I'm considering having a gun engraved and custom finished as in the pinto gun in this thread. But which model gun? Giving the cost of engraving and the custom finishing, my budget for said gun is $750.

trying to solve a mystery-cokes on early engraved 357

Tough crowd. No opinions on what model you guys would consider? Me thinks 28?

28 would be good. If it was a gun I already own it would probably be my blue M27-2 with 3.5" barrel.

I agree with this but to get this quality of engraving, your budget should increase double or triple.

Frankly, I don't think you'll be able to hit that budget target, unless all you want engraved is your name and date or some other minimalist engraving.

I'd take a look at Jim Downing's work...his prices seem reasonable to me. But as someone else mentions, for a quality piece, you're going to have to increase your cash outlay by a good bit.

Regarding which gun, I'd favor an N-Frame.

In general, the Highway Patrolman's were not factory engraved. I own several engraved pintos, including the ones in the photo you referred to. I love the engraved N-Frame guns, but one of my very favorites is a K-22 that I recently had engraved as part of a two-gun set:





The 38/44 companion gun is presented here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-han...ectations.html

I loved the way that the 22 turned out. Something about the smaller frame and the proportions of the engraving. So, with that said, I might go with a K-22 Masterpiece (model 17) or a K-22 Combat Masterpiece (Model 18).

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

No no no sorry! I should have made myself more clear. The $750 is just for the gun purchase. After doing some completed auction searches I'm sure I can stay under my budget for a 28.

I have a friend who is a FEGA master engraver. I have half dozen to a dozen guns engraved a year. At present I have 2 with him at this moment. A baby Browning and a Python. I have 3 more to mail out next week. Two Colt pistols and a Remington. So I know about what cost will be for engraving. The finishing I do myself.

I know Jim does good work, and his prices are good...

Here is a pic he text me yesterday that he has completed. The Colt DS i nickeled for him. The Colt KC is stainless of course. Beautiful work!

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Id have him do a 4" k frame,since its my latest favorite.Even better,do two.One in 38 and one in 22

Wanna make a deluxe gun...start with a deluxe gun. For $750 you could get a 6" M27-2 with a well worn finish that would be perfect for this project. A 4" M19 would also be good, IMO. When I see a fancy 28 all I can think is why start with a 28? How about a 25-2? There's something not often seen all dressed up.

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I would love to see some photos of your engraved collection.

Another gun that might fit the $750 bill might be a 8.375" Model 27. I love those guns when they are engraved and I do not believe that I have seen an engraved one that has been done with a pinto finish. Here is a link to one that I wish I owned...

Lot 620 - S&W - Model Pre-27 - .357 Mag - revolver

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

I like your thinking. That's why i started the thread to get others opinion. Wasn't sure i could find a decent 27 for my price. I will look into a 25 too.

I actually don't have that many in my personal collection. And they are mostly Colt pistols.

That 27 is super sweet! The price????? WOW!!!

This one on Gunbroker would be perfect and you may get it for your price due to finish condition.

482893377

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Yes that could be a candidate.