My Son will be graduating from Medical School within a couple of months I've been thinking of getting something special for him, namely an engraved model 66 or 686, I have a few examples of each so not sure which one to give yet. Not having any experience with this I'm looking for advice on top grade engravers, I want this to be Class A work as this is a once in a lifetime achievment for him and I want him to know just how proud his Mother and I are of him.
Who in the business is considered cream of the crop? I'm sure opinions will be mixed so any references members can give will be greatly appreciated. Yes I know that the work can't be done in the time frame given, a delay would be expected, he still has residency to complete so that buys some time, but I want this to be top notch.
This young man is truly one of a kind, never had one bit of trouble out of him growing up, from an early age he's displayed a great care for others and he wants to devote his life to helping people less fortunate than he, I very much want to reward that.
Please let me know some experts in this field.
Thanks much for your help,
Russ Donegan

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Got a Phd from Hard Knocks U

Wayne D'Angelo is the former in house engraver for S&W and probably the best choice for a S&W:

D'Angelo Engraving Art,knife engraver, gun engraver, engraver, engraving, knife engraving ,engraved

Jeff Flannery is an excellent engraver as well:

Jeff Flannery Gun Engraving

Don't forget Keith Brown for the ultimate grips for that engraved gun:

keithbrowngrips - main

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Dave

I highly recommend Wayne D'Angelo, as I commisioned Wayne with engraving this Colt 1903 Hammerless. I presented it to my father on Father's Day, a start of a family heirloom.

From Wayne's site
http://dangeloengraving.com/diaz.jpg

The Presentation with real Ivory stocks.

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Memory of Randy Freas-Rimfired

Whoever you choose I bet you ain't gonna get it back in a couple of months.

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Dum vivo cano

Thanks for the tips, I do likd that '03. As far as the 2 month's that is when he is graduating from school, he has at least two years of residency to complete as well as further specialized schooling. Want to start planning now tho'.
RD

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Got a Phd from Hard Knocks U

My suggestion would be to contact FEGA, the Firearms Engravers Guild of America for a list of their members. I have had guns engraved by members Jim Blair and George Sherwood (deceased) and was well pleased with their work. FEGA puts on a show once a year in Reno, NV, it would be well worth your while to attend the show and be able to examine examples of many engravers work and discuss your project with them face to face.

Congratulations on your son and his accomplishment. Sounds like a gift
he will always cherish and remember. I cannot give a recommendation
for an engraver but as stated above, give Keith Brown in Ohio a call
about finishing the project right with nicely done grips. I do have some
of this master craftsmans work. You'll not regret it.


chuck

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They hold no Quarter

I have had two done by Robert Evans, who used to be the secretary of FEGA. Plus a M60 and a M66 done by him as a retirement presents. You might check that website.

Bear in mind that there are engravers--and then there are engravers. Good idea, though. And as mentioned two months is pretty short for this sort of thing, especially with people whose work is in demand. Maybe S&W can move faster but of course M66s are out of production.

If you have more time available that would help greatly.

Check with D'Angelo. He might be able to turn around in a couple months, if he is taking in new commissions.
I believe Wayne was commissioned engraving Colt 100 anniversary guns last year.

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Memory of Randy Freas-Rimfired

Thanks once again for the leads and especially for the FEGA tip, I'll check that out.
And Again, I don't need this in two months, I wouldn't expect it to be done very well with that kind of time constraint, my Son won't be officially an 'M.D.' for another two Years and some change, he has to complete residency and boards first.
Two Years should be plenty of time.
And again Thank you all.
RD

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Got a Phd from Hard Knocks U

I agree with this. Also the comment that "there are engravers and there are engravers." You might buy some books on engraving, too. One basic difference is the depth of the cut. Another is whether the work is by hand or with power tools. A book you might look at is Custom Firearms Engraving by Tom Turpin.

Take your time. Learn more about it before you make any decisions.

Ivory grips look real good with an engraved gun. You might think of that also.

Smithhound, whatever you decide, you need to keep us all in the loop with pictures and updates along the way. Just say'n....

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Dave

Lee Griffiths is probably the finest engraver in the country along with a few others.Lee is located in Utah and has a web page.

I can recommend Nutmeg Sports in Connecticut.

Nutmeg Sports, LLC

Prices are fair and you get personal service from the owner (Jim). This 2nd Generation Colt SAA was finished by them in antique nickel, engraved, and the carved ivories done in about eight weeks time.






And whatever your final decision, don't be afraid to take it for a test drive!!