I was hoping to answer this question by conducting my own search, but after looking for a few hours, I learned that I don't know enough to know what I don't know. My uncle is a member of the Guild, and has offered to engrave a piece for me. I acquired a rifle I hope will ultimately become an heirloom, and would like to have his work on it for sentimental reasons. Unfortunately, he is advancing in age, and not too easy to communicate with, so I hate to bother him with simple questions.

Then, I thought, who better to ask then the Guild itself? My rifle is a current model long action Remington 700 Sendero, and I would like to have the floor plate/trigger guard assembly engraved. I think it would be best to keep my factory plate assembly, and purchase a new one to leave with him while he works on it.

Since I need to get another assembly, why not get the ideal piece for him to work on? Is there one that is preferred by engravers? One that is well suited for the work that needs to be done? Thank you all for your time and help.

Aaron Litz
10/8/2008 3:06:07 AM

Aaron,
The Remington trigger guard/floorplate is an alloy material. It can be engraved but isn't the best. For scroll work it will work but doesn't allow you to do any inlays and even scene work has to be kept simple. There is aftermarket steel guard assemblies avaialable but I think they require some fitting and alteration. I haven't checked lately however. I suggest looking at Brownells Inc to see if they offer one like that. I know they have a tech dept and maybe can answer if they offer a bolt on replacement. The other catch is they are rather pricey... I guess it is your call on what you want to do..
Hope this helps.

Rex Pedersen
10/8/2008 6:32:29 AM

OK, so steel is good, how about the nicer forged aluminum ones? Brownells and Midway both have numerous choices for Remington, and most do require some inleting, a fact that I am willing to accept. Some of the floor plates are advertised as being in the white, which I understand as being basically raw metal. Is that preferred for engraving. Thank you again, great help thus far.

Aaron Litz
10/8/2008 8:53:29 PM

Is there such a thing as a forged aluminum one?
I would go for the steel in the white. The ones I have seen like this were usually machined from nice bar stock. Steel is better to work with and easier to finish.


Rex Pedersen
10/8/2008 9:19:46 PM

I think Badger Ordinance claims their bottom metal is forged, its also really expensive.

Aaron Litz
10/8/2008 11:09:59 PM