Engraving SBR

[sangria7]

Hi All,

It is my understanding I can roll the original serial number of the lower into the SBR registration. Also I will need to engrave. Now as far as engraving, can I just take an engraving pen and do it myself?

Or does it have to be done in any specific manner?

[Hmac]

ATF rules are that the maker's name and location need to be "engraved, cast, stamped by impression, at a minimum depth of .003" with a height no smaller than 1/16" on the frame, receiver, or barrel". I doubt an engraving pen can meet those requirements.

Consider downloading the NFA handbook. http://www.atf.gov/publications/firearms/nfa-handbook/

[Army Chief]

Engraving is not a DIY project. If you go this route, have it done professionally by a firm that is well-acquainted with ATF requirements for these weapons.

AC

[Hmac]

The two engraving specialists that I know of are Orion Arms in Lino Lakes Minnesota and Ident Marking Services in Texas. I opted for Ident (even though Orion is only about 1.5 hours from here) because they were significantly cheaper in both the engraving and the return shipping.

[sangria7]

Thanks for the great info.

Not saying its correct, but I just trolled another forum, and several people used an engraving pen. But yes they had to make sure it was deep enough for the NFA standards.

[Army Chief]

If we've learned anything in dealing with the ATF (just as with any branch of the federal government), it is that a wise man will remove any doubt when it comes to demonstrating compliance with the law.

I don't want to make more of this than is warranted, but the engraving requirement here is no different than the one imposed upon commercial manufacturers, and although there are multiple methods of accomplishment (engraving, casting or stamping), surface engraving with an electric pen is not among them.

Perhaps the greatest obstacle to the DIY approach is this: it is extremely difficult to engrave to the minimum .003" depth with any consistency by hand. The entire inscription must meet this standard, and there is no such thing as "close enough" when dealing with NFA law. Note that the law does not say ".003" at the deepest point," which is about the best result that one is likely to get by hand.

There are other obstacles here, as well. Given that a significant amount (in relative terms) of information must be inscribed onto the receiver, that it must be at least 1/16" in height, and that it must be completely legible, it woudn't be terribly practical to attempt this at home, even if one was sure that the depth requirement could be met. One slip, and you've potentially ruined your receiver.

I'm not suggesting that this absolutely cannot be done, but rather, that it is an amateurish and unprofessional means of attempting to "just barely" meet the requirement; especially when there are reasonably-priced services available for doing it correctly.

Reference: ATF 5300.4, section 479.102

AC

[todd.k]

The 23&P has instructions for re-stamping info on a receiver and blocking the mag well to keep from damaging the receiver. I'd recommend stamping if you are going to do it yourself because it will get the depth and be legible without much trouble.

[m249saw]

I used Ident Marking. Good price and a fantastic job. Looks like it came from Mega with it already engraved.

[EODcrawler]

Hello all. I'm pretty new to the forum and am doing alot of reading before I start tackling my first SBR and had a question on this issue. I know that all SBRs have to be engraved with the builder info, but is there a specific place it HAS to be engraved? I would like to get a custom laser engraved pic on the right side of my mag well, so I would like to stay away from that area. I'll compromise if needed.

[m249saw]

Just has to be visible. Front of Magwell, on he right side of the receiver above the fire control markings, even on the underside of the trigger guard on a Billet lower.

[EODcrawler]

Thanks. Exactly what I needed to know.

[Optimus Prime]

Does anybody know of a decent engraver around Wisconsin? Or can I go through somebody like Ident without having to ship back through my FFL?

[Hatter]

Optimus I'm down in Milwaukee and my local shop isn't set up for Class 3. They gave me the card of a dealer in the Southeast WI area for Class 3. I also asked them about the engraving and they told me that he'd be able to get me the information. I still need to get in touch with him since I had been waiting for Rainier to release their billet lowers. I'll get his card from home this evening if you're still interested and I can PM you the info. Let me know.

[Optimus Prime]

Optimus I'm down in Milwaukee and my local shop isn't set up for Class 3. They gave me the card of a dealer in the Southeast WI area for Class 3. I also asked them about the engraving and they told me that he'd be able to get me the information. I still need to get in touch with him since I had been waiting for Rainier to release their billet lowers. I'll get his card from home this evening if you're still interested and I can PM you the info. Let me know.

That would be fantastic. I'm still in the planning stages on mine (waiting for funds.... grumble grumble slow sign-on bonus payments...) but it would be good to have a lead on that.

[Hmac]

Ident and Orion are both 07/02 FFL's and SOT and as such can send your lower directly back to you after engraving. That's how it worked for me with Ident...even though I had my FFL send it to them (no UPS hub around here), they sent it back directly to me.