Gunsmith marks on guns

[BMCM]

Hi John,

I'm seeking a quote for a custom hand stamp right now....I liked dacoontz' anchor suggestion so I will try a variation on that... Little tiny crossed anchors no bigger than .125 x .125. I'll try it on a couple of my own guns to see what it looks like. I don't have laser cnc engraving machinery and am not interest in messing about with chemical etching or electropen, too messy/sloppy. As too where?... the blue spot in the pic is where I'm thinkin'

Cheers
Bill

Hi, Bill!

IMHO, the mark you make or where it is located is between you and your customers.

My question is how you intend to DO the marking?

Laser? Hand stamp? Hand engraved?

You have expressed an interest in owning the technology you apply, but some of these marking methods require a substantial investment.

So that's my question.

Not why, but how?

(I guess I'm more involved in the mechanics than the aesthetics.)

John?

 

[29aholic]

Hi John,

I'm seeking a quote for a custom hand stamp right now....I liked dacoontz' anchor suggestion so I will try a variation on that... Little tiny crossed anchors no bigger than .125 x .125. I'll try it on a couple of my own guns to see what it looks like. I don't have laser cnc engraving machinery and am not interest in messing about with chemical etching or electropen, too messy/sloppy. As too where?... the blue spot in the pic is where I'm thinkin'

Cheers
Bill

What part is that?

 

[BMCM]

What part is that?

Eh? In the pic you mean? bottom left rear 4506 grip frame.

Cheers
Bill

 

[ken158]

A receipt means more then a mark. After all, what does a mark really tell you other then the marker worked on the gun?

 

[Sevens]

The first suggestion of an anchor was in post 2 of this thread!

I say that the mark means a lot. I'll share a tale of three mindblowing revolvers and how it occurs to me.

All three are purpose built PPC competition guns that were likely worked on at some point between late 70's and mid-80's. First one is a 1956 S&W pre-Model 10, it looks exactly like every other blued PPC rig from that period, it's customizer is unknown and he left absolutely no mark unless it is under the side plate that I have not removed.

Gun #2 was born a stainless Ruger Police Service Six, but the shop of the legendary Bill Davis installed a 6-inch stainless Python barrel, a Millett adjustable rear sight and a completely inspired trigger job that would make any Ruger fan cry. Davis marked the frame with a very catchy and prominently placed logo and the fact that the revolver has YEARS of obvious heavy competition use is the likely reason that I found it so affordable.

Gun #3 was also fully customized for PPC by a true legend. It's a mid 1960's Model 10 (going from memory if I am not mistaken) and every single detail of the work matches right down to the exact minute detail of what Travis Strahan did to PPC revolvers. Except... Strahan did not sign the right side of the barrel at the muzzle as was his custom.

All three spur my emotion. The first revolver is the finest of the three and while it will NEVER have the "value" or marketability of a Colt Python, the double action trigger stroke would ANGER anyone who ever spent (2018) Python money to get the Python trigger. Whatever your guess is about how it might feel, it's better. And yes, only Federal small pistol primers need apply.

Gun #2 is interesting, a cool sign of the times and pure pleasure to shoot. The Davis logo is the cherry on top and I love it.

Gun #3 has an aura because it is the work of a legend that our hobby was blessed with, but it frustrates me that I don't get to see his electro-pencil signature. I can only imagine that the original owner requested it be left off.

My position on this subject is obvious but what may be a little more obvious now is that it isn't a knee-jerk response, I have a lot of thought in to the question.

When you order a Lone Wolf replacement Glock barrel, it arrives with a Wolf logo that looks like a canine with a methamphetamine problem. For an extra $20, you can get it without the frothing cartoon wolf. If I had a 3rd Gen that was transformed by the BMCM shop, I would ask for a slick and classy logo added to the work, but I would want it somewhere that I could see it without removing anything including the slide or grip(s).

 

[majortoo]

Yes, indeed!

Amen, Brother!! I feel exactly the same.

Add one more cranky old goat to the list. I also took the dealer propaganda off my car...However, I did not go the extra mile and remove the manufacturer's logos. That would have left scars.

