I brought it to my usual engraver and they told me they cannot engrave M&P15-22 lowers for 2 reasons:
Their laser will cut through the polymer.
Smith and Wesson use some kind of polymer mix that puts out toxic fumes when they use the laser.
#1 seems plausible enough. #2 is a new one for me.
The gun comes as-is and I cannot use an aluminum receiver, so please no wise-ass remarks. I don’t like polymer either and this is my only polymer rifle. I know you guys are relentless with your polymer hate (lol) and it’s just a range toy for my kid.
Anyone have experience engraving these? Does anyone know of a competent engraver in South Florida?
What are you talking about with “polymer hate” The M&P 15-22 is a great gun, and the polymer lower works great for that application. I’d just take it to someone who engraves plastic name plates.
Why not keep the brace and keep it in pistol form. I have SBR’d guns that could have been pistols but the 15-22, I would keep that one as a pistol brace gun. Great gun and a lot fun.
I think Papabear presents your absolutely best option for the present.
But, as an alternative, what about finding someone who will affix a properly engraved plate permanently to the polymer? I believe that’s how the factory info is done. (Mine is buried, but that’s what I recall.)
Or maybe use a steel stamp set. They are inexpensive, and I can’t see a reason they would not be able to work on the poly lower. I can’t remember what the depth requirement for engraving is, but it’s not deep at all.