This may not be the proper catagory for this question but has anyone had any experience with S&W engraving (hand or laser) on a pistol or revolver? Is it harder to clean after use and keep clean? How does the engraving stand up over time? Does it enhance value and would you do it again?
Thanks.

I've explored possibilities talking with Pat Frates about engraving a S&W revolver. I was interested in the Bulino scene. I may do
this someday but other projects croped up.
For Bulino animal scenes have a depth and detail that requires many thousands of tiny
dots etc. spendy but beautiful, there are examples on the web site. Cleaning I suppose would be more entailed

You can contact S&W and they'll send a
brochure and price list.


ENhanced value... I think it's hard to even get back the cost of the engraving - it's all
in the eye of the bgholder.

Their laser engraving comes at reasonable prices. I'd like to see them offer more laser engraved options.

MOONDAWG

I too have had the pleasure of corresponding with Pat and although S&W has been more than helpfull I thought some real-world experience would be informative. For instance; I have heard that laser engraving can be rubbed away with regular use, (I think the Bulino engraving might be similar. Maybe it's deeper.) Hand engraving costs more than the original price of my guns but it would certainly make them heirlooms to me! Would anyone else give a hoot; who knows? Maybe that's not the point. Are there any other established and respected houses that might do the job? Can one shoot engraved guns on a regular basis? S&W sez yes.

Personally I think the Laser engraving is a short cut and looks hideous, but that's me. If
you Google Bulino Engraving you can find how it is done, under a microscope with, depending on the size up to millions of punches at up to 16 different sizes and angles to give depth. There are master engravers who also do this work just bring a barrel of money - each one has their own style, you might provide a picture or say you want a front quarter angle of an animal but you'll have to rely on the
artist's impression.

the other type of flourished scroll work that S&W does, I didn't see anything I liked - Maybe I'm just looking for another Lynton McKenzie and have seen too much of his work in Gun DIgest and elsewhere.

I must admit that I'm not familiar with Lynton McKenzie but I gather from your insinuation that he is (was?) a true master. I will look to the Gun Digest archives for examples of his work, much thanks!

I must admit that I'm not familiar with Lynton McKenzie but I gather from your insinuation that he is (was?) a true master. I will look to the Gun Digest archives for examples of his work, much thanks.

WOW! Now I'm even repeating myself on-line. Sorry all!

I have a 1rst cousin who is an artisan with old mechanical clocks. His wife does engraving by hand - SHe has a book and a third of it is 2-3 pages of Master Engravers. I hadn't seen Lynton's style in 20 years but when I came to it, I knew whose work it was. WHen I was in my teens buying the Gun DIgest was a good chunk of change. I'd read it cover to cover. THey had featured rifles, Bolt, Doubles, shotguns, handguns and noted the ar artissts in metal and wood who created the works.

I have a .357 mod.60 With factory laser engraving.

It will definatly not rub off. And makes the gun no harder to clean.

I don't think it's hideous. But to be honest it is kinda tacky looking when compared to hand engraving. And if I had it to do over, I don't think I would.

Sorry to be a late entry on this thread, but; apparently the general consensus is that laser engraving is not worth the effort on your revolvers?

Does anyone have factual evidence that laser engraving recinds the value of the piece involved?

I was considering a motiff on 2 of my N frames, however, if the procedure actually lessens the revolver's worth, well............

It will lessen the value for some. Increase it for others. Differnt strokes, for differnt folks.