 

[AlHunt]

I'd like a custom conversion or significant custom work to be marked. How often to we see people on here trying to piece together the history of some firearm or another? Give the customer an option to not have it marked and everyone should be happy.

Good luck with the new venture.

 

[JohnHL]

Hi John,

I'm seeking a quote for a custom hand stamp right now....I liked dacoontz' anchor suggestion so I will try a variation on that... Little tiny crossed anchors no bigger than .125 x .125. I'll try it on a couple of my own guns to see what it looks like. I don't have laser cnc engraving machinery and am not interest in messing about with chemical etching or electropen, too messy/sloppy. As too where?... the blue spot in the pic is where I'm thinkin'

Cheers
Bill

Well then you might just seek a quantity discount for multiple stamps because from the response I've seen here, you're going to be wearing out a number of them.

Good "Smith"ing, Chief.

John

 

[flagman1776]

I have had custom blackpowder guns built & I had the makers sign them. `Nuff Said.

 

[jakebrake]

I am more than happy than to let a gunsmith put markings all over a weapon I own. That is provided, that they pay for it. They buy my gun, they can put their trademark all over it with my blessing. I feel the same way about buying a car. Oh, you didn't pay for it? Then I don't want your Insignia on it.

 

[Zipdog]

No offense but I never heard of you or your shop. Wouldn't mind the marks if it was someone I heard of. Maybe you are famous in your neck of the woods. If I have to explain who you are to someone they won't be buying in. I guess others will try to explain who you are and why I should know. I'm willing to be educated. Again take no offense but consider that there are many like me who need to know more.

 

[4T5GUY]

Nope, yep. I am going to beat a DEAD HORSE.

Marking your work IS an option. I would almost expect it, when you do work for me, and I would appreciate it. Most of these responders will NEVER have you work on their precious pistols.
Keep that in mind.

Again, a far stretch for this "conversation", but even "The Hairy Tick" Mike Bellm marks his stuff, and I'm glad he did.

Jim

 

[Sevens]

Ha! Doubt many of the detractors have heard if Mr. Bellm!

 

[Ingramite]

If I were offered the option, I would elect to have my firearm returned unmarked.

I do understand and appreciate the fact that a famous logo on a custom gun would help to recoup costs of modification if the weapon was sold later. However, my current station in life is not likely to bestow the opportunity to enjoy that problem.

A totally unrelated remark about marking guns.
I was required to mark any gun that I took into evidence so that I could identify it in court, should the need arise. Ok, I understand all of that is done with computer records and serial numbers now. I'm talking a long time ago.
I was always respectful enough to place "my mark" under a grip. I can't say that for some of the guys who I worked with. A Buck knife can make a hell of a scar on a pot metal popper.

 

[Jaxenro]

Under the grip unless it is a full engraving job then I can see the evgraver working his initials or mark into the engraving unobtrusively

 

[Dieseltech56]

Most of what I like is either factory or looks like the way the factory should have done it. Say I get a barrel swap and action job on a revolver I'd prefer to have no markings at all.

 

[nll401]

I must be REALLY cranky old goat. I make the dealership take their logo off. Actually, I try to get them to not put it on in the first place.

But I'm with the others who say that if the gun is "worked on" - not just repaired - and the owner agrees then a small trademark in a hidden location is just fine. Make sure you register the trademark.

 

[Number0neGun]

I prefer gunsmith markings as long as they're tasteful and unobtrusive.

I wish Springfield Armory Custom Shop had marked my Colt on the dust cover or something.

 

[Dieseltech56]

Next time I work on an engine I'm going to engrave my name somewhere under the hood

 

[silversport]

when I had work done to my pistols, my guy asked if I wanted his logo laser etched and I said I thought an artist should sign his work...but the choice is yours...

Bill

 

[bigggbbruce]

As a pro mechanic, every time I rebuilt a motor I keyed my initials in the hood. What..??

 

[Jaxenro]

Thinking of this any shop wanting to sign their work to me is a shop that stands behind that work and is proud of it. They all should be but this is just that added little incentive that lets me know the smith is proud of what he does

I still like under the grip though

 

[4506517]

I think two small crossed anchors would be really cool.

