Engraving Firearms

[Tim Bateson]

...You legally cannot possess someone els's firearm without it: the customer would have to stay on site while you have the firearm. This is not true for components (barrels, slides, stocks etc.), only a complete firearm or the receiver (part with serial number)....

I believe this is only true when working with a gun dealer, not an individual. I have several local gun dealers sell the guns & then refer their clients to me.

[Wes Reeve]

I've done some Cermark on firearms before, we had the owner on site the entire time for legal reasons, but its nice to know that there is a license to avoid having to do that... I'll have to look into it.

From what I've seen, some people are very attached to their firearms so if you're going to do this kind of work, the customer is most likely going to take it very personally if you make mistakes, but they tend to get more excited too. Just something to keep in mind. To echo Chris, Measure twice, cut once.

Eddie, I use pledge or a very thin oil to bring out some depth in the black of the Cermark. After you laser the piece, clean off your extra Cermark, let the DNA dry then spray some pledge and buff it lightly with a soft cloth.

[William Adams]

If you're charging money, review this with a lawyer:

http://www.atf.gov/regulations-rulin...ing-2009-1.pdf

Short answer is here:

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/guns...nse-activities

Q: Is a license needed to engage in the business of engraving, customizing, refinishing or repairing firearms?

Yes. A person conducting such activities as a business is considered to be a gunsmith within the definition of a dealer.
[27 CFR 478.11]

[Mark Smith61]

Wes, yes there is a license to do this. I'm not an expert on licenses, but there is a license for Gunsmiths. I think it's a little cheaper than a regular gun sales person type license, but it comes with a whole bunch of regulations. You have to keep a log of every gun in and out and have the mandated signs posted in your shop about keeping guns away from kids and all kinds of stuff like that.

[Gary and Jessica Houghton]

MY response to everyone who asks about bringing anything to me is etch at your own risk. I cannot be held responsible for any mishaps unless it is a spelling error on my part. I have gotten to the point of almost scaring the customer into not wanting to etch the product for fear that something might go wrong. When 99% of the time nothing does go wrong, the customer is thrilled and the 1% when something goes wrong, they expected it.

These are some from the past.

Weapon Tattoo - Browning Barrell2.jpgWeapon Tattoo - Slide 4.jpg

[Jeff Greer]

Just got my FFL - and yes you do need one if you do any work on AR lowers or complete guns.

[Tim Bateson]

Fact, Fiction, Fact, Fiction... Some "opinions", are a little of both... (This is a cleaned of version of my original post :-D ).

Do NOT take the advice of legal or not from this forum, as I don't believe any of us are real lawyers.

Yes there are confusing, fuzzy, strict gun laws that should not be ignored. If you have to ask people in this forum, then don't work with weapons. You have 2 choices - Either ask a real lawyer or refer the work to those of us that have.

[Eddie Castaneda]

@ Tim, I'm just asking the questions if I plan to do will go through the proper Channels and get it done. I was just getting some input from people on this site.

[Chris DeGerolamo]

@ Tim, I'm just asking the questions if I plan to do will go through the proper Channels and get it done. I was just getting some input from people on this site.

Don't do it...there's no money in it....send all firearm engraving work to me.

[Robert Silvers]

Not sure I would ask a lawyer (you could if you were made of money and/or not good at reading) - the information is all on the ATF's website in plain english.

[Eddie Castaneda]

I don't have that much cash and I'm pretty sure I can read. But I'd rather have a professional break it down for me who understands the law! Oh it also helps with your buddies dad is an attorney.

[Dave Sheldrake]

In the UK for reference "modifications of any kind" that "Alter the appearance or function or look of a controlled firearm" are subject to a "Firearms manufacture authority from the Home Secretary"

(there is special exemption for firearms (air weapons))

cheers

Dave

[Mike Null]

This thread has been closed. We do not permit political discussions and the last two posts open the door to gun control arguments.