Firearm "friendly" engravers and annodizing shops

[MrAnchovy]

Hi folks, looks like I may be jumping on the 80% 10/22 bandwagon and was wondering if anyone knows any firearms "friendly" engraving and anodizing shops in the bay area (ideally in the East Bay) I can take my lower to for finishing? Ideally I'd like to get the work done after the drilling and sanding. It'd be nice if the place was either an FFL so I can leave it or was willing to do work while I waited in they weren't a dealer. Thanks all

Dan

[Kruzr]

It wouldn't matter if you waited or not, they would legally still have to be an FFL.

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/gunsmiths.html

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]

[MrAnchovy]

So theoretically, I could get the work done by a non-FFL on an unfinished 80% receiver, before any work is done. Anybody know of a shop willing to do work on an 80%?

[CSACANNONEER]

Yes, there is at least one member here who works at a shop in Santa Clarita (long way from the east bay though) and has advertised their willingness to engrave 80% lowers. I can probably dig up something to ID him tomorrow.

[ElectronWrangler]

Check this post for the engraving service in Santa Clarita. I know for sure you can send then the part before machining, I'm not sure after machining. I can attest to the quality of their work, it is top notch.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=459860

Once engraved and milled just send them to US Annodizing.

[itisagoodname]

I'm waiting to hear back from Valkyrie Arms in Milpitas to see if they have any resources. I have a rather extensive AR Pistol build in progress and will need it anodized.

I dont want a pre-anodized 80% because the whole point of anodizing is to harden the surface. I would like all the holes and FCP to be as strong as i can get them.

Since i will need to strip the anodizing on the stripped upper then anodize the lower, upper, hand guards and maybe buffer tube, i may just set up an anodizing shop at home for "personal" use.

[Roccobro]

Check this post for the engraving service in Santa Clarita. I know for sure you can send then the part before machining, I'm not sure after machining. I can attest to the quality of their work, it is top notch.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=459860

Once engraved and milled just send them to US Annodizing.

Agree with EW. Sureshot Precision Markings Kingpin.SC here on CG. Sureshotprecision.com

Greg does awesome work. I'd had the pleasure of seeing about 20 engraved 80%'s come through my shop. Even had him over to do some work of his own on my machines. I've sent him orders upon orders of 80%'s, all with perfect results. The best part is, after type 3 ano or any of the firearm paints the engraving is still crisp and detail isn't lost. Something even sharp V bit engraving can't compete with.



Last I heard it is *possible* to send a firearm to a local FFL by him, but the fees and hassle makes the price climb quickly. Not sure if this service is still offered.

Justin

[VaderSpade]

I was hoping to be engraving 80% lowers and having build parties by now but my new mill has so many bugs I don’t know if I’ll ever get started.
Tormach has sent me a new computers, and control boards, but when that didn’t fix the problem they just started taking shots in the dark. They haven’t got a clue, as to what’s wrong.

[KALIDAWG8996]

+1 for Greg! He does outstanding proffesional work over at SureShot in Santa Clarita. Shoot him a PM here if you got any 80% lowers needing to be done.