I'd want that mark on my 3rd gen.

 

[18DAI]

BMCM Please put whatever mark you choose to show your craftsmanship right on the slide of every one of the many guns I am going to send you.

I am grateful that you are offering your fine skills to those of us who still carry and use 3rd gen guns, daily and for serious purpose.

And personally I am quite proud to be one of the fortunate folks who have guns you have worked on. Thank you sir, for your time, talent and obvious unlimited supply of patience! Best regards, 18DAI

 

[Big Shrek]

Well, two crossed anchors wouldn't look bad on the Barrel itself,
on the Above or Below the Caliber stamp

Y'know, because, Reasons

 

[Imissedagain]

Marking others property just requires discussing that with them.
Some may want you to make the mark so it is visible.
Coming up with something special for you/them might be great.

Violins, cellos etc.......big buck fiddles, dating back to the later 1600's have some modest and rather large signatures from my experience.
I think our Founders must have peeked into a fiddle or two based on their marks..... or not as polite ..... Hancock is a copycat.

 

[TheRealDeal]

No offense intended, but...

There a thousands of discussions on this site alone and with the exception of "the latest scam" or the latest political BS rhetoric, I can't imagine why ANY discussion on here makes your daily list of things to worry about.

This discussion can be summarized as "a craftsman is asking for and listening to the opinions and suggestions of folks who love handguns" and your response seems to be that you don't have an opinion -- but you reply anyway to suggest that the discussion has no merit?

Amen brother...
If it's not important, click somewhere else and move right along...

As for my opinion on the marking of one's work, I tend to agree with lrrifleman. The quality of work should serve as a good gunsmith's signature.

 

[kennethg]

I bought a very nice model 19 2 ½" revolver from a Korean War vet several years ago. After the war, he lived and did security work in San Francisco.
When I opened the cylinder, I noticed the name "CHOW" stamped on the frame. I assumed that Bob Chow had tuned this revolver. Bob Chow had his shop in San Francisco.
I thought this marking was a rather cool addition to a great revolver. Never gave it much thought after that.

 

[Photog]

I personally think it should be up to the customer. The smith should ask if a customer is all right with a mark, either large or small, hidden or readily visible. Think of it this way, what if you had, say, and original Shelby 427SC Cobra restored. Would you have any problem with the restorer making a large, maybe gaudy, unremovable mark on the fender, hood, trunk lid, doors, or anywhere else?

 

[DCW]

John Hancock

I personally think it should be up to the customer. The smith should ask if a customer is all right with a mark, either large or small, hidden or readily visible. Think of it this way, what if you had, say, and original Shelby 427SC Cobra restored. Would you have any problem with the restorer making a large, maybe gaudy, unremovable mark on the fender, hood, trunk lid, doors, or anywhere else?

Inasmuch as I restored a Shelby Ford Mustang, I actually believe Photog makes an excellent point, mainly because the fellow who restored my engine is someone about whom I now think little and wouldn't care for anyone else to direct to me an inquiry about him arising from his "mark" being somewhere found in the engine compartment.

Still, I am unopposed to a restorer - especially someone well known and celebrated as such - putting a reasonable mark on one of my guns, as has happened with a Model 39 I acquired after the restoration because its presence has motivated others to offer a premium for the M39 that bears his initials.

Lastly: Other animals do it, right? I'd rather have a signature, if you catch my drift.

Marking others property just requires discussing that with them.
Some may want you to make the mark so it is visible.
Coming up with something special for you/them might be great.

Violins, cellos etc.......big buck fiddles, dating back to the later 1600's have some modest and rather large signatures from my experience.
I think our Founders must have peeked into a fiddle or two based on their marks..... or not as polite ..... Hancock is a copycat.

According to JohnHancock.com: "The popular legend states that he signed his name bigger than everyone else's so that the 'fat old King could read it without his spectacles.' The fact is that as the president of the Continental Congress he was the first person to sign the document and because he was the leader of Congress his signature was centered below the text. According to the National Archives it was customary that other delegates began to sign at the right below the text in geographical order according to the states they represent. The northernmost state, New Hampshire began and ended with Georgia, the southernmost."

Later.