Engraving and finish problems

[BrigandTwoFour]

Hey guys, I tried to do some searching about this, but didn't come up with anything.

I'm wanting to do a bit of decorating to my lower, but haven't settled on how I'm going to do it yet. I contact Orion Arms about some engraving for the mag well, and their price is fair. However, I don't know how their process would affect the metal. Have any of ya'll ever heard of engraving causing significant problems to the finish of an AR? Does it affect how well the rifle puts up with corrosion, stress, or similar?

The other option is laser engraving, but I haven't found a good place to do it. I'm reluctant to use local trophy or engraving shops, due to possible legal ramifications. However, I haven't come across a reputable laser engraver for firearms.

Do you guys have any recommendations? I'm pretty much looking to have some graphics done on the mag well (probably an American flag, though I may do something nuclear related- to commemorate my working with nuclear weapons and all)

[JTrusty]

The other option is laser engraving, but I haven't found a good place to do it.

Contact Jason Crum at Ident Marking (http://www.identmarking.com/). They do fantastic work and very reasonable prices. :)

http://www.gearsector.com/img/misc/forum/amelon/02.jpg

[aftermath686]

Different lowers seem to have different finishes in my experience. I have both my lowers engraved, and one came out nicely and on the other the finish seemed to chip off rather then have a nice fine line cut in to it. It is really not that noticeable unless you get really close, but not quite as clean as the other... My friend had a few of his done as well, and he had similar results, with one of his coming out nicely and the other not quite as clean. Strangely enough my friend and I took both our completely stripped lowers to a place called Things Remembered in the local mall. They usually engrave candle stick holders and jewelry and what not, but they were rather nice about accommodating us. The manager said she actually has done a lot of magazine's and other weapon parts for mostly LEOs... If you choose to do this just make sure and transport it in a discreet and legal manner. Also the price was very very low, I really don't remember because it was so long ago, but it was damn cheap.

This is the one that came out nicely(YHM):
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2715/4438074796_e0c97421d1_b.jpg

And this is the one that seemed to chip off(CMMG):
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/3948148791_da26c2a384_b.jpg

[BrigandTwoFour]

Thanks for the info guys!

Have either of you noted any issues with corrosion in the areas where the finish was etched?

[Rated21R]

jason, that looks great. i might have to send mine to those folks.