Smith Wesson 39-2 slide

[FuriousJulius]

Hi All,
I've got a customer who would like his 1972 Smith & Wesson 39-2 slide engraved. Factory specs suggest it is carbon steel but that's all I've got to go on. Before I start working on a design I'm wondering how the steel will cut and if this is a feasible job. If it has any bearing it won't be a ton of coverage with a bit of inlay. I've poked around this forum's archives but haven't found a definitive answer. I can post pics if that's helpful.
Cheers,
~Will

 

[JJ Roberts]

Julius ,Make a practice cut on the slide in a place were it cant be seen. J.J.

 

[FuriousJulius]

Julius ,Make a practice cut on the slide in a place were it cant be seen. J.J.

Thanks for the reply JJ. Yeah looks like I'll be making a test cut. Seen plenty of these factory engraved and also aftermarket engraved so hoping for the best. I'm only in possesion of the slide, any suggestions where I should make a test cut?

 

[JJ Roberts]

Julius, You can make the practice cut on bottom of slide were it can't be seen just a small cut will tell you it's OK to engrave. J.J.

 

[tdelewis]

Most S&W are engravable. I have seen the one you're talking about engraved but can't answer because I've never don one. On any gun always find a spot that will not show to do a test cut. Under the grips is a good place because that is part of the frame.

 

[mtlctr]

Thanks for the reply JJ. Yeah looks like I'll be making a test cut. Seen plenty of these factory engraved and also aftermarket engraved so hoping for the best. I'm only in possesion of the slide, any suggestions where I should make a test cut?

Julius, if you’re asking these rookie questions you need more training imo.
kent

 

[FuriousJulius]

Julius, if you’re asking these rookie questions you need more training imo.
kent

Hi Kent as a rookie I'm asking questions before I embark on a job. If you'd like to elaborate on skills I'm missing I'm all ears. I've cut plenty of other types of things including knives and fine jewelry. The job is for a small portion of the slide which seems reasonable. We all have to start somewhere.

 

[mtlctr]

Hi Kent as a rookie I'm asking questions before I embark on a job. If you'd like to elaborate on skills I'm missing I'm all ears. I've cut plenty of other types of things including knives and fine jewelry. The job is for a small portion of the slide which seems reasonable. We all have to start somewhere.

md. 39-2 manufactured in the 70’s . Before ultra tough stainless etc. I
thought cutting a Nick in an unseen area was common knowledge.As a primitive with machining background l gathered knowledge mostly from books. This was before the internet, utube , etc.. much tougher than now. I’m not a modern gun engraver, except on flintlocks I’ve built from scratch,I understand metallurgy making springs etc. most of my engraving is jewelry, buckles knives etc. i wish you luck on your journey.
btw I own a 39-2 , not engraved.
kent