engrave?

[sureshot2040]

i have a vaquero that i have had forever and from time to time i get to thinking i want to have it engraved
it has had alot of work done to it and it has done alot of work over the years.
the only thing that is holding me back on having it done is that it has a bead blasted finish,
if i have it engraved the guy told me it will need polishing to remove the scratches from engraving and burrs.
im wondering if i can forgo the polishing (that will save money to the engraver) and just have it beadblasted again?
if i do have it beadblasted again will it mess up the engraving?
anyone had a beadblasted gun engraved, then reblasted?
thanks
sureshot

[44 Man]

Wow, I can't answer that one for you.  I would think it would be fine, it would just have a 'soft' finish and the engraving should look just fine.  I think I would try it.  Engraving is a wonderful accessory for our favorite pistols!  I love mine!  (now I need to get a single action engraved)  44 Man

[sureshot2040]

pics

[Frank V]

I haven't had a gun engraved or blasted after engraving. I'd venture a guess though that it'd round off the sharp edges of the engraving & maybe make it kind of run together. That gun has served you well, it's a trusted friend & gone places that need to be remembered. I think I'd have it engraved & not reblasted. It's a cherished gun, engraving says you think enough of it to have it specialised & it's worth it to you.
 Just my opinion.
Frank

[gcrank1]

I chatted with a well regarded engraver a few years ago. He told me what grade surface finish he required to prep the gun (I do not remember what it was) and that due to the nature of how gravers ( the actual tools) work, they will catch and jump off the 'line' intended quite easily. If you have ever tried your hand at freehand checkering on wood you will have an idea. The rougher bead blasted surface would, I think, just have too much to cause grief.
I agree also that to bead blast it after engraving would ruin the careful, and expensive, work. If your engraver (an artist) knows you intended to do that he probably would decline the job.