Are there any engravers that will do a lower without tearing it down? I know that most want the lower to be stripped.
http://www.orion-arms.com/gun-engraving/short-barrel-rifle-engraving-locations.html
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The front of the magwell is the only location that does not require a completely stripped lower.
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Fixed stocks and buffer tubes must be removed.
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Collapsible stock buffer tubes can remain but the buttstock, buffer and spring MUST be removed.
** For all calibers other than .223/5.56mm the mag blocks will need to be removed for the front magazine well engraving.
Shoot them an email they were quick and helpful with all of my questions.
Ident Marking Services are the same…nothing needs to be stripped unless you are engraving the front of the mag well, in which case you need to remove the buffer tube and pistol grip.
Orion Arms has a great reputation, but I found them to be $20 more expensive ($45 at Ident vs $65 at Orion for engraving in the trigger guard), plus they charge more for return shipping (even though they’re located about 100 miles from here, and as such I’d also have to pay 6.5% sales tax).
Orion recently quoted me $35 for front mag well engraving.
Are they leaving it raw after engraving or finishing it? I’ve seen it both ways and was curious as I needed to fill mine in with that anodizing liquid - that I can’t think of the name of right now.
I was thinking it was worth spending $20 more to avoid having to remove the buffer tube and pistol grip. I would have to restake the end plate which is not a huge deal but I’d probably end up replacing $20 or more in parts in the process.
Both Orion and Ident re-blacken the engraving as part of the cost.
That is some very good info to take into consideration. I was thinking of having mine done under the trigger guard, but never thought of the cost of possible replacement parts.
I like the trigger area the best but my trust name is too long. You could reuse the parts especially the castle nut but they might get messed up to the point where I’d want to replace the parts. I just upgraded to an A5 and it was the perfect time to try out a Noveske end plate. The A5 also comes with a castle nut and and end plate.
Unless you are going to be swapping short barrels on a regular basis, just have your barrel engraved & call it a day!
Because the LOWER is what has to be engraved.
No the bbl or upper can be engraved. Check out the NFA FAQ on ATFs web site. You could also engrave the upper. And if you slap a 16"+ upper or bbl on it you change the status from SBR/SBS of a regular rifle or shotgun. This would be helpful if you wanted to travel out of state and did not get a travel letter from ATF. Anyone have a price on bbl engraving? I do plan to swap uppers around so it wouldn’t work well for me.
I had no idea. I thought it had to be the lower because thats the serialized part. Thanks again for the info.
Yeah Todd from Noveske squared me away with the link. I’m on my phone and don’t have it saved here. I thought once a machinegun always a machinegun qookide to SBRs and SBS too. But it doesn’t. If its a permanent change you can write to ATF and have it removed from the books.
This guy did mine. I think he does laser engraving, looks great. Only $45, and quick turnaround. Give him a call.
Where did you have it engraved.
Lower receiver.
Thanks for the info.
I had mine done by Ident. It looks even better in person.
Why’d you blank out ‘DCS’? =)