Why not get it engraved BEFORE doing the Form 1?
Why not get it engraved BEFORE doing the Form 1?
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.
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.
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).
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.
Just remember that there is a size of font, and depth of engraving rule/standard that you have to meet.
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-t...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.
What did the Ft Collins people charge you?
...The guy I had mentioned no longer does the work.
Is there anyone closer to the Springs that can do this?
+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.