I have been thinking on having my duty pistol engraved. It is a 27-2 in nickle with a 5" bbl. I am thinking about my Sheriff Star on the right side and maybe 30% to 40% engraving on the rest of the pistol, What do ya'll think and WHO should I get. Also in round figures what do you think the wait time and cost will be. I have never had an engraved gun before and thought it would be a good one to pass on in a few years.
CHUCK

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On The Santa Fe Trail

I have been thinking on having my duty pistol engraved. It is a 27-2 in nickle with a 5" bbl. I am thinking about my Sheriff Star on the right side and maybe 30% to 40% engraving on the rest of the pistol, What do ya'll think and WHO should I get. Also in round figures what do you think the wait time and cost will be. I have never had an engraved gun before and thought it would be a good one to pass on in a few years.
CHUCK

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On The Santa Fe Trail

My first thought was, if it is your duty gun, what will you carry while working ,,,,a rubber band

I have never had a gun engraved, so I can't help you there. I posted to say that I think it's a great idea, and would love to see some before and after pics if you decide to go ahead and do it. If you are a retired LEO, I would have your years of service inscribed below the badge. If you are still on the job, be sure to leave room for it to be added later.

Having an engraved S&W has always been something that i hope to have one day. That and a Harley! Both will have to wait till my head is a whole lot more above water financially!

Good luck with your project.

WG840

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Freedom above all else.

Gunsmith11

My first thought was, if it is your duty gun, what will you carry while working ,,,,a rubber band
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I also have a stainless 625 5" in 45 ACP that I am also qualified with and it fits the same Holster.

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On The Santa Fe Trail

DelavanKs, I think it is a fine idea. I have an engraved 38/44, and like it a lot. I am currently planning on having a detective special engraved, and am in the process -- this has been going on now for about ten months -- of trying to decide on an engraver. (I also work for a living, so I have not searched full time!)

Prices and times can vary widely. I'd say at the lower end, less than $1K and maybe a month or two. I am not sure if there is a limit on the higher end, but several thousand is surely common. Waits can be months to years.

I suggest you get some books on it and start learning more about it. There are also a couple of engravers forums on the internet which are useful.

Don't make a hasty decision! Study up and find out exactly what you want. A lot of the fun is in the research!

Hi:
What my Agency presented me at my Retirement Party was a glass fronted display case containing my service weapon. badge, ID card, department shoulder patch, sergeant stripe and name plate.
Also a silver plate centered in the middle of the display case with the inscription "Sgt. J. xxxxxx from the city of xxxxx, Officers and Employees of the Police Department for xx years of Loyal, Faithful,and Couragous Service.
(Lest We Forget)
My service weapon was "as is" as I would have chosen. Each scratch/worned spot was a story.
Jimmy

I agree with Jimmy

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To be a rock and not to roll

For a pictorial sampling of a variety of enrgraving styles by a variety of artists, look here: www.fega.com

I don't know, but it seems like having a nickle gun engraved would be a lot more complicated issue. Wouldn't the nickle have to be stripped first? Then, wouldn't it soften the look of the engraving when reapplied? Seems like the 625 would be a better candidate for engraving. I'm just ignorant of the subject and inquiring minds want to know.

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Wayne
Torn & Frayed

I wouldn't get it engraved. It will be harder to sell by the person you leave it to when you die.

I had my initals engraved in the side plate of my 686. Simply block print. Local Jewery engraver did the work. Very happy with the out come

Wow, other than an old deputy with our local S.O. you may be the only LEO I've heard of still carrying a wheel gun as their primary! How is it you've managed to hold out against the ever popular tupperware autos?

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Don't kiss smiling dogs!

Onomea is right. FEGA is a good place to go for info. Jim Meeks' book on engraving is good (Brownell's). Look at every example you can find and you will find that there is some great work being done. Also some wannabe stuff that will only waste your money.

I have had two guns engraved by a ranking FEGA member; one is an all-out 1911, the other is an about 1/4 coverage 1911.

I was involved in having a M60 and a M66 done for retirement presents; I suspect the price is a lot higher now...

My own duty gun was going in for a tune-up and refinish, so I had this same engraver put my name on the backstrap in script. I like it just fine and it means something to me, always will. It's good enough for an heirloom, and it shows honest wear.

I think putting a name on it makes it harder to sell, if that's an issue down the road. But if you want it, get it your way and enjoy it to the full. You won't regret it!

I wouldn't myself, but the final decision is up to you, I just hate to see nice old Smiths messed with or altered. I might have some custom grips made with my initials and maybe badge number and rank, then possibly put it in a fancy display case with other memorable items from the department.

I had S&W engrave my name on mine in a oval on the sideplate. I think it was about $66! in about 1971. It is a 27-2 5". Also another picture with its mate, a 29-2 5".

You're not the only one... I had the same questions!

Nope, there's more of us. I simply tell the guys who bug me about switching to the latest fantastic plastic that when they outscore me at Quals, I'll consider it. Until then...



Uniform Duty Weapon



Plainclothes Duty Weapon

Nice looking rods, more power to all you guys that are packing wheelies. I trust my Beretta but just in case, it's backed up by a S&W revolver.

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Don't kiss smiling dogs!

A family heirloom should be passed on to the next generation anyway. I say "Go for it!".

I had the same thoughts as you and had Wayne D'Angelo engrave a 3.5" model 27 for me a couple of years ago. He was able to put an outstanding image of the department badge on the left side under the thumblatch.

Link to photos on his site are here: http://dangeloengraving.com/DSCF1224_copy.jpg

It wasn't cheap, but it was worth it.

Now that is a gun with class.