Shooting and carrying engraved pistols is a time honored tradition. They should be carried and shot. The only limitation is that it is not recommended that a true shooter/carry piece have inlaid metals. They will eventually loosen and go flying on the range. At the price of gold these days, this is not a great idea. And, yes - I have seen it happen. A friend had a beautifully engraved and gold inlaid 1911, and he is a shooter and believes in shooting everything he owns - alot. On one range trip, the gold inlay for an animal on the slide fell out. There ended the lesson - fully engraved for carry and shooting yes - precious metal inlays - no.