This is actually just a black powder kit gun that I got in a trade several years ago. I thought it was a perfect engraving candidate!
I did all the engraving on the barrel and then re-blued it. Then I engraved the back strap, the trigger guard and the only thing I didn’t engrave — and I probably should — is the cylinder (which is usually engraved on these old guns).
Black Powder Engraving Detail
I wanted something I could do a lot of engraving on and just not worry. These black powders are great for that (especially when you’re just working to please yourself instead of a customer!).
This is my second black powder gun engraving. The first was very similar in style though I did more engraving on the barrel as well as gold inlay.
Grip Engraving Detail.
Because of all the angles, this kind of engraving is really challenging. Those angles don’t look that deep but it is actually pretty significant. You have to get really creative how you hold the engraver and get in there and make those line transitions and still keep it smooth. You’re engraving only one- or two-millimeters at a time before you have to change the angle (otherwise it will make the line go too deep or too shallow).
Closeup with Elk Antler Holder.
So you have to keep changing, altering, even using bent engravers to get in there (those are like dental tools), in order to do some of those lines. It’s really time consuming!