Hardness of older 3 screw model Ruger Blackhawk frames

[Flatsguide]

I need to do a bit of engraving on one of these that I mentioned in the title. I have read they are hard steel and difficult to engrave. I wonder what a good alloy of the graver steel would be best to try. Any thoughts or suggestions much appreciated.
Thanks Richard

 

[Dani Girl]

Carbide graver blanks are the hardest we use. Are you chisel engraving or rotary engraving or ...? What is the afore mentioned... knife... gun? maybe pictures could help. Whare are you working on and what are you trying to achieve?

 

[Flatsguide]

It’s a single action revolver. Will be using a pneumated graver. A lot of the Ruger firearms are known for their very hard to engrave steel. Just thought that someone here could share their experience. Thanks Dani

 

[papart1]

I have not yet................they'll come a time I'm sure.......high polish carbide as Dani mentioned, tiny tiny point, probably .6 down to .3or 4.....mirror finish polish. tiny heel ................but with the size of the screw heads, I'd try no heel first

 

[Flatsguide]

Thank you sir!

 

[tdelewis]

I have done two Ruger vaqueros. I didn't have any problem with them. I forget if I used steel or carbide, but I think I used steel. The loading gate and recoil shield, however, are as hard as glass, so parts were not engraved.

 

[Flatsguide]

Tdelewis, thanks! I’ve heard the loading gate was hard, but thanks for letting me know about the res.
cheers Richard