerguard and was very happy with the work and the communication. He is a great guy. There is lots of feedback here on his work and many pictures. I like to be able to communicate with a craftsman, so if they aren't local to me I like them to be somebody like Roger that uses the internet and e-mail and such. He took photos of the process for me because I wanted to have the steps as it went along to show later to people.

If you are considering a lot of coverage and are not sure what you want on it I recommend not starting it until you can go somewhere like the ACGG-FEGA show in Reno in January. It is very much worth it, there are dozens of engravers present with examples of their work, little things that you wouldn't think of on your own. Celtic animals, gold inlayed manufacturers stamps (the W in a circle) and so on.

Red

Tim Ryan,
Here is a photo of #1 from the photo section of the FEGA site. It was done by Bob Evans.

Tim,
the above book is available from Steve Billeb at customgunmaker.com
Bob

I've worked with a few different engravers and have always had pleasant outcomes. My advice is to look at books of nice engraving to figure out what you like and don't like. Then contact a few engravers whose style suits yours and ask about their schedules and get some ideas for your particular rifle. This will give you the opportunity to get to know who you might enjoy working with.

After this, have an honest discussion as to your budget and expectations. If you are still on speaking terms with the engraver at this point, give him a deposit and request that he (or she) provide you with some drawings of what he has in mind for your gun.

My personal preference is for strong border work and some corner work, I don't care for full coverage on my guns (but don't mind looking at it on others). Work by big-name engravers is EXPENSIVE, but there are several very talented engravers, without a big name and a long backlog of business, that would be pleasant to deal with.

Good luck and report back what you find out.

Forrest

The FEGA offers a booklet titled "Engraver's Profiles" for about $15. It is the most current work (published last year) by the certified professional guild members. It would be the best spent $ for a serious student or potential client.
It is 50 pages of simply color photos and contact info.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I will pick up a couple of books and after deciding what exactly I want contact several engravers by phone.

Thanks again,
Tim

I've used Jim Downing a lot and plan to use him several more times. He's cut my '73 Winchester, my Sharps, my Remington roller, all my Colt SAA .45s, my '51 Colt Navy, my '60 Colt Army, and my '58 Remington Army. I'm happy with his work, prices, and turnaround time.

Just another option for you, perhaps.

Good luck.

Russ