Inexpensive SBR engraving while you wait in the Denver area?? [Archive] - Colorado AR-15 Shooters Club Discussion Forums

Jer

03-21-2010, 23:26

I live in Northern Colorado but will be in the Denver area tomorrow to help a friend move from Golden to Southern Aurora-ish. I'm wondering if anyone has used a shop to engrave a lower for SBR that they can recommend that is reasonably priced and knows what they're doing. I will likely have some time Monday or Tuesday so as soon as I can get some ideas I will call around and see who can handle it while I wait and not gouge me on pricing. So, anywhere between Fort Collins/Loveland down to Denver will do as long as they can do it while I wait (already approved NFA item so I have to be present) & are experienced let me know. Thanks!

Ridge

03-22-2010, 00:48

http://www.forumengraving.com/

I had my GSG-5 done there. Just call ahead.

Jer

03-22-2010, 08:11

I'll call 'em now & get a quote. Thanks!

edjobsman

03-22-2010, 15:37

edjobsman

03-22-2010, 15:47

I just reread your post. I doubt Rocky Mt. Business Engraving will be able to do the job while you wait. If you leave the firearm with a copy of its Form 1 though couldn't you then leave the gun with them? I don't know, so I am asking more out of curriosity than anything else.
[UZI]

Jer

03-22-2010, 17:10

I don't think these guys do guns much, but they aren't afraid of them, and for $20 they did good job on the AR-15 lower for my SBR:

Rocky Mountain Business Engraving
338 East Mountain Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80524-2914
(970) 221-4622

I'll give them a call then because the other people wanted $55+ which I'm just not paying for a $20-$25 job.

I just reread your post. I doubt Rocky Mt. Business Engraving will be able to do the job while you wait. If you leave the firearm with a copy of its Form 1 though couldn't you then leave the gun with them? I don't know, so I am asking more out of curriosity than anything else.
[UZI]

Form isn't good enough. An NFA item is registered to a person (unless a trust is formed) so that person must be present whenever someone else is in possession of the item. Next time I'm doing trusts because I can put my wife on it so if anything happened to me all items go to her w/o any transfers/fees plus nshe can use them w/o me being present.

Ugh.

Have we repealed the NFA/BATFE yet?

Great-Kazoo

03-22-2010, 19:37

I'll give them a call then because the other people wanted $55+ which I'm just not paying for a $20-$25 job.

Have we repealed the NFA/BATFE yet?

page 1587 of the new health care bill. Sec:276, Paragraphs 2-4 it starts about 1/2 way down the page
http://www.rules.house.gov/111/RuleRpt/111_4626_rpt.pdf :)(:

sniper7

03-22-2010, 20:21

page 1587 of the new health care bill. Sec:276, Paragraphs 2-4 it starts about 1/2 way down the page
http://www.rules.house.gov/111/RuleRpt/111_4626_rpt.pdf :)(:

I wish

Jer

03-31-2010, 10:33

I don't think these guys do guns much, but they aren't afraid of them, and for $20 they did good job on the AR-15 lower for my SBR:

Rocky Mountain Business Engraving
338 East Mountain Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80524-2914
(970) 221-4622

I've got an appointment to see these guys tomorrow so I will report back my experience. So far they knew what I was talking about over the phone so that was already a bonus over most other engraving shops I called when trying to get quotes and that was just the person who answered the phone.

MuzzleFlash

05-06-2010, 19:29

So any reports back?

How much was Forum Engraving for the GSG?

michael_aos

05-06-2010, 20:15

Why not get it engraved BEFORE doing the Form 1?

Jer

05-09-2010, 00:41

So any reports back?

Well, things didn't go quite as smoothly as I would have liked. It was partially my fault as I wanted something a little different than they had done. When I called they were one of the first places that I had called that wasn't completely confused by what I was asking to have done. When I arrived she explained that they had done the right side of the mag well on them and it was exactly as prescribed. I wanted mine done in the area between pins and fire/safe selector on the left side. I figured there was plenty of room for the text but didn't factor in the raised portions getting in the way of the machine that surrounds the carving bit. It was a looong process and the end result was the left side and right side having some depth issues but other than a couple letters on each side the rest of the engraving was perfect. I have a feeling when I fill them in with some flat black paint it will look just fine but with the raw aluminum showing the different depths are more visible. In hindsight I would have done it on the right side of the mag well and been in and out quicker and had a flawless experience... I assume. All in all it was a decent experience and I would use them again but just know the limitations of their machine when you're making requests. Overall I would say about the cheapest option for SBR engraving in Northern Colorado.

