LAWMAN662
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Looking for somewhere that does a good job of laser engraving on an S&W revolver. Any recommendations?
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Laser Engraving
- Thread starter LAWMAN662
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I know Laser Engraving is way less expensive but to find what I would consider a "good job" would be difficult because after having owned hand engraved firearms, the term "good" has been tainted.
The Laser engraving I have seen is fair to midland at best - many horrible, just saying. Now...... they might have improved laser work over the last year or two that I am not aware of, so I could be "out of date".
If you do find a Laser Engraver that you are considering make sure you look at many examples of his work - in person if at all possible.
The Laser engraving I have seen is fair to midland at best - many horrible, just saying. Now...... they might have improved laser work over the last year or two that I am not aware of, so I could be "out of date".
If you do find a Laser Engraver that you are considering make sure you look at many examples of his work - in person if at all possible.
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dfariswheel
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The S&W Performance Center offers several types of engraving, including traditional hand engraving and laser engraving.
As I recall, if you send them the art work (like a police badge or department patch, a state seal, etc) they can duplicate it on a S&W pistol.
They offer stock types of laser designs if you just want something that looks like standard engraved decoration.
I don't think the prices for laser work is too expensive. There's a number to call for a catalog of S&W engraving services:
Engraving Services | Smith & Wesson
As I recall, if you send them the art work (like a police badge or department patch, a state seal, etc) they can duplicate it on a S&W pistol.
They offer stock types of laser designs if you just want something that looks like standard engraved decoration.
I don't think the prices for laser work is too expensive. There's a number to call for a catalog of S&W engraving services:
Engraving Services | Smith & Wesson
Look at the APW Cogan site they show some impressive engraving done with a laser
TAROMAN
US Veteran
Like a "dirty foot" it will wash/wear off with use and be gone.
Taroman - Thanks for the info and link. I have been looking for someone to refinish my two TSW slides. I think the mothership just replaces the slides when a TSW is sent back for refinish – plus it costs over $250. In both cases, the frames are either in great shape or near immaculate - but the slides are too rough to suit me.
Depends what you want done. If it is just a logo or something like that you can likely find a local place that can do a good job. If you are looking to have the whole gun engraved with scroll pattern or something like that, then forget the laser engraving. They are fine on flat surfaces. Some of the machines can engrave on a straight cylinder. Machine rotates the item being engraved. Problem is that the laser has to focus. That means it must remain at a fixed distance. A non fluted cylinder works fine. Not so much for a fluted one. You can engrave side of the barrel, but if the design goes onto the barrel lug also, you have problems. Back of recoil shield and back strap are not going to work well. It will work fine on the side plate.
Laser engraving is fine for logos, but even at its best it is terrible for any kind of artistic work. Most laser engraving just burns a chemical onto the surface of the metal. The good laser engraving actually removes some metal. Problem with laser engraving is will never be mistaken for real engraving. It is as obvious as you can get. Sort of like spending $20 on a fake Rolex then trying to act like a bigshot. Even a lousy hand engraving job beats the best laser engraving job. Full coverage hand engraving is going to start at several thousand dollars. If you want something sculpted or with some bulino work, get a second mortgage on your house.
Laser engraving is fine for logos, but even at its best it is terrible for any kind of artistic work. Most laser engraving just burns a chemical onto the surface of the metal. The good laser engraving actually removes some metal. Problem with laser engraving is will never be mistaken for real engraving. It is as obvious as you can get. Sort of like spending $20 on a fake Rolex then trying to act like a bigshot. Even a lousy hand engraving job beats the best laser engraving job. Full coverage hand engraving is going to start at several thousand dollars. If you want something sculpted or with some bulino work, get a second mortgage on your house.
