I’m about to fill out my first form 1 and was curious as to the process. I think I understand the e-file deal but I have questions about engraving. I know the specifications in depth and size of engraving but I’m not sure as to “where” it has to be engraved. Does it have to be in plain sight of below the current engraving on the receiver? Also if anyone has pictures that would be appreciated. Thanks!
It does not need to be near the original engraving. In plain sight has been taken to mean “seen without dissassembly”. I do mine on the right side of the receiver, but some do it in places such as the front of the magazine well. An experienced engraver, such as Orion, will help you decide where you want to put it.
Thanks for the heads up. That’s the type of information I was looking for. I have to now find a good engraver near Greensboro NC. I don’t want it to look like ass, even though it may get beat up.
There’s no size requirement for the name and location. Only a .003" minimum depth. The serial number is the only piece with the 1/16" minimum size requirement.
You need to engrave the full name of the applicant, and the location (city, state) where the firearm will be made. Although this usually matches your F1, and is your home address, there’s no requirement for that to be the case.
You will also need to engrave the caliber if the firearm is not already marked. That can happen if the lower says “multi” and the barrel has no visible markings.
The statute says “conspicuously placed” and the acceptable locations are the frame, receiver, barrel or pistol slide (if applicable). Here is a decent ATF Ruling that explains it. (Cannot be put in a removable piece, like ejection port cover, trigger guard, grip, or rail)
For engraving, I’d highly recommend Tar Heel State Firearms in Matthews, NC (just outside Charlotte). They’re running a 24-48 hour turnaround most of the time…unless you want to set an appointment, drive down, and they’ll do it on the spot.
Thanks for the heads upon Tarheel Engraving. I have friends in Charlotte so taking a trip down won’t be a huge deal at all.
They’ve done quite a few of mine. Some on the magwell, some logos, and the last one was near the trigger hole:
The sample pic for F1 cans is one I took of my end caps while I was over there.
Also remember to engrave it in a place that wont get covered up by any accessories. I run a redi-mag so I do all my AR engravings over the fire controls.
Dave
Does the engraving have to be color filled?..Mine are for some reason
Doesn’t have to be, but most of the quality engravers fill them with black.
I’ve always used Ident Marking and have them engrave it 1/16th inch letters in the trigger well like the above post. They do a great job. Takes about 2 weeks but you might as well send it off for engraving while you’re waiting for your stamp.
No requirement for color filled. Leave it raw, color it black, or anything else you want.
Zero requirement for it to be 1/16", either. Only criterion it has to meet is a minimum depth of .003". (Only the serial number has the additional requirement to be at least 1/16" high)
The requirement for height of font is generally imposed by the engraver based on the practical limits of their equipment. .062 inch is about as small as they can go. You won’t be able to get Orion or Ident, for example, to engrave your name/city/state any smaller than that.
Yep. Just trying to clarify the legal requirements. I’ve seen several shops that try to say 1/16" is the legal requirement because they don’t know the actual statute. Limitations based on the equipment is understandable.
My local guy can go much smaller than that with a laser. Most people don’t, but it’s an option. 1/16" is just under 1.6mm, and the laser can easily go under 1.5mm engraving.
Accessories are OK, Standard Equipment not so much.
Yeah I had Ident do mine less than 1/16. My old eyes can barely read it with a magnifying glass.