Why not get it engraved BEFORE doing the Form 1?

I sent the form off in the middle of the summer and didn't want to be w/o the firearm long enough to send off as I was using it regularly. The return time was rather lengthy so the plan was to send it off in the fall to get engraved and have it back before it was approved. For some reason my forms were fast tracked and approved in about a month which was WAY shorter than most others had taken prior to that. It was a bit of a surprise and poor planning on my part since I was planning on it taking much longer which left the possibility of it being done super fast and throwing off my plans. It was a welcomed oversight on my part so I was forced to change my plans slightly. No big deal.

Brian

06-08-2010, 17:04

Thought I might throw a note in here... I just picked up my 2 SBRs today that I had dropped off at Farmers Engraving down in the Cherry Creek mall area. I was pleasantly surprised as the cost came back only about $40 for a GSG-5 and an AR-15 (so about $20ea). The guy I worked with (Dan) was very firearms friendly and sounded like he shoots occasionally himself.

Mine was only straight text (trust name and city etc), and I'd probably make the font a bit smaller next time, but overall I think it came out very well. I'm not an engraving expert by any means, but I'm happy.

The price was right, and it only took a day or two to do. At the time I wasn't able to drop it off and wait for it, because they were busy, but maybe that's an option at another time...? Either way, given the new ATF FAQ info about SBRs, it no longer sounds like it would be a problem to leave a receiver at the shop for a few days.

I asked and they didn't mind if I posted pricing. For "standard" engraving, they're charging $12 for setup and then $0.40 per letter (minimum $6).

coop68

06-08-2010, 23:20

they will also do logos as you see mine as my avatar they do good work. cost me like 60-65 bucks for the logo took only an hour for them to do as they where not as busy! i wouldent leave your lowers over night just an opinion as i dont believe they have an FFL if you leave it over night at a business they are required to hold a FFL if I'm not mistaken when i was reading the regs online for this type of work.

Roger

06-09-2010, 15:41

Just remember that there is a size of font, and depth of engraving rule/standard that you have to meet.

Brian

06-10-2010, 16:50

I believe if I'm reading correctly, that serial numbers have to be .003" deep and 1/16" tall, but that any of the other markings have to be .003" deep only (no height limitations). 1/16 is still nice and small though. Seems like most markings I've seen on an AR are about double that.

Found this on the PA forum posted a while ago:
http://forum.pafoa.org/nfa-class-3-title-ii-34/19708-current-atf-marking-requirements-nfa-items.html

AGENCY: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Department of the Treasury.
ACTION: Final rule (Treasury decision).
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is amending the regulations to prescribe minimum height and
depth requirements for identification markings placed on firearms by licensed importers and licensed manufacturers. Specifically, we
are requiring a minimum height of 1/16th inch and a minimum depth of .003 inch for serial numbers and a minimum depth of .003
inch for all other required markings. We believe that these minimum standards are necessary to ensure that firearms are properly
identified in accordance with the law. In addition, the final regulations will facilitate our ability to trace firearms used in crime.
DATES: This rule is effective January 30, 2002.

Limited GM

08-14-2010, 08:42

What did the Ft Collins people charge you?

Limited GM

08-26-2010, 20:40

...The guy I had mentioned no longer does the work.

michael_aos

08-26-2010, 20:47

Is there anyone closer to the Springs that can do this?

hapi

09-10-2010, 11:18

+1 for Farmers Engraving. Just had an SBR engraved for $27. The guys were very nice and the older guy said to "thank the forum" for the business. I'll be using them again.

tmckay2

02-01-2011, 18:31

when a receiver gets engraved do you have to worry at all about rust later on or anything?

coop68

02-01-2011, 19:52

when a receiver gets engraved do you have to worry at all about rust later on or anything?

pertains to AR-15's

Aluminum corrodes but it does not rust. Rust refers only to iron and steel corrosion.
Aluminum is actually very prone to corrosion. However, aluminum corrosion is aluminum oxide, a very hard material that actually protects the aluminum from further corrosion. Aluminum oxide corrosion also looks a lot more like aluminum, so it isn't as easy to notice as rusted iron. now if it is a steel receiver i would get it touched up or coated

most people get the lowers re-coated or just touch up the area engraved. i how ever left my logo as is since it looked good with just the aluminum showing i probably should get it re-coated, but i baby the hell out of it anyway since its my competition rifle.
coop

tmckay2

02-01-2011, 21:02

getting it recoated would get expensive no?

pertains to AR-15's

Aluminum corrodes but it does not rust. Rust refers only to iron and steel corrosion.
Aluminum is actually very prone to corrosion. However, aluminum corrosion is aluminum oxide, a very hard material that actually protects the aluminum from further corrosion. Aluminum oxide corrosion also looks a lot more like aluminum, so it isn't as easy to notice as rusted iron. now if it is a steel receiver i would get it touched up or coated

most people get the lowers re-coated or just touch up the area engraved. i how ever left my logo as is since it looked good with just the aluminum showing i probably should get it re-coated, but i baby the hell out of it anyway since its my competition rifle.
coop

coop68

02-01-2011, 21:47

getting it recoated would get expensive no?

umm yes and no depends what you think is expensive i think for just the lower not the whole gun i would guess under 80! but also depends if it is stripped down. most of the fee is in set up i haven't asked around in a while been about two years since i was looking around, but i think someone quoted me around 65 dollars to get it refinished from a local shop in longmont don't quote me on this tho been a while!. i know we have a few on the board who offer refinishing services that could chime in.

coop

DANGERTASTIC!

08-23-2011, 21:20

I just wanted to throw out there (I havent seen it mentioned) if anyone has used Orion arms?

I have him do my engraving, hes an artist in his trade. He answers Emails PROMPTLY and his turn around times are incredible.

He will tell you 2-3 weeks, (I had mine back in 1) and when you open the box you wont be disappointed. I think he charges $35 for a stripped reciever +15 for return shipping+insurance
It is something I will have for the rest of my life so I dont mind spending money. Heres the link http://www.orion-arms.com/

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j468/Danger131/DSC00634.jpg

lead_magnet

08-23-2011, 23:51

OMG! You posted your first and last name and the city you live in on the internet?!? Now all the serial killers in the country are going to come kill you! LMAO. I'm going to post up my engraving job here in a few, just to show what a REAL professional job looks like, lmao.

DANGERTASTIC!

08-24-2011, 00:04

Haha yup. hows this
Hey guys! Just got my lower back from the engravers! He did such a good job you guys should DEFINATLEY send him your lower AND your money!
http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j468/Danger131/DSC00635-2-1.jpg

DANGERTASTIC!

08-24-2011, 00:06

I wish someone stupid enough would find me on a GUN FORUM and come-a-lookin! Lol find me from my name on the GUN I posted a pic of hahaha

Thats the thing with criminals...they aint too bright.

lead_magnet

08-24-2011, 00:28

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/7332/engravings.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/696/engravings.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Now I do offer my services to others, its $75.00 a letter, due to high quality, and the painstaking time, as it is 100% handcrafted.

Just a joke, but it does work well to show the difference in mentalities and purpose of the rifle. lmao.

lead_magnet

08-24-2011, 00:30

I head to edit post due to unintended dick-headedness due to the fact that alcohol and interenet messages never mix. The messeage you intend to get across is never the one that makes it through.

DANGERTASTIC!

08-24-2011, 09:57

Lol what did I miss?

lead_magnet

08-24-2011, 14:19

Nothing other than my sweet dremel engraving job, lmao.

DANGERTASTIC!

08-24-2011, 14:34

Was it a "Drunken" sweet dremel engraving job? Hahaha

As long as its to the depth requirements...gives it character lol[Coffee]

lead_magnet

08-26-2011, 08:28

nope, thats the sad part, it was stone sober engraving, lmao. But its an AK, so I think it fits.

Cochese

10-12-2011, 12:50

+1 for Farmers Engraving. Just had an SBR engraved for $27. The guys were very nice and the older guy said to "thank the forum" for the business. I'll be using them again.

I just called and set an appointment up for tomorrow.

The gentleman I spoke with on the phone said the minimum for aluminum is $45 and for steel, $50.

FYI.

michael_aos

10-12-2011, 13:00

Still nobody in Colorado Springs that provides this service?
--

Cochese

10-13-2011, 11:20

Cochese

10-15-2011, 00:00

I answered my own question.

Orion Arms advises they use Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black to fill in the engraving site.

http://sport.birchwoodcasey.com/Finishing/FinishingDetails.aspx?ProductID=0790cc91-b2e8-488d-a6fa-8820790beefb

pepito

05-14-2012, 17:31

Just got my lower back from Farmers Engraving and I am very satisfied with the results
45 bucks and 4 days later.
http://farmersengraving.com/

DeusExMachina

05-14-2012, 17:47

How deep is yours? They had mine a week and it doesn't seem deep at all.

I used aluminum black and I practically filled it in.

pepito

05-15-2012, 08:40

How deep is yours? They had mine a week and it doesn't seem deep at all.

I used aluminum black and I practically filled it in.

Slightly shallower than the text indicating Safe/Fire. He does them pretty frequently.

MAP

06-13-2012, 17:52

Question for those that have had Farmers in Denver engrave their lower. Do you need to remove the buffer tube and/or grip?

Thanks,

Mike

DeusExMachina

06-13-2012, 18:15

No. I brought in a complete lower and they didn't care.

MAP

06-14-2012, 10:36

No. I brought in a complete lower and they didn't care.

Thank you. I had mine engraved while I waited this morning.

Mike

DeusExMachina

06-14-2012, 11:04

Thank you. I had mine engraved while I waited this morning.

Mike

At Farmer's? How deep is the engraving?

MAP

06-14-2012, 12:02

At Farmer's? How deep is the engraving?

They said .005 deep. It doesn't look overly deep to my un-trained eye. About the same depth of the selector markings.

Mike

DeusExMachina

06-14-2012, 12:04

They said .005 deep. It doesn't look overly deep to my un-trained eye. About the same depth of the selector markings.

Mike

I think I need to bring mine back. It's barely nicked. No where close as the selector markings.

MAP

06-14-2012, 12:06

I think I need to bring mine back. It's barely nicked. No where close as the selector markings.

I'll try and take a pic and e-mail it. Please send you e-mail agrees to me @ map1911a1@gmail.com

mahabali

07-26-2012, 13:28

Farmers did mine as well. $45 out the door. They did a nice job.

DeusExMachina

07-26-2012, 13:29

Farmers did mine as well. $45 out the door. They did a nice job.

Any chance you could take a picture? You can leave out the trust name. I just want to see how deep it is.

mahabali

07-26-2012, 14:55

Any chance you could take a picture? You can leave out the trust name. I just want to see how deep it is.

Yeah, here it is. It looks kind of funny because I went over it with a black sharpee, but it is starting to wear off. It is plenty deep. As deep or deeper than the fire / safe markings.

I need to find a better solution to color the engraving black without refinishing the entire lower (I already have enough $ in this thing!) I think I have some aluminum black finish around here somewhere.

http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd485/mahabali/IMG_2142.jpg

DeusExMachina

07-26-2012, 14:58

Get some Birchwood Casey aluminum black. Shouldn't add any depth to it.

I really gotta bring mine back to Farmers...

Mikename

11-25-2014, 17:14

I know I'm bringing this thread back from the dead but...

Took an AR lower down to farmers this morning, had it done whilst I waited. I was a bit surprised when it was done they charged me out at $95. At that point along with travel time I regret not shipping it off to have it done. The quality of the engraving is good. If you'd like the front of ar lower done, instead of the right side of the magwell, they can do it but you need the buffer tube removed.

Hope this helps someone,
Mike

Great-Kazoo

11-25-2014, 18:40

Jer

11-25-2014, 19:32

$95 !!! they engrave the Declaration of Independence on your lower?

IIRC COgunwrites was $35-40 per with

With? With what? Lettuce & mayo? C'Mon Jim, don't leave us hanging like that!

Great-Kazoo

11-25-2014, 20:34

With? With what? Lettuce & mayo? C'Mon Jim, don't leave us hanging like that!

Each gun was $35 - 40 Tops, if that, for 29 letters laser engraved to ATF spec. That included 1 steel receiver and 1 polymer (cavarms) lower.

http://www.coloradogunwrites.com/rates.html

http://www.coloradogunwrites.com/index.html

Mikename

11-25-2014, 21:30

I was rather taken aback by the pricing as well. Never thought about taking it to Tanner to see if anyone could do it there, seems like that place you linked will do that. Might be time to call forum-engraving dead on the inexpensive part of this post at least :P

Jeff350

11-25-2014, 21:53

Just had CO gun writes do my SBR lower for $50. He offered a lot of discounts, just none that applied to me (MIL/LEO, etc.)

Quality was great, took maybe 30 min including blacking out the engraving. Fun guy to talk to as well.

Jer

11-25-2014, 22:20

Each gun was $35 - 40 Tops, if that, for 29 letters laser engraved to ATF spec. That included 1 steel receiver and 1 polymer (cavarms) lower.

http://www.coloradogunwrites.com/rates.html

http://www.coloradogunwrites.com/index.html

You missed the joke man... you ended the sentence with 'with' so I was saying it was like a cliff hanger. You know what? Never mind. If I have to explain it it's no longer funny.

Great-Kazoo

11-25-2014, 23:00

You missed the joke man... you ended the sentence with 'with' so I was saying it was like a cliff hanger. You know what? Never mind. If I have to explain it it's no longer funny.

Been sidetracked with ph calls while surfing the web. My humor meter is off kilter.

Jer

11-25-2014, 23:13

Been sidetracked with ph calls while surfing the web. My humor meter is off kilter.
No shit?

Great-Kazoo

11-25-2014, 23:16

No shit?

Yeah. between sidetracked AND not winning the lotto sunday. I feel like busting some business windows. AFTER ALL i'm entitled, just like everyone else, yes.

Jer

11-25-2014, 23:22

Let's burn this mutha down!

kidicarus13

11-25-2014, 23:26

Colorado Gun Writes /close thread

Great-Kazoo

11-26-2014, 00:36

Let's burn this mutha down!

ATTICA, ATTICA.

OH YEAH COGunwrites. lock it down like KI13 said. OR learn how to engrave.

MarkUSMC88

11-26-2014, 09:11

+1 on Co gun writes. They are good

cfortune

11-26-2014, 11:44

Glad I read this post all the way through. Almost thought about setting something up with Farmers a few pages back until I read that $95 crap. I'll check out CGW.

Toyoland66

12-04-2014, 17:33

+1 on Co gun writes. They are good

Another +1 for Colorado Gun Writes

It is flat $50 for NFA engraving, and he told me he offers a $5 discount for forum members. $45 out the door, engraved on either side of the trigger opening, blacked out, looks great, and did it while I waited.

MarthaStewart

12-19-2014, 18:13

Colorado Gun Writes is the only place to go for engraving as far as I am concerned. Troy is great to work with and good people!!!!

DenverDave

07-10-2015, 09:21

I realize that no buddy has posted here in a little while and want to see if any new alternatives are available in the metro Denver Area. So far my list contains: Colorado Gun Writes and Farmers engraving in Cherry creek. I live downtown and am looking for someone nearby that can do it for cheap (Raineer who I purchased the lower from wants $75) thanks!

paddywagon

07-10-2015, 21:45

My wife and I run Engrave-Cave LLC in Castle Rock. We can do everything from wood to glass to metal. We do NFA engraving as well and all our work is done with lasers. 303-931-0457 (tel:302-931-0457)

DenverDave

07-10-2015, 21:49

My wife and I run Engrave-Cave LLC in Castle Rock. We can do everything from wood to glass to metal. We do NFA engraving as well and all our work is done with lasers. 303-931-0457 (tel:302-931-0457)

You had me at lasers! I'll call you on Monday for a quote.
Thanks

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

dwd1985

07-15-2015, 08:51

mtnrider

07-15-2015, 09:22

I just wanted to add that I had Engrave-Cave do 2 of my SBR's this past weekend and very pleased with the work he did and would go back in a heartbeat. Much better work then I have had done locally here in the Springs in the past and not that far away being in Castle Rock. I have heard CGW does great work as well but way too far away for me. If your on the south side of town or down in the Springs I would highly recommend getting in touch with Paddywagon at Engrave-Cave.
He walked me throw the whole process, ensured everything was to my liking and it came out great.