Some Gun Fun Links!

www.packing.org  News and legal stuff. Chat room to.

www.bbhc.org Buffalo Bill Historical Center. Cody Firearms Museum houses the Winchester collection and has all the old records. This is where to get documentation on a Winchester, Marlin or L.C. Smith.

www.coltcollectorsassoc.com Become a member.

www.coltsaa.com/docs  Lots of info on Single Actions

www.coltautos.com

www.coltcollecting.com

Engraving Gun Information

Picking an Engraver

There are many top notch gun engravers today to choose from. The quality, style of engraving and time to complete the work is the difference. Also is the amount charged for the work. If an engraver refers to your project as a job, his price will be less than if he is looking for a "commission". Sounds silly, but the proud ones want only the high priced work and fancy words are a tip off. Also, be aware of engravers that do not have a web site or pictures of their work on the web. At least a brochure should be offered. Time to complete is another problem that can be frustrating. Some engravers are booked up and feel secure with 6 months work in the gun safe. The time problem is frustrating for everyone. The gun business is loosing skilled craftsmen. Look for an engraver, stock maker or gunsmith that is good and they are always busy. 

The terms, "Master" and "Professional" Engravers are used but never defined well. The Engravers Guild points out that "Master" is only used in Europe. Professional, is accepted as an American term but what exactly that means is a hot topic. Are you a "Professional" if you can not do lettering at all!  Very few engravers can.  The man that trained me to engrave was a true professional. Rudy Marek could engrave, letter, refinish, repair and make a gun from a chunk of steel and wood. Little did I know when I met him in 1983 that he was an American  "Master Gunsmith" and more.  He was just like the men 200 years ago that could make a gun. Craftsmen like these are rare today as we are a world of specialists. Those who call themselves "master" or "professional"  today usually don't meet the same standard as 200 years ago.