This is the general process...

1. The first step, even before any contact is made, is to have a pretty good idea about what you want to have done, and what your budget is. There are several good references, both books, and online. Look in the "Engraving Reference Materials" drop-down below to see those listed here. It is much easier to discuss and focus when you have examples that you can point to whether it is your own sketches or work you have previously seen. Even if it is only text you want, knowing the verbage, the type of letter style, the approximate size, location, etcetera you desire will move things right along.

   Keep in mind, hand engraving is not a simple, quick turn around process. It is not the same as going down to the local trophy shop and having a plaque engraved for an event with a routing engraver machine. There are also other techniques which achieve "engraved like" effects such as the use of stamping, roll stamping, laser cutting, and rotary grinding. These techniques are commonly used for automated production. None of those processes are used here. Every engraving job done is a one of a kind being designed, drawn, laid down, and executed by hand. With hand engraving you get control and variation in line depth, width, angle, nuance, and character.

2. The second step is of course to contact an engraver. For myself, you will find contact information under the "Contact" button at the top of the web page. At that time, either by email, phone, skype, or face to face, we can go over the following:
   • The type of item to be engraved.
   • The type of engraving you would like as well as the style.
   • Any text
   • The amount of coverage and location on the item.
   • Any special requirements.
   • Any time requirements.
   • Budget.

   Any pictures, images, sketches, images, or references you have that will help illustrate what you are thinking about can also be transmitted electronically in order to facilitate the conversation. At the end of this initial discussion I can probably give rough estimate on what the cost may be, what is doable within the budget, and what time frame may be possible. After this initial discussion we determine whether or not to move on to the next phase.

3. This phase consists of working up the details of the design, design options, time frames, and quoted costs based on the initial discussion. Based upon the complexity of the work, this phase may require a deposit. Access to the item to be engraved may be necessary in order to create dimensional drawings upon which the design art is created. Generally if the project is relatively straight forward and simple, then this portion may be gratis as little effort may be expended with the initial artwork. Examples of this would be a text only type of project where it is just a matter of deciding on the text size, type, location, etcetera. Another example would be a simple single small scroll or boarder based on existing artwork and does not require change for a particular object.

   Once the artwork is created, based on the understanding and interpretation from the initial contact, a followup contact will be made. This is to present you, the client, the options considered, and the specifics related to each in terms of the time frames and costs involved.

4. This is the acceptance phase where a particular option, costs and time frames are agreed to. At this point a deposit may be required, and received for the engraving. If the item is not a firearm then any number of options are available for sending or dropping of the item to be engraved. Use the "Contact" information to make the arrangements. For firearms it is a bit more complicated. See the section marked "Shipping a Firearm".
5. Once the item is received, the actual engraving work is performed. For a more detailed description of the steps that take place see the section "The Engraving Process".
6. Once the engraving is complete, you will be notified. After payment is receive the engraved item can be picked up or shipped back to you. Again, if it is a firearm, special restrictions apply. See the section "Shipping a Firearm" .

The one question everyone has is "How much will it cost?"

The answer of course is "It depends..." - Pricing is basically on a per/job basis. If you have read the section on the engraving process, then you are familiar with the steps of the process.

I have to take into consideration the size, shape, hardness, etc., of the item being engraved. Each of these impact how the item will have to be held to be engraved and whether or not I will have to make special fixtures to hold the item. The hardness and shape will impact how I will have to shape the graver and the cutting geometry of the tip.

I also have to consider whether or not the piece will have to be disassembled, polished, and mechanically reworked before the engraving begins. In the end, will it have to be refinished or reblued, and reassembled.

Then there is the design being engraved. What is the scroll style desired? Are there images, deep engraving, and inlays or precious metal work to consider?

After all that, I come up with a quote for the work, spelling out the scope of the work and the proposed artwork with enough detail that there is a common expectation for the amount quoted. If necessary, various options are quoted. Once accepted, I generally try to stay within the quote, however Add-ons or changes to the project scope can be made before the work starts, but corresponding costs will apply. After the work has started changes can be made only if it does not effect the work already done. Usually at least a 50% deposit is required on the start of the project, with balance due upon notice of completion.

Putting together a quote takes time; particularly if is there is art work to create. All serious requests are responded to but it may take time and lots of questions. If it is simple, and similar to examples you see on the web site, I may be able to come up with a quote verbally. But if it is something unique it may take a while. If you have questions just call.

FIRST OFF - UNDERSTAND THAT THE FOLLOWING IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE! You are responsible for understanding and following the laws, restrictions and regulations that apply to your local! Contact your attorney or local ATF offices for legal advice.

Also check out the ATF web site (FAQ) for their current interpretation of the U.S code that involves firearms.

Understand what ATF terms as licensed persons versus unlicensed persons. A licensed person is one that holds a current Federal Firearms License (FFL) issued by the ATF. These licensed persons are also generally referred to in various documents as licensees, license holders, dealers, and licensed dealers.

Idaho Firearms Engraving, holds a current FFL, and can be verified at the ATF site Listing of FFLs. We do not sell firearms nor keep any stock. It is just engraving and any gunsmithing that goes along with it.

Firearms can generally be shipped by anyone over 21 in the U.S.A. to a Federally Licensed Firearms dealer by common carrier; however, ONLY Dealers can ship modern pistols by the U.S. post office to another dealer. The "firearm" is technically the part that has the firearm serial number. The part with the serial number is the "firearm" and must be treated as such even if it is disassembled. Each carrier has their own restrictions or policies, and can be found on their corresponding web sites. I will summarize them below, but be aware, they can change at any time, so go directly to the source to find the most current interpretation.

UPS web site on shipping firearms.

FedEx web site on shipping firearms.

USPS web site on Firearm Mailability.

If the part you are having engraved is not the part with the serial number then it can be shipped by any of the carriers without special consideration as a firearm. All of the rest of the parts without the serial number are just parts. Often times if it is just the slide, or the barrel or grip you are having engraved, then this is the way to go. But again you must check with the carrier and their policies. They can change at anytime.

• Drop offs

If you are local and a resident of Idaho then of course the easiest thing to do is to drop the item off. No shipping involved. Technically if a firearm is dropped off, and picked up the same day, by the same person then it is not required to be logged in. For engraving however, that is virtually never the case. If a firearm is held overnight then it must be logged into the firearms registry. When it is picked up it must be picked up by the same person and it is logged out. If a different person picks it up, then they will have to fill out a form 4473, with the requisite background check, just as if they were buying a firearm before it can be released and logged out. This applies to both long guns and pistols.

• Shipping

You do not have to have a license to ship firearms, but the person or business to whom you are shipping the firearm must have an FFL license (Federal Firearms License). There are however restrictions or policies based on the carrier used and type of firearm being shipped.

• UPS - You can ship firearms (long guns or pistols); however their policy for handguns is that they must be shipped overnight priority. In all cases, Direct or Adult signature delivery is required and you must notify them that a firearm is enclosed. Shipments must be made through a UPS Customer Center, or Scheduled Pickup Account, not through a UPS Store, Drop Box or on call pickup.
• FedEx - Their policy is that all firearms must be shipped overnight priority. Direct or Adult signature delivery is required. The shipments cannot be placed in a FedEx Express Drop Box, they must be tendered in person.
• USPS - You can only ship long guns via the postal service. Only licensed dealers can ship pistols to other licensed dealers via the the postal service.
• Packaging

In all cases, the labeling and outer box markings on all firearms shipments should not identify the contents as containing a firearm or be identifiable as containing a firearm. Labeling, including the shipper's and consignee's names on the shipping labels, should be be non-descriptive for the same reasons. If it is disassembled, and the "firearm" components is not included then it can be shipped as parts. Make sure there is no ammunition included. Package your firearm with adequate padding so there is no movement, and there is plenty of padding between the item and the walls of the container. Shipping in a hard plastic gun case is good, however that should be placed within cardboard box for shipping.

• Insurance

Make sure you record any serial numbers and insure the items for their full amount.

Once completed, return shipping fees, including insurance, will be determined and quoted for you, based on the carrier and shipping you desire. This will then be included in the final billing. The firearm is returned directly to you as firearms shipped to FFLs for repair or any other lawful purpose may be returned to the person from whom received without transferring the firearm through an FFL in the recipient's State of residence (18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(2)(A)). It will also be sent requiring a direct signature.