Suggestions on engraving a 1911 slide

[asleepatthereel]

Well it happened. Just found out a couple days ago Im gonna be a grandpa. I want to commemorate the birth of my first grandchild by having his/her name and birthday engraved on the slide of my 1991-A1 for presentation on the childs 21st birthday. I got the idea while playing the computer game 'Brothers in Arms', a WW2 game loosely based on the Airborne guys in Europe in which the main character has a haunted 1911 that is engraved with "For Matthew - Brothers in Arms" on the slide. It was handed down to him from his father, who from what I can gather was killed in action. Pretty cool, huh? Anyhow, I need a smith that can do the job. Anyone know someone in the Houston area that can do the work? Im not so much worried about the cost as I am the quality of the work. I will be continuing to carry and shoot the pistol until his/her 21st birthday, when it will be handed down to the next generation, assuming we are all still a free people 21 years from now. That way it should bear some charactor enhancing wear.

Charactor - for some reason, Im having a spelling block tonight. That is the proper spelling isnt it? Regardless of how I may have mangled the spelling, we could use alot more of it in todays society!

Oh yeah, almost forgot, my first gift to my first grandchild is going to be a life membership in the NRA. I havent had a reason to look it up, but I would think you could do that, right? As far as I know there is no minimum age requirement. I would look it up, but the IT dept. here at work blocked the site.

[KRM45]

Congrats!
I can't help with the question, but I like the idea.

[lrb111]

I have two suggestions. First is jewelry stores that engrave those silver cake servers for weddings, etc. Second is an office supply that sells engraved trophies, door signs, nameplates, etc. One of the office supply places here, specialize in the engraving. Since, it's 99% computer controlled, it can be as plain or fancy as you want.
You could at some later date get a smith to embellish the remainder of the slide, too.

[gregthehand]

Your best bet is actually a trophy shop. You will find them stilla round in most towns. They can just laser engrave it.

[particle]

I just did a quick google search for "custom firearm engraving", and this was the first link in the list:

http://www.thegunengraver.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If I were you, I'd send it to someone who truly has a respect for firearms... Look in the gallery section of the website I linked to - his prices are listed under the photos. Looks like outstanding work, for a reasonable price.

[gmckinl]

Also try the custom shops. Wilson did some custom etching/engraving/rollmarking whatever it's called on my CQB. They worked out a custom design to my wife's specs. Very tastefull and well done. Just another idea.

[03Lightningrocks]

Very cool idea. I may have to copy cat it when I get my turn to be a grandpa. For something so special, I believe I would go to a specialty gun engraver. Trophy shop engraving might be fine, but why risk it for such a special gesture.

[asleepatthereel]

Great replies folks. Thanks. I dont think I want it done with a laser, or etching, rather something deeper like a machine shop or custon shop like gmckinl mentioned. Was that Wilson Combat that did the work?

Particle - I will check out thegunengraver when I get home in the morning. Its blocked here at work. I hope they never figure out this site, or it will more than likely be blocked as well.

Arent the trophy shops tools set up for softer metals like aluminum, and silver? My slide is stainless, so I wouldnt know if they can do it. Besides, for something like this, I would rather take it to someone who has an appreciation for firearms, and isnt just in it for a quick buck. Not that I dont appreciate the suggestion.

03, it would be an honor to have you copy cat the idea, after all, I copy catted it from a video game!

[gmckinl]

Great replies folks. Thanks. I dont think I want it done with a laser, or etching, rather something deeper like a machine shop or custon shop like gmckinl mentioned. Was that Wilson Combat that did the work?

Yes

[Crossfire]

I think this is a great idea! It's the only way any of my grandkids will have a chance at getting any of my firearms. My kids have already named all my guns and put dibs in on who gets what when I'm gone.

I hate to think what might happen if I don't kick the bucket soon